English spurs come in various designs, each tailored to specific riding styles and needs. From the classic Prince of Wales to swan neck and rowel spurs, discover how different shanks can enhance your communication with your horse and refine your riding performance.
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Preparing Your Horse for Warmer Weather: A Grooming Guide
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, it's time to prepare your horse for the warmer weather ahead. Grooming plays a crucial role in helping your horse transition smoothly into the new season, ensuring they stay comfortable, healthy, and looking their best. Here’s a guide to getting your horse ready for the warmer months.
With the arrival of spring, your horse will begin to shed its thick winter coat. Helping them through this process can make them more comfortable and reduce the amount of loose hair in your barn.
Warmer weather often means more outdoor time, leading to increased exposure to dirt, dust, and sweat. A thorough cleaning will help maintain a healthy coat and skin.
The change in weather can impact your horse’s hooves, so it's important to give them extra attention during grooming.
The mane and tail can become tangled and dirty as your horse spends more time outdoors, so keeping them clean and tidy is essential.
Warmer weather can bring about skin irritations, such as insect bites, heat rashes, and fungal infections.
As temperatures rise, your horse may become more sensitive to heat. Adjust your grooming routine to keep them cool and comfortable.
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Grooming is an essential part of preparing your horse for warmer weather. By focusing on shedding, deep cleaning, hoof care, and skin protection, you can ensure your horse stays comfortable and healthy as the temperatures rise. Regular grooming not only enhances your horse’s appearance but also helps prevent potential health issues that can arise with the change in season. Take this time to bond with your horse and enjoy the transition into the beautiful, warmer months together.
Top Tips for Preventing Mud Fever in Australian Horses
We all dread wet, muddy winters, particularly if your horse suffers from Mud Fever. Here are some top tips from Equilibrium Products on how to keep legs and skin healthier this winter in Australia.
What is Mud Fever and What Causes It?
Mud fever, often seen during winter and early spring, causes painful sores and scabs on the pastern and heel area, and can also affect the upper legs and belly. This condition is due to a skin infection caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus Congolensis. Healthy skin acts as a natural barrier, but in wet and muddy conditions, soil grit on cold, wet skin can cause abrasions, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the skin.
Legs with white markings are generally more prone to the condition, although mud fever can affect horses of all breeds, ages, and colours. As with any infection, mud fever can worsen quickly, leading to swollen and sore legs, and open wounds that may become infected. This can result in proud skin and permanent hair loss, and in severe cases, may require skin grafts.
How to Prevent Mud Fever?
1.Good Paddock Management
Take preventative action as soon as paddocks start to get wet and muddy. Avoid horses standing on muddy ground for too long by rotating the use of your paddocks so they don’t become poached. Use electric fencing to prevent them standing in places like gateways. If possible, put good quality hardcore in these areas to provide a standing surface and better drainage.
2. Grooming
Generally, it is best to allow the mud to dry on your horse's legs and then brush it off with a soft-bristled brush. If you must use a hose, gently dry the horse’s legs with a soft, clean, dry towel afterwards.
3. Mud Fever Care Products
There are many products available to help protect the skin from moisture. Barrier creams work by forming a protective layer between the leg and mud.Many experienced owners swear by them. Using turnout boots can also help keep legs clean and dry and provide a protective layer against the elements.
How to Treat Mud Fever?
1. Keep Your Horse Dry: Try to keep your horse out of the wet and mud as much as possible.
2. Clipping and Cleaning: Carefully clip the hair away from the infected area, rub an anti-bacterial cream onto the scabs to soften them, and then gently remove them.
3. Apply Anti-Bacterial Cream: Once the scabs are removed, liberally apply more anti-bacterial cream to the area and make sure you keep the skin clean and dry.
4. Consult a Veterinarian: If symptoms don’t improve or if you have any doubts, consult your veterinary surgeon who will advise you on the best course of action.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help prevent mud fever and ensure your horse stays healthy and comfortable
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Maintaining horse riding top boots properly ensures they remain in good condition, last longer, and continue to provide the support and comfort you need. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you maintain your riding boots:
1. Cleaning
Remove Dirt and Debris: After each ride, use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove dirt, mud, and dust from the boots. Pay attention to the seams, zips and crevices.
Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the boots. Avoid soaking them in water as it can damage the leather.
Leather Cleaner: Apply a leather cleaner with a soft cloth, following the product instructions. This helps to remove any remaining dirt and keeps the leather supple.
2. Conditioning
Leather Conditioner: Use a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent it from cracking. Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth and work it into the leather in small circular motions.
Dry Naturally: Let the boots dry naturally in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as they can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
3. Polishing
Leather Polish: If your boots are made of polished leather, apply a leather polish that matches the color of your boots. This will keep them looking shiny and new. Use a soft cloth to apply the polish and another clean cloth to buff the boots to a shine.
4. Storage
Boot Trees: Use boot trees to help maintain the shape of your boots when they are not in use. This also helps to prevent the leather from creasing.
Dry Area: Store your boots in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and moisture can damage the leather.
Boot Bag: Consider storing your boots in a boot bag to protect them from dust and potential damage.
5. Waterproofing
Waterproof Spray: Use a waterproof spray designed for leather boots to add an extra layer of protection against water. This is especially important if you often ride in wet conditions.
Reapply Regularly: Reapply the waterproof spray as needed, especially after cleaning and conditioning.
6. Regular Checks
Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your boots for signs of wear and tear, such as loose stitching or sole separation. Early detection can help prevent further damage.
Professional Repair: If you notice any significant damage, consider taking your boots to a professional for repair. This can extend their lifespan and ensure they remain safe to use.
By following these steps, you can keep your horse riding top boots in excellent condition, ensuring they provide the necessary support and comfort for your rides.
