Horse Owner Basics

If you've ever made a New Year's resolution—only to abandon it by the time mud season hits—you're not alone. Big goals sound great in January, but the ones that actually stick tend to be smaller, more realistic and easier to work into your daily horse care routine.

Clean tack isn't just about appearance — it's safer, more durable and more sustainable. You can think of it as a skin care routine, since that's exactly what it is! One tack retailer and consignment shop shares tips for how they clean all kinds of consignment tack for sale in their shop.

Fall represents a season of change, and that can affect your horse's health in big ways. This is why it's important to stay on top of his health during this critical time. Have you had your veterinarian perform a fall health check-up?

The summer months are the most anticipated, yet barely tolerated, months for most horse owners. We praise the longer days for more time at the barn, but we curse the heat that makes the middle portion of the day miserable for both human and horse. If you live in a portion of the country where humidity hits its peak and you learn more about corn sweat than you ever thought possible, it makes things feel even worse.

Worried about your horse in the summer heat? Discover signs of overheating and how to safely manage your horse's health in hot weather.

It's time to hit the road with your horses. Whether you're going for an overnight trail ride, an open fun show or a long road trip, adventures await you and your horses once you clip the chains and release the parking brake of your horse trailer. Before you hook your trailer to your truck, though, it's important to go through a checklist for safety precautions as well as a checklist to make sure you have everything you need when you get to the trails or horse show.

Horses should have access to clean water year-round; however, as temperatures rise, keeping the trough clean becomes more challenging due to the growth of algae. Frequent cleaning is vital to keep the water fresh and inviting, especially if you use plastic tanks.

Just as certain as death and taxes are for humans, so are flies and biting pests for horses. Warmer temperatures bring out more flies. There are a variety of fly control products that you can buy to use around the barn and on your horse, but while shopping, you might question are these products are worth the investment. Why do I need to protect my horses from the flies?

Springtime is notorious for crazy weather patterns. No matter where you are in the country, a spring day can start off needing a coat to ward off the cold, ramping to a short-sleeved shirt-required afternoon and culminating in a stormy evening. Severe weather season can be a scary time for horse owners, but it’s a little easier if you prepare for what you can control.

Equestrians are known for being just a little obsessed with their horses. But getting good photos? That’s another story. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera or years of experience to take better pictures of your horse. With just a few simple tricks, you can level up your snapshots—whether you're using a smartphone, a point-and-shoot, or a DSLR/mirrorless setup.

What do baling twine, grain bags, supplement containers and scraps of leather have in common? They are all precious horse owner collectibles! Most times, we save it all because we believe there will be a future use for it somehow, but most of the time, the pile just keeps growing and growing and growing. Early spring is the perfect time to clean out and refresh the barn as you prepare for the hustle of spring and summer. Having a decluttered barn can welcome in the change of season.