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From Katherine Blocksdorf,
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Take the Horse Ownership Poll!

Do you own, part-board, lease or just dream of owning a horse or pony? Take The Horse Ownership Poll and find out what other readers are doing.

More Polls

Friday May 16, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

How to Make a Wither Tracing

My daughter recently bought a saddle and it was quite a challenge to find one that fit properly.
2008 K. Blocksdorf
One thing that made it easier when we were presented with dozens of different choices was a wither tracing. A wither tracing of your horse's wither and back area can help you find a saddle that fits. Here's how to make a wither tracing that you can take with you to buy a saddle.

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Thursday May 15, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Points of the Horse Quiz

Here's a quiz for you to try! Do you know the parts of the horse? Take this quiz and find out. Just identify the points of the horse under the red letters. Need to refresh your memory on the parts of the horse? Check out the Parts of the Horse Clickable Image Map first.

More Quizzes

Tuesday May 13, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Equine Color Genetics at EquineColor.com

When it comes to genetics my brain starts to shut down because it begins to look like math to me. But EquineColor.com tries to take make color genetics a little simpler to understand. Charts, photo galleries and other reference material help sort out the many colors and variations of horse coats. I may have to take my laptop out to the barn so I can decide what color my mare really is. I've been calling it bay, with a some white hairs throughout, and a white patch on her belly. But maybe, the combination has a name. Maybe I do have a horse of a different color.
Monday May 12, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Horse Gallery Photo of the Week - Boon San Woody

Sami G. has found a friend in her horse Boon. "He loves me just as much as I love him, and what better friend can you get than that!"
2007 Sammi G.

Read more about Boon and Sami on their gallery page.

Enjoy more horse pictures on the Horses Gallery and don't forget to use the Gallery Submission Form to send a picture of your own favorite horse, pony, donkey or mule.

Sunday May 11, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)

Take the Poll: What do You Think Is the Most Common Coat Color?

There seems to be a predominance of chestnuts at the barn where our horses are living.
Bay horses are very common, but do you think they are the most common color?
2005 K. Blocksdorf
Most of the chestnuts, including my daughter's gelding have a common sire, who was a Crabbet bred Arabian stallion with a chestnut coat, flashy white stockings and face. Mystic is a chestnut, Trillium is a bay with a few white hairs throughout her coat, and Thor is dark brown.
There are a few bays, grays, a palomino--but the majority are chestnuts. What do think is the most common coat color? Take the poll! (You can vote for your favorite color too.) Do you have a horse of a different color? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Friday May 9, 2008 | permalink | comments (3)

Purina Horse Feed Recall Update

Purina Mills has posted updated information regarding the recalled horse feeds. You'll find links to the exact products affected. Click on "Eastern U.S. Feed Product Retrieval" to open a pdf.
Thursday May 8, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Purina Recalls Horse Feed

Purina is recalling several of its feeds manufactured between Nov. 07 and March 08. According to information on the Purina website the products may have been sold in the following states:
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Virginia West Virginia
So far no problems have been reported and the recall is precautionary. The concern is "aflatoxin contamination above acceptable levels." There is a statement on the Purina Mills website: http://horse.purinamills.com/. Click on "Eastern U.S. Feed Product Retrieval" to open a pdf. I have contacted Purina to find out what specific products are involved and am still waiting for a response. If you have purchased Purina products from your local dealer, you may check with them for information as well.
Wednesday May 7, 2008 | permalink | comments (2)

Ouch - Preventing Soreness While Riding

Last Saturday several riders at the barn were getting ready for the first long distance ride of the season. The topic of saddle soreness came up and what we did to avoid this painful and sometimes embarrassing problem. At this point, I think collectively we've tried pretty much all the underwear, sprays and seat cushions there are on the market! Most agreed, it came down to good saddle fit. Whether you've just started riding or have logged 100s of hours or miles, it can sometimes be a challenge to avoid various types of saddle soreness. Rubbing, chafing, and bruising can turn a pleasure ride into misery, or a riding lesson into an exercise of stoicism. Here's a how to prevent saddle soreness.

Read More About Riding Gear

Wednesday May 7, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)

Tack Care and Use Quiz

Test your knowledge about using and caring for tack and other horse equipment. Hint: all the answers to the quiz can be found in the Horse Tack and Equipment folder. You'll also find links to relevant articles on the right side of the quiz page.
Photo 2005 K. Blocksdorf
Try the Equipment Use and Care Quiz!

More Quizzes

Tuesday May 6, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

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