Thinking About Florida During These Snowy Days

Ohio is very, very cold today and winter has definitely arrived!  I started thinking about past visits we made to Florida over the years, and how warm and wonderful those majestic beaches must be right about now! So, in honor of our past family visits, I thought I’d post  a few vintage images of Florida to get everyone thinking about warmer times.  This is just a small gift from me to you (sorry to rub it in!!). Enjoy!

A Holiday Testimonial from the Hughes Family in Illinois!

Dear Christy,
 
   My husband Tim and I just LOVE the stalls that we purchased from Ramm. You were so friendly, knowledgable and extremely easy to deal with. Ordering was definitely a breeze,and it was so great to go to the “Ramm” website and see exactly what I was looking for. They arrived very quickly and in perfect condition. Not only do the horses have the freedom to hang their heads out, but due to the stall grates on the doors, I can keep tabs on how much they eating, check leg wraps, etc. all without having to open the stall door. The stalls are also very well ventilated.
 
  Thank you for your help Christy and thank you Ramm Fencing for building the stall of my dreams!!!!
 
                        Happy Holidays,
 
                                                 Tim and Erika Hughes and “The Gang”
                                                  Maple Park, Il., Private Facility.

Christy Cole is the RAMM Representative for Indiana and Illinois, and she can help you with all of your horse stall or fencing needs! Call her today at (800) 416-1958 and let her help you fulfill your Christmas dreams also! Have some design plans already in mind? Fax Christy at: (419) 825-2433 or email her at: christy@rammfence.com

Photos Courtesy of Tim and Erika Hughes. Used With Permission.

Horses and Snow & Winter Issues

Winter Issues

Winter brings snow, ice and cold, all things that will undoubtedly affect your horses, their containment and you. Just as your car and home have special cold weather considerations, so do the equine-related items in your life.

Below are a few tips to help you brave winter and come out safely on the other side.

People

• Take stock of your winter gear and ensure it’s laundered and in good repair.
• Hand warmers are inexpensive, small pouches that are activated upon opening. They can also be used in shoes, and they stay warm for several hours. Stock up for those extra cold days and keep a few in your trailer or truck for emergencies.
• Cold winter air dries out skin and chaps lips. Keep good quality lotion and chapstick handy.

Horses

• Thoroughly cool down your horse after every workout. Use a cooler to help sweaty horses dry out and stay warm.
• Adjust your horse’s diet as necessary. Talk to your local feed store about a winter mix that will keep your horse in good condition.
• If horses are sensitive, have been under lights, have been body clipped, or the cold is extreme, make sure you have clean, well-fitting blankets.

Fencing & Pastures

• Consider using a round-bale feeder or feeding hay for pastures still in use to help fight boredom and provide necessary grazing.
• Make sure pastures and grounds are free of debris that could be made invisible by the first heavy snowfall.
• Check fence lines and make repairs before winter storms and extreme cold make the job tougher.

Barn & Stalls

• Seal up drafty areas, but don’t prohibit ventilation. Remember, barns and stalls should have adequate ventilation during all months, without drafts.
• Horses usually spend more time indoors during colder months, so do a good check of each stall for splinters, broken boards, loose nails, etc.
• If your barn has an indoor arena, make sure the footing has been worked and leveled. Consider using a dust down product to help prevent respiratory problems for you and your horse.
• Begin using heated or insulated buckets to keep water free of ice.
• Make sure outdoor waterers and troughs are equipped with heaters.
• Drain hoses after every use.
• Stock up on salt that you can use to keep paths around the barn ice-free.
• Check lighting in the aisles and stalls to make sure everything is in good working order. Replace any bulbs or fixtures that aren’t working. Winter months are darker, earlier, so you never know when you might be at the barn after dark.
• If you store any liquid medications or supplements in your barn, move them to a heated area for the winter.
• Stock up on feed and shavings in case you get snowed in

Photograph by Carolyn Vogel of Friendly Farm in Harrisville, New Hampshire, a RAMM customer.

Gingerbread and Cocoa – My Reindeer!

Gingerbread and Cocoa

Debbie Disbrow recently talked with this Mystery Reporter about two of the most unusual animals on her farm – her pair of reindeer! This is her interview.

