Short days combined with cold weather can trigger seasonal depression, even for the happiest of people. You are not alone! Horse can help fight the winter blues through a combination of physical activity, emotional connection, and engaging, focused activities that provide purpose and social interaction.
Even if outdoor riding is limited, there are many activities you can do:
If you find that the winter blues persist and significantly impact your daily life, it's important to seek professional help. Equine-assisted therapy, facilitated by a mental health professional and an equine specialist, can be a valuable complementary treatment for symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or depression.
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The Gypsy Vanner, famed for their beauty and adored for their personalities. In this episode travel to America's Gypsy Vanner Foundation Farm as we learn the story of how the breed came to be, meet one of the most viewed Gypsy Vanner Stallions in the world and go for a ride on the incredible black stallion, BB King!
Read more: One Woman's Quest: The Beautiful Gypsy Vanner (5:32)
Clipping livestock or equine before a show does not have to be overwhelming. With so many clippers, blades, and styles to choose from, it is easy to get confused. Roxanne Zenner from Andis, breaks down what is needed to choose the right blades, maintain equipment, and clip effectively.
Clipper blades can be found in detachable blades or adjustable blades.
All detachable blades are interchangeable with industry-standard clippers, including brands like Andis, Wahl, Oster, and Heiniger. Blades from different brands can also be used together, allowing flexibility for grooming needs. When changing out blades, turning the clipper on while installing ensures proper alignment. Detachable blades are made from stainless steel or ceramic. With ceramic, blades stay sharper longer, heat up slower, and leave fewer track lines, helping prevent going over the same spot multiple times. Blades are also available in wide or fine-tooth versions.
Adjustable blades, usually found on trimmers, allow manual changes to the cutting length and work best for cleanup rather than full-body clipping.
The numbers on the blades indicate hair length. Lower numbers leave hair longer, while higher numbers cut it shorter.
New to clipping? Start with guards on the blades. Guards provide a forgiving cut, reducing the risk of taking too much hair at once, and help develop a feel for the clippers and blades. Once confident, remove the guards for more precise, controlled strokes.
The choice between corded and cordless clippers often comes down to convenience, budget and preference. Cordless clippers match corded units in power and are ideal for barns or areas without easy access to electricity. Corded clippers provide uninterrupted power, which can be reassuring for longer clipping sessions.
Clippers are available in a range of speeds, from 2,500 - 6,500 strokes per minute, and can feature one-speed, two-speed, or five-speed options depending on the model.
Proper blade maintenance prolongs the life of both the blade and the clipper. Oiling blades after each use is essential to prevent rust and preserve performance. For extended clipping sessions and disinfection, Cool Care Plus can be applied to blades to keep them cool and reduce the risk of spreading viruses.
Blade Care Plus can be sprayed directly on the blade or used to gently immerse and run the blade, rinsing away excess hair and buildup. Store blades properly, protected from the elements, to prevent rust and damage.
Blades should be replaced or sharpened if they leave track lines, snag or fail to cut smoothly. Slow performance or unusual noises may indicate that the Blade Drive or Hinge Assembly, located under the Drive Cap, need replacement.
Before clipping, bathe and brush the animal thoroughly. This reduces stress for the animal, the clipper, and the handler. Introduce the clipper gradually, letting the animal feel the vibrations and hear the noise. Placing the running clipper gently against the animal helps them adjust before full clipping begins.
Understanding clippers, blades, and proper technique ensures a smooth grooming experience and helps animals look their best for any show.
The chart below provides a quick guide to the best blade choices for different areas of the animal. Chart provided by Andis.
Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our show / grooming supplies category at ValleyVet.com.
All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.
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From This Mustang Life - Jamie Baldanza - I’ve decided to use my voice and skills to help bring awareness to America’s Wild Horses & Burros. Being from New Jersey, an area of the United States with very little experience or positive exposure to America’s wild horses, I realized that they ARE desperately in need of more engaging and constructive publicity. In the face of their ongoing battles to stay on the range and for those 45,000 captured wild horses who are in need of adoptive homes, my goal with the docu-series "Taking Back The West" is to heighten America’s awareness through beauty, truth, and in-film documentation. I hope to help save our iconic western heritage, and collaboratively find solutions that will work for all special interest groups involved in our public lands.
Read more: Taking Back The West - The Story of an American Icon (3:28)
by Bonnie Marlewski-Probert
Excerpted from her book, The Family Pet Treat Cookbook available at horsetalesforthesoul.com. More than 175 healthy recipes that are sure to please all the cats, dogs and equines in your life!
The holidays are upon us. A time of year filled with peace, love, good friends and your favorite holiday goodies. While you are busy baking your favorite holiday cookies, don’t forget your horses! We’ve included three of our favorite holiday goodies from The Family Pet Treat Cookbook which includes healthy, all-natural goodies for all the felines, canines and equines in your life.
If your barn is hosting a pot luck dinner, why not bring a dessert dish for the horses using one of our fun recipes below. Or, consider making holiday stockings for each horse in your barn and stuffing them with healthy treats. Remember that all treats should be fed to your horses in moderation, a lesson we could all stand to learn especially around the holidays!
2 cups flour
1 cup oats
1/4 cup molasses
10 crushed peppermints
2 apples
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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