tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85890246513356491682024-03-12T20:48:24.165-07:00The Horse JunkieThey're like potato chips...you can't have just one!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-59337610371782170922014-02-17T11:06:00.000-08:002014-02-17T11:06:01.745-08:00How I Clean & Condition My Tack<br />
Alright. Let's talk about it...<br />
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Remember in my post <a href="http://thehorsejunkie.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-horse-junkies-new-years-resolutions.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, I promised to start taking better care of my tack? Well, it's happening. Seriously. Do you believe me?<br />
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A week or so ago, I was at The Horse Expo here in Pomona, CA, and I came across a booth called <a href="http://www.rodeodriveconchos.com/" target="_blank">Rodeo Drive Conchos</a> in their vendor buildings. (Which are VERY dangerous, might I add)<br />
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The booth looked like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTIk0MOOhAc/UwJKKRaYJHI/AAAAAAAAAlY/dg2vpkYAV8o/s1600/1604582_588358904565845_17214883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTIk0MOOhAc/UwJKKRaYJHI/AAAAAAAAAlY/dg2vpkYAV8o/s1600/1604582_588358904565845_17214883_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry photo courtesy of their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RodeoDriveConchos" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a></td></tr>
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So, it's hard to see from the photo above, but basically it's a booth with a back wall full of blank tack - headstalls, breast collars, etc. (Some tooled, some not, but all very different styles to choose from) As well as spur leathers, stirrups, keychains, necklaces, dog collars - you name it.<br />
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Here's how it works. You pick out your tack, then bring it to the front where they have trays and trays of different color combinations of conchos, all different sizes, shapes, and finishes. Here, you can play with and design your very own custom tack...yeah, like Build-a-Bear...SO FUN! My friend and I sat there for what seemed like an hour, switching different conchos out, playing with different buckles, etc. If you're worried about pricing, the girl who was helping us stayed right with us, and updated my order totals every time I added or removed a concho - very nice.<br />
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Once I settled on 2 headstalls and a breast collar, she immediately went to work attaching all the conchos - punching holes, tightening them up, she remembered everything I wanted, exactly where I wanted it. Here's how they all came out:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4VBkD3eeH4/UwJMmoh1rPI/AAAAAAAAAmk/C46HZ21kxzs/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4VBkD3eeH4/UwJMmoh1rPI/AAAAAAAAAmk/C46HZ21kxzs/s1600/photo4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I shouldn't quit my day job.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ve66hdQzjyQ/UwJMkWVln3I/AAAAAAAAAmA/H5kh8J_S7MQ/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ve66hdQzjyQ/UwJMkWVln3I/AAAAAAAAAmA/H5kh8J_S7MQ/s1600/photo1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OOOHHH AAAHHH!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWYOL4NJjw/UwJMlTR-J8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/skM6ak-Nd2I/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWYOL4NJjw/UwJMlTR-J8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/skM6ak-Nd2I/s1600/photo2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, that misty morning light! LOL</td></tr>
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Nothing too crazy blingy, but bits here and there. Yes, their items were a bit on the higher side ($$), but it has been literally FOREVER since I bought myself some higher quality tack. Something I really fell in love with. NOW, to take care of it. (Ugh)<br />
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A few days ago on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHorseJunkie" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I asked you all what your favorite leather cleaner/conditioner was...well, here's mine.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ueQkFSvSRk/UwJMmw7G0PI/AAAAAAAAAmo/bxvkTHwD-Ls/s1600/cleaner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ueQkFSvSRk/UwJMmw7G0PI/AAAAAAAAAmo/bxvkTHwD-Ls/s1600/cleaner.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Simple, to the point, Effax Leder-Balsam. Available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Effax-LEATHER-BALSAM-17-OZ/dp/B001YGWTL2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392659932&sr=8-1&keywords=effax+lederbalsam" target="_blank">HERE</a> from Amazon, if you're interested. It has consistently great reviews across the board, and contains ingredients like Lanolin, Beeswax, and Avocado Oil (OH WOW! Things I can pronounce!) to help protect and restore your leather. Funny, the only thing you can't pronounce is the name of the product! HA! I joke, I love you Leder-BLAAAH.<br />
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Alright, now that all the players are introduced, let's get into it...here's my cleaning & conditioning routine, step by step!<br />
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<b>Step 1: </b>Get all your stuff! Not shown, but optional - Q-tips & a brown paper grocery bag. I'll tell you later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoatfH1cdGE/UwJO0Pr1sAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ukdQ9olEtGw/s1600/supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoatfH1cdGE/UwJO0Pr1sAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ukdQ9olEtGw/s1600/supplies.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Effax Leder-Balsam, rags/towels, tack sponges, and a flathead screwdriver.</td></tr>
