Ask Debbie! A Horse Blog

www.rammfence.com

Pro-Line Stall Fronts and Stall Mats are on sale right now!

Page Two of Our February Sale Flyer!

This is the second page of our sale flyer for our February Sale – our biggest sale of the year! Here you’ll find some great items on sale and many items sell out quickly – so place your order while supplies last! This page covers Pro-Line Stalls and Stall Mats.

Call today to place an order at (800) 872-8917 or to get a link to an online, flipable version of our flyer – just as if you were holding it in your hands!

This is a first come, first served sale and some quantities may be limited – so be sure to place your order early!

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page print catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

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February 8, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Horse Stalls, Special Events, Useful Products and Services | | No Comments Yet

RAMM’s Biggest Horse Stalls and Fencing Sale of 2010 Has Begun! Sale Ends 2/27

This is the front cover of our sale flyer for our February Sale – our biggest sale of the year! Here you’ll find some great items on sale and many items sell out quickly – so place your order while supplies last!

Call today to place an order at (800) 872-8917 or to get a link to an online, flipable version of our flyer – just as if you were holding it in your hands!

This is a first come, first served sale and some quantities may be limited – so be sure to place your order early!

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page print catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 

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February 2, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Horse Stalls, Information About RAMM, Special Events, Useful Products and Services | | No Comments Yet

Fencing and Stall Considerations for Any Breed or Size

Don”t you just love owning horses? I do, and I have been fortunate to have had many types, breeds, and sizes of horses. Unlike many others, I have not been loyal to one particular breed of horse. I do have my favorites, but horses are so diverse that it makes it interesting to work with all breeds and sizes. Which brings us to a subject that each of us will need to consider with our horses: what to look for when choosing fencing and stalls for your breed and size of horses.

We all know how different horses can be, even within their breed. As uniquely created as people, so are horses in personality and size. One common thread, however, is that they are able to think and react from the instinct of prey and predator (our horses being prey, and us as the predator). Also, in the threat of danger, (to our horses it could be plastic bag blowing in the wind), they are flight animals. These beautiful, strong animals need fencing and stalls (their homes), to fit their needs and protect them…

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE:

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo Courtesy of: David Bailey, Photographer. www.davidbaileyphotography.com. Used With Permission.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

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January 29, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Horse Stalls, How-To Articles, RAMM Photography, Training and Riding, Useful Products and Services | | No Comments Yet

Planning Your Gates: Useful Tips to Help with Your Fencing Project!

Planning Your Gates

When planning the layout of your farm or ranch, it’s important to think about the placement of your gates. Gates are necessary because they allow access to fenced-in areas and provide a space for vehicles and farm equipment to enter pastures. When installed properly, they offer a safe point for you and your horses to enter and exit.

For maximum convenience, place your gates as close as possible to the entry/exit point of your barn. This will save time and also make turn out easier for anyone who may help you. If you are looking to save a bit of money, place your gate at a corner. Since the corner will need bracing and probably concrete, your gate will also act as the brace and gatepost with concrete at the same time. You may also use fewer posts.

Depending on what you need to fit through your gate, different sizes may be needed. For a horse turnout area, a 6′-8′ gate is usually sufficient. Small farm equipment, such as a garden tractor or ATV, can also fit through this size area. Equipment such as smaller mower decks, Bush Hogs, and small manure spreaders could require an 8′ gate.

Half-ton trucks usually need a 10′ gate, while feed trucks need a 12′ entry. If your farm has hay equipment, consider a 16′ gate, or 2-8′ gates. Combines and other heavy-duty farm equipment will need a 20′ gate or larger. Think of your future when you plan gate areas. It is always easier to install a gate when you are putting up fencing, rather than later.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE:

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

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January 26, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, How-To Articles, Information About RAMM, Training and Riding, Useful Products and Services | | No Comments Yet

R Bar T Ranch in Springville, Indiana: A Nice Testimonial!

 

Hello Debbie,

Here are some spring pictures of our paint and quarter babies. We so much enjoy your safe and fantastic looking professional fencing and many other products that are safe for the equine foals and the new horses that come to us for training.

We never have to worry about our equine getting injured with your fencing. Thanks so much for your products,

Rena and Terry Ogle

R Bar T Ranch – Springville, Indiana

Happy Trails!

 

About R Bar T Ranch:

We offer quality foundation bred horses for sale with champion pedigrees, excellent conformation and disposition, specializing in Paints, Duns & Buckskins. We also offer training using our own technique called *ALERT* A-Awareness, L-Learning, E-Equestrian, R-Riding, T-Techniques for Horse and Rider. Riding lessons, boarding, sleigh and hayrides are also available. We are located in southern Indiana, 15 miles southwest of Bloomington.

Visit Rena and Terry Ogle on the web at: www.rbartranch.com or email them for more information at royrogers4@yahoo.com  Or, call them – Home (812) 825-6617 or Cell: (812) 606-1248.

