News

Written by

Why solid hide belts are better

May 27, 2023

Written by

The Superiority of Solid Hide Leather Belts: Unmatched Quality and Style

When it comes to belts, there's no denying the timeless appeal and versatility of leather. Within the realm of leather belts, solid hide leather belts stand out as a superior choice. Crafted from a single piece of premium leather, these belts offer unmatched quality, durability, and style. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why solid hide leather belts reign supreme, providing you with a belt that not only elevates your outfit but also lasts a lifetime.

1. Uncompromising Quality:

Solid hide leather belts are synonymous with exceptional quality. Unlike belts made from bonded or faux leather, which are composed of multiple layers, solid hide belts are crafted from a single, unadulterated piece of premium leather. This ensures that you get a belt with consistent thickness, strength, and overall integrity. The absence of added layers means that solid hide belts can withstand the test of time, making them a worthwhile investment.

2. Exceptional Durability:

If you're seeking a belt that will withstand everyday wear and tear, look no further than a solid hide leather belt. The solid construction and premium leather material make these belts highly resilient. They can handle the strain of regular use, maintaining their shape and structure over extended periods. The durability of solid hide leather belts ensures that you won't have to replace them frequently, saving you money in the long run.

Written by

Demystifying Horse Wormers

May 24, 2023

Written by

Demystifying Horse Wormers: Understanding the Different Types

As responsible horse owners, we understand the significance of maintaining our horses' health and well-being. One crucial aspect of equine healthcare is deworming, which helps protect our horses from the threat of internal parasites. With numerous horse wormers available on the market, it's essential to gain a better understanding of the different types to make informed decisions for our equine companions. In this blog post, we'll delve into the various horse wormers and shed light on their unique characteristics and benefits.

1. Ivermectin:

Ivermectin is one of the most widely used horse wormers and is highly effective against a range of parasites, including strongyles, roundworms, and bots. It is available in both paste and oral gel forms. Ivermectin works by paralyzing and eliminating the parasites, making it a popular choice for routine deworming. However, it's important to note that some resistant parasite populations have emerged, emphasizing the need for strategic deworming protocols.

2. Fenbendazole:

Fenbendazole, commonly known as Panacur, is another commonly used horse wormer. It is effective against a wide range of parasites, including strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, and encysted small strongyles. Fenbendazole is available as a paste or granules and is often administered over several consecutive days to target specific parasite stages. Its broad-spectrum action and ease of administration make it a popular choice for rotational deworming programs.

3. Pyrantel Pamoate:

Pyrantel Pamoate, available as a paste or oral liquid, is effective against strongyles, roundworms, and pinworms. It works by paralyzing and eliminating the parasites. Pyrantel Pamoate is often used as part of rotational deworming programs due to its effectiveness against specific parasites. However, similar to other dewormers, parasite resistance should be considered, and targeted treatment strategies should be employed.

4. Moxidectin:

Moxidectin is a potent dewormer effective against a broad spectrum of internal parasites, including strongyles, roundworms, and bots. It is available as a gel or oral paste. Moxidectin is particularly known for its efficacy against encysted small strongyles, making it a valuable option for deworming programs. However, as with other dewormers, monitoring for resistance is essential.

5. Praziquantel:

Praziquantel is specifically effective against tapeworms, a type of internal parasite that can cause significant health issues in horses. It is often combined with other dewormers, such as ivermectin or moxidectin, to provide broad-spectrum coverage. Praziquantel is available as a paste or oral granules.

Understanding the different types of horse wormers is crucial in developing an effective deworming strategy for your horses. Consultation with your veterinarian is essential to determine the appropriate deworming protocol based on your horse's specific needs, geographical location, and parasite challenges. Remember, regular fecal egg counts and targeted treatment plans help combat the emergence of parasite resistance. By staying informed and employing best practices, we can ensure the health and well-being of our equine partners for years to come.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific deworming recommendations for your horses.

#HorseWormers #EquineHealth #DewormingStrategies #ParasiteControl #EquineCare #HorseOwnership #InternalParasites

Written by

Leather Care

May 22, 2023

Written by

Revitalize Your Ride: The Benefits of Cleaning, Oiling, and Creaming Your Equestrian Tack

As an equestrian, you understand the importance of maintaining your equestrian tack. Saddles, bridles, and other gear play a vital role in your riding experience and your horse's comfort. Regular cleaning, oiling, and creaming of your equestrian tack not only enhances its appearance but also ensures its longevity and perfor As an equestrian, you understand the importance of maintaining your equestrian tack. Saddles, bridles, and other gear play a vital role in your riding experience and your horse's comfort. Regular cleaning, oiling, and creamin mance. In this blog post, we'll delve into the benefits of these essential maintenance practices and explore how they can elevate your equestrian journey.

