All about horses

Learn All About Horses, From Bridle Bit to Saddle

If you own a horse, you know that there is a never-ending stream of purchases and things you need to do to care for your horse. Having a horse is a full-time job, and most people don't realize this until it is way too late. Whether you have to buy a bridle bit or a saddle, shovel your stables, or work on your training, the work never really ends.

When owning a horse, there really is no sense in re-inventing the wheel. Everything you are doing, and everything you are experiencing has been done by others before you. And, most of the information you need to get through the daily trials of owning a horse can be found online.

One source that provides an enormous amount of information when it comes to horse ownership and training is Eric Bravo's Gentle Natural Horsemanship. His approach to training horses is unparalleled in its inventiveness, quickness, and above all, kindness. His techniques do not allow room for cruelty or inhumane treatment, and he takes the time to tell you about how to choose the correct bridle bit, or how to teach a horse to understand new commands.

Prior to the advent of the internet, people with horses would resort to paying big money for information on a bridle bit, a saddle, or how to outfit a stable. That expense is no longer necessary. For the most part, all the information you need to care for, and train, your horse is available online. Of course, nothing beats an expert's opinion, a lot of hard work, and a lot of time, but getting help online can be immensely beneficial.

Vanessa Peters is an expert on bridle bit and the director of the Horse-Health-Care.Com blog. For tons of fantastic information about bridle bit, you should definitely check out her blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Peters

Stables

How To Build The Perfect Stables For Horse And Owner

Despite the fact that New Zealanders are renowned for keeping their horses outside, more and more people are deciding to add horse stables to their property. There are a myriad of reasons for this. For starters, it enables those with competition animals to keep their animals clean before events. There is nothing worse than meticulously bathing an equine, turning it out and then bringing it in the morning of the show, to find it top to toe in mud. Horse stables can also be very useful when a horse or pony is sick or injured. When stabled, their environment and feed can be closely controlled and monitored to ensure they have the best possible chance of recovery.

Once it has been decided that horse stables will be built, the design must be carefully considered to ensure the end product will suit both the horses and the individuals using it. To begin with, the owner needs to think about the style that would be most appropriate for them. The most traditional type of stabling and the one that is probably most suited to New Zealand conditions, comprises of either a single stable or several stables next to each other, each one with a stable door that opens out directly onto an open yard. The advantages to this design are that ventilation is very good and the structure is usually very flexible. If an additional box is required in later years, it is generally not too much trouble to add one to the end of the block.

If the horse stables can be incorporated into a structure that is already present on the property, this should also be taken into consideration as it will probably be a much cheaper, easier option. Stable suppliers and manufacturers, including providers of kitset stables, can insert stables and other related fixtures into a pre-existing barn, as long as the structure is sound. However, do bear in mind that if this type of barn stabling is being deliberated, ventilation must be given due attention. Barn systems can become very stuffy if there are not enough windows and vents. This is not healthy for the horse and can lead to serious respiratory problems if not taken care of.

When planning the design of the stables, the owner should think about whether they require a place to store rugs and other possessions. A tack room, separate feed room, and a coffee room with toilet if the stables are not close to the main house, can be very convenient extras.

Once the design itself has been settled on, specific sizes and other details should be considered. The recommended stable size for a horse is 12ft x 12ft (3.6m x 3.6m). However, this would need to be slightly larger for heftier individuals, preferably 12ft x 14ft (3.6m x 4.2m). For ponies the recommended minimum dimensions should be 10ft x 10ft (3m x 3m) and 10ft x12ft (3m x 3.6m) for larger ponies. The height of any stable should be between 9ft (2.7m) and 11ft (3.3m), with a minimum of 3ft (0.9m) clearance of the roof. Along with the standard boxes, if the owner has any breeding ambitions, foaling boxes are a good idea. A desirable size for a foaling stable would be 16ft x 16ft (4.8m x 4.8m).

Other things that can be weighed up are whether to have rubber matting or plain concrete floor. Rubber matting can be a sensible option as it provides cushioning for the horse when it lies down, preventing capped hocks and other blemishes. It also saves money on bedding as not as much is required. However, it is a pricier option so budget would need to be taken into account.

The construction of horse stables is a lifelong dream for many and a substantial financial investment. It is also a place that will have to be right for the horse, especially if they are going to be brought in every night. For this reason, it is important that enough time and thought is dedicated to the project to make sure the design will work for everyone. Get the basics right, and both horse and owner will be left with stables that are safe, attractive and an absolute pleasure to use.

Equine Trader was launched in 2007 and has quickly developed into a leading online equestrian resource. It appeals to New Zealanders who own, ride and are passionate about horses. However, the hugely popular website also attracts equine lovers from throughout the rest of the world. Membership is free and allows registered users to buy and sell through classifieds and auctions at no charge, browse over 400 horses and ponies for sale and participate in a wide range of exciting competitions and games. The site also boasts an extensive online stallion stud book, a comprehensive equestrian product and services directory, news articles, event listings and an ongoing educational TV series, featuring top Kiwi horse riders, trainers and competitors.