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<b>Step 2:</b> OK, if this was NOT brand new tack, here's where I'd wipe everything down with a good amount of water, to clean out all the dust out of all of the nooks and crannies so that we have a good starting point, BUT, since this is brand new, I didn't do it today...no pictures. You can handle it. (Let it dry.)<br />
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I'd then use a leather CLEANER, to remove any other sweat, hair, dirt, etc that has found its way onto your tack. Wipe off thoroughly, theeeeen....<br />
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<b>Step 3: </b>Today I'll start off on this tack by removing all the metal pieces that I can...That means any and all conchos, brackets, etc. This tack is all put together by chicago screws, so easy peasy. Set them all aside, ain't nobody got time to clean oil out of those conchos, if it accidentally gets in there!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGztYDVygHg/UwJMnzMiXZI/AAAAAAAAAm0/UCnBDctWoKI/s1600/screw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGztYDVygHg/UwJMnzMiXZI/AAAAAAAAAm0/UCnBDctWoKI/s1600/screw.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah I'm in my pajamas, sue me!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZwBqyt7v0o/UwJMoJV8_HI/AAAAAAAAAm8/-P2b9wlBsRs/s1600/conchos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZwBqyt7v0o/UwJMoJV8_HI/AAAAAAAAAm8/-P2b9wlBsRs/s1600/conchos.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the purdy conchos...</td></tr>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Goop up your tack sponges! This leather didn't bleed, so for this entire job, I was able to use only one sponge - good deal! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGDQKHHYAj0/UwJMo-nuIMI/AAAAAAAAAnA/XHugR5s2V30/s1600/sponge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGDQKHHYAj0/UwJMo-nuIMI/AAAAAAAAAnA/XHugR5s2V30/s1600/sponge.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm gooooop.</td></tr>
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Whenever I have new tack, I condition it twice before it ever sees a horse. (Well, ok, after fitting it of course) New leather tends to be thirsty, as it has never been oil before, so I seriously apply this stuff. Sometimes leaving a bit of residue left on there, in hopes it will soak it up eventually!<br />
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Something I definitely wanted to mention about the conditioner I was raving about...it WILL darken leather a bit. Not a lot, but a bit. I like darker leather anyways, so this has never bothered me, but here's an example of the shade darker that it gets...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHZ7-gqSesg/UwJMjc5AACI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ATErQToPy2s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHZ7-gqSesg/UwJMjc5AACI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ATErQToPy2s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top - Before<br />Bottom - After<br />1 application</td></tr>
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See? Not bad, but I don't need death threats that I didn't mention this. Anyways...continue with this process of applying the conditioner EVERYWHERE. The good thing is, if you buy actual TACK sponges, they compress to very small, making it easy to cram them everywhere to make sure the conditioner is spread throughout everything.<br />
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<b>Step 5:</b> Once everything is coated, I stick it all in a brown paper grocery bag, and shove it in my closet for a couple days. This allows all the goop to be absorbed, and not affected too much by environment, being in that bag. Once it has sat, I pull everything out, and do all the steps over again...one more coat. I know! But your tack will thank me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B75kVztlKg/UwJMjL2GZ_I/AAAAAAAAAls/xrbQP7-r79g/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B75kVztlKg/UwJMjL2GZ_I/AAAAAAAAAls/xrbQP7-r79g/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if you didn't know what leather in a bag looked like.</td></tr>
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As you work through each piece, I GENTLY bend and flex my leather, working it into the cracks. This will help soften that leather over time too. Hooray!<br />
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Back in the bag it goes for another couple days.<br />
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<b>Step 6: </b>After what seems like months of waiting, I pull everything out of the bags, and use Q-tips to get any leftover goop out of the punched holes, big cracks, and crevices of the tooling. Handy! Here's a classy picture:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPwn_9rkiH0/UwJMkzpsrlI/AAAAAAAAAmM/kpqZRc9E33A/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPwn_9rkiH0/UwJMkzpsrlI/AAAAAAAAAmM/kpqZRc9E33A/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DUH.</td></tr>
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If your tack is still a bit goopy, because you went overboard, you can always wipe it all down with the cloths or rags you have....also good for shining and polishing the leather afterwards too. Buff it with the cloth to get these results.<br />
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AAAAND you're done! Just go ahead and reassemble everything and haul it to the barn, praying it never gets dirty again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaOefDiTL4w/UwJMkWlDSlI/AAAAAAAAAmE/jJ7mrC-aWfI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaOefDiTL4w/UwJMkWlDSlI/AAAAAAAAAmE/jJ7mrC-aWfI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just beautiful.</td></tr>
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Interested in further information about Rodeo Drive Conchos? Visit their <a href="http://www.rodeodriveconchos.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, where you can see all of their tack, or contact them <a href="mailto:sales@rodeodriveconchos.com" target="_blank">here</a>, and they can send you a full color, actual size, catalog! Super handy - I grabbed one from their booth when I was there, and will definitely hang onto it.<div>
