With springtime quickly approaching, and warmer days on the horizon, we thought we would share with you our favorite products and gear that we find most helpful as we care for our Miniatures this time of year. We hope you enjoy these tried-and-true recommendations geared towards you and your horse’s comfort and happiness this Spring!
Equestrian Springtime Essentials:
Quilted Vest – A thin quilted vest is a wonderful way to remain warm in the early mornings but is easy enough to open or remove as you go about your morning routine.
Thin Work Gloves – Now that the days are growing warmer, it’s time to trade in your winter gloves for a thinner, cooler pair. Cotton gardening gloves or thin leather work gloves are perfect for springtime barn chores. From picking stalls, pushing the wheelbarrow, carrying hay bales, and mending fences, it’s always helpful to have a pair of gloves handy!
Hat – A hat is a must when you are working outdoors. From ball caps, to bucket hats to wide brim sunhats, the protection you receive is priceless. Whenever possible, try to ensure your ears and neck are shaded as well as your full face!
Sunscreen – As temperatures warm and you begin to spend more time outdoors, it is highly recommended that you regularly apply sunscreen for protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face, neck and ears even if you are wearing a hat! And don’t forget the back of your hands if not wearing gloves!
Rubber Boots – Rubber boots are highly recommended for any horse or farm owner. They are a necessity for keeping your feet dry from the morning dew, mud, muck or frequent spring showers. They are also invaluable when you are bathing horses.
Crocs or Other Alternative Shoe – When working around the farm and performing chores that do not directly involve the handling of animals, it can be helpful to wear a Croc style shoe or some other alternative form of footwear. This can help alleviate foot pain that has been known to be caused from extended use and prolonged wear of boots and other forms of footwear. Please note that closed-toed shoes are always recommended whenever working around livestock!
Equine Springtime Essentials:
Stiff Body Brush – A stiff body brush can be very helpful in the springtime. Its stiff bristles work well to knock off dry mud as well as remove thick hair as it loosens throughout the shedding process.
Shedding Curry – A metal shedding curry can be a very useful tool to help remove your horse’s thick winter coat.
Shedding Blade – A metal shedding blade is another great tool to use to help shed your horse’s thick winter coat.
Clippers – Some horses develop a very thick winter coat and or have difficulty shedding in the springtime and can benefit from a trace clip. This will help those with especially warm coats from becoming too hot on warmer days. Because temperatures can fluctuate significantly this time of year, it is not recommended that you fully body clip your furry friend just yet. For some horses who are unable to shed on their own, this may eventually be necessary but hold off a few more weeks until temperatures are reliably warmer, and the fear of potential frosty nights or cold rains have passed.
Happy springtime from our farm to yours!