On the Road Again

The snow is gone, the roads are clear, trees have not yet leafed out which makes visibility good. It's time to harness up my Haflinger and to do some road driving. He's barefoot so this means dusting off his Swiss hoof boots. He knows the routine and obligingly lifts each hoof as if he were shoe shopping.

He's had many miles of road work and is a worthy road warrior. Our community has a few equine drivers, but for the most part, we have to be sure that we are visible to cars and try to take roads that are less traveled (like the name of the book). Semi trucks, motorcycles, noisy mufflers don't phase my Haflinger.

However, every so often there will be a killer balloon on a mailbox or a garbage can of a different color that catches his attention. Usually with encouragement he'll trot past. Of course none of these "monsters" give him the slightest trouble on the way home.

There's nothing like watching life glide by at 5 miles per hour.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Fly Predators

The first year that I brought a horse to my property I was in shock one day when I went to my barn to find flies buzzing everywhere and I felt like I was in the fly version of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". Mind you I had one horse at the time. I might add that I am surrounded by neighbors who raise cattle.

Heading to Home Depot like an Indy racer, I stocked up on fly paper and traps in the hopes of outwitting those pests. We had some relief, but the last straw was when I saw hundreds of flies sunning themselves on my deck which is 200 feet from the barn. Did they think this was their version of Spring break? Was I supposed to serve cold beer?

Planning early the following year I ordered Fly Predators and eagerly awaited my first shipment. Fly predators sole purpose in life is to live on manure and eat fly larvae. It's a beautiful life. They don't bother anyone else, are barely visible and reportedly are in the wasp family but don't sting.

The package arrived with several small cocoons. I eagerly awaited for them to start to hatch before I sprinkled them on manure. It's not overnight magic, but having done this for several years I can tell you there has been significant improvement even with cattle surrounding us.

In addition, this year I'll be experimenting with hanging zip lock bags of water with a few pennies in them. Sounds like making a wish, but I've read several recent articles about how this repels flies. I'll keep you posted.

Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Fly Away, The Sequal

I did a little research on the Internet looking for the ingredients for the natural, homemade fly spray I wrote about. The ingredient that mystified me the most was the ploysorbate 20. This sounded rather ominous, but it turns out that it's an oleic acid derived from olive oil and is said to be non irritating.

There are numerous websites for essential oils, so you can price shop and shop for good shipping deals. I found a website named silkyscents.com which seemed to have a wide variety of essential oils. Another website named makingcosmetics.com is where I found polysorbate 20 which is used as an emulsifier for the spray.

Can't wait to smell all of these ingredients mixed together. If nothing else we'll come off the trail defying our usual post ride odor.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Equine Affaire

There are only three Equine Affaires in the country. One in California, another in Massachusetts and the third in my home state of Ohio at the Ohio State Fair Grounds in Columbus. I've made an annual pilgrimage to Equine Affaire the past 12 years because I never fail to learn something new (of course the fabulous shopping doesn't hurt either).

This year EA starts April 8Th and runs through Sun., April 10Th. One admission fee entitles you to attend as many seminars as you wish that day. There are one day passes and passes for all four days. It's also opening season for funnel cake consumption, but my cholesterol level only allows me one funnel cake per year and I don't want to blow it all in April.

The seminar schedule will make your head spin there are so many choices. Here are a few that have caught my eye: "Improving Your Driven Dressage Score", "Equine Photography: Capturing the Horse in Still and Live Action" ( how about how to get ears pointing forward),"Improving your Horse's Hazard Driving Performance", "Emergency Care for You and Your Horse on Trail", "Equitreking, Top Ten Places to Ride Before You Die".

The whole experience is a blast, and it's a great way to rethink and to review your current horse care and riding practices. So see you there.

Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Fly Away

I can't believe that it's that time of year but I'm planning my war on flies already. It's me against them, take no prisoners. They may have the numbers but hopefully I've got the brains. Of course their species has been around longer than mine, but mine knows how to accessorize and that's worth something, right?

I recently came across a recipe for a natural fly spray you can make at home assuming that you can find the essential oils to do so. I'm curious to smell this concoction. No self respecting fly would want to land and fly away smelling like a potpourri. This formula was posted on equisearch.com so here it is:

2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 cups cold tea, sage or chamomile
20 drops eucalyptus oil
20 drops citronella oil
10 drops lavender oil
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops cedar oil
20 drops emulsifier such as polysorbate 20

Can't wait to try this cocktail on the horses to keep the pesky flies away. I'll keep you posted on my success finding these ingredients.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Back in the Saddle

It seems like an eternity since I've ridden when in fact it's been four months. I was released today from physical therapy for my Achilles tendinitis so I zipped home to load up my Fox Trotter for an indoor arena maiden voyage. Under all that mud was still my girl.

My mare loaded and unloaded with no problem, but the 60 degree weather and the remains of her winter coat set her into a series of yawns that made me chuckle. Imagine wearing your down parka while jogging in rapidly warming temperatures. My tack was not well organized nor was it clean, but what the heck, I had to seize the moment.

My Fox Trotter did everything that I asked of her and it was as if we hadn't missed a beat. At eight years old she's so sensible and so sweet. In previous years she wasn't that happy about arena exercises, but this year she was a willing partner even though her preference is to be on trail with an adventure around every corner. Our next ride will be on trail, although there's always the threat of a March renegade snow.