On top of that, in mid-2010 Equine Trader introduced a vibrant online discussion forum, which has become very well-liked and is frequently visited by members from both New Zealand and further afield. View our horse stables, horse shelters and barns directory listings here. NZ's most comprehensive online equestrian directory.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Van_Tuyl

Stables

Horse Boarding Stables - The Important Steps to a Happy Horse

When looking through the different horse boarding stables around, it may become a little intimidating trying to figure out which one would be the best one for not only your horse, but for your needs as well. There are many places that offer good deals for boarding a horse, but of course the question in mind would be if the facility offers the proper equipment and enough free roaming space for the horse's happiness and good health.

One of the more important things that horses would need to get great exercise is a large enough area to run, play and interact with other horses. Check the amount of room available for the horses, while also keeping in mind the number of horses that are boarded in that particular stable. If there are too many horses in a small area, most, if not all of the horses will experience stress that may begin to affect them physically and emotionally. Horses are very social and athletic creatures that need opportunities to learn and grow with other horses, while also going out to explore their surroundings.

Another very important thing to look at is the stables themselves. Make sure the stables are well structured and in good working order, with a fair amount of room for the horses to stay in. Just as important as the exercise fields, the stables must be an adequate size to keep the horse relaxed and give them a sense of safety without being too constricting. Check the equipment in and around the stables to see their condition as well. If everything looks to be well kept and regularly checked and cleaned, shows the general care given to caring for the horses.

For most, finding the perfect horse boarding stables the first place they check would be considered very lucky, but of course it is quite possible. Ask around to people you know and trust, or check with the different equestrian shops that you know. The staff are usually horse experts and certainly the people who would have the most background knowledge of the various boarding stables around.

For more information about Boarding Stables in tx, have a look on the author's website at http://www.doringcourtstables.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Bert

Dream horse

How to Care For Your Dream Horse

I remember when I was a little boy; I would fervently pray to get a horse. Yes! I want to have my very own white horse that I can ride all day and night. When you grow old, buying a horse is not a small thing anymore. You need to be responsible enough and knowledgeable enough on how to take care, groom and even feed your horse. Do not worry! We have it all covered, we will give a few tips and tricks on proper horse care. So when you get your very own white horse or whatever breed of horse you plan on getting, you will be prepared!

Horse Care is something that should be enjoyable for both the owner and the horse. You are not just horsing around because proper horse care will do a great deal on your horse's health and it is a way to monitor the growth and progress of your horse. Like humans, it is best to treat grooming as a daily habit; this is to avoid too much dirt and grit on the horse's body.

Here are some useful tips and tricks to make grooming a fun experience for the both of you, read on and apply this on real life!

• First, it is important you buy a brush. A nice horse brush to brush that wondrous mane and tail. You would like to opt for plastic than metal since plastics are more durable than compared to metal which is prone to breakage.
• Next, a grooming mitt is a must for petting your horse; not only you get to pet your horse but also you care for his hair by brushing out those tangles and dirt.
• You need a lot of brushes for your horse but do not fret there are a lot of stores that carry different kinds of brushes, you just need to find the right one! Remember quality versus quantity.
• Another type of brush that you may want to purchase are body brushes it serves as brushes for the main body of the horse.
• Also, you might want to throw in a clean sponge or a dry cloth. The use of the clean sponge and dry cloth is for bathing and cleansing your horse.
• You could keep all your brushes in a bucket or a box for easier storage and handling.

That is about it. Remember to enjoy the experience and make it a bonding moment with your pet horse!

You may even be interested in learning more about horse care.
Find out more by visiting the Horse Pro Site at http://www.TheHorsePro.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toma_John

Clydesdale horses

This variety or breed of horse has been developed in between 18th to 19th century in Scotland. These Clydesdale horses reached to Canada first with the Scottish people who started to reside there. This animal possesses some specific characteristics which make it different from the other horses.

Features and Characteristics:

The Clydesdale possesses large hooves and marvelous legs feathers. The majority of the Clydesdale horses possesses different colors of the body with white face and legs. The colors of Clydesdale would be black, brown and bay with roan markings and spots. Some of them also possess white stocking legs and hard colors. Clydesdale is primarily developed for agriculture and business purposes, however; now-a-days it is used for riding, driving and sports. One of the important features of Clydesdale is the long silky hair that grows up to the back of each leg. These hairs not only give the beauty to the horse but also provide safety.

Requirements of horses:

The food requirement of this horse is surprisingly less as compared to the other horses having same build and body. They are huge although but their nutritional requirement is not too much. Therefore feeding the Clydesdale horse is much easier.

Uses and Benefits:

This horse is a marvelous variety of horses which is used for multiple purposes now-a-days. These horses are used for commercial purposes, like to advertise the brewing houses and on the farms for agriculture.

