Throw a party – Cowboy Style

July 4^th, 1776. Marks the day the people of the United State of America established the Declaration of Independence and gained freedom of our lands. It is a day that all Americans celebrate our freedom and our journey in this fine country.  Throughout the country you will find backyard barbeques, festivals, picnics and grand firework displays marking America’s independence. This year, show your cowboy gusto using tips from Rods.

Decorations- Use classic prints such as bandana or denim to authenticate the western style.

• For food and side storage try “Bandana Picnic Bowls” ($39.95).
• Add a touch of horse love with “Beside the Trail Utensils” ($4.99).
• Show your unbridled spirit with western aprons for the chief ($24.95).
• Wrap individual plastic ware sets in a bandana and tie the bundle with a piece of baling twine.
• Use barn wood signs marking the latrine, saloon and vittles.
• Decorate your square dancing floor with western themed lights.
• For your tables’ center piece, use a functioning cowboy lantern.

Vittles-

Ideas:

• Roast a hog or chicken on the spit.
•  Host a chili cook off.
• Organize a picnic basket auction where proceeds go to the local 4H group or another organization.

Food decoration:

• Use “Horse N’ Around Pasta” ($5.95) for an added detail in your pasta dishes.
• A must have for decorated cookies, “Jumbo Western Cookie Cutter Set” ($16.95).

Entertainment-  

• Karaoke to country, both classic and modern country music.
•  Invite friends to bring instruments and have a picking contest.
• Rent a projector and show classic western movies on the side of the barn.
• Square Dancing.
• Invite people to participate in a ceremonial fire with tall tales, singing and of course roasting marshmallows!

Party Favors-

• Mark the experience with a beautifully decorated painted pony mini designed to capture the spirit and heart of horse lovers.

 

                Enjoy all of your Fourth of July activities and celebrations! This truly is a remarkable holiday to spend with family and friends celebrating freedom. We would like to thank all of the men and women who have dedicated and given their lives to ensure freedom throughout our land. Have a safe and happy holiday from all of us here at Rods!

                Please share your celebration stories and any additional ideas for cowboy celebrations and parties!

Wrangler Patriot Program- Be Proud to Be an American

              Wrangler jeans have been the iconic denim of the western community for decades. Bringing a combination of fashion and quality, Wrangler has become a symbol for the American Cowboy. Wrangler Brand is known for giving back to the community through charity drives such the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Clothing line, which helps fund breast cancer research and Rodeo Sponsorships, which help maintain the lifestyle of the American Cowboy. In spring 2010 the newest support from Wrangler was unveiled, the Wrangler National Patriot program.

                  Inspiring patriotism, Wrangler National Patriot lends a helping hand to families of fallen and wounded soldiers. A portion of each sale will go to charities supporting these efforts. National Patriot items include dress shirts for men and women, as well as fashion tees for women. The line will be distributed to select specialty shops only, and through Wrangler and local PRCA rodeo committees across the country.

               Rods.com has the official line available now. Help support our veterans and active military personnel, by showing you are proud to be an American and you wear your patriotism with pride. Together we can make a difference and give back to those who have fought for our freedom.

               Send us a picture of you in your Wrangler gear or comment below on your favorite Wrangler sponsorship program and why!

Tips on Finding a Horse Trainer

Tips on Finding a Horse Trainer

            Achieving excellence in the equestrian show ring comes from many different sources. One of the most important sources is the horse trainer. Horse trainers specialize in many different styles and backgrounds, and can help you excel on many levels. Sometimes though, finding a horse trainer can be a struggle. When you start to look for a trainer, be prepared with a list of qualities and attributes you would like. Below you will find a short list to help get you started.

1. Qualifications- Be sure the expert you are hiring is qualified to help you and your horse succeed. Ask for a resume showing your trainer’s courses and schooling, and verify efforts he/she is making to keep up with rule changes and news through 4H and AQHA. Also ask what other horses he/she has trained and the accomplishments the rider and horse have achieved.
2. Background and References- It is important to ask for references. Speaking to past and present clients will help you figure out how he/she trains, associates, and works with others. A key component in choosing the right trainer is trust.
3. Specialty- Ask what riding discipline and what methods the trainer will be using. If you are set on natural horsemanship, be sure your trainer knows this and is familiar with it. The same goes for riding disciplines. You want to be sure your trainer is teaching you and your horse the riding style you want to excel in.
4. Personality- This may be the most important qualification in choosing a trainer. Be sure you like him/her. Does he talk to you in terms you can understand? Do you trust your life and your horse’s life in his hands? You need to be able to get along well with each other, and work professionally together.

