Young Rider.com / Young Rider Forum / Health, Grooming and Tack

Pretty tail

Bluepoa — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:16 GMT

So I'm trying to get my pony's tail thick and long. It's kind of long, but is not thick well it is but only at the top. I have put M.T.G in it, but when he rolls dirt sticks to his tail then he starts rubbing it then he is pulling his hair out. I have tried tail bags but they won't stay in. Also he is Pony of the Americas so he was Appaloosa in him; will his tail ever be thick then? I have heard Appaloosa don't get thick tails. Please help!!

Feed Change?

OnTheBrightside — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:15 GMT

Mmkay so Secret's being fed Ultium and she's an extremely difficult/hot/nervous horse at times. She gets 24/7 hay and grain only once in the evening so if I'm going to change her feed I need something that's not extremely low in fat. I feed her about a scoop and a half, idk how many ounces/lbs that is but if needed I can google an image of about the size my feed scoop is. I'd really like her on something that is LOW in sugar and good for nutty horses. Any suggestions?

Horsey hair dos

AKcowgirl11 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:31:13 GMT

I think braiding my horses mane and tail is rally fun. Post some pics of your favorite braids and styles. Heres mine:

Saddle Recommendations

Jumping Freak — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:13:49 GMT

Hello!

I've been thinking about buying a new saddle but I need to know which one is best for me and my mare. Does anybody know what saddles to avoid and what saddles to target? I'm going to re-start jumping and this time I want to have everything right. I don't know exactly what my mare's saddle size is so can anybody help me on that too?

Thank you for your help!

Stirrup leathers and irons

3dayeventing — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:20:17 GMT

So if the Devoucoux fits tomorrow when I ride, I think I'm going to buy it. That means I have to make a trip to Dover to get leathers and irons.. yay. Since the saddle is buffalo, and not calfskin, should I still get the calfskin lined leathers just to make sure I don't scratch it up?
If so, Passier makes some lined leathers for about $80.. Almost half the price of the Prestige and Stubben ones. Anyone used the the Passiers? They're even cheaper than the Circuits..
And I don't know what irons or stirrup pads to get. Should I just stick with regular fillis? My knees don't really hurt after dressage so I think it'd be a waste to buy the composites.

[urlhttp://www.doversaddlery.com/passier-lined-dressage-stirrup-leathers/p/X1-06893/[/url]

here are the passiers

Safe to ride in?

horseluv987 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:52:52 GMT

I'm a bit of a worrier so this is stressing me out.

I recently dropped my helmet on a concrete floor from six feet in the air, and it landed on the top part. Is it still safe to ride in?

Bathing your horse

horsemens — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:14:02 GMT

Horses have a natural oil in thier fur to keep it shiny. Though the many times you bathe him a horse loses some of those oils so how much should you bathe the horse.

Turnout

pretty-ponies — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:31:49 GMT

so, how often does your horse get T/O? what are they turned out with (blankets, boots?)

Mary is out every day from probably 9AM to 4-5PM and just has a blanket, either heavyweight t/o or a midweight stable blanket and a rain sheet depending on the weather. she's inside when the weather is bad or the paddocks are too slippery and muddy, but will get maybe an hour in the arena while her stall is being done.

What do you feed your horse?

~StompingHooves~ — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:11:56 GMT

Yep so just post what your horse(s) diet is.

Bella;
AM: 1 flk grass hay
1/4 scoop of Healthy Edge
Noon;1 flk grass hay
PM:2 flks Orchard grass
1/4 Healthy Edge
1/3 rice bran pellets
Smartpaks(Lysine(Sp?) Smartshine)
1 scoop daily red
1 scoop MSM
1 Scoop of Show-Flex

Dannix;
AM: 1 flk Orchard
1 flk Alfalfa
1/2 scoop Healthy Edge
Noon: 1 flk Orchard
PM: 2 flks Orchard
1 flk Alfalfa
1 scoop Healthy Edge
Smartpak(Smartgut,SmartOmega3)
1 Scoop MSM
5 tablets of pappya pill things
1 Scoop daily red
1 scoop Show-Flex
1/2 rice bran pellets
1 scoop beet pulp

Sunny:
AM:2 flks orchard
1 scoop beet pulp
Noon: 2 flks orchard
PM: 2 flks orchard
1 1/2 scoops of Purnia Senior
smartpak(Smart Digest Ultra)
1 scoop MSM
1 scoop show-flex
1 scoop rice bran pellets
2 scoops Beet pulp

Bailey:
AM: 1 flk orchard
Noon:1 flk orchard
PM: 1 flk orchard
handfull of purnia senior
1 scoop show-flex

:)

Devoucoux Makila

3dayeventing — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:25:04 GMT

My friend's selling her barely used Devoucoux Makila. It's about a year old and I know she takes good care of it. It's Buffalo, not calf skin. And it has the 3A flap (don't know what that means). It's not cheap though, at all. It is my size though, and I'm going to try it out sometime soon.