Preserving Durability:Equestrian tack, with its intricate craftsmanship and quality materials, can withstand rigorous use and the elements. However, without proper care, it may succumb to wear and tear. Regular cleaning removes dirt, sweat, and grime that accumulate during rides, preventing them from deteriorating the integrity of the tack. Additionally, conditioning with high-quality leather oil and cream replenishes the natural oils, keeping the leather supple and less prone to cracking or drying out. By investing a little time in maintenance, you ensure your tack's durability, saving you money in the long run.
Enhancing Safety:Clean and well-maintained tack translates to a safer riding experience for you and your horse. When your tack is free from dirt and debris, you reduce the risk of discomfort and potential injuries caused by rubbing or chafing. Regularly inspecting and cleaning buckles, stitching, and other hardware ensures they remain in optimal condition, reducing the likelihood of accidents due to weak or faulty components. Taking these preventive measures not only safeguards your horse's well-being but also grants you peace of mind while riding.
Comfort for Your Horse:Your horse's comfort should always be a priority, and well-maintained tack contributes to their overall well-being. A clean saddle pad, for example, prevents irritation and allows for better breathability, minimizing the risk of skin issues. Conditioning your saddle's leather, particularly in areas that come into direct contact with your horse, ensures a soft and pliable surface that molds to their shape, providing enhanced comfort during long rides. By giving attention to tack maintenance, you create an environment where your equine partner can perform at their best.
Aesthetics and Pride:Let's not forget the visual appeal of impeccably cleaned and conditioned equestrian tack. Whether you participate in shows or simply enjoy riding in style, the appearance of your tack reflects your commitment to excellence. A well-maintained saddle, bridle, or harness showcases your attention to detail and adds a touch of sophistication to your overall equestrian ensemble. Additionally, the act of cleaning and caring for your tack fosters a sense of pride and connection to your equestrian gear, strengthening the bond between you and your horse.

Regular cleaning, oiling, and creaming of your equestrian tack offer a multitude of benefits that enhance your riding experience. From preserving durability and ensuring safety to promoting comfort for your horse and boosting aesthetics, these maintenance practices are essential for every equestrian. Make it a habit to prioritize the care of your tack, and you'll reap the rewards of a longer-lasting, reliable, and visually appealing equestrian gear collection. Remember, a well-cared-for tack is not just a tool but a testament to your commitment to the equestrian lifestyle.

So, gear up, saddle up, and embark on your equestrian adventures with confidence, knowing that your tack is in top-notch condition!

#EquestrianTack #TackMaintenance #RideWithPride #EquestrianLifestyle #HorseCare #EquestrianGear #RidingExperience

Written by

Filed under

massage

Massage with your horse

May 19, 2022

Written by

Massage with your

horse

When we are limited as to what we can do with our horses it is always nice to take a step back from the craziness and spend some quality time with your steed.

Maybe you have had competitions cancelled and have therefore eased off the workload with your horse, or maybe you are avoiding social contact, your horse will still be there for you.

Here are some reminders about why massage is so beneficial for your horse (and you!) and what you can do.

Benefits of Massage

Promote endorphin (feel good hormone) release- Encourage good blood circulation.
Reduce fluid retention.
Increase range of motion.
Bond with your horse.
Pick up on any new/changing lumps and bumps.
Help shift that winter coat and increase coat shine.
Improve muscle tone.
Stress relief for you!

Types of Massage

The 2 easiest types of massage (where you can’t go too far wrong) that you could try with your horse are the following:

Effleurage – A series of stroking movements which always make up the beginning and end of a massage session. At the beginning of a session it prepares the tissue for the massage to follow by ‘waking up’ the nerve endings and increasing blood flow, at the end of the session it helps to remove any toxins released by the massage. This should be done with a flat hand against the horse in the direction of the coat. Start at the head and work your way slowly along the whole length of your horse.

Petrissage – This is the kneading motion that will make up the main bulk of the massage. Small circular movements can be performed using the heal of the hand or finger tips on more sensitive areas. If you suffer from stiffness in the hands or cramping you can use a rubber curry comb for this. Avoid any bony areas such as the point of shoulder, the dorsal processes across the wither and point of hip. Always follow petrissage with effleurage as mentioned above.