Be prepared when looking for a trainer. There are plenty of good trainers and there is sure to be one that matches your needs. Your trainer may just be the deciding factor on how far you or your horse can go in the equestrian show circuit. Look for trust, dedication and passion. Your trainer should be dedicated enough to push you further (without pushing you or your horse too hard). Both rider and trainer should have a passion for horses and riding. It is dedication and passion that will help you succeed.

Good luck on the hunt for a new horse trainer. Pass this blog along to anyone who may find it useful and to any horse trainers out there!

June: Fight the Filthy Fly month

Horse flies and mosquitoes target horses because they are warm blooded. Mosquitoes and Horse flies are biting flies that feed off of blood.  Flies commonly land around the eyes, because the secretion of the eye is said to be sweet and attractive to the flies.

Flies and mosquitoes are harmful to horses for many reasons. Flies are pests of horses, but do not generally carry diseases. The most common problem flies cause is pain and swelling around the bite. Horses may become unstable and unmanageable when bitten, which is harmful to both horse and rider.

Mosquitoes on the other hand can be very harmful to horses. Some mosquitoes carry West Nile Diseases. West Nile infects the blood of the horse, eventually crossing into the brain causing brain swelling and damage to the functioning of the nervous system. The recovery is painful and very costly.

Unfortunately there is not any way to completely clear your barn or field of flies and mosquitoes. There are several steps to minimize the exposure of your horses to flies and mosquitoes. The first and most important step is minimizing the breeding grounds of these pests by clear any and all unused buckets that are holding water. Mosquitoes and flies breed in water and the larva is semi-aquatic. Next, you can try and limit high humidity grazing times by putting your horses out in the field in the evenings, and early mornings when flies and mosquitoes are less prominent. The only way to dramatically decrease the exposure to flies and mosquitoes is using pesticides, sprays and horse wear.

Let Rod’s help outfit your horse and protect him against pesky mosquitoes and flies with our wide selection of Fly Sprays and Repellants. Rod’s currently has a wide selection of SALE fly and mosquitoes protection.  Items are on sale until August 1^st and while supplies last. Rod’s is also running an exclusive sale for our blogging community to receive 15% off horse care. Enter FLY2010 at check out to receive this promotion.

Please comment below on any fly prevention you use, or what you find helpful. Feel Free to pass this blog along to horse owners, trainers and barn managers and keep the fight against the flithy fly going.

Getting Ready for a Horse Show-

Be prepared for the horse show with Rod’s show circuit checklist.

Grooming/ Bathing-

Make sure your horse is thoroughly bathed with a healthy hair shampoo.  Clip the nose, ears, bridle path, legs and neck where the stray hairs are longer and wiry. Feature enhancing products such as Show Touch Up, Chalk, Hoof Polish or paints can be used if need be.

Braiding and Banding-

Before you do any preparing for braiding or banding, check with your trainer to determine the style of braiding or banding your discipline requires. A great way to polish off the show ring look is to braid or band your horse’s mane. To prepare your horse for braiding or banding you should start by pulling and cutting your horse’s mane. Braiding requires the mane to be 3-4 inches in length. Banding requires 1-2 inches mane length. Comb the mane of any debris, and thoroughly wash it. A great product to use is Quick Braid. Quick Braid will make the mane tacky for an easy grip while braiding or banding.

Things to Pack-

This may sound like your mom the night before the first day of school, but it holds true for horse shows too: Have your outfit laid out ahead of time. Be sure everything coordinates including your hat, boots, outfit and accessories. (Check out Rod’s blog “Show Stopping Colors” for what colors enhance your horse’s features in the show ring.) Bring a camera or a video camera. A video camera allows you and your trainer to review what went right and wrong during the show, and things to work on for next time. Pack your gear. Have everything loaded in the trailer the night before you leave. It is much easier to pack prior to the day of the show, before last minute preparations are being made.

Check Truck and Trailer before Hauling to a Show-

It is best to keep a simple check list to ensure you are ready for short or long trips in the trailer:  Air in tires, lights working, hay in the hay bags, oil change, full tank of gas, and plenty of snacks in the cooler for you and your horse.

Training Tips While at the Horse Show-

Schedule a lesson with your trainer one or two days prior to the show. You’ll want a list of small simple tasks to work on during warm ups prior to your class. These tasks should not be strenuous for you or your horse, just quick reminders for your horse (head down, ect.)

Comments- How do prepare for the horse show? What quirky things do you do before your show (lucky charms, lucky dances or handshakes)?