Thank heaven for spring, and happy trails, Kathy

Horsedrivensite.net

Learn to Ride

Having horses as part of my life is such a source of joy. For those of you who have always loved horses, my suggestion is to learn as much about the sport and find a good instructor. Yes it is a sport and with any sport it requires instruction and knowing the rules of safety.

I came across a great little book for would be riders of all ages, although it is called the "Young Riders Handbook , Better Riding" (or should we say the young at heart). It's a very basic book, but well written and it covers so many important safety and horse relating tips like "horses have their days when they are not feeling their best just as we do, but if bad behavior or apparent discomfort persists, then ask for help". This may sound too basic, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore signals horses are sending out to riders (sometimes with dire consequences)

Other topics covered are mounting and dismounting, signs of discontentment or fear in the horse, transitions, the mechanics of different gaits, different styles of riding. There is an excellent explanation of impulsion and collection that any beginning rider will treasure for its illustrations and for its simplicity.

Jo Bird is the author of this fine instructional tool. This book makes a great gift for any newbie rider.

Happy Trails, Kathy
Horsedrivensite.net

Mud Rules

My horse trailer has finally been released from its snow prison, the result of a very snowy February. With the current rain and melting snow we've entered the MUD season. Having been through this for several years, I've realized that there are a few simple rules that can make life a little easier.

1. Have lots of extra clean jeans. No matter how high your boots are the mud can jump higher.

2.Get your dog to the groomer and have him sport a hairless look; it's much easier to keep clean.

3.Even 4 wheel drive is no match for the frosting of mud over the frozen earth. Stay on the pavement.

4.Horses love mud, but too much exposure can cause foot soreness, or infections. Get used to the sound of them kicking the stall to get out.

5.Be a good sport and only ride trails that are well drained and prepared for this seasonal mess.

And most of all, enjoy the other signs of spring that keep us hopeful.

Happy Trails, Kathy
Horsedrivensite.net

Winter Drip

My Springer Spaniel sat next to me on the glider near out fire pit, his eyes closed, nose to the sun, soaking in the rays that had been hidden for so long. I sat watching winter melt away one drip at a time, each drop sparkling in the sun like diamonique bargains on QVC.

I watched my Fox Trotter soak up the rays as well and I thought about what led me to this breed. Of course comfort was the big drawing card. I couldn't picture my aging spine tolerating much more vertical movement. Think I've shrunk about a half inch already and who needs to speed that process? A sure footed horse is what I needed and one that could cover long distances quickly and love doing it too.

Since this breed is favored by the U.S. Forrest Service I though now there's a few mile to cover, count me in.

Just a few more drips and we'll be riding again and not a moment too soon.

Happy Trails, Kathy Horsedrivensite.net

Foxie Withdrawal

It's been three months since I've ridden. The physical therapy for my Achilles tendinitis is working slowly, and hope to be back in the saddle soon. It seems that I'll never get my trailer out of the snow, but signs of spring are emerging. The Easter candy is in full bloom in all the stores, skunks are on the move (saw my first skunk road kill this morning),our snow man is melting leaving his eyes on his chin, and his carrot nose on the ground, so there is hope.

I know my Fox Trotter will need little time to get back into the routine because she's that awesome.

Happy Trails, Kathy Horsedrivensite.net

Greener Pasture While Going Green

Of course going green applies to the equine community, so being earth friendly I recently purchased a book titled Eco-horsekeeping by Lucinda Dyer. I try to use eco-friendly products in my home and hunt various markets for reasonable organic foods, but hadn't given much thought to my horses and my barn. I've been using fly predators for several years and am very happy with the results, and I use only natural shampoos and conditioners to prevent polluting the ground water. Every spring when the dandelions are in full bloom my husband and I have our annual conflict about what to do about those prolific yellow blossoms. My stance is to learn to love the dandelions.

This is a nice little manual and a quick read and reference book which is what we all love with our busy schedules. The contents cover everything from earth friendly cleaning, water conservation to pest control, land management, manure management and organic pet practices. Here are some of my favorite suggestions that I'm considering incorporating into my horse life. Going batty isn't what you might think (although winter is certainly testing me). With the ability to eat 1000 mosquitoes per hour, what's not to love about a bat? OK so you freak at the memory of childhood stories of bats getting tangled in your hair (and of dragon flies sewing up your mouth), but we're grown ups now! A bat house is able to house 50 plus bats, so this sounds like a win win to me. The book details how and where to place the bat house as well as ongoing care. Have thought about trying goldfish in the water trough to keep down mosquito larvae, but keep picturing some poor little fish in the bowels of my Fox Trotter. Remember Pinocchio in the whale?

There are reference to websites that tell you how to build your own inexpensive horsefly traps, how to manage soil and water conservation, deet free bug repellents that are worth using, and websites for equipment to harness solar and wind energy. The book contains individuals' stories of what they've found to be effective for managing horses and their environments in a green manner. Since I'm in Northeast Ohio and winter is providing me with a sabbatical from trail riding my Fox Trotter, this is a great time for me to plan how I might change some habits to create a better environment for all of us. So make a quick click to Amazon.com and treat yourself to a wealth of love the earth information

Happy Trails, Kathy Horsedrivensite.net