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Happy Cleaning!</div>
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The Horse Junkie</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">**NOT SPONSORED. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN, AND ALL TACK & CONCHOS WERE PURCHASED WITH MY OWN MONEY.**</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-71069685899050857412014-01-08T14:06:00.001-08:002014-01-08T15:24:57.642-08:00Peppermint Apples Horse Treat RecipeI wanted to quickly share with you a different type of horse treat for you to try out this weekend. No baking involved, for those who are Martha Stewart Challenged! Easy peasy...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, let's just dive in - </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEVfUVfDEaI/UsWSggTeNCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/cuCHtwY2gys/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEVfUVfDEaI/UsWSggTeNCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/cuCHtwY2gys/s400/IMG_1170.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOMEONE needs to clean their grout.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Peppermint Apples</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 large apple</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 shredded carrot</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup oats</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup honey</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5 tablespoons sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 crushed peppermints</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.4em;">What to do...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cut the apples into large chunks. I hope you can handle this. Then I'd suggest towel trying them, so they're not too wet...this will make sense later...right? Then set them aside.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOcBx5lVF1Q/UsWSgBu7hMI/AAAAAAAAAgk/4E0pF2vcLEs/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOcBx5lVF1Q/UsWSgBu7hMI/AAAAAAAAAgk/4E0pF2vcLEs/s400/IMG_1172.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd2B8KIrVVI/UsWSgOfFXQI/AAAAAAAAAgg/AFOgPlpbLwI/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd2B8KIrVVI/UsWSgOfFXQI/AAAAAAAAAgg/AFOgPlpbLwI/s400/IMG_1173.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should be a food photographer.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the honey, peppermints, sugar, and salt in a bowl...I recommend using a spoon!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSzyLxmd-68/UsWSiSyniQI/AAAAAAAAAg8/sJYH9p9A3fo/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSzyLxmd-68/UsWSiSyniQI/AAAAAAAAAg8/sJYH9p9A3fo/s400/IMG_1174.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Opm_p_khbNE/UsWSiAXRgLI/AAAAAAAAAg4/7spoLnNIoqQ/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Opm_p_khbNE/UsWSiAXRgLI/AAAAAAAAAg4/7spoLnNIoqQ/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" height="400" width="397" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are a crazy horse lady's nails ever nice looking?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI8S4osY3wY/UsWSig1CzgI/AAAAAAAAAhA/gAcM_ldukqw/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI8S4osY3wY/UsWSig1CzgI/AAAAAAAAAhA/gAcM_ldukqw/s400/IMG_1177.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eicDwpp4pDA/UsWSkHakMaI/AAAAAAAAAhI/jHIYzSkZqlA/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eicDwpp4pDA/UsWSkHakMaI/AAAAAAAAAhI/jHIYzSkZqlA/s400/IMG_1178.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCSVWwQ6--4/UsWSk7PKHWI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/VwSjE3AchYo/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCSVWwQ6--4/UsWSk7PKHWI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/VwSjE3AchYo/s400/IMG_1179.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooohhh...texture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the oats and carrots in a separate bowl. With a separate spoon.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVo-CHyt6s/UsWSoZ86tgI/AAAAAAAAAho/8_RTQFGCMzY/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVo-CHyt6s/UsWSoZ86tgI/AAAAAAAAAho/8_RTQFGCMzY/s400/IMG_1180.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCTu0iLKc4Q/UsWSmnSXhtI/AAAAAAAAAhc/2DqZUTYO-a4/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCTu0iLKc4Q/UsWSmnSXhtI/AAAAAAAAAhc/2DqZUTYO-a4/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went with a gladware thing, so I would have to do less dishes later...watch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Next, coat the apple chunks in the honey mixture and roll in the oat mixture. Seriously, this is kid stuff.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dB62uD4NnI/UsWSnRVnOBI/AAAAAAAAAhg/Yv-vIlYw5sM/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dB62uD4NnI/UsWSnRVnOBI/AAAAAAAAAhg/Yv-vIlYw5sM/s400/IMG_1182.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U18zm2V9JUw/UsWSpYhnozI/AAAAAAAAAh0/jrWuASGBYm0/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U18zm2V9JUw/UsWSpYhnozI/AAAAAAAAAh0/jrWuASGBYm0/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why you dried off your apple slices...<br />
