You can buy PINK Original at the Dollar General for about $3.00.  Great stuff!!!

ZEPHRY'S GARDENS - www.zephrysgardens.com   has the best all natural products for horses and dogs.  Their Stop The Itch spray and salve work wonders.   Great reviews for all of their products and they are constantly having specials.

My horse was loose grazing in our yard a couple feet  (15) away from my son.  All of a sudden he went up to my son and nudged him out of the way and place himself between him (my son) and a snake.  He stomped at the snake and shooshled it off in another direction.  Love that big lug of mine!!!

GREAT NEWS. Naomi has been found.

I'm sorry, in my haste to get this out, I forgot to add that she in only 12 years old. 5'3"

Naomi went missing from her home in Loxahatchee last night around 7 pm.  For those of you who ride the trails at Dupios, Hamblin Park, all around the area, you may know her precious and frantic family.  They are the big family with a percheron, belgian and a couple of halflingers.  Naomi is the youngest girl.  Please contact me at zerbieusa04@yahoo.com if you have any information or want a photo of this girl so that maybe you can set up a search party of your own.  They live off of Orange, not to far from Seminole Pratt.  Thank you, and please keep her and her family in your prayers for a safe and sound return.

For those who want to know what EPSM is:
http://wwwralheritage.com/vet_clinic/epsm.htm

Low Starch, High Fat is definitly the key part of a diet for a horse with EPSM.  I have my Mustang/draft cross on this type of diet and has made a huge difference in his gait...no longer drags his feet.  I even have Braille on it and he looks great!

The EPSM Diet:
http://wwwralheritage.com/vet_clinic/epsmdiet.htm

I'm not worried as I know (at least pretty sure) it's not a stress thing as he just plods along, sometimes head down and at other times, there's a pep in his step, but never that 'worried' look or dance.  I try to lunge him in the opposite direction as much as possible to 'even' him out and also take him for shot trail rides, which he loves.

This is absolutely heart wrenching...This place has to be closed down...NOW!!!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/March-Newsletter-2011---The-Cruelty-of-Sugarcreek-Horse-Auction-in-Ohio.html?soid=1101655399670&aid=RKKN6fCmEuk

And those who give up on their faithful companions just because they get old and or injured and can no longer perform.  Just look at craigslist (Nation wide), it is full of aged horses.  Very, very sad!

I'm only a horse, dear Master, but my heart is warm and true.
I'm ready to work my hardest, for the pleasure of pleasing you.
Good grain, hay and water, are all that I wish to ask.
And a warm dry bed to rest on, when I've finished my daily task.
Don't strike me in needless anger, if I'm slow to understand,
but encourage my drooping spirits with a gentle voice and hand.
Finally, O my master! When my health and strength are gone -
When I'm getting old and feeble, and my long life's work is done -
Don't sell me to cruel or strange owners, to be d to my last breath,
But grant me the untold blessing of a quick and painless death;
That, as you have always found me a patient and loyal friend,
The years of my faithful service may be crowned by a peaceful end.
I plead in the name of the Savior, Who cares when the sparrows fall.
Who was born in a lowly stable, and knows, and loves us all!

Your Faithful and loving friend,

The Horse

I agree with the double bra theory as well.  Tried just the sports bra once (with out the wire)...never again!  Not only was it the unflattering, squished 'uniboob', and the Dolly Parton Cleavage that was unpleasant ... That dang bounce HURT (hence the name Tisbouncy) and not only that, by the end of the ride, one 'nip' was pointing South and the other East.  Very embarrassing (sure there are some of you who could relate), to have to readjust oneself for the correct pointage.

I have always thought his pacing was a "security blanket" thing for him as he has done this every since I've had him.  He did stop for a couple of days when I had a Cranial Therapist work on him.  His pacing just seems to be a comfort thing for him...though he does seem to pace more after he has had his grain and just before planting himself firmly at the hay roll.

Anyways, I do have a call in to the Equine Ophthalmology Dept at the vet clinic in Gainesville to get their input.

