Sign up to win a pair of Corral boots!

                    Corral boots are made by the finest leather craftsmen in the world. Throughout the last century expert boot makers have journeyed to the heart of boot making country, Leon Mexico, to join the Corral team. Only the finest exotic materials and leathers are used in the hand crafting process of making Corral boots.

                   The designers at Corral Boot Company study the latest trends in western and fashion industries to create the intricate details of Corral Boots. If you love western boots, you will love Corral boots! Their comfort and fit are like no other boot company. Many of their styles feature a leather sole with rubber infused into the ball of your foot for added comfort, traction and durability. Corral boots will give you the look of a leather boot with the traction of a tennis shoe making them great for all environments. Corral is known for their exotic under lays and beautiful stitch patterns for both ladies’ and men’s boots.

                 Whether you choose a square toe or a western toe, you will be in style in a pair of innovated boots from Corral. Shop www.rods.com for some of Corral’s best selling styles.

Sign up to win a pair of Corral boots at https://www.rods.com/ssl/contest.aspx?code=111510.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle at the Barn

            November 15^th was America Recycles Day, a day that allows everyone across America to join together and help conserve energy and in the fight against global warming. There are small changes that can be made around the barn to help not just on November 15^th, but all year long. Below is a list of simple yet effective ways to reusing and recycling. Please add in the comments below other ways to get involved on America Recycles Day.

Items You can Recycle:

Wood – Burn wood or take it to a recycling plant for disposal. Wood can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfill.

Manure – Manure makes great compost when added to lawn clippings, fallen leaves and wood shavings.

Aluminum Shoes – Recycle aluminum shoes when they are damaged and cannot be reused.

Motor Oil from the Tractor – Properly dispose of any type of motor oil. Most car care centers will take motor oil for recycling and proper disposal.

Items You Can Reuse:

Baling Twine – Baling twine is very versatile and can be used for many things around the barn, such as tying a stall door temporarily.

Shoes – Finding your horse’s shoes in the field is not only a great way to save money, but to reuse, saving energy and natural resources.

Patterns – Save all your pattern sheets and put together a binder at the barn with horse show patterns for others to use and reuse.

Blankets and Tack– Donate any outgrown blankets or unwanted tack, which are not damaged, to other people at the barn or to a local animal shelter.

Plastic Containers –You can reuse the container to carry feed, bath supplies and treats. Once the plastic container becomes broken or damaged, you can recycle it!

Cardboard – Shred cardboard and reuse it for bedding.

Feedbags – Feedbags can be reused as trash bags.

Redesigning or Building a barn?  Use eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic boards and mats made from recycled rubber.

Brands for the Active Lifestyle – Cinch Jeans

In 1996, Rocky Mountain Clothing Company based in Colorado introduced a brand designed to give fashion, sophistication and quality to the active cowboy who lives in his jeans. Cinch brand has become a revolution to the western industry. By providing cowboys the option of quality western jeans, woven shirts, tee shirts, outerwear, and accessories inspired by the attitude and values of the western lifestyle, Cinch has proven to be a mainstay in the western world.

 Today Cinch Jeans continue to lead the western industry providing quality and fashion forward trends. Cinch was introduced in March 2010 as the new sponsor for the National High School Rodeo Association, as well as various other organizations, keeping Cinch an influential part of the western community.

At Rod’s you can find new styles and shipments each month of Cinch apparel. As one of Rod’s largest and best selling brands, Cinch apparel is continually changing at Rod’s.

**Limited Time Offer – Entry to win a Cinch duffle bag! Add a comment below telling us why you love the Cinch brand. We will randomly draw 1 winner on Monday, November 15, 2010.

Happy Veteran’s Day from Wrangler and Rod’s

   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.

    Buy a Wrangler National Patriot Shirt this Veteran’s Day, and Rod’s and Wrangler will each donate $5 for a total of $10 Dollars to charities assisting wounded or fall veterans and their families.               

Lend a Helping Hand and Inspire Patriotism.

Rod’s Check List for Winterizing the Farm

Whether you are a rancher with 200+ head of cattle in Montana, or a small horse farm in Ohio, preparing for winter is essential in keeping your barn in operating condition. Winterizing your barn helps prevent damages from harsh weather, helps keep your livestock healthy and comfortable, and aids in fire prevention during the long winter months. To keep winter preparations simple and easy, develop a check list to help prevent mishaps during the cold weather. Below is Rod’s check list for winterizing the farm.

1. Give Your Farm A Once-Over – Check fencing, the roof, stalls and pastures for any necessary repairs. Neglecting even the smallest of repairs can cause major problems during winter.
2. Heated Water – Now is the time to bring out the heated water bucket or trough to prevent water from freezing and make sure your animals have a water source.
3. Salt Walkways – Slick and icy walkways and entrances can be harmful for both animals and humans. Help prevent falling or slipping by keeping a bag of salt near the walkway and salt often! Even the smallest amount of snow or rain could make for an unsafe walkway.
4. Heat Tape – Heat tape is a great way to prevent faucets from freezing. It can be found in most hardware stores and is a quick and easy way to winterize this winter.
5. Lanterns – It is always a good idea to keep a battery operated lantern in the barn in case of a power outage.
6. Stock Up – Stock up on hay, grain, and winter blankets for the barn. You never know when a large snow front will come through and make roads inaccessible.
7. Halter/Lead and Blanket – Keep a halter, lead rope, and blanket at every occupied stall for a quick escape in case of a fire.
8. Ventilation – Never completely close up the barn during the winter. Air movement is essential in preventing fires and even respiratory problems for the animals.
9. Animal First Aid Kit – Keep a first aid kit in the tack room in case of an emergency during harsh weather. It may take an extended amount of time for the vet to get to you, or you to get the animal to a vet.
10. Clean Sweep – Move the “Spring Cleaning” to fall, and clear your farm and barn of debris, trash and all flammables.