The Equilibrium Products Massage Mitt can make manual massage a little bit easier on your hands and body.

Written by

Benefits of Heat & Massage

Feb 17, 2022

Written by

Benefits of Heat and Massage

Heat and massage are both commonly used to help our horses perform at their best. But how do they help?

The Benefits of Heat

Heat is a great alternative for sensitive horses who may find massage too much to begin with. Equally, its great to use alongside massage for helping to keep muscles in top condition. Best used as part of your daily routine alongside training to reap the most benefit!

Firstly, heat encourages muscles to relax, which can help your horse achieve better flexibility and freer joint movement – helping your horse’s mobility in general.

Heat also leads to increased metabolic activity, meaning that the muscles are more efficient in demanding more oxygen, while quickly removing waste products. Overall, this can help aid recovery and means more oxygen and nutrients are available of the muscle cells.

Research shows that for an effect, tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). It should be noted though however, that using something that it too hot could cause your horse discomfort and even damage to the tissue.

Heat is ideal for horses:

-Older horses.

-Horses that are slow to warm up.

-Horses in work.

-Young horses who are learning new things.

-Horses undergoing retraining.

-Those returning to work after a period of rest.

The Benefits of Massage.

Tension is often one of the most common reasons for poor performance in horses. By increasing relaxation and improving back flexibility, the negative effects of tension can be reduced.

Massage is well known for its ‘feel good’ factor and has been shown to aid relaxation and assist with the maintenance of healthy muscle and muscle function. A relaxed horse, with relaxed muscles, will move with fluidity and suppleness.

Massage is great to help horses:

•Horses on box rest to maintain good circulation.

•After exercise to help support recovery.

•Before exercise as part of warm up.

•At a show after travelling to relax.

•On your horse or pony’s day off as general maintenance.

•Anytime as a reward.

Massage and Heat Product for Your Horse.

The Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense

Combining reliable, tested and intelligent heat with proven massage*, the NEW Heatsense is a great addition to your horses’ daily routine to maintain good back health.

The choice is yours – pick from heat and three intensities of massage.

Reliable, tested therapeutic heat output with sensors to turn off/on depending on your horse’s temperature.

Heat targeted to the most common areas of weakness.

6 Massage motors evenly distributed across the pad.

Fits into your daily routine with a 30-minute programme.

Shaped to follow the contours of the horses back with 90cm coverage from withers to quarters.

Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go.

Covered by a 2-year guarantee.

Contains 1 x Massage Pad Heatsense, 1 x Storage Bag, 1 x Equilibrium Heatsense Battery, 1 x Equilibrium Heatsense Charger.

Heatsense is available in one size designed to fit horses 14.1hh and upwards.

Written by

Feeding your horse in hot weather

Dec 06, 2021

Written by

The summer months in Australia are normally hot and dry. In hot weather, especially in some northern areas where the tropical heat and high humidity combine, the ambient heat in the air can reduce the ability of a horse to lose heat absorbed.

How do horses absorb heat in hot weather?

Horses absorb heat directly from the sun, the surrounding hot air and heat reflection from the ground during the hot parts of the day, particularly in temperatures above 35°C. Ponies, miniatures and foals are likely to absorb more heat from the ground surface, especially bare ground as their legs are short and their body is closer to the ground. On a hot weather day, a grassy yard provides more protection from heat radiated from the ground surface as opposed to a bare yard. Similarly, grassed riding surfaces or dampened sand surfaces will provide more protection from ground heat.

Generating Heat from Exercise

Horses generate heat during aerobic exercise, up to 80 % of energy metabolised using oxygen produced in the working muscles is expended as a by-product of heat. Heat production of 1,400 Kcals per hour can be generated during a light to medium exercise session, with even higher amounts of up to 2,700 Kcals during a few minutes at the gallop and approaching 7,000 Kcals/hour in an endurance horse. Exercise adds to the heat ‘load’ on the horse’s body. The friction of hooves on the working surface also generates heat and can raise the hoof temperature up to 43°C.

Heat from Digestive Processes

Heat is also generated during microbial digestion of fibre in the hindgut, especially when fed high protein or highly fibrous diets. Although this is of benefit to aid body warming during cold weather, it adds to the overall heat load during hot weather and exercise.