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Photos used with permission.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

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January 21, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Testimonials from RAMM customers | | No Comments Yet

Welcome to our eNewsletter Readers!

Welcome all of our eNewsletter readers! Here you will find many articles, how-to tips, great photos, and customer testimonials. Would you like to have your testimonial added here or do you have questions? Great! Send an email to: president@rammfence.com 

We are looking for your actual testimony along with any terrific photos you might have of our products. We’ll need to send you a release form before publishing your testimonial – so please email first. Thanks!

Photo Courtesy of: David Bailey, Photographer. www.davidbaileyphotography.com. Used With Permission. Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

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January 20, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Information About RAMM, RAMM Photography, Testimonials from RAMM customers | | No Comments Yet

Thinking About a Permanent Watering Solution for Your Horses?

 

If you have looked into watering options and feel that it’s time for a permanent solution, automatic waterers  may be the answer you’re looking for. Automatic waterers allow your horses get the fresh water they need without constantly filling their buckets. The units are permanently installed so horses cannot move them, and insulated models keep water from freezing. Today, there are many waterers available for both stalls and pastures.

RAMM stall waterers are designed to be mounted directly to the stall wall. Heavy-duty polyethylene covers protect horses from any risk of shock. Additionally, the slender shape and rounded edges make waterers free from sharp edges. Removable drain plugs allow for easy cleaning. The height of the waterer can be adjusted from 18″ to 41″ tall.

The waterers are thermostatically controlled. The heater turns on at a temperature of 42 degrees and off at a temperature of 52 degrees, keeping water from freezing. Be sure that when you are installing the waterer that waterlines run under the frost line. An insulated earth tube is great solution to keep water from freezing at the ground level. Water and valve hook-up kits are available with 6′ or 8′ hoses.

READ MORE ABOUT AUTOMATIC WATERERS AT OUR WEBSITE:

For more information about automatic waterers and heated water buckets, call our RAMM staff anytime at (800) 416-1958 or send a fax to (419) 825-2433, or feel free to send an email to debbie@rammfence.com

Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

______________________________________________________________

January 19, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Stalls, How-To Articles, Useful Products and Services | | No Comments Yet

RAMM will be at Horse World Expo ~ January 21st-24th, 2010

HORSE WORLD EXPO

Consumer Trade Show Open to the Public with Hundreds of Vendors Selling a Variety of Horse Products
For All Ages and Every Discipline.
The event is being held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds – Timonium, Maryland.

Horse World Expo offers the Best of the Best in the horse industry. Top quality seminars and clinics – meet and learn from industry professionals from all over the country. The experts will join us to discuss topics covering virtually every aspect of horse care and training. There are two arenas and two seminar halls, which will have activities scheduled continuously throughout the weekend.Enjoy mounted demonstrations. Watch a wide variety of fun and entertaining demonstrations throughout the weekend. There’s something different every day. You will see top national riders demonstrating proper riding techniques and training skills.

  
             

    
  Stroll down Stallion Avenue to view some of the best stallions in the area. Don’t miss Parade of Breeds that happens at various times during the day. You will have the opportunity to see the beauty and versatility of many breeds, both common and rare. These educational demonstrations will enlighten you to the many abilities that a breed has to offer. You may just catch a glimpse of a breed that is rarely seen anywhere.
And lets not forget the SHOPPING!!!!!!  World class shopping abounds. Test out the latest products, shop for that new horse trailer you’ve always wanted, sit in that “perfect” saddle, plan your new farm construction, or just bring home a souvenir tee-shirt from the weekend. You will enjoy hundreds of vendors selling thousands of horse related products and services. Everything from the latest in horse care products, saddles and tack, jewelry, children’s toys, products and apparel for the show ring and for every day, home products and decor, virtually every brand of horse trailer is represented. Beware, you may just find some things you just didn’t know you needed.

http://www.horseworldexpo.com/

RAMM Horse Fencing and Stalls will have two booths at the show: Booths 2307-2308. Our RAMM representatives at this show will be Mackenzie Lehman and Missy Hier.

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Mackenzie Lehman is the RAMM Representative for North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and the District of Columbia – 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 with your dreams today! Have some design plans already in mind? Fax Mackenzie at: (419) 825-2433 or email her at: mackenzie@rammfence.com.

 

 

 

 

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Missy Hier is the RAMM Representative for Virginia, Tennessee, Oregon and Washington and is partnering with Mackenzie at the show! Her email address is: missy@rammfence.com and telephone and fax numbers are the same.

 Show Information © 2010 Equestrian Promotions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

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January 18, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Horse Shows, Horse Stalls, Special Events, Useful Products and Services | | 1 Comment

Whoa! 3 Methods of Getting Your Horse to Stop!

How many times have you tried to stop your horse and said ”whoa”, but nothing happened? Maybe you pulled back on the reins to stop, and you stopped but your horse didn’t. Stopping is the most important thing that your horse should know. It’s one of the first things that should be taught to a horse from the ground, and soon after the horse has been ridden for the first few times.

