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Spring Cleaning       

Spring has sprung! Everyone has the “bug” to get out and get going, especially here in Central NY where spring came 3- 4 weeks early! But with early spring comes early pests and problems too.

Does your property tend to be wet in spring time? Do your horses trek or stand in mud and yuck? DO you battle scratches?

A Few quick To-Do’s….

Rinse your horses’ legs once a day. Or at least brush off mud once dried.

Keeping them clipped helps to eliminate mud clinging.

Cleaning/treatments: I have found these all to work at one time or another: Betadine scrubs once the scratches are adhered. A mixture of SWAT with Preparation H or similar products will coat/heal/eliminate scratches forming. Bad cases may need a little tranquilizer with your vet helping you to clean these up. YOU MUST CLEAN THESE UP! They become painful and lameness can ensue.

Tails- you can indeed braid up your tails or even bag them. Do NOT Leave them braided, tied or bagged for more than a couple of days. French braiding is NOT recommended as it can damage the dock bone if done too tightly. Remember too, if your horses are indeed out a lot, they might appreciate a loose tail to swat away those springtime flies.

Fly sheets- these are great for those horses that are outside a lot and bug intolerant. Although white and fairly light weight, they do cause a lot of extra sweating in the hot rays of the sun. Don’t over heat your horse and cause a new problem while combating another!

Vaccinations: I am NOT a vet. I AM a responsible, logical horse owner. We do not have epidemics in the area BECAUSE we vaccinate against disease. Yes, proper vaccination seems to be getting much more costly, but if you own a horse, you OWE him/her the protection, plain and simple. No excuses.

Fitness: your horse likely had the winter off. Do not over-do it the first few rides. He is out of shape just like you may be! Think about the return to the gym, or your running path after taking weeks or months off…. Trotting and bending circles are basics; ground poles make them work a little more getting those legs, shoulders and stifles moving; and an easy trail ride is a great mental break.

So, get out there, have fun, and take care of your ride!