4th of July & Your Horse

Last year we blogged about how to keep your horse safe and happy during 4th of July weekend. In case you missed it click here to read the post and let us know what works best for your horses or if you have any other tips to add. We love all the feedback we get. 

Have a safe and fun 4th of July! 

Beat the heat with these summer horse treats

Summer has definitely hit our neck of the woods. If we are all barely able to stand the heat I can only imagine how our horses must feel this time of year. With that being said I wanted to share some treats that your horses might appreciate in this scorching weather. 

Make your horse tasty ice cubes using grains, raisins and even apple chunks. If your horse has never had ice cubes in their water before make sure you supervise them for their first try. (Do not over feed them ice treats - moderation is key in the heat)

If your horse isn't into apples or raisins you can always try slicing up carrots and sticking them in the freezer. Your horse is sure to love this cold treat. 

Make homemade mint popsicles. The mint helps to regulate temperature and will serve as a refreshing treat. 

What special treat do you make your horses when its extra hot out? Post your recipes or suggestions on how to keep cool. We're always looking for new ideas. 

Stay cool! 

Too cute not to post

I found this poem online (I did not write it nor am I taking credit) and I wanted to share it with my readers.

Horses, they bring such joy, 

Horses, they’re like oversized toys.

Horses, they make the world go ‘round, 

Horses, they make the best sounds.

Horses, they hardly ever miss a beat, 

Horses, they’re always so sweet.

Horses, they give us freedom in life, 

Horses, they show us beauty and strife.

Horses, they’re the closest thing to perfection, 

Horses, they’re full of action.

Horses, they’ll be a girl’s best friend, 

Horses, they’ll be there til the end.

Horse Tips for a Safe 4th of July

• Keep you firework festivities as far away from your horses as possible.
• Don’t ride your horse(s) while fireworks are being used.
• Keep your horses together and in a familiar place.
• Place cotton balls (or cotton wool) inside horses’ ears to block loud 4th of July fireworks noises.
• Play soothing music for your horses while the fireworks are going on
• If your horse is new to you and you don’t know how he/she will react to the loud noises, consult your veterinarian about a giving your horse a sedative to keep them asleep while all the festivities are going on outside.
• Make sure you check on your insurance to see if you will be covered should there be any horse related damages or if you horse gets hurt due to the fireworks somehow.

Always be prepared, not unlike people horses can startle very easily and its up to you to keep them calm and safe during this stressful time. 

We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!!

Heatwave tips that will keep your horse happy this Spring

I don't know about you but so far Spring in Los Angeles has been pretty hot. It's been reaching almost 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) in some parts of the city. The heat not only affects us but it affects our horses. Here are some simple ways to keep your horse happy during a heat wave. 

1. Water - Always make sure you have plenty of water available for your horse at all times. Keep an eye out for bugs and mosquitoes. Not unlike us horses are less likely to want to drink if there are a bunch of bugs in the water.
2. Shade - Have a large enough area of shade for your horse to relax in when it starts to get too hot. 
3. Electrolytes - Horses lose electrolytes while they sweat. Replenish salt loss during excessive sweating with a suitable electrolyte supplement
4. Ventilation - When possible, leave barn doors and windows open and install misting fans near each stall if you can. 
5. Baths - Bathe your horse! He/She will love you for it. Nothing feels better then having a nice cold bath on a hot day. 
6. Coat Care - Keep your horses mane and tail trimmed. Apply a zinc oxide sunscreen to pink noses to help prevent sunburn. There are shampoos available with UV protection added to help protect your horses coat. 

These tips will keep your horse happy and when your horse is happy, then you are happy.