Do you think I should consider buying it? They're so gorgeous and everyone who has one rides beautifully in it. But I know a bunch of people hate French saddles..

Bit Ideas

3v3ntb — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:31:24 GMT

Soooo, as we're fixing some of River's issues with contact, I'm beginning to think his current bit isn't the best one for the job.
He's currently going in a Happy Mouth Mullen Mouth Loose Ring, in a Micklem bridle (if you don't know what that is, google it xD It works slightly differently then a normal bridle but River goes much more comfortably in it, so that's that). He has okayish brakes in it, but they're just not quite ... there.

I'm not going to bit him up, though. I just want to explore some different bit options that work differently from this one, because I'm not sure he 100% loves this bit. It's fairly thick, and he seems to like that, and he likes the mullen mouth, and the Happy Mouth part xD

The other bit I rode him in for a while was a triple jointed dee with the weird oval-y thing in the middle, and he liked that decently, too. That bit was fairly thin and I'm not sure he really loved that, but he went well in that bit.

Ideally I'd like to keep him in the softest bit possible. He's really sensitive, but we're going through some issues with contact because of a hole in his training, and I'm not sure if maybe exploring other bit options might make it easier.

I've talked to my trainer about it and she recommended maybe trying a Baucher with him, something that's more stable. I have a baucher of Woody's that he went well in that I could try. She said she doesn't quite know what to say with him because she doesn't know him too well yet, but told me she'll keep thinking about it. x]

So basically, any ideas about what bit I might turn to next? Definitely want to stay with a snaffle, and triple jointed or mullen mouth, and fairly thick in diameter. I need a bit in a 4.75", though, which has been sort of difficult, so his loose ring currently is in a 5" with bit guards.

Thanks!

What kind of bit is this?

~LookoutScout~ — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Ok,so this lady that never rides her horse and my friend is starting to "re train" it,but to make a long story short she has this bit for Blaze(the horse) and it almost looks home made,it just is realy crappy quality and yeah,so has anyone seen anything like this? Thanks

bit shanks

Bri_anna — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:08:04 GMT

i was looking at bits one day and was wondering how shanks like these: http://www.horse.com/item/ss-hinged-ported-roller-futurity-bit-5in/SLT735108/ effect the horse, like why are they shaped all weird like?

other example:

http://www.horse.com/item/ss-dog-bone-futuritywestern-snaffle-bit-5in/SLT735106/

Need help from western riders pleeeasse

SaddleUpNoww! — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:18:58 GMT

Sooo I really want to get into Reining and come this summer after we build an arena I'm going to start looking for a trainer. But in the mean time I really want to get some Western tack just so I can start fooling around with Western riding.

So are these good saddles for Reining? Which one is better? Would I be able to show in them? Also how do I find out if it will fit Devon? And I'm thinking a 13 would be a good size because Juliette's saddle is a 14 and a little big. Does that sound about right?

http://www.horse.com/item/royal-king-barbwire-roughout-all-around-saddle/E003824/

http://www.horse.com/item/king-lancaster-western-show-saddle/SLT901221/

Also I need help finding a horse size Reining bridle (headstall?) for around $50-$60. I live in VA and am willing to get something used. I also need help finding a bit. I just need to softest, most gentle western bit. Maybe a snaffle of some sort?

Standing bandages

Quintessense — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:15:21 GMT

I've used shipping boots for the last few years, but since I might be trailering more this show season, I've been considering using standing wraps for this show season. I've heard that they can bow tendons, though. I've looked at internet tutorials and such, but no one has actually shown me how to wrap. I was going to use no bows instead of pillow or quilt wraps... I've heard they're better.
Also, are these decent?
http://www.smartpakequine.com/centaur-standing-bandages-10085p.aspx
http://www.smartpakequine.com/foam-padded-no-bows-1533p.aspx?cm_sp=CS-_-Foam%20Padded%20No%20Bows-_-NA&cm_vc=UpSell
I want something that's going to hold up, but I don't want to spend a ton of money since they would be only used for trailering and maaaaybeee in his stall before a show/at the show.
Edit: typo xD

This Bridle?