Water within the body cells, gut and other tissues contribute 60 % of the total body weight of a horse, or about 300 kg of total water by weight in a 500 kg horse. In the average well hydrated horse, about 60 litres of water is trapped in the fibrous digesting mass in the large bowel (hindgut). It is used as a valuable reserve of water to replenish the blood and body to reduce the risk of dehydration through sweat loss, but also as a ‘heat sink’ to store excess heat under hot conditions. This allows a horse to dissipate the heat through sweating, radiation and expelling heat in expired air from the respiratory system during and after exercise and when resting.

How Horses lose heat in Hot Weather:

Sweating and Radiation from the Skin

Sweat is a skin secretion of primarily water and salts as well as some soap-like lathering compounds (saponins). It evaporates off the skin to remove heat from the body, leaving the salts and other residues in the hair. Each litre of sweat as it evaporates, removes approximately 200 Kcals of heat. A healthy, well hydrated horse or pony loses 50 – 60 % of heat absorbed on a hot day, or produced during exercise, through sweating. During exercise, sweat output can increase to 5 – 11 Litres per hour in a 500 kg horse, which if not replaced with water the drink, can quickly lead to dehydration.

Horses can also radiate heat from their bodies to aid cooling, but this is reduced when they are moving slowly as they graze out in the hot sun. Ideally, a horse’s paddock should have some shade trees, or even a shelter with a high roof to allow air flow. There should be a 2-metre space between your horse’s back and the roof of the shelter to allow air flow and reduce roof heat radiation.

Convection

Horses also lose heat through the process of convection, which occurs when air passes over the horse’s body. If a horse has had a hard workout and becomes excessively sweaty, then it is at risk of overheating quickly once the airflow over the body stops. In this case, walking the horse on a lose rein for 3 – 5 minutes will aid the process of convection. The cooler air will help to remove heat, except on a very hot or humid day when the air temperature is above 35°C in the sun.

Panting

Horses will pant to cool themselves if they are overheated and unable to sweat. A horse may also start to pant if they are unable to sweat because they are dehydrated. Panting helps to expel heat from the lungs. After exercise on a hot day, your horse will offload up to 30 % retained body heat by panting. A horse standing under a tree or in the shade on a hot or humid day which appears to be panting is absorbing or retaining too much heat. The horse should be sponged and scraped off with cool water and hand walked to assist with cooling.

Summer Feeding Tips for Hot Weather

General care and management strategies to help horses cope with the hot weather are widely used. However, optimising your horse’s ration for summer weather can also help to reduce heat load. This is especially important for horses which are sensitive to heat stress, for example, those in moderate to intense training, older horses and ponies, and horses with common conditions such as EMS, Cushings and anhydrosis.

Roughage Requirements

Roughage (ie grass, hay, chaff) is a critical component of your horse’s ration – it should make up more than half their total feed to reduce the risk of digestive problems and particularly, gastric ulceration. Fibre, as part of roughage, traps water in the bowels and provides a beneficial fluid reservoir for exercising horses. For example, 1 kg of hay absorbs and holds 3 kg of water in its structure as it digests in the hindgut.

However, providing a high roughage diet is a balancing act, as the digestion of fibre in the hindgut is a fermentation process that produces quite a lot of heat. Hindgut heat, or the heat produced as the roughage is digested, can be a hidden factor in heat stress.

Fats, such as oil, are a useful addition to your horse’s ration for coat condition and as a non-fizzy, but also cool energy source. Oils produce less heat as they are digested than other feeds such as grains, bran, chaff and hay. Reducing the amount of high fibre feeds and grains in your horse’s hard feed and substituting with 75 – 125 ml of good quality oil can help a horse which often becomes overstressed by heat. Kohnke’s Own Energy Gold is a cold-pressed, virgin Australian oil blend with balanced omega-3 fatty acids for optimum health, coat shine and cool, non-fizzy energy.

Provision of Protein

Protein is another important consideration in summer. An adequate protein level is particularly important for your horse’s health, including maintenance of muscles and top-line. However, too much protein can cause increased heat load. This is because excess protein in the diet is dumped into the hindgut, producing a lot of heat (40% heat waste) when it is digested there (rather than in the small intestine where it is normally digested). Providing too much lucerne hay is a common cause of excess protein and fibre levels, resulting in higher hindgut heat waste and possible heat stress.

Lucerne hay, as a roughage, contains both highly digestible fibre and high protein (17%) compared to grass hay and if fed in excess, can significantly add to hindgut heat load. All that is needed for a lightly to moderately worked horse is 1-2 biscuits of lucerne hay per day, any more hay offered should be grass-based or from a cereal crop, such as oaten hay.