so stuff would stick to them! If it's still not, try adding more honey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVoykIUHPqc/UsWSqeHme7I/AAAAAAAAAh8/HTRChYRL3Z4/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVoykIUHPqc/UsWSqeHme7I/AAAAAAAAAh8/HTRChYRL3Z4/s400/IMG_1184.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooohhh more texture. I was feelin' it, I guess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place on a plate or tupperware container (SEEE??) and refrigerate until you feed to horses. Try not to eat them all before you make it to the barn.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAW2ylLBm-0/UsWSqbK4vII/AAAAAAAAAiA/9buqnvUixO8/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAW2ylLBm-0/UsWSqbK4vII/AAAAAAAAAiA/9buqnvUixO8/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic horse, optional.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Do not let recipe sit for more than a few days...obviously. The recipe makes plenty for two or more horses, so SHARE! Sheesh.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See? I told you it was a no brainer. I felt silly taking pictures, but it's the internet, you never know who's reading!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See you out on the trail!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.4em;">
The Horse Junkie</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-48559220275834612552014-01-02T08:59:00.002-08:002014-01-02T11:22:54.994-08:00REVIEW: Hairy Back Ranch's "Solo-Ride™"If you know me at all, you know this white girl can't jump. Even a little. Lately, AKA the past YEAR, I have been too lazy to use a saddle when riding on trail, or teaching a lesson, etc. so I have been putting some good use into my <a href="http://www.bestfriendequine.com/western-bareback-pad.htm?zenid=j8a22a741gnrpi6rjgcv65fp12" target="_blank">Best Friend Bareback Pad</a> (Which I love and am obsessed with). But here's the dilemma...once you're on, you're on. Unless you're off, then you're REALLY off. Picture me finding a hill, wall, rock, log, or whatever is in near proximity to my horse to use to try to get back on - NOT pretty (or graceful). Let's just say, I have been know to run up a wall, in order to bank off of it and onto my horse. Thank goodness my horses stand still, (lol) but you see my problem?<br />
<br />
I think the bareback gods (what?) must have been smiling down on me this month, because recently I was sent a very interesting, but totally genius contraption for ground mounting your horse.<br />
<br />
Hairy Back Ranch in BC, Canada, was gracious to send over what they call their "Solo-Ride™". What's that you say? WELLLLL, only the most original and neatest thing to hit the equestrian scene in a LONG time. Seriously.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uRs9HijnX8/UrSByvwQzII/AAAAAAAAAeg/U0m07FUk0Uk/s1600/1239590_247887552026002_737010709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uRs9HijnX8/UrSByvwQzII/AAAAAAAAAeg/U0m07FUk0Uk/s400/1239590_247887552026002_737010709_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a cute logo!<br />
<br />
(All stock images/videos in this review<br />
are pulled from www.hairybackranch.com <br />
with permission)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
Their tagline, which describes it perfectly, is "No rock? No fence? No problem! Get back on your horse anywhere, anytime - Solo-Ride™." Umm, YES PLEASE!<br />
<br />
Before we do ANYTHING, let's watch an educational video. This girl reads instructions before she does things to avoid making a fool of herself!<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGAbrZyGj37i6sXLyOYhpo7qDVFDPoZ4G7-zaGTpWgRTC-WfiA1J2QFzJlLX-K3KmKFCtvn9vdmqHEEB-HgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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OK, that seems reasonable enough, but just in case, here's a visual that stays put. It's even in French, so we can't go wrong:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OQ5yYPZYMM/Ur4QxXY4L2I/AAAAAAAAAfc/Bg1uEMwit5k/s1600/SoloRide-InstructionsForWebsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OQ5yYPZYMM/Ur4QxXY4L2I/AAAAAAAAAfc/Bg1uEMwit5k/s1600/SoloRide-InstructionsForWebsite.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1512968982"></span><span id="goog_1512968983"></span><br /></div>
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First of all, here's what you get in the package:</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGEY2bylFWw/Ur4TkdyBVYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/g9futhYQmlk/s1600/1239861_239854379495986_1566058176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGEY2bylFWw/Ur4TkdyBVYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/g9futhYQmlk/s400/1239861_239854379495986_1566058176_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You get the Solo-Ride™ stirrup, strap, and a fanny pack carrying case. By the way, it comes in a totally cool printed box, too. I'm a sucker for packaging.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7xCeqYbcM/UsWWpO2kFZI/AAAAAAAAAio/Bto6BQlcXt8/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7xCeqYbcM/UsWWpO2kFZI/AAAAAAAAAio/Bto6BQlcXt8/s400/IMG_1307.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio looks THRILLED! Lol</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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Now let's take it to the streets, and see if we can actually do it! </div>
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Step 1: DRAPE</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZTTyfCB2jE/UsWWoTkStyI/AAAAAAAAAis/Qscm3KCx118/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZTTyfCB2jE/UsWWoTkStyI/AAAAAAAAAis/Qscm3KCx118/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t1wbi3P29s/UsWWrrruYOI/AAAAAAAAAi8/97J4Jhh3qeQ/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t1wbi3P29s/UsWWrrruYOI/AAAAAAAAAi8/97J4Jhh3qeQ/s400/IMG_1310.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Step 2: ADJUST</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdVZxh5VGJ0/UsWWtq_5FPI/AAAAAAAAAjM/6RM6e03eVk0/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdVZxh5VGJ0/UsWWtq_5FPI/AAAAAAAAAjM/6RM6e03eVk0/s400/IMG_1311.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOTY SHOT!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwGrdbn-ILo/UsWWu8Ej2rI/AAAAAAAAAjU/5id6yvqjtRE/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwGrdbn-ILo/UsWWu8Ej2rI/AAAAAAAAAjU/5id6yvqjtRE/s400/IMG_1313.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHScmJCrBU/UsWWxXMel_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/QJTNKo38Bzg/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHScmJCrBU/UsWWxXMel_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/QJTNKo38Bzg/s400/IMG_1314.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Jl_O_5bbw/UsWWx-9Ae8I/AAAAAAAAAjk/3ijpK0cbGT8/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Jl_O_5bbw/UsWWx-9Ae8I/AAAAAAAAAjk/3ijpK0cbGT8/s400/IMG_1359.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure that padded piece is on the withers. <br />