Princeshelby — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:03:42 GMT

What do you think of this:

http://www.doversaddlery.com/showmark-traditional-hunt-brdl/p/X1-12868/

You don't see these kinds of bridles much in the show ring, so I'm trying to figure out if it'll stand out (and make me feel fancy because the people in Hunter Seat Equitation use bridles that look very similar) or if it would look outdated. Opinions?

Synthetic Saddles

Melimelona — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:13:50 GMT

Okay so I was wondering: Can you use synthetic saddles in hunter shows? My mom's friend offered me her saddle that is too small for her, for free! so i figured, why not?! Usually I would not get a non-leather saddle, but since its free there's nothing to lose! Also I have no idea what it looks like so i'm not sure if it's brown or black. Is black also okay to use in hunter shows? I don't like black saddles (unless its dressage) but theres nothing to lose. Thanks so much!

Dry Cough?

SpiritedGallop — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:11:23 GMT

hey guys. so my horse, diamond, caught a cough from another horse from my barn, bailey. my trainer and mom wanna wait til the weekend is over to call the vet unless her cough becomes worse. I know it cant be strangles because every horse in my barn is treated for that. She also has a normal temp. What can i do besides keeping her hay not dusty to help her feel better until monday?

Sport Boots-What do ya think of these?

.:BrandeD:. — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:54:56 GMT

http://www.horse.com/item/tough-1-vented-sport-boots-4-pack/E003816/#

http://www.horse.com/item/tough-1-no-turn-overreach-boots/E003758/

I only want my cuz to use these until we can get Professional's Choice SMBs, and to save money until she has all her tack and, who knows, maybe if they're nice enough, keep them. Please don't give me any crap about how trying to save money by buying crud and possibly hurting my horse. She if unharmable. Yep, tell me what u think.

I really want this helmet!

smokeydunkin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:01:41 GMT

I love the look of this helmet!. I have a troxel sprit now, and I've had it for 3 years. I'm hoping to get this helmet for my birthday! Do any of you have it? If so, do you like it?

HELP ME!!!!

horseylfd — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:30:11 GMT

I have my awesome horse, and we are going to a show tomorrow, and we need to clean him! The problem is, is that he is white! He is SO furry and he loves to roll, I was thinking about trying dry shampoo, but I don't even know if that stuff works. I cant give him a bath because its FREEZING! And brushing doesn't get the stains out! HELP!
Any ideas on GOOD ways to clean him WELL?

Conditioning stiff reins?

xTinyDancerx — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:52:50 GMT

This bridle has been sitting untouched in a tack room with open doors and windows to the outside for 4-5 years. The reins (braided) are so stiff that they're shredding my nice sponge. I'm kind of just trying to let them be saturated with leather therapy, but I'm not sure how well that will work. Suggestions?

In-season?

Jumping Freak — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:19:46 GMT

What does it mean when a mare is in-season or unseasoned? A gelding was sniffing my mare's hinny?! The stable lady said she hasn't been seasoned. Is it something to worry about?

Winter Riding Essentials

3v3ntb — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:42 GMT

What are the most essential/awesome/amazing/fantabulous/batman-like items you've discovered for winter riding and just general horse keeping? Things to keep you warm/not cold/not numb or otherwise.

I'll post mine in a second xD

co helmets

H.U.N.T.E.R — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:06:49 GMT

I am getting a co helmet in the near future and I am not sure what color to get... the black/charcoal or the black/black. It would be my show helmet and I am not sure if I should get all black or not???

Bridles

Melimelona — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:31:48 GMT

Okay so I was wondering if you guys could tell me your opinions on some bridles. Im really looking into buying a bridle this summer but i'm pretty clueless on what types are good to use. So I really need you guys! So go ahead and tell me whatever you want about Bridle brands and types. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to bridles . I really was looking for an affordable leather bridle. So go ahead and suggest what you want :)

Bell Boots

CowgirlTuff47 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:26:39 GMT

How do you measure for bell boots on your horse? I need new ones, I am just not sure what size.

Cleaning a Used Saddle

Jumping Freak — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:18:05 GMT

Hello!

So you know how I'm going to get a new saddle right? Well, I'm not exactly sure how to clean and condition a saddle. I do but I don't know a lot. How do you guys clean and condition your saddle?

Thank you!

What Horse/Barn/Farm Thing Do You Buy The Most?

.:BrandeD:. — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:05:58 GMT

What do you buy the most of that is horseish? I buy.....

