Myths on cooling down your horse

I recently wrote a post about how to properly cool down a horse.  After some great feedback from very experienced riders and trainers I realized there are many myths out there concerning cooling down.  Here is a list of a few common myths:

1. Hosing a horse with cold water will cause muscle spasms or a heart attack.
Completely false. Cold water won't hurt the horse one bit, and the cooler the water, the more efficiently it will cool him down.

2. Letting a horse drink all he wants after exercise will cause founder (or colic Completely false. Water cannot make a horse founder, no matter how much he drinks, or when.

3. Cold water will cause founder or colic. It won't. But studies have shown that horses given warmish water will drink more. So it's a good idea to draw a bucket of water and let it warm up a bit if your water supply is very cold.

4. Horses cool out faster when wearing a cooler.
 False.  Never put any kind of cooler on a horse in hot weather. When you're hot, do you crawl under a blanket or take off extra clothes? The same thing goes for your horse. You want his body heat to transfer to the air and blow away, not be trapped close to him.

5. Never clip a horse because his hair helps him cool out quicker.
Very false!  Common sense alone will tell you that the less you have between skin and air, the quicker cooling will occur.

How to properly cool down a horse

It's been pretty warm outside lately and our poor Indie is a giant sweat ball after Maddie gets done riding.  Maddie walks him out and then we normally hose him down before we put him up.  I started wondering the other day if how we are cooling him down is healthy for him. I decided to do some research on how to properly cool down a horse.  Here's a few points I felt everyone should know.

1.) Begin cooling down with a 15 min walk.  Loosen the saddle to help with airflow up the back to help prevent cramping.

2.) Give your horse a minimal amount of cold water.  To much water can create cramping in the stomach.

3.) A curry comb or towel to dry them down is sufficient.  You may choose to hose them down, but dry afterwards.

4.) It is more important to cool your horse down in the winter than it is in the summer.  Cool down in the winter can consist of not only the above, but also a large flake of grass hay.

For more information you can read the complete article by Horse Magazine at the link below.

http://www.horsemanmagazine.com/2008/08/cooling-down-a-horse-correctly/

Looking for a way to spice up your helmets?

Maddie is one of those kids who likes to stand out a bit.  When showing western she can really let her personality shine, but in english there isn't a lot of room to individualize your looks.  I was doing some research on how to help her stay within the guidelines for showing yet make her English outfit her own.  I found a really fun website that offers just this.  Bling Bands!  So fun!  I had the folks over at Bling Bands do a little write up for me about their products.  Which I posted below.  Other than their fun products they offer wonderful opportunities for groups to fundraise through selling their products.  Check out their website for information.

 

Bling Bands for Helmets & Hats 

Just in time for the busy show and recreational riding season, Bling Bands' innovative, stylish accessories personalize helmets and hats for English and Western show and pleasure riders. Swarovski crystal Bling Bands in clear, pink and blue, gold plated curb chains, silver plated rolo chains, and silver conchos add bling from subtle to smashing for every rider!  Bling Bands are one size fits all stretchy bands with bling on the front to dress up a helmet or hat.
Made in the US and spotted in the dressage, rail, performance and showmanship rings, Bling Bands are at home on a helmet or a hat - and can make the switch from one to the other in 10 seconds! Match a Bling Band to your tack, your outfit, your style or your mood. They're simply fun for lessons, show, trail.
Are they appropriate for all shows? No:  not hunter classes at recognized USEF Hunter/Jumper shows. They are appropriate and seen in dressage, jumpers, eventing, showmanship, 4H shows, rail classes, breed shows, and more - on helmets and hats. One size fits all helmets and hats.
Who wears Bling Bands?  Girls, women, and even guys wear them! Silver conchos on a helmet-wearing guy at a 4H show.  Clear Swarovski crystals on a helmet wearing woman in a dressage test.  Pink Swarovskis on a girl in a Western pleasure class - coordinating with her outfit, tack and horse's color!
Bling Bands are $36/each for silver, gold and crystals, and $50 for concho designs.  Shop by phone at 206-304-1049, online at www.BlingBandsForHelmets.com and be sure to visit Bling Band's Facebook page:  www.Facebook.com/BlingBands  Add some bling and personal style to your next ride and stand out in the crowd!
 

Bling Bands For Helmets & Hats   •   206-304-1049

BlingBandsForHelmets@gmail.com   www.BlingBandsForHelmets.com

 

*** Do you have a business you would like me to feature on my blog?  Send the information to horseshowingmom@gmail.com and I'll write about you on my blog!***

Fireworks can be scary for horses

We recently moved to a boarding facility which is directly behind a baseball stadium.  After every Friday night game they set off fireworks.  On the 4th of July they put on a huge fireworks display.  While many are getting excited about the show I am very worried about our horse and his response to the fireworks.  I did a little research on how to help your horse through the anxiety of a fireworks show. 
One of the greatest things you can do for your horse is put them inside during a fireworks show. If the sound doesn't scare them the lighting from it may.  Also is recommended you give them a little extra feed to keep them busy.  It will help calm their nerves.  Also you may choose to put a radio on to muffle the sounds.  If your able to be there with your horse, do it!  Your horses trusts you and looks for your reaction.  If you are clam and speak to them in a calm manner it will help them to not be anxious during the fireworks.

Check out this article on what to do for your horse during a fireworks show.

http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Fireworks