MR: Hi Debbie. Let’s talk a bit about your reindeer. They always seem to be having such a good time. What are their names?

DD: Gingerbread and Cocoa.

MR: How did you name them?

DD: Gingerbread was already named when we got her; Cocoa was born here. We felt that everyone wants Cocoa with their Gingerbread, that’s how we came up with it!

MR: Where did they come from?

DD: The deer were originally born in New York. They were at the Cincinnati Zoo and on display when we purchased them. Our deer were ‘possibly expecting.’ With reindeer, the herds need to be left alone to breed; they are ‘private,’ so we were not sure if we had a baby on the way!

MR: Do you know their lineage? Does it go back to the North Pole? (laughs)

DD: I believe it must have started at the North Pole – why else would our reindeer today talk so much about their grandparents helping Santa? (laughs) But really, the Tundra is where most of our reindeer originate from.

MR: How old are they?

DD: Gingerbread is about 10 and Cocoa is 4.

Read the rest of the interview here:

New Year’s Resolutions are Just Around the Corner!

I know it’s early in December, but today I was just thinking that the New Year is just around the corner. 

 

Here are my New Year’s Resolutions that I made last year — all of which are making me think about this year’s resolutions (which I still have to write!) 

 

Did you make any New Year resolutions after reflecting on the past year? Many of us vow to rededicate ourselves to family, jobs and spiritual well being. As equine owners, we have one more category to evaluate, our connection with our horses. Here are some ideas that can help us to “reconnect” and “re-ignite” the joy of our passion for horses…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE:

 

Photo Courtesy of: David Bailey, Photographer. www.davidbaileyphotography.com. Used With Permission.

 

 

 

 

  

Thinking about horses and Christmas today…

High Traffic Areas for Horses – 10 Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

I just love owning horses! And I have had many over the years. From the time I was little and had the best “puppy dog-teacher” horse, to later when I would go to the thoroughbred auctions at the track to find young hunter prospects, I have loved horses. Every horse had their own personality, and every horse had a habit that was unique to that particular horse.

 

Just like us, horses have their own good and not so good sides… I have found that when the day is over and our horses are turned out in their own “living quarters”, what we provide for them to live in will be what we maintain for our beloved horses.

 

READ THE REST OF THIS eBOOK HERE:

 

 

 

 

 

Boarding as a Business – 18 Important Things to Consider

As a horse owner, you may have thought about boarding horses at your home barn. There are as many variables to boarding as there are choices in horses! Whether you board one horse or several barns full of horses, there are a few common considerations that you may want to look at before you go into the boarding business!

Read the Full Article Here:

Kenny Harlow Has a New Book and I Can’t Wait to Read It!

I have always been impressed with the work Kenny Harlow does. His Training With Trust™ Series is fantastic and riders of all ages (even a horsewoman like myself who has riden for more years than I care to count) can learn many great tips and ideas from Kenny!

Well, Kenny has just published a new book and I am so loooking forward to reading his book! You can find his book online at www.amazon.com or order directly from Kenny himself at www.kennyharlow.com

Here’s a bit about his new book:

Whether you want to safely start an un-broke or perfect the horse you already have, you can do it by starting… From The Ground Up! Here you will find Kenny Harlow’s proven techniques to identify and correct problem areas in your horse’s training foundation. If you’ve always wanted a horse that will work with you as a willing partner, this step-by-step training guide is for you. Start a new relationship with your horse today… From The Ground Up!

20 Great Tips to Help You With First-Time Riders!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 Tips For First-Time Horse Riders

I wrote this article some time ago – but it is always important information to keep in mind when working with first-time riders…

Many people know that I have had horses for years. And like me, I’m sure you get frequent requests from people who want to ride your horses. Does this sound familiar? “My children love horses, they have always wanted to ride a pony!” Or, “I used to ride horses (at summer camp), I know all about them, could I ride yours some time?” The automatic answer is “Sure, just let me know when!” But afterward, we realize that this is not just a “ride”.

 Tip 1: Any first-time rider should have instruction before they take their first ride. This takes extra time on your part, but it is a very necessary step. If not, it could be dangerous for them, as well as you.