(What, no joke here??)</td></tr>
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Step 3: MOUNT</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiSSkNzYzN0/UsWWzNMW_sI/AAAAAAAAAjs/m9G8OX5sk9g/s1600/IMG_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiSSkNzYzN0/UsWWzNMW_sI/AAAAAAAAAjs/m9G8OX5sk9g/s400/IMG_1360.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRuh6sHfupo/UsWW2hbliEI/AAAAAAAAAkA/C-oy2bDIWYY/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRuh6sHfupo/UsWW2hbliEI/AAAAAAAAAkA/C-oy2bDIWYY/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lightweight, aluminum stirrup.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuWWAmgQKSo/UsWW1E_FLII/AAAAAAAAAj0/hijuX3E7tiM/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuWWAmgQKSo/UsWW1E_FLII/AAAAAAAAAj0/hijuX3E7tiM/s400/IMG_1362.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Umm...what are you doing?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Px9crOIC5E8/UsWW3H4RcMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/OOBOWDheDRQ/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Px9crOIC5E8/UsWW3H4RcMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/OOBOWDheDRQ/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told you - style, beauty, and grace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIlePzwEcBw/UsWW6vVYFaI/AAAAAAAAAkY/bLE504odeSY/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIlePzwEcBw/UsWW6vVYFaI/AAAAAAAAAkY/bLE504odeSY/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And with a flick of the tail, I'm on!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7TRjIre31o/UsWW7WG-7ZI/AAAAAAAAAkc/xMlBV5avGwo/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7TRjIre31o/UsWW7WG-7ZI/AAAAAAAAAkc/xMlBV5avGwo/s400/IMG_1365.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Step 4: UNDO</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3zFY5JRnic/UsWW6STmzEI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/xtQvz7pMjK4/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3zFY5JRnic/UsWW6STmzEI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/xtQvz7pMjK4/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-9f8t7b8fI/UsWW9e6e74I/AAAAAAAAAko/wamFSjeivBw/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-9f8t7b8fI/UsWW9e6e74I/AAAAAAAAAko/wamFSjeivBw/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TA DA!</td></tr>
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Man, I'm good. I guess!</div>
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TRUTH: The only thing I found that bothered me about this, (and it's TOTALLY more of a vanity thing) is that fanny packs are soooo OUT. But seriously, get over it, Brianne. I just swung it around behind me, kinda like a backwards baseball cap for my booty, and rode on out. SWEET! It's even got reflective printing on it, so I can't complain too much. Safety first!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6uCWnLeI_k/UsWW_cUXxiI/AAAAAAAAAk0/b-_tOWtPO7U/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6uCWnLeI_k/UsWW_cUXxiI/AAAAAAAAAk0/b-_tOWtPO7U/s400/IMG_1369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, his tail is still multi-colored.</td></tr>
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TRUTH: The only thing that bothered my horse model, Rio, is that it was under his armpit, basically. He danced around the first time I tried it, as it is a totally unfamiliar feeling for him. I would suggest trying it out in an arena or safe, familiar place, before trusting your horse and taking this waaaay out on trail with you your very first time (I feel like I needed to say that). Also, I looked SO SILLY the first time I tried it. It's something new to get used to, but I picked it up quickly, and so did several ladies in my barn who wanted to try it out. :) Another note I would like to reiterate, is to make sure the pad is on their withers, making this as comfortable as possible for them!</div>
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Convinced you need one yet?? Here are some details.</div>
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<i><b>Where can I buy it?</b></i></div>
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You can purchase this here: <a href="http://www.hairybackranch.com/products/solo-ride">http://www.hairybackranch.com/products/solo-ride</a></blockquote>
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<i><b>How much does it cost?</b></i></div>
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$124.99 for the whole package, ships from Canada.</blockquote>
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<b><i>More details please!!</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at3YC9uwgVU/Ur4Utn08yxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ks-sciAzhLE/s1600/Solo-Ride_merch_pics_086_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at3YC9uwgVU/Ur4Utn08yxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ks-sciAzhLE/s400/Solo-Ride_merch_pics_086_1024x1024.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh...visual.</td></tr>
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<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Solo-Ride® is made in Canada</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Made with 100% heavy duty nylon webbing</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hardware is 100% stainless steel</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stirrup is polished lightweight aluminum</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Waist pack is made of durable 600 denier polyester</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Handle included</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wither / under leg comfort pad included</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Waist pack adjusts to 55 inches</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Three zippered pockets for extra storage (cellphone and keys fit perfectly - done!)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Key ring in pocket</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Waist pack is embroidered with safety thread</span></li>
