City Shop Direct Blog February Archive

Try a barefoot horse in the off season

By Vicki at 02/24/09 12:16

I own three horses, each used for different purposes and each with very different feet.  One horse is used for barrel racing and speed events, one for english riding and speed events, and one mainly for general riding. All three horses are commonly ridden on trails in the warm season.

The trails where we ride are very rocky and I have all three horses shod during the warm season to protect their feet, and in the case of the speed horses, to prevent excess wear from the arena material.

Read more: Try a barefoot horse in the off season [click]

Tags: horse roundup • horse hoof health • barefoot hoof care •
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Heated water buckets - automatic waterers - or plain old buckets?

I currently own three horses which are all stall kept. One of the three is in a stall that has an outside paddock that he can freely come and go out into. The other two horses get regular turnout when I rotate them into that stall for exercise.  I am currently considering

I board my horses at a facility but  do some of the routine care when I go every other day to ride all year round. I am wondering how I can address the issue of watering my horses in the best way possible.

Read more: Heated water buckets - automatic waterers - or plain old buckets? [click]

What is your horse lover's Bucket List?

If you saw the movie, "The Bucket List", you got a great idea of making a list of things that you want to try before you die. I guess dying is not a very good subject...so we will say a list of things you want to try with your horse in your lifetime.

Every horse owner has a dream of doing something different with his or her horse...maybe just once..but you want to try.  What are ten things you want most to try with your horse?  Write them here even if you are dreaming wildly!  Here are mine:

Read more: What is your horse lover's Bucket List? [click]

Got a stiff back - well chiropractors are for horses too

Ever notice that your horse exhibits behaviors that were unusual (or maybe you didn't think they were unusual) that made him look like he was either in pain somewhere, or maybe he looks just plain grumpy.

Does your horse resist being saddled, does he pin his ears when you rub your hands along his back or try to step away? Does he carry his head crooked? Maybe he doesn't want to bring his hind end under himself when he works any more.

Read more: Got a stiff back - well chiropractors are for horses too [click]

It just doesn't get any better than this

I am the proud owner of three Quarter Horse geldings, all five years old....oh my gosh SIX now. I can't believe a whole year has gone by quicker than a blink.

As I am sure everyone with horses can relate to, there is not enough hours in the day to spend as much quality time as I would like with my horses. We compete in barrel racing, go on trail rides, run poles, and just ride for fun.

This is the most relaxing time in my life. Horses don't require a lot of conversation, they don't argue, well, you get the picture. The picture above is of my daughter Alex and Poncho just before we left the barn for the day. He thinks there may something in it for him if he gives her a kiss!

Winter Grooming Tips for Your Horse

Are you tired of looking at your horse's dirty winter coat? Can't wait to give him a bath? Even though it is winter, there are still solutions that you can use to get rid of those dirty spots.

For overall bathing without a traditional bath, you can use a spray bottle filled with regular rubbing alcohol. Use a hot damp towel to rough up your horse's coat (go against the grain). The hair will be slightly damp. You then can spray the alcohol on the coat and let dry for a couple of minutes.

Read more: Winter Grooming Tips for Your Horse [click]