It seems that about every other blog post I write, the temperatures are scorching. I’ve previously mentioned several tips on how I look after my horses in the heat, but here are a few more!
One thing I haven’t mentioned previously: I always ensure the horses in the field have a big chunk of rock salt on the ground near the water trough. For weeks, it has been untouched. However I noticed the other day that there are definite lick marks on it. I am pleased about this as Diva and Mabel are currently living out with no supplementary feeding, and it’s nice to know they are using the lick.
One money-saving tip is to buy chips of rock salt in a sack from your local feed/farm supplier as these generally are about £5 whereas the ones with holes bored through and rope for tying them up are more like £5 each! I put chunks of salt in their mangers when in the stable so they have free access to salt at all times.
Another thing I have to watch out for is Mabel getting sunburnt where she is hogged. A fly sheet with neck would prevent the skin on her newly hogged neck from burning, but as she currently is roughed off without a fly sheet, I just make sure that I hog her only when the weather is likely to be cloudy or rainy for several days. Subsequently, due to the current heatwave she is sporting a rather long and untidy hog!
We have also had several thunderstorms in the past few days, some with accompanying torrential rain. My girls seem completely unfazed by the thunder and lightning, however, Treat isn’t quite so keen and is happy to be indoors.
Poo picking is essential and I do it daily in the summer, especially when they are out all the time. Nothing is more satisfying that seeing the paddock clear of droppings. Diva pony often inspects my work, as the photo shows. She never helps though!
Do any of your horses ‘help with stable tasks’? I would love to hear from you and see photographs.
Diva enjoying a leg stretch
Do any of your horses help out in the field?
Riding your horse at night is something even the keenest of equestrians may have never even considered. Whether the idea fills you with excitement or trepidation, there might be times when it’s necessary to ride your equine after dark.
Whether you’re a weekend hacker or a serious competitor, tying a horse safely and securely is an equestrian basic. But there's much more to it than meets the eye. Here at Equesure we’ve got some important tips on how to do it safely and what to avoid.
The tables seem to have turned as to which horse is naughtiest now. Shockingly despite Bob ripping yet another of Autumn’s rugs (think that’s 6 this year already), Autumn has taken on the title as most troublesome! In the last few weeks she has taken on full diva status!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the main things you should be aware of, divided into three categories: horse welfare, horse management, and horse riding.