Lacy Hawkins
Lacy Hawkins is a San Francisco-based fan of Western horse raising and man of faith.
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Keeping Your Horse Protected During Winter Months
Caring for a horse does not include neglecting one’s duties during the winter. While the horse may stay indoors more, the weather conditions will worsen outside. Every horse needs many weeks of care and maintenance to stay healthy.
Supply more water
A caretaker should increase the volume of drinking water that is given to a horse. More water is needed to prevent dehydration and colic and increase tolerance to the cold. The average 1,000-pound horse needs ten or more gallons of water every day...
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Caring For Older Horses
Unlike people, horses’ health depends upon what they eat and the care and exercise they receive. Studies show that there are several key factors that have increased horses’ healthy lifespans that allow them to remain productive and content as they grow older.
Better NutritionAs horses age, chewing becomes difficult, so owners must find alternatives to mixed grain, oat feeds, and alfalfa pellets. Senior feeds have the right balance of minerals and vitamins for the increasing demands of these h...
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The Horse Domestication Process
Domestication is when a wild animal is taken into captivity and tamed. In the US, there are still wild horses roaming free in some areas, which means domestication can still happen to this day. Domestication helps to increase the gene pool in animals, and it can assist in the creation of new breeds. For a look into horse domestication, read on to find out the steps that go into it.
Show the horse you are friendly.
Wild horses may be fierce and dangerous under bad circumstances, but they are m...
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How to Care For Horses As You Age
When it comes to owning horses, it is much easier to get everything done when you are younger and have more energy. Although many people are physically capable of keeping up with these chores, some people may grow tired of keeping up with it every day, or they may simply not care to spend a significant amount of time caring for their horse. Additionally, some people may decide to downsize to a smaller home or retirement community, which can be an issue if their horse is housed on their land. ...
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More Common Horse Illnesses
Taking care of your horse means taking care of its health in all ways. Understanding common illnesses and how to treat them is a task far too many horse owners are not adept at. However, in some cases, not noticing the signs early enough can be a life-or-death situation for a horse. I recently wrote an article about some common illnesses in horses, but there are so many more that I decided to write a second part that covers other common illnesses.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative Joint...
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Skills You Need to Become a Horse Owner
Horses are animals that require a significant amount of attention. As you would expect, this means horse owners need to have the skills to properly take care of them. Before buying a horse of your own, make sure you are confident in the following abilities.
Dexterity
If you own horses, you likely are riding them, too. To be a skilled rider, you have to be dextrous, as riding requires a lot of precise movement. Although you do not need to have perfect fine motor skills, being in control of you...
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Types of Western Bits
When getting your first horse, you may have stumbled upon a list of equipment, or tack, that you need to raise your horse properly. Bits are one necessary component of tacks, as they work in conjunction with a bridle and reins to control a horse’s mouth. Bits specifically focus on the horse’s mouth, and is one of many tools that allows riders to signal to horses. There are many kinds of bits available, and the following are only a sample of the bits available to Western riders.
Hanging Cheek Snaffle
Although snaffle bits are commonly seen in English horse riding, the hanging cheek snaffle is
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Training Tips for Horses
Training a horse is not the same as training another animal. New horse owners may underestimate the amount of work it takes, and may resort to tactics that are less-than-desirable. The following tips will help anyone who is unfamiliar with training a horse to understand what goes into this feat.
Respect Your Horse
The most important tip is to develop a mutual respect with your horse. Your horse will respect you if you take proper care of it. Your horse will feel respected when you do not push it too far. Love your horse genuinely and it will work with you, not against you.
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Spotlight: Western Riding Horses Part 2
Recently, I posted an article where I talked about western-style riding horse breeds and their characteristics. However, there were so many breeds to choose from that I decided to write a second part and give more time to some more great horses. Today, we’ll look at a few more horse breeds that are great for people who love trail riding and other western-style horse riding activities.
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Spotlight: Western Riding Horses Part 1
When it comes to western riding horses, there are many different breeds that have their own unique traits. Whether you are looking to get into western-style horseback riding, or are simply a fan of horses, it can be helpful to understand the differences between these horses. Although the following is not a comprehensive list of every western riding horse, this article will break down the traits of a few common breeds.
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Proper Grooming for Your Horse
When buying a horse for the first time, it is essential to understand how to take care of your horse. While different breeds have unique needs, most horses require similar care when it comes to grooming. Do not delay in learning how to properly take care of your horse.
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Best Horses for Ranching
When taking over a ranch, owners need to consider the horses they are bringing on to help them her their cattle. Not all horses are created equal, and some horses, called “Stock horses,” naturally do better in these environments than others. Picking the right breed for your ranch is essential, so read on to find out which horse breeds to consider when making your decision.
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How Diet Can Impact Your Horse’s Health
Diet can have a major impact on health. That doesn’t end at humans; horses’ diets can play a major role in the quality of their life. Unfortunately, feeding your horse a nutritious diet is not as simple as letting it graze. To maintain your horse’s health, read on to find out more about what factors go into a healthy horse’s diet, as well as what can happen if you do not adjust your horse’s diet.
Nutrients
Every animal needs nutrients. Nutrients are what allows the body to function, so when t...
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What to Consider When Buying a Horse
Buying a horse is a serious commitment. Just like raising any animal, horses need special treatment to live good lives. There are so many factors you must consider when deciding whether you are ready to buy a horse of your own, so consider these points before making such an important decision.
Time
Taking care of a horse can be a time-consuming activity. You have to feed it, clean up after it, groom it, and more. There are few shortcuts you can take, unless you pay for full boarding for your ...