Wondering what everyone's opinions are on blanketing the old guys and arthritis. My gelding (butterball in my icon - pic is 6 years old though) is coming 23 this year and, while he holds his weight pretty well, it does slip frighteningly fast anymore should he get wet / too cold. With the cold snap we're having, I have him in a Rambo mid-weight that I was only using for cold rain. He grows a great coat, but I suppose with his age and arthritis it's not working as well anymore. His turnout has a couple of trees, but no shelter and he does have an assigned stall in the barn if I want to keep him in. I prefer he goes out to walk around to keep moving for the joints although with hay in his rack, he'd likely never leave the stall.

He's had the Rambo on for a few days now and I'm noticing that he's moving much better. He gets joint supplements and a Legend shot every few months, but I know his hips, hocks and neck have moderate arthritis and have for about 6 years.

I know it's not a good idea to put a blanket on and then take it away, so he can keep it on as long as he's still happy with it (he's an angel to clothing thankfully).

Anyone else find that blanketing the old ones regardless of coat helps the arthritis in winter?
( Pic of the old guy )

Tags: blankets and blanketing, senior horses

So, my uncle is cleaning out his house and has decided to give me an old Eli Miller trail saddle. It was custom built years ago and given to him as commission for a job. I haven't seen photos but it's supposed to be in excellent shape; it's been kept inside and oiled regularly, though as far as I know no one has ridden in it for at least a decade. Eli Miller no longer makes saddles but a quick google search shows that his nephew (I believe it's a nephew) Henry has taken over. I'm just curious if anyone has any experience with these saddles. I probably won't be using this on my horses, but I'd kind of like to know more about what I'm getting... Would it be worth replacing the flocking and keeping it in riding-ready condition, or is this better as a collectible, do you think?

Tags: saddle fitting, tack: saddles

2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

Tags: 2amtomorning, insomnia, photography, urban life, writing

green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

Tags: eco-activism, environentalism, green_future, sustainability

wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

Tags: feminism, wtf_sexism

Well, this was too funny not to share....

Best name ever!

http://www.horsetopia.com/for-sale/classifieds/ad429413

I posted a few months ago about stall bedding preferences (thanks for all the input!) and I now have a question regarding buying/finding bulk shavings.

As mentioned previously, I am responsible for purchasing my own bedding at my boarding barn. I'm looking for suggestions, like a sawmill, where I can bag my own shavings in bulk. Currently, I am buying from the ranch supply store and it's not very economical. I don't have the ability to store a large pile of loose shavings, but do have room in the trailer tack room and a small corner of the barn, so having bulk shavings delivered is out of the question. I've used my best Google-Fu to find a place that would allow me to come and bag/load my own shavings and store them, but without much luck.

Does anyone have suggestions for places to call or what/where to search? If it matters, I'm located in Littleton, Colorado. I don't mind driving a bit if it means I'm going to get a good deal (plus my friend also uses bagged shavings and we can split the gas).

Thanks!

Tags: looking for..., stalls (cleaning/bedding/etc)
Current Location: Colorado

So how many of you deal with winter trailering?

In the past, my horse has been a backyard pwny, so trailering in the winter never happened and wasn't really missed either.

But over the past year a few things have happened;

1.) My horse developed metabolic issues, which means it's very important to keep him in shape

2.) We made friends with a lady who has an indoor arena. :D



So now I would really really *like* to trailer my gelding to the indoor on a semi-regular basis.

Problem; I am a trailering noob and have not much of an idea of when it is safe to trailer during the winter. Can you really only safely do it when the roads are clear?

We have a Valley stock trailer (2 horse step-up) and we tow it using an 8-cyl Toyota Forunner. I've driven our trailer with a horse in it exactly once. Which went fine! But it was on dry roads. Right now the 3 miles between my horse and the indoor is a pretty steep and slippery mess due to getting snow and then rain and then more snow. :/

I've realized that we don't have winter tires on our trailer, and that *studded* winter tires on the towing vehicle may be a good idea too. Not sure what else to do.

I live in northern New England. Think 8 month winters and lots of snow.

More trailer-savvy people out there? Help?

Tags: trailering/hauling, winter

Because I'm crazy enough to go to my lesson in 13 degree weather, I'm seriously looking at a pair of winter boots, because...um...brrr.  I've got my other layers figured out but my toes make me want to die every time if I forget to pick up some toe warmers.  And I usually forget my toe warmers.

I wear a size 9.5 in other Ariat boots...would I want a 9.5 in the winter boots, also, or a 10 for more wool sock goodness?  

Someone also said "oh, we don't bother with winter boots, we just throw on those rubber covers and it works fine" but does that actually work? 

Also, for those of you who are wondering what my lesson horse thought of working in the indoor when its 13 degrees?  He thought that every cue to trot REALLY MEANT CANTER and every request to slow down really meant KEEP CANTERING.  So, um, I don't think he minded much.  I did, but he was all ears-pricked happy.  Dorkface.

Tags: riding boots, winter

Hey all! Three questions:

1. I'm looking for an English saddle, preferrably AP with a narrow to regular or regular tree, but dressage would be fine, too. Color isn't a big deal, nor is great condition - as long as the tree and billets are sound; I can even take care of reflocking. The thing is, I really don't want it to be too expensive - it would basically be used on the occasional horse I help train and as a training/get used to the feel saddle for my 2yr old STB. Once he does get started in training and fills out a bit to where he's going to be, I'll look for something better. My medium to wide stubben just doesn't work for him or the OTTB that I'm currently working with (but fits Cracker, the QH, like a dream!).

2. My Stubben needs some reflocking. Does anyone know of a good person in southwest OH (Dayton, to be exact, but I'm fine driving for a good person)? I've never had a saddle done before; about what cost range can I expect?

3. I've been reading different things, and I was wondering if some people could weigh in opinions on the type of bit they like to start youngsters with. For Fritz, I was thinking a D ring, but I'm torn between a simple doubt jointed, a french linked, and/or if I should get one with rubber mouth pieces. He's still a bit off from this point, but I like to plan things meticulously for when I do hit those stages.

Tags: for sale, saddle fitting, tack: bits, tack: saddles
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