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And there you have it! Overall, I think this product will come in very handy for me, especially. I'm addicted to bareback riding, and this just gave me the last little bit of support I needed! I foresee myself using this a LOT this coming Summer. Thanks, Randell!<br />
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Be sure to "Like" Hairy Back Ranch on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HairyBackRanch" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up with any news, new products, or sales she will be offering in the future!<br />
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Now quick, go shopping!!<br />
The Horse Junkie<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer - All products shown here were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my OWN!** </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN SKOLD</span></div>
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<span id="goog_162490230"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-32684487880199250692013-12-27T14:05:00.001-08:002013-12-27T14:05:26.734-08:00The Horse Junkie's New Years Resolutions (That I WILL keep!)So, is it more "traditional" to keep New Years resolutions, or to break them? I'm thinking the latter. Well, for me anyways.<br />
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Every year, for myself, I try and come up with a few random New Years resolutions that I will TRYYYY to stick to, as the New Year comes around. <i>I will NOT get lazy, I will NOT eat second helpings of everything, I WILL workout more, or at least go for a walk every now and then</i>...you know how it goes. Or doesn't.<br />
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pumped, then there's NO hope for you.<br />
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Image source: Pinterest</td></tr>
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So here's the thing. Now I have this blog, and if I write it up here on the internet, it MUST be true, and it MUST be happening! You guys will hold me accountable, right? That being said, here are some horse/barn/whatever resolutions for myself for New Years! Feel free to chime in and do them with me!<br />
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<b>1. I will TRY to write & share more on this blog.</b><br />
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Let's see. I started this website and a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHorseJunkie" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for a reason, right? Oh yeah, because I <i>wanted</i> to do this. I <i>wanted</i> to be a part of the online Equestrian community...tapping into this rich culture of riders around the world, to share and learn things about these amazing creatures, laughing at each other's stories, sharing neat ideas & products, etc. So, I should actually do it. ACTIVELY. Starting with this blog post :).</div>
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<b>2. I will TRY to take better care of my tack.</b></div>
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I can't be the only person reading this that loathes cleaning and oiling tack. There are SO many other fun things to do with horses than taking care of tack. BUT it's also sort of embarrassing to be the only one on trail squeaking down the road because your tack is sooo dry. (Is THAT why I ride bareback most of the time??) Don't worry, I'll make it easy on myself right off the bat. I can just use wipes or sprays or whatever to start off with...We don't need to jump right off into the deep end immediately. Big ol' baby.</div>
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<b>3. I will TRY to get my guys on a better, more consistent de-worming plan.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDNpa6hbLE/Ur3XoQDvjxI/AAAAAAAAAfE/ofQmvBv-s_E/s1600/EQ_deworm_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDNpa6hbLE/Ur3XoQDvjxI/AAAAAAAAAfE/ofQmvBv-s_E/s1600/EQ_deworm_250.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know about you, but my horses are a <br />
little more dramatic when I deworm them.<br />
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Image source: myhorse.com</td></tr>
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OK, here's the thing. My horses get dewormed quarterly, so 4 times a year. BUT I usually just grab whatever wormer is closest or most handy or cheapest. That's all fine and dandy, but it's not. The parasites in horses' bodies can<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> get immune to certain wormers if they're used consecutively (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Anthelmintic resistance)</span>, or too often. Also, different parasites live in different seasons, so in order to be covered for parasites in Summer, for exam</span>ple, you'd need a specific medication to kill the little buggers. Or, if I'm feeling extra-on top of things, I can consult with my veterinarian, and have their feces tested...that could also end up in some savings, as I might find I need to deworm them <i>less</i>. I know this. Why don't I apply that to my care in order to make the most of my guys health? I think this has to do with that laziness I mentioned earlier. </div>
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<b>4. I will TRY to make sure that my horses get ample turn-out time, and enough time to be HORSES.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjiE0BRJNkI/Ur3XAhpfX0I/AAAAAAAAAe8/fu8Wlk1X3PY/s1600/nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjiE0BRJNkI/Ur3XAhpfX0I/AAAAAAAAAe8/fu8Wlk1X3PY/s400/nice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope my turnout time goes a little better than this.<br />