BUCKETS. & Lead ropes. My farm supply store has Buckets at $8.69 a chunk for 20 qt size and $4.69 for the 8 qt. size & lead ropes at $8.49 each. Mmmmhmmm

The 8 qt and $4 @ Valleyvet.com

Tips with haggleing for a saddle.

{Caught On Air} — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:48:08 GMT

So I tried some saddles today and I really liked this Colligate used 16 and a half tree CC. The lady said that she'd try to mix around the price. Does anyone have any tips for haggling for the saddle? I really need one. She's asking 400, and it has no stiurps and leathers. Is that about the right price?

Saddle cleaning/conditioning.

Quintessense — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:24:48 GMT

I was thinking of getting Passier Lederbalsam and the Saddle Soap. Do they darken the leather? And I know to clean/condition the seat and both sides of the flap, is there anywhere else to do/not do? Thanks in advance!

Saddle Leather Colors

.:BrandeD:. — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:13:03 GMT

I am thinking about getting a new saddle, a leather one instead of cordura, and I'm not sure what color would look best on my bay. Pic of him=My banner. I have a black cordura that's pretty beat up but looks fine on him...... Help?

Saddle brands, anyone? :)

jumpinghooves — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:22:01 GMT

Looking for a saddle that is (hopefully) under $500. I can't afford Pessoa or Stuben (although, of course I would LIKE to). Something that would look good on a pony would be nice although it's not a neccessity. This saddle would mainly be used for shows, maybe some schooling if neccessary. I usually show a pony, so I guess the pony size is starting to become more important...

Anyways, thanks in advance. :)

New Stables

Jumping Freak — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:14:16 GMT

Since we moved to the city, I'm looking in finding a place for Star.I found one but the only problem is it's a SMALL boarding center. There's only a small field to ride in, a round pen, around the barn and a small strip of dirt. Nothing much.....

Strained Suspensory

3dayeventing — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:26:51 GMT

Okay, the horse I was looking at, the horse who went Advanced and is now really cheap strained his suspensory in January 2010. He had 6 months off and is now in full work again. He's never been lame. Also, he's going to Florida to compete at Prelim for 6 weeks.

Do you think that should completely turn me off from looking at him? How bad is that kind of injury? I don't really know much about it..

Mold!

Time Bomb — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:56 GMT

Emergency guys! I need mold removal tips on a cooler. lmao I used it like a month ago and it was wet but I put it back in the bag and in my trunk against my better judgement (the convo in my head went like this, "this is most likely gonna get moldy." "it better not" "yeah we'll just take our chances") so anyways I gave pony a bath today and pulled the cooler out and it was soaking wet and full of mold. Go me! So yeah, any detergent/stuff you guys recommend? It's soaking in the wash right now.

Loop on crops

horseluv987 — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:40:11 GMT

What exactly is the point of the loop on a crop? I always figured it was to put your hand through, but I never do because it's annoying. I heard that it can be dangerous though. I don't see how, but you never know...

Question

JumpToHeaven — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:57:06 GMT

Sooooo
I haz a question.

I live in NC, and its been a REALLY mild winter; aka mostly in the 60s. So I gave Enzo a medium trace clip on December 27th, which has helped a tonnnn - but he still has a LOT of coat on him, and still works up quite a bit of lather. (hes in good shape, its not that) he's in full time 6-days a week compititon work - I reallllly want to give him a hunter clip, BUT. He lives outside 24/7 anddd with it being January, there could still be som pretty bad weather coming.

Sooo I was wondering when was the latest you can clip, without ruining their spring coAt? I was thinking about early march, but then most of the bad stuff has come & gone.

He has a medium weight turnout that he wears when it's under 50 :]

thunkyashuns :]

Fly Sheet

BuddyLuv — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:34:16 GMT

Weellpp, so. This year April 2nd, 2012 I will have owned my beloved Buddy's Golden Touch for 3 years!! I'd like to get him a present and I'm getting him hopefully a fly sheet. Two reasons protection from flys, sun and bleaching :)

http://www.horse.com/item/kool-coat-airstream-combo-uv-fly-sheet/SLT900006/
That is the link to the sheet I'm looking at to buy, good price for my budget and the reviews look good. I was looking at this earlier last year and it has really caught my eye ;P

What do you all think?

Saddles?

Jacqueline — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:49:24 GMT

So I found this Butet saddle for $400 in my size, but it is from 1992. My dad is hesitant, but I know saddles can last forever, but I just want some reassurance. I know some people get have saddles that are 30+ years old, but I was just curious if I should get it. There are no rips or tears on it, and just some mild discoloration that I could probably easily fix by oiling it. Anyone want to add their thoughts?