Seth - Thank you for your lovely comment. With a horse like Braille, I'd do it over again in a heart beat!  He is without a doubt the most special, trusting horse that I have ever come across.  According to my farrier, he's a dream to work on as I've taught him that a tap on his leg near the hoof means to lift and he'll stand there as good as gold till he's done.  Now with my other boy, it's a case of catch my hoof if you can...LOL

I actually chatted with her when I first got Braille.  Her story was/is very inspiring...thanks!

Braille shows no signs what so ever to being nervous and I have met some very nervous blind horses, as well as extremely nervous (owner induced) seeing horses.  He is a very calm, loving, trusting horse who loves to be ridden and go for trail rides... And no Miss m, I do not think in any way shape or form that he is 'one very sad horse' and thank you for wishing me well with him.

Delia, doesn't sound weird at all.  I am open to all/most options when it comes to the well being of my animals. Is there anyone in particular that you'd recommend?

Actually, he is not stall kept.  I guess mine are concidered 'pasture' horses or 'back-yard' horses to some..LOL.  Anyways, he has their area totally mapped out in his head...knows his side of their paddock for feeding, knows where the water trough is and the shelter with their hay roll. And when he paces, it's without attitued...just strolls along...but in a circle.  Depending on his mood, sometimes the circles are large and others small.  I just would love to know why he does this. 

As many of you know, I have the most amazing blind horse (Braille), who is fat, healthy and just the best.  We do however, have one hopefully minor problem...Braille constantly paces in circles in an anti-clockwise direction only.  Does anyone have any input as to what would cause him to do this? 

Thank you so much Seth!  Just had my 'new' farrier over as the boys were due for a trim, chatted, and decided to clean up the hooves and remove a little of the sole as they were very uneven.  Boys are walking much better than before.

When trimming hooves (barefoot trim), why do some farriers cut/carve away some of the sole and frog and others leave it alone?  Which is better for the barefoot horse?  Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

WOW, this post has had 631 viewers....Must be good!

Hold on, hold on....OK, feet propped up, and have me a good cup of coffee...continue please ladies!!

Oh sheesh...this is pathetic!  Deep sigh...oh well, at least the coffee's good!

Back to RFDTV

My left-brained, Haflinger/Mustang would probably say..."I'll do it, but what's in it for me huh?"

I love and use Suave clarifying shampoo, and after a thorough rinse, I use and swear by Infusium 23 leave in conditioner. 

Too funny...Good for you for holding on and keeping him focused!  The first time my boy heard fireworks (thank goodness I wasn't on him at the time), he was at one end in a rather large paddock...man, he took of like a terrified dog...picture a horse with his tail between his legs, bottom tucked under, front legs going faster than the back and yelping, yeergh, yeergh, yeergh (sound effects), all the way to me...sooo funny to watch...poor thing!  Now, thank goodness, they seem not to bother him so much...guess it's something to do with all the gun shots (hunters) around here.

Thank you Jill, and the same to you and your loved ones!

Let your kids see this...for this is an amazing history lesson about our National Anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Iwa-lSVqA1M&vq=medium

 
 
 
 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...And a big THANKYOU to those who have helped me this past year expand my knowledge in the wonderful world of horse ownership. 

Have a Blessed New Year and remember to live life to the fullest!

I found this bit of info for you, which you might find interesting: http://www.petplace.com/horses/corneal-ulcers-in-horses/page1.aspx

Also, I keep Eyebright Tea on hand, (Eyebright has been used for centuries in the treatment of a number of ailments. The nutritional and herbal ingredients make it beneficial for many eye problems including ophthalmia (severe inflammation of the eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), conjunctivitis (pink eye), cataracts, stye, weeping eye, and bloodshot or strained eyes.)

I get mine online from a store in England in tea-bag form.  I make a tea using two tea-bags, when cooled to a luke warm temp, I use one bag per eye, I try to get at least two drops in his eyes and then use the tea-bag to wipe and keep the eye area clean.  I then pour the rest of the tea into his feed, to get the complete benifit of the herb.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Excuse the patch of fog between thy ears, by what is a GPA backpack?