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Image source: thinklikeahorse.org</td></tr>
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Let me just say something to defend myself right off the bat. My horses BOTH get ridden just about every day, or every other day. This is despite my 40+ hour workweek. Bravo! Bravo! BUT, my horses are best friends, and they do love a good, solid turnout together, and time to frolic and play and <i>be horses</i>. I don't think there's any denying that this is good for a horse, inside and out. They will undoubtedly get some exercise, but also ample social time that is so important to these animals. They're HERD animals, for crying out loud! They LOVE friends! This doesn't mean that they necessarily need aloooone time, without you! I love to just hang out and spend time with my boys as they run or roll around. This is a great way to strengthen your bond and trust with your horse, whether you've just received them for Christmas (congrats!), or had them with you for years...</div>
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<b>5. I will TRY to clean out my tack locker, and donate or sell tack I'm NOT using!!</b></div>
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This is a big one for me. I'm so good at buying things on sale or "because they're cheap", and then letting them tragically collect dust in the back or bottom of my tack locker. Anyone else guilty? That being said, I will make plans to go through everything and seriously pull things I can get rid of, one way or another. You only need as much tack as you use, I <i>PROMISE</i>! Getting rid of excess stuff just makes everybody feel good...seriously! There are so many organizations that need this stuff so badly, OR there are so many ways to make some extra cash off of used tack. (Maybe enough to pay for that deworming regimen I mentioned earlier...hmm!)</div>
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So, there you have it! My 5 biggest horse-related New Years resolutions!! Hopefully I'll be better at these than my personal resolutions...LOL no promises!! What are your New Years resolutions??</div>
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Happy Trails...</div>
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The Horse Junkie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-54342660167124107892013-11-19T13:00:00.001-08:002013-11-19T13:14:21.400-08:00The Top 10 Most Awkward Places I've found SHAVINGS!I follow a LOT of horse companies/groups/whatevers on Facebook...It's almost impossible not to. <br>
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One of these pages that I follow is simply called, "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheHorse" target="_blank">The Horse</a>." Creative! Today, they posted a link to their own blog, to an entry entitled <a href="http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/michelle-anderson-at-home-with-horses/archive/2013/11/19/the-top-10-goofy-places-i-ve-found-bits-of-hay.aspx" target="_blank">The Top 10 Goofy Places I've Found Bits Of Hay</a>. LOL! I could relate to ALL of them, seriously, except my issue is not with hay...but with those DARN shavings! Who's with me??<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUd7Jp5hLj4/UovKx973hdI/AAAAAAAAAdw/fwQ1xSz2AXI/s1600/Premium_DUST_FREE_Wood_Shavings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUd7Jp5hLj4/UovKx973hdI/AAAAAAAAAdw/fwQ1xSz2AXI/s400/Premium_DUST_FREE_Wood_Shavings.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looking at this is giving me anxiety.<br>
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Image Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=stock%20photo%20horse%20shavings&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=QW4FuecRn1k9nM&tbnid=ZmELu7hbfaupKM:&ved=0CAQQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dodgegrain.biz%2Fcontent.aspx%3Fcid%3D36&ei=rcqLUpHOAeiyigLp8IHwBw&bvm=bv.56753253,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNFQKCqaLs0eB9kh39LicDY6U4ODKw&ust=1384979469038717">www.dodgegrain.biz</a> </td></tr>
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Our barn, for some reason, tends to switch shaving companies, or qualities, or something just about every time they order new shavings. Why? Who knows, but we are constantly noticing differences in the stalls. Some shavings are dustier than others (like, a nice coating on everything on the premises), sometimes the manager must want to save money, because we end up with small wood CHUNKS in our shavings, and sometimes they appear pretty normal. Go figure.<br>
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That being said, I figured I should contribute a little bit today, and share with you.....<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Top 10 Most Awkward Places I've Found SHAVINGS</span></u></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. <b>My Bra</b></span> - I have to start out with this one, because it is for SURE the most awkward. Nothing says "I'm a crazy horse lady!!" quite like a bra full of shavings. Bonus points if they stick to your boob when you take your bra off.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. <b>My Hair</b></span> - On a day that I either haven't been to the barn yet, or don't plan on going to the barn. To take it a step further, when someone <i>else</i> points it out to you.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. <b>Clean Laundry</b> </span>- The keyword here is <i>CLEAN</i>. And of course, by this point, the shavings are practically woven into the fabric of whatever just came out of the dryer. Nice.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. <b>My Car</b></span> - Of course, this was expected. Doesn't make it any less super embarrassing to pull up to the car wash and have the guys gasp at the amount of sheer crap is in your car. Time to bust out the ShopVac!<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Helmet, Gloves, & Breeches</span> </b>- I don't always wear a helmet, but when I do, it's inevitably covered in shavings. No, no, just the inside...the outside would be too easy to clean.<br>