Diseases and Illnesses:

There are few diseases that can be acquired by Clydesdale horse, like itch on the skin near feathers and the sun burns due to fair white colors near eyes. These problems should be addressed promptly. Although the Clydesdale horse is a stronger one but still it needs care for more performance and use.

Conclusion:

Among different types of horses, Clydesdale horse possesses a reputable position due to their beauty and type of work that could be obtained from it.

Nuno Ricardo

[http://www.horsestall.org/artigos/clydesdale-horse]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nuno_Ricardo

Horse

An antique rocking horse is a beautiful thing. They bring images of a time when children were happy with innocent play, before the days of bleeping and exploding toys and video games. A true antique horse can cost thousands of dollars, but how old are they, and how can you tell the real from the fake?

In the US, toy horses were made as early as the 17th Century, by fathers in their workshops as gifts for their children. These were generally simple toys and the rocking mechanisms came later. In Europe, bow rocking horses were made from around 1750 and rocking horses on a swing stand were made from around 1880. The dates are similar for the US.

A rocking horse from Europe is very different than one from America. The American ones are often called 'folk art' horses. The designs are simple and the manes and tails are usually made of horsehair. If there are saddles and reins left they will be leather. Some were painted and some were polished or left natural.

European rocking horses, especially British ones, mostly date from approximately 1870-1920. Again, the manes and tails were made of hair, and the tack was leather, often fixed by brass fastenings. They were usually painted. They do not often have a manufacturers name on but some do, and the three biggest manufacturers were Collinsons (1836-1993), F H Ayres (19th Century and early 20th Century) and Tri-Ang Lines, who also made hide covered rocking horses.

So how do you know the horse you are looking at is an antique rocking horse? First, it'll look old! But be careful! Old can be faked. You need to know where to look. First, look at the delicate parts of the horse - ears, bottom of the face, around the eyes and the legs. Most importantly, look at the seat. An antique rocking horse should have signs of wear, not only in the paintwork, but also worn wood in the places the saddle has rubbed. Also, the reins may have rubbed around the neck.

Secondly, the tack. On an antique rocking horse this is almost always leather. A carved and painted saddle is unusual on a true antique rocking horse. Make sure the leather is worn. Again, especially look at the saddle seat. A European one will probably have brass studding on it to fix it, but this is not always the case. Nails and other metal fixings can be artificially rusted so be careful.

Thirdly, the mane and tail on an antique rocking horse will almost always have been real horse or cow hair. If you find one with a carved mane, it is probably newer than you thought.

There are some very excellent companies who make reproduction rocking horses and these should not be confused with a fake antique rocking horse. If you do your research, check some pictures on the internet, and buy from a known dealer you should not have any problem and will enjoy your antique rocking horse.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Horses

Horses, the galloping pride of mankind! These lovely mammals have come to serve and love us well, and if you are new to horses, learning all about horse health should be a top priority.

Horses are delicate creatures, despite their size; they require a lot of care and knowhow - that's why not just anybody can own one. There are several tips to keeping your horse healthy and beautiful, and preparing him for a nice showing:

1. Sustenance:

Be sure to provide your horse with constant supplies of food. Commercially purchased or natural, horses need to eat in order to stay healthy. Be sure to also provide lots of water to keep them hydrated and keep their manes glowing beautifully for your showing.

2. Exercise:

If you sat around all day in your "home" what would happen to you? That's right; horses can get fat and lose muscle if not worked out enough. They require a lot of outdoor activity and work. Don't leave hm around the barn all day, get him outside, run, play and ride.

3. Attention:

Horses are incredibly intelligent, loving creatures. Just as much as you enjoy attention, horses love it too. If you give him that little bit of extra attention, it will go a long way in helping you and your horse achieve a great relationship and increase showing stamina.

4. Joint supplements:

Be sure to provide a horse with joint supplements and healthy meals to stimulate growth and endurance. Horses that work hard, such as show horses, older and highly active animals truly need to have some extra care given to their joints. A prime example of a joint supplement would be, Cosequin ASU, a product sold commercially via many sites and stores.

5. Grooming:

A horse's thick mane and fine hairs need to be kept in touch. Buying a brush and giving a daily grooming session can work wonders, simply brush away your horse's gnarls and twists. Be careful not to pull too hard and pull out the hairs though! Also, keep in mind that he loves this - it feels like a massage. Spending time with your horse grooming, talking and playing gives him the attention and care he needs.

Now that your horse is beautiful and prepared, bring him out for a daily run and show him off. Following these tips will lead you to success in your horse-owning career. Be sure to consult other owners about optimum horse health, and veterinarians specializing in equine care to get further advice. Owning a horse can be a lot of work, but you don't have to do it all alone!

We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more tips and stories about pets as well as information on health promoting pet supplements. See you there!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emmy_E_Bill