Standing objects are usually not a problem.  My son even drives his ATV in and around the paddock, taking it close to the horses, letting them smell it, rev's it up...etc...And there is no problem.  The problem is out on a trail...That's when they become scary monsters...even bicycles become scary.  But, I have been working with him at moving forward (as suggested by some wonderful people on the board...THANK YOU!), and he did much better when I took him out in an open (yet enclosed) field yesterday.  He only acted like a ninny when he heard an ATV out in the distance, but with a little persuasion, I got him to move forward and focused on the task at hand.  Was great, cus it helped us both in building confidence out there.

My horse really freaks out when a four wheeler (usually driven by idiots who couldn't give a rats butt about their surroundings and or any equestrian activity in the area), zooms, loudly pass.  Thank goodness, he doesn't bolt (yet), but he prances, backs up and totally refuses to go forward without a fight.  My question is (as this happened to me today)....do you turn him and let him watch those scary things go by, or do you try and make him go forward like nothing's happened?  My gut instinct tells me to turn him and let him watch, but the "more experienced" rider I was with was having me move him forward, in the direction we were heading, away from the noise.  What would you do?

There is nothing wrong with using mild, non 'ultra', dish soap as long as you rinse very well.   

And you know you're horse crazy in love, if... you can put up with one that is blind (but, very precious to me), and one that is ADD!

Do you happen to have an Austrailian Stock saddle?  I'm looking for an 18" (equal to a 16" western).  And, do you happen to have any 5 1/4 or 5 1/2 inch bits?

Stories like this really upset me...hence why I am reposting my two cents....

There are a lot of excuses for not wearing a helmet when you ride. But in my mind, they are all pathetic. The quietest, most well trained horse can cause injury if it is startled or hurt. Ask anyone who has accidentally ridden over a nest of ground wasps, or were riding calmly along when a car backfired. A helmet won't make you invincible, but it will help protect the one part of your body almost impossible to fix -- your brain. Please don't use these excuses and do use an ASTM approved riding helmet every time you ride. 

It's my head, and I'm willing to take the risk:You might think, it's my head and I'm willing to take the risk. But, what if your head meets an arena wall, fence post, rock or hard ground? Head injuries can lead to permanent debilitation. And while it may be your head, have you decided who will spend their life looking after you if you can't look after yourself due to a head injury? If you think you don't need a helmet then you should look your son, daughter, spouse, or friend in the eye and tell them: I don't need a helmet, but if I am wrong it will be your job to care for me.

I know how to do an emergency stop and dismount:Emergency Dismounts - Emergency dismounts and emergency stops are useful skills to learn, but they don't replace a helmet if you take a fall. Falls can happen so quickly that you don't know you are going to come off, leaving you no time to prepare.

Helmets give me headaches:
The solution to this problem is not to avoid using a helmet, but to find one (Compare Prices) that fits. Also, I find I get headaches when I'm out all day with my horse. The problem I discovered (it took me years to realize this) was not the helmet, but dehydration. Riding is a sport and like any athlete you have to care for yourself properly, especially when heat and stress can take their toll.

It will mess up my hair…A classic excuse:
We all get/have helmet hair. While a good shampoo and blow dry can do wonders for fixing your hair, brains are a little trickier to fix.   Try carrying a spray bottle of water or your favorite hair product and spritz your hair after you take your helmet off…I hear the wet look is in!

I'm a very experienced rider:
A study conducted by a team of Alberta researchers found that riders who reported an injury had an average of 27 years of riding experience.  You are not invincible!

Helmets are hot and uncomfortable:
With the number of styles and fits now available there should be a helmet to fit everyone. Many are adjustable for a custom fit. Troxel, Tipperary, IRH
(Compare Prices) are just a few of the manufacturers you can choose from.  All have a slightly different fit and are different weights and styles. Try lots of helmets on before you buy. Ask your friends what they like. With a little research you should be able to find a helmet that will keep you both more comfortable and safe.  TROXEL make a very nice, safe  & comfortable western helmet too.