I talk to numerous people, and many times the subject of horses comes up. About 90% of one-time riders tell me the same story. “Yes, I rode a horse, got bucked off and that was the last time I will ever get near a horse.” The accounts amaze me; horse bites, riding run-away horses, saddles that fall off, getting kicked, and all because the horse owner did not give any instruction beforehand. I try to explain that if they would have known a few simple things before they got on the horse, they truly could have had a wonderful experience. Most people shrug and say ”never again.” With a little instruction, we can help put a stop to these incidents and make first time rides safe and enjoyable.

Before a rider ever gets near the horse, we need to explain some key points. Riders of any age should know that you will be assisting them, and they must listen to what you tell them for their safety.

One of the first steps we can take to help ensure a great experience is with attire.

Tip 2: Proper helmets should be worn, as well as a protective boot or heavy shoe with a heel. Flat-soled shoes increase the risk of the foot slipping through a stirrup and getting caught-up.

Tip 3: If you have protective vests, use them also.

Tip 4: During the warmer months, let parents know that long pants are the best attire. Although shorts may keep their child cooler, a pair of jeans will be much more comfortable than a child’s bare legs rubbing against the leather of a saddle.

Some other basic instructions should include:
 

Tip 5:  How to touch the horse by gently petting, not patting, with easy movements. Explain that horses can spook with fast movements.

 
Tip 6:  Voices need to be kept at indoor levels for smaller children, not outside voices.

Tip 7:  Explain how to walk around a horse at least 2 arm-lengths away from the horse’s haunches and tail. If younger children are involved, walk with them explaining how far this distance is.

Tip 8:  Talk about walking around the front of the horse, touching him as you go, and talking to the horse.

 
Tip 9:  Small hands, as well as adult hands, automatically reach to the horse’s head and mouth. Show new riders how to hold their hands. If you allow people to feed your horses treats, show your guest how to hold their hand flat and feed with their palm instead of their fingers.

Tip 10:  Explain that you stand on the left side of the horse to hold, lead and saddle-up.

Tip 11: Show how to lead properly by having slack in the lead rope and allowing the horse to carry his head at a natural level.
 

Tip 12:  The lead rope should NEVER be wrapped around a hand or arm. If smaller children have a hard time with a long lead rope, find them a shorter one or help them hold the horse.

Tip 13: . Demonstrate how to brush the horse, with a curry-comb first and a brush second. Show them how to follow the direction of the horse’s hair. Also, explain the “ticklish spots” and areas where gentle brushing needs to be done.

Tip 14: New riders should never ride a horse that is not a calm packer. If older (or younger) riders ask to ride a horse because they like the way it looks, but the horse is too spirited, tell them “no”. It is better to have a bit of disappointment than the consequence of an accident.

Tip 15: Once you have groomed and saddled the horse, be sure to use a lead rope or a lounge line with the horse. The best scenario would be to have a small paddock or round pen to ride in, in addition to using the lead rope or lounge line. This will give the new rider a sense of security, helping them to relax.

Don’t forget how it feels to ride for the very first time. It seems very high from the ground, unbalanced, almost like you could fall. It feels like you’ve lost control, and there isn’t much to hang on to! Take these thoughts into consideration and you’ll realize that a short, well-guided ride is better than a long, unsupervised experience.

Tip 16: Due to liability issues, be sure your insurance will cover any mishaps. It is an issue that most of us feel will never come up, but many accidents can turn into more than ever expected.

Tip17: Be sure all young riders under 18 have parents present with consent to let their child ride. Be sure all older riders understand that accidents can happen, and they are not going to hold you liable.

Tip 18: Contact your insurance company, the experts in this area, and get their advice before you let friends ride. It’s worth it.

Tip 19: Additionally, check the equine liability laws in your state. Some states require that signs be posted throughout a facility, while others require signed waivers. Some require both. Make sure that you follow whatever your state requires so that you, your horses and all riders and spectators are protected.

Tip 20: Give the gift of kindness when you think about allowing someone to ride your horses. Be sure it’s a safe, informative, and fun experience. After all, we all have our passion because we truly enjoyed a horse ride-way back when. Pass it on!