Spring is in the air! 5 things to consider when prepping your horse for the new season.

Howdy fellow horse lover! Can you feel it? The end of the dreary and cold winter is upon us, and spring is finally here! But before you gallop off into the sunset and enjoy all the fantastic activities and adventures with your equine friend, it's time to do some prep work. Trust me, the more effort you put into preparation now, the smoother your ride will be later on. So, let's get ready to make this spring and season the most enjoyable one yet!

1. Give your stable and paddock a ''spring cleaning''.

First things first, let's start with a ''spring cleaning'' of your stable and paddock. Your furry friend has spent a lot of time snuggled up in there during the winter months, so it's time to give it a good ol' scrub down. Don't be afraid to strip the stall and remove any mats or objects that might have accumulated. Once everything is out, it's time to get scrubbing! And don't forget to disinfect everything to ensure a clean and healthy environment for your horse. But hold your horses, make sure the stable is well-ventilated and aired out while you clean to avoid any respiratory issues. Safety first, always!

Now that the inside is spick and span, it's time to move onto the outside surroundings. Start by taking a walk around the pasture area and give it a good once-over. Check the fences and any outside equipment for any winter damage and ensure that everything is in good working order. And don't forget to assess the surface area within the fences to make sure there are no pesky holes or ruts that could cause any unwanted accidents or injuries.

2. Get your tack and equipment in order.

Yeehaw, partner! It's time to give your tack and equipment some TLC so you can hit the trails with your trusty steed! After months of winter blues, it's important to check your gear for any wear and tear. Ain't nobody want a broken bridle mid-gallop! Give everything a good once-over, looking out for any signs of damage, rot, or weak spots that could make your equipment unsafe. Now it's time to get your scrub on! Grab some warm water and saddle soap and give your gear a good wash.

Don't forget to condition that leather, too! And let's not forget about those little things - give your bits a good clean and wash your brushes in some warm, soapy water. And while you're at it, why not give your Equine Fusion hoof boots a spa day? Scrub off all that grime and dirt that's been caked on, and let them dry in the sunshine. Once they're all fresh and clean, stash them away in their own special shoe bag so they don't get all mixed up with the rest of your gear.

You can find the shoe bag in question by clicking here

3. Schedule a pre-season check up at the vet.

It's time to give your horsey pal the ultimate pre-season pampering! But wait, before you start galloping off into the sunset, there's one more important step you shouldn't overlook - scheduling a pre-season check-up with the vet. Trust me, it's like hitting the refresh button on your horse's health and wellbeing. Since you've already tackled the first two steps and given your stable and equipment a fabulous makeover, it's time to make sure your horse is in tip-top shape too.

The pre-season check-up is like a full-body scan for your horse - checking both physical and oral health (yes, don't forget those pearly whites). With all the changes that come with spring, your horse needs to be ready for any adventure you have planned for them. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it's also the perfect opportunity to renew any necessary vaccines and get a fresh Coggins test. And let's face it, you wouldn't want to miss out on any horse gathering events or shows because of missing paperwork, would you? Just make sure to plan ahead as the Coggins test can take up to 3 weeks to process. So let's get your horse feeling fabulous inside and out, and ready for a season of fun and adventure!

4. Care for those hoofs.

We know you love your horse more than anything, so it's important to make sure those hoofs are healthy and happy. After all, your horse needs to be moving around comfortably and freely all season long.

First things first, let's get those hoofs trimmed up nice and neat. This not only looks great, but it also allows you to take a closer look at how the feet are doing. We don't want any imbalances causing damage to those precious ligaments and joints, right? If you notice any splits or roughness, don't hesitate to call your farrier in a little earlier than planned. Catching these issues early on can prevent them from turning into serious cracks that could leave your horse sidelined for weeks.

Speaking of hoof health, we have an awesome solution for you. That's right, we make shoes that work with the anatomy of the hoof, promoting natural balance, stability, cushioning, blood flow, and rollover motion. No more uncomfortable horses or sore hooves!

Our shoes are designed to give your horse comfort and you ease of mind. They're flexible and conform to your horse's individual hoof and the ground surface, providing support, cushioning, and grip. The horse feels the ground and moves naturally, promoting hoof function and enhancing the horse's welfare, soundness, and performance. Nothing beats the feeling we get when we hear from people who have a happy and healthy horse again!

So, show those hoofs some love this spring and give your horse the best chance to move around pain-free and happily all season long. Trust us, your horse will thank you for it!

If you want to treat your horse with some fresh looking boots for this new season you can check out our various options by clicking here.

5. Prepare for flies and insects, and how to fight back:

Are you ready to fight back against those pesky flies and insects? 'Cause let me tell you, these buzzing buggers can really put a damper on your horse's summer fun. Flies, in particular, are like the ultimate party crashers. They show up uninvited, they don't bring any snacks, and worst of all, they feast on your horse's blood, sweat, and tears. Gross! Not to mention, they could be carrying some nasty diseases that you definitely don't want your horse catching.But fear not! With the warmer weather approaching, it's time to take action and show those flies who's boss. Start by getting rid of their breeding sites - that means cleaning up manure and keeping your stalls and pastures spick and span. Nobody likes a messy house guest, right?Another good tip is to eliminate any moist areas, 'cause that's like a five-star resort for flying insects. And don't forget to hang up some fly repellents and use some fly spray - that'll really give those flies a one-two punch.There are plenty of other ways to tackle this problem, but these tips should give you a great head start.

And there it is! You've done all the groundwork to get your horse ready for action. Now it's time to get out there and let them stretch their legs! But hold your horses before you go full speed ahead. There's one last tip we've got for you. Take it slow and steady! Your horse has been taking it easy during the chilly winter months, so don't push them too hard, too fast. This way, you'll give their muscles, bones, ligaments, and cardiovascular system a chance to gradually build up their strength, and minimize the risk of injuries.

So start off with some easy walks and gradually progress to longer and faster rides. Alright, partner, now you're all set to hit the trails with your happy and performing horse! We've only just begun to scratch the surface of this topic, but we hope these tips will be helpful for you. So go out there, enjoy the sunshine, and have the best spring season yet!







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