Tips for Minimizing Your Horse’s Stress

April is stress awareness month. This movement is not only for humans, but for animals too. Your horse may not have the same causes for stress or ways to relieve it; however stress is still a large contributor to long term problems. Anxiety in horses can lead to digestion, behavior and cardiovascular system problems. Colic and other stomach complications are also repercussions that can be caused by stress.   

1. Socialization – Allow your horse to run and play in the pasture. Horses are social animals and enjoy playing and spending time with each other. Time out in the pasture will also allow your horse time to graze. Grazing makes up to 70% of your horse’s diet.

2. Exercise – Be sure to exercise your horse regularly. Horses can become bored in their stalls and need to spend time working.

3. Diet – Keep an eye on your horse’s diet. Grazing will help to cover a substantial amount of his/her diet. If your horse is not out grazing, consult a veterinarian on how much grain and hay to feed. Over feeding can cause problems such as colic.

4. Human Interaction – Interact with your horse on a daily basis. Horses enjoy the bond developed between horse and rider. As you interact with your horse, use a calm voice and a gentle hand. Horses base their mood on the moods around them.

Personalized Keepsakes at Rods.com

Keepsakes are a great way to treasure loved ones and special events in your life. Honor your two-legged and four-legged friends by keeping them close to your heart with personalized items. At Rods.com, we have many options for you to choose from.

Personalized Bracelets and Key Chains – Remember your four-legged friends with personalized padded name bracelets and key chains.

Tote Bags – Give your special Cowgirl or Cowboy something of their own! These totes are embroidered with your lil’ cowpoke’s name and favorite design.

Horsehair Bracelets – The perfect keepsake of your faithful friend. This braided bracelet is made of hair from your own horse.

Glass Pendant Necklace - Have your two-legged or four-legged loved ones always close to you with these beautiful glass pendants. Send us your jpeg photo and you will have a keepsake with you forever.

Tell Us About Your Favorite Justin Boots and Enter to Win FREE Boots!

While Justin Boots has grown considerably since 1879, its principles are the same as the day founder H. J. Justin set them.

“No boot shall ever bear the Justin brand unless it is the very best that can be produced from the standpoint of material, style and workmanship.” 

 

Today Justin makes an array of styles which are designed by some of the leading boot designers in the industry.  There is one thing for certain. Whether you buy a Justin Original Workboot, a traditional western boot or a boot from Justin’s signature Bent Rail line, you will be satisfied with the quality and comfort of your Justin boots.

We are certain you will enjoy your Justin boots as much as our very own boot buyer enjoys hers!

“As a buyer, I see many different brands of boots but the day I tried a pair of Justin’s Bent Rail boots on, my feet smiled!  I love the way they hug my feet and how soft and supple the leather is. It feels more like I am wearing a pair of slippers than boots! I clean stalls, teach riding lessons and show horses in my Bent Rail boots and my feet have never been happier. I can’t wait to wear the new Bent Rail boots with rubber soles which will be available at the end of April. It is amazing that I can get American made boots at such a reasonable price. I am proud to wear Justin boots! “

Tell us about your favorite pair of Justin boots and you will be entered to win a pair of Justin’s Bent Rail boots! Check out our selection of Justin Boots. Contest Closes Thursday, 3/24. Winner will be drawn Friday, 3/25.

Get the Look at Rods.com

Kellie Pickler is one of country music’s brightest stars. During Kellie’s fast rise to stardom she has proven to be an amazing singer/songwriter and a fashion icon. Her unique style combines both traditional western and main stream fashion. Get Kellie’s look at Rods.com.

1. Jeans – Show your Cowgirl Tuff style with dark denim, distressed boot cut jeans. Barbwire detailing on the back pockets give you just the right edge.
2. Boots – Strut your stuff in these western tooled cowgirl boots.
3. Necklace – This beautiful winged heart necklace adds charm to any outfit.
4. Shirt – Whimsically western, this blouse is the perfect addition to any wardrobe!

Spring Cleaning at the Barn

Spring Cleaning is an essential part of your yearly barn routine. During spring cleaning, you can check over the barn to determine everything is in tip-top shape and working order. To make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, make a list and work your way from the top to the bottom. A good cleaning will help ensure harsh winter weather conditions did not damage or affect the barn. Below are some cleaning ideas not to forget.

Organize Tack and Feed Rooms – Spring is a great time to organize and look over what you have. While you are organizing, check to make sure barn essentials are not broken, rusted or damaged. During the winter items like feed buckets, water troughs, and other tack items may have become cracked or rusted due to wet, cold conditions.

Cleaning Cobwebs – During winter, bugs and vermin try and find a warm place away from the cold. Cleaning out old cobwebs from the barn, stalls and hay lofts will help clear out these pests. Don’t forget the ceiling and box fans! Cleaning fans will help them operate more smoothly and ventilate better during the warmer months ahead.

Cleaning and Packing Winter Blankets – Now is the time to launder all of the winter blankets and pack them away until next fall. While laundering, check over each blanket, sheet or hood to determine if there is any wear and tear, and purchase replacements. Store your clean blankets in a tote, bag or original packaging until you need them again.

Clean Hay Loft – Before you bring in the fresh hay for spring, clean out all of the winter flakes. Excess of dust and hay could be a potential fire hazard. It is also a good idea to sweep and scrub down the loft to ensure all of the dust and debris is clear.

Scrub It Down – Give the barn a good scrub down. Clean out stalls, walk ways, doors and windows. Now is the time to remove the dust and grim off. A lot of dust and grim may have built up during the winter months the barn was closed up causing breathing problems for animals and humans.