If you’re having trouble, use these simple training methods to help put that desired ”whoa” on your horse. Whether young or old, these methods apply to all horses.

1. The ”Whoa” Stop

 The ”whoa” stop is the first method of stopping. It simply means that when you say ”whoa”, your horse stops. You shouldn’t have to pull back on the reins while saying ”whoa” to get the horse to halt. If you have to, then it is not a ”whoa” stop. If your horse doesn’t stop when you say ”whoa”, or you need contact between your reins and your horse’s mouth, there is an easy fix to correct this problem.

When you prepare to halt your horse and say ”whoa”, keep your hands in the ”neutral” position. Make sure you have no contact with the horse’s mouth. When you say ”whoa”, sit deep in your saddle, using your weight to signal to the horse that a stop is coming. If your horse doesn’t stop when you say ”whoa”, immediately pull back on the reins to get the horse to a stop. After stopping, ask your horse to back up, a punishment for not stopping on your ”whoa”. Let your horse stand for a few seconds, and then ask him to walk off again. Walk a few steps and repeat the procedure. Continue to repeat the procedure until the horse stops when you say ”whoa” without any contact from the reins.

It is helpful to have somebody watch you do this to make sure that you aren’t pulling back on the reins, which you may do without realizing. After repeating the process several times, your horse should catch on and stop on your ”whoa.” When your horse does stop on ”whoa”, let him stand for a minute and praise him by patting him on the neck. This is his reward for doing what you have asked.

These techniques works best when applied at the walk first, then the trot or jog, and then at a lope or canter. Make sure you have mastered the technique at the walk first before you move on.

2. The Pull Stop

The pull stop is simply what it implies; you pull back on the reins to stop your horse. Make sure you do not say ”whoa” when you do the pull stop. By having two different stops, it allows you to try two methods in case your horse becomes spooked and runs off. When using the pull stop, make sure that you are not jerking on your horse. Make light contact with the horse’s mouth, and give him a chance to stop. Do not pull hard every time you do ask him to stop, or you will have to keep pulling harder each time a stop is asked for.

The procedure for correcting a pull stop is the same as a ”whoa” stop. When you ask for the pull stop and your horse doesn’t stop right away, bring him to a halt, and then back him up a few steps. Let him stand a few seconds, walk off and then repeat the procedure. If your horse pulls through the reins and doesn’t want to stop, you can take one of reins and pull his head around towards your knee. This throws his weight off-balance, making it harder for him to go forward. Once he has stopped, back him up, let him stand and then try it again. You may have to pull him around several times before he readily stops.

Ideally, when you ask your horse to pull stop, you should be able to pull lightly without him lugging or pulling at the bit. Master this technique at the walk first, then move on to the trot or jog, canter or lope.

3. The Spur-Stop

There is also a third method of stopping called a spur-stop. This method is mainly used on western pleasure and horsemanship horses. It should only be taught by professionals who are familiar with it and know how to teach it and use it. Instead of pulling or saying ”whoa”, the rider applies both spurs at the same time and the horse halts. This is contradictive to what spurs are usually used for, making the horse move out. If not taught properly, the horse may become confused and refuse to go forward.

The spur stop can be a useful tool for the show ring. It makes stops cleaner, and it makes it look as though the rider didn’t even cue the horse. Use this method only if you are familiar with it, or seek a professional who knows how to use it. Stopping your horse is essential in every discipline, from dressage to western pleasure. Make sure your horse can stop on ”whoa”, and with a pull stop. These stops will not only make your horse listen better, but your horse will be more of a pleasure to ride as well.

As always, seek the help of a professional if you are not sure what to do, or if you have a problem horse.

Photo Courtesy of: David Bailey, Photographer. www.davidbaileyphotography.com. Used With Permission. Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

Do you have questions about horses? Ask Debbie! She has answers for you here:

______________________________________________________________

January 15, 2010 Posted by rammfence | How-To Articles, RAMM Photography, Stories About Horses, Training and Riding | | No Comments Yet

Debbie Answers a Question About Hanging Water Buckets

Over the years, Debbie has answered hundreds of questions about horse fencing and stalls and brings her over 40 years experience to bear as she shares her horse wisdom. Here’s a question that just came into RAMM.

Dear Debbie,

A friend of mine has tried to hang water buckets in her stalls and the horses keep pulling them off the various hooks she’s purchased. How would you recommend placing these buckets in the stalls so the horses can’t move them yet be easily removed for cleaning & filling? Thanks.

Peggy

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW DEBBIE RESPONDED.
CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO DEBBIE!
Copyright 2010 Ramm Fence Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. *This is a vintage letter, not the original as submitted to RAMM. But we thought it had great style! Image Used With Permission.

Get a FREE copy of our 96-page catalog here:

January 14, 2010 Posted by rammfence | Horse Fencing, Horse Stalls, How-To Articles, Information About RAMM, Testimonials from RAMM customers, Training and Riding | | No Comments Yet