It's not traditional to wear a helmet when you ride western:
No, it's not. But consider what the traditional hat of the cowboy really was. It was a form of protection. Cowboys wore gloves to protect their hands, chaps to protect their legs, sturdy boots to protect their feet, and a bandanna to protect their face. Extra cinches, deep seats and tapadaros (hoods) on their stirrups, were all forms of safety protection. Their hats were primarily functional--protecting them from the elements. If the cowboy of yesteryear had the knowledge and technology we have today, I have no doubt a helmet would have been part of their gear. Tradition, like fashion, is not a justification for ignoring safety. Even cowboys knew that.

Helmets are ugly looking:
Again, there are helmets in many different styles, like the Troxel Sierra (Compare Prices) and the Troxel Cheyenne (Compare Prices). If you don't like the way the shell of your helmet looks put on a funky helmet cover (Compare Prices). This a great way to personalize your look.

Helmets are expensive:
ASTM approved helmets cost as little as $50. This is a small expense compared to the amount you could spend on hospital costs or long term care. International Equi-Lite Dial Fit System Schooling Helmet (Buy It Now) is just one example of several schooling helmets that are under the $50 price mark.

Remember:  With any injury, it is not only you who is hurting…Think about how your loved ones must feel!

Thank you so much!  Will start my homework now and research the products reccommended.

I am hoping one of you wonderful WEF members advise me on what to do and also reccommend a good (but not overly expensive) hoof supplement for my two horses. 
One of my horses is a Mustang Halflinger cross...his hooves are more the draft size and tend to chip and split.  My other boy is an Appendix/Arab cross...his hooves tend to do the same thing.  Also, the first horse's frogs seem to be soft and almost chalk-like when I clean them...but they do not have that thrushie smell.  I am very concerned about his frogs at the moment as all four are like that.  Any and all help/advise, greatly appreciated.  Oh, forgot to mention, both horses are barefoot and well trimmed.

I LOVE the stuff!!!! Braille is prone to getting cuts and nicks as you can imagine every now and then, some deep and some just ses and they heal beautifully with Vetericyn.  I even use it on my dog when he gets a "hot-spot".  Magic Water is what I call it!!

Too funny!!!
My boys were hysterical to watch too...Lucky "the brat boy" was running, bucking and tooting (loudly) in circles around poor Braille, who, just as excited, decided to be safe and do giant bunny hops (rodeo style) in the middle of the paddock. 
Looking forward to riding them tomorrow....our high is supposed to be 65 and our low 37...I so love it here in the northern part of Florida!!!

I love it too!

VETERICYN - A fantastic product that every barn should have.  http://www.vetericyn.com/benefits/equine.php

YAY!!! Sooo happy that they are back with their owners!!!

Yesterday, I saw a LOST notice on the Publix (Seminole Pratt & Orange) notice board for Lost Labs.

TRIP TO COSTCO

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina Dog Chow for my loyal pet, Bailey, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's a** and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore.

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

WOW, thanks so much again Ingrid...I have just printed what you posted and will pass this info onto the family.  I will also mention the vinigar solution as well. 

Thanks Ingrid!  The horse that has it the worse does happen to be a chestnut...I don't think it's LOG as she is groomed twice a day and get a weekly bath...maybe as you say, the brushes, combs..etc need to be disinfected after every grooming session.

What exactly is 'Rain Rot'?  Is it a fungus caused by the rain? Is it a parasite?  And why do some horse get and others don't when all are in the same living environment and open to the elements? 

These are not my horses...but some that I want to help.  They have plenty of trees for shelter (there is no 'man-made' shelter), but prefer to stand out in the open rain or shine.  They are well fed and watered and get plenty of love!  Their only problem is their coats.  I know about MTG, and was advised against it as the horse are out in the sun...So all positive input/advise on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

Like allieoop, mine too have shady areas and a carport shelter and yet they both prefer to stand or lie flat in the sun/rain.  They seem very happy and relaxed...but me the human who thinks 'oh you poor things', will feed them their lunch time hay under their shelter just to make them stand in the shade for a bit.  Horsed are the only animal that sweats (that's their cooling system), so I am hoping that the horses off Orange are getting plenty of water to replenish what they loose during the day.