Omega Oil Supplement for "Cool" Energy and Coat Conditioning

Energy Gold was the first Omega oil blend to contain added fat soluble Vitamin E to protect the Omega-3 fatty acids from rapid oxidation within muscle cell membranes and other tissues during exercise.

Energy Gold is the only oil packed in specially coated steel cans to prevent damaging interaction with plastic and light, as can occur in oils packed in soft plastic containers.

Energy Gold is an innovative oil blend containing:

A highly palatable source of Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids in a 1 Omega-3 to 3.5 Omega-6 ratio to correct low or inadequate levels in grain and hay based diets for optimum muscle cell and natural anti-inflammatory function
Vitamin E in a soluble stable oil form (3000iu/litre) helps protect Omega-3 fatty acids from rapid and destructive oxidation in muscle tissue during exercise. Energy Gold is the only Omega oil supplement boosted with Vitamin E. It helps ensure optimum utilisation of its Omega-3 fatty acids on grain and hay based diets that are naturally low in fat and Vitamin E
Pure garlic oil flavour helps ensure acceptance, increasing the overall palatability of the ration.

Written by

Breathability is best when considering leg protection

Dec 02, 2021

Written by

Breathability is best when considering leg protection

When the tendon cells were heated for 10 minutes at 45°C, around 10% died, but when they were heated to 48°C for 10 minutes then around 80% died. Continue reading

Written by

How Safe is Your Horse Headcollar?

Nov 26, 2021

Written by

Why is it important that horse headcollars are safe?

Written by Greg Duggan

How Saddle fitting relates to the riders position (vlog)

Nov 10, 2021

Written by Greg Duggan

How Saddle fitting relates to the riders position (vlog)

How Saddle fitting relates to the riders position Continue reading

Written by Aitken's Team

Caring for your new boots

Oct 17, 2018

Written by Aitken's Team

Disclaimer - Remember to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. The following are recommendations and do not supersede the instructions provided by a products manufacturer.

Step by step book care guide:

Condition new boots to help give a better fit.
Use pull tags when putting on your boots and take off using hand or boot jack.
Alternate boots to avoid fungi and bacteria growth.
Allow to dry naturally,
Apply a quality leather conditioner,
And then polish with boot polish.
Do not delay any repairs.

In most cases your new boots have been carefully stored in a box from the date of manufacture till you purchased them. It’s a good idea that once you get your new boots home give each boot a few light coats of a quality leather conditioner to soften the leather giving you a better more comfortable fit.

Hint – Know the leather that your new boots are made from some leathers will require special treatments or may be damaged if the wrong products are applied.

To reduce the over-stretching and the collapse of the back of the boot it is recommended when putting your new boots on to use the tags, loops, or finger holes to help pull the boot onto your foot. And to remove them use your hands or a boot jack to prevent damage to the heel and back of your boots.

Moist, warm, and dark conditions are perfect for the growth of fungi and bacteria which is detrimental to leather. To protect the thin inner lining found in some boots it is recommended to alternate your boots every few days with another pair to allow the boots time to dry from the natural perspiration of wear.

When leather becomes wet from perspiration, rain, or wet grass it should not be ignored. Natural drying is the best way to keep your boots in top condition, even if they have become saturated with water. Force drying by an external source can cause your boots to harden and shrink as the leather dehydrates and in the extreme the leather can burn causing discolouration and weakening of the leather. Once dry use a leather conditioner or boot oil to bring the leather back to its natural suppleness.

Leather is prone to cracking, tearing, hardening, and shrinking when dry. So a careful balance needs to be kept to extend the life of your boots, too much can be just as bad as too little. If you find your leather stiff to touch, has deep creases, or is becoming a lighter colour these can be signs that it is drying out and needs a light condition. Apply the conditioner and gently massage into the leather paying close attention to the areas of most wear e.g. across the toes.

Once the condition of the leather has been addressed then the look of the boot can be worked on. To maintain the colour and lustre of the boot it is necessary to use a quality polish. To use apply using a soft brush or cloth using a small circular motion. Allow the polish to dry slightly then use a soft polishing cloth to buff the leather to bring up a nice shine. Repeat as necessary.

Delaying repair work to your boots is not a good idea. When leather soles wear thin, they tend to absorb more water. Even the finest quality boots are weakened if they wait for overdue repair work. Continue reading

Previous
Page 6 of 7
Next