This may sound like a stupid question to some...but I have to ask in order to find the answer:

When it comes to a treeless saddle, is it a one size fit all?  I'm not talking about my generously built derriere, but the horse.  Eg: would a 16" seat fit any...lets say 1000lb horse? Or do you have to treat it as if it were a regular full tree saddle?

Guiness worked for my boy when he gave me the 'non-sweating scare' earlier this year.  And, the best thing about it was, that I was able to join him in having one in the afternoons too...mmm..mmm

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, IT IS A TRUE STORY.
 
 
The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
 

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Racing me to the bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
 

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this.
Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.
Dogs and cats can actually c up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.


For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom!
If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.


The proper order for kissing is:
Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.



Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:



TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.


Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
( don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

Hi Kim,
I know I don't know you personally, but if you need any help...even if it's just to hold your hand, I'd be more than happy to come over.  In my heart of hearts, I think he is ready to go home (heaven) and he is trying to disassociate himself from you so that it makes it easier for him.  He is an old boy and you have obviously given him some very happy years...maybe it's time to let go.  And don't worry, he'll be looking down and saying "Thank you" as he becomes young again and runs freely through the clouds.
I have just gone through this with two other friends and their horses and I know it is a very tough position for you to be in....so please call me if you need me...I have a good shoulder and am a great listener. 

Beth

Thanks Erica, 
Any idea how much Metamucil/Psyllium Fiber I should give and how often?

Just wondering which is better for clearing sand?  And if I was giving a, let's say 1000lb horse Metamucil, how much and how often do you feed it?  Same question for the Bran as well.

It's sad, because horse meat is selling $4.00 per pound.  So these people without a caring bone in their body, are buying up the horses that are selling for cheap and or hoping to get them for free.   1000 lb horse selling for $500 = A sick MF selling it to a butcher and making a huge profit on someones pet.   

PLEASE make sure when you sell a horse that you have some sort of paperwork stating that the new owner MUST let you visit and give you first option to buy back the horse should they themselves need to rehome it for whatever reason.

So yes, I do agree that something seems a little fishy about that ad.

Have you tried Tractor Supply?  I know they have stall doors.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&pageSize=20&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&error1=&ip_text=stall+doors&ip_textHH=stall+doors&ip_requestUri=TopCategoriesDisplay&ip_categoryId=&ip_mode=&ip_perPage=20

Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but worth a try.

I'm having great results just by adding garlic granules and apple cider vinegar to my boy's feed.

CONGRATULATIONS...How exciting!!!!!!

Thanks so much! 

I get my paddock boots from Equestrian Collections.  Below is a web page with their paddock boots in your price range and in black:

equestriancollections.com

Hope this helps  

Anyone know where is the best (and not too expensive) place to buy trailer tires?

Sorry Sue if those are your listings on craigslist...Unfortunately there are some dishonest people out there who sell their stolen goods on that site.  Please accept my apology.  AND, if it is not you...then heads up people...lol

I know that every now and then someone posts that they've had a saddle or two stolen....well, I just noticed on craigslist someone selling a whole bunch of both western and english saddles with not much information on them and no contact number.  It probably is a very honest and legit business/person....but, nowadays, it seems like it's getting more difficult to trust anybody.

WOW, thanks for the great replys...makes me want to cry (a happy cry)!

Thank goodness my husband received a video cam from Santa last Christmas...so I promise to film him the next time I go to the park.

I do feel very blessed that he is a part of my life...words just can't describe!

For those of you who know him and have seen my earlier posts...I just want to update you on his progress.

Braille (My gorgeous blind boy) now loads like a dream into the trailer...listening to my voice commands of "trailer", "Step Up/Step Down"..."Good Boy!!"

No spook at all on a flat surfaced trail ride...not even when dogs rush barking to a fence.  I mean he is one amazing trusting horse!

He  lunges beautifully, again to voice commands and a tap of the lunge whip on the ground.

I Also met this amazing young girl who adores riding Braille.  She rides him western and now...drum roll please...has him going around barrels.  I don't know if to laugh or cry when I see them....All I know is I am the proudest, happiest Mummy ever!!!!

Sorry, should have done more research myself before posting the email I received (in Blue), as it was forwarded on to me from another concerned horse owner.