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For winters here in California, I just go every year and buy a cheap pair of your typical Target gloves. I'll tell you WHAT. That material is like a magnet for shavings...It eventually gets to the point where you just surrender, and live with the fact that you will ride in shaving-covered gloves for a few months. Then throw those suckers away. Chances are, they're unraveling anyways.<br>
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No matter how skin-tight your breeches are (I ride in <a href="http://www.kerrits.com/Equestrian-Apparel/pc/Flow-Rise-Performance-Riding-Tight-25p2516.htm" target="_blank">Kerrits tights</a>), you WILL go to take them off and find at least one shaving in them. One little...bitty...jerk.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. <b>My Face</b></span> - Rio eats his food (EVERY TIME) by pulling it all out of his hanging food bin, and throwing it around his stall. Then he goes back and hunts for each piece, and eats them one by one off the floor. This is fantastic, until he pops his head out of his stall and wipes his mouth all over my face when I lean in for a kiss. Go Rio! You just don't ever feel clean again after that happens during your visit to the barn.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. <b>Various Barn Animals</b></span> - We have a resident cat - who I'm told is there to hunt mice, but I have YET to see him work a day in his life. He tends to stay fairly clean, even in the muddy months, except for random shavings caught in his tail and belly. Those bastards. Also included - visiting dogs!<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LqKQLo9S78/UovLRaQCamI/AAAAAAAAAd4/edXtbIFPrSw/s1600/1468250247_b3903f9a83_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LqKQLo9S78/UovLRaQCamI/AAAAAAAAAd4/edXtbIFPrSw/s400/1468250247_b3903f9a83_z.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't have sheep or goats at our barn...this might be why.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. <b>Sink Drain</b></span> - What's the first thing you do when you come home and get settled after a visit to the barn? You wash your hands (at least, I hope) if you aren't jumping in the shower. Well. Eventually I have to clean out that drain of the hair and whatever else...ANNNND shavings.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9. <b>My Frappuccino</b></span> - We have a Starbucks nearby, and sometimes we'll run over there before we ride. You know, to make sure we're good and fat for our only exercise. I ALWAYS put my cup either on top of my tack box, or supplement container...or somewhere. Just never on the floor in my horse's stall, lol. Somehow, the condensation on my cup always screws me. Always.<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your Horse's Wiener</span> </b>- I'm gonna say it - it had to be said. I saved it for last to be as tactful as possible (and so that would be the one to stick in your mind! HA!). Nothing more bonding for you and your horse than for you to respectfully clean his peepee of the shavings. Teamwork!<br>
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What are some hilariously strange places you've found shavings?<br>
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Happy Trails!<br>
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The Horse JunkieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-71513887499670440262013-10-28T08:57:00.001-07:002013-10-28T08:57:31.355-07:00Fall Pumpkin Cinnamon Horse CookiesThe weather is getting cooler, and blanketing season is upon us. Soooo is major furbaby season (YAY.) That also means that it's getting lighter, later, with the time change and all...therefore less riding time. What are you going to do with all that free time, you ask? Why not bake some cookies for your horses! See how that came full circle, there?<br />
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So, let's take this blog way into left field, and I'll show you one of my favorite and most SIMPLE!!!!! horse cookie recipes for fall.<br />
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Here's the rundown...<br />
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<u><b>Pumpkin Cinnamon Horse Cookie Recipe</b></u><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1/2 can of pumpkin<br />
1 tbsp cinnamon<br />
2 1/4 cups of oats<br />
1/4 cup of molasses<br />
1/2 cup of brown sugar<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Oq_xUffoE/Um1UQ6RkWZI/AAAAAAAAAa0/8gnLZKECzEQ/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Oq_xUffoE/Um1UQ6RkWZI/AAAAAAAAAa0/8gnLZKECzEQ/s400/photo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that arrangement!</td></tr>
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Not too bad, right?<br />
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Method:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and grease a cookie sheet or two, if you need to. Most of them these days are nonstick. (I sound like I've been alive forever)<br />
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2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin. Mix until blended.<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRAksKkwjZQ/Um6GgYiR1zI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sPBLUrCB0m0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRAksKkwjZQ/Um6GgYiR1zI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sPBLUrCB0m0/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umm...Oats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGghjTJsOqs/Um6Gh4SwKwI/AAAAAAAAAco/48HRbVNBXzU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGghjTJsOqs/Um6Gh4SwKwI/AAAAAAAAAco/48HRbVNBXzU/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy brown sugar!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUgpmou_Ero/Um6GhUvOSvI/AAAAAAAAAck/z9nWL7ySL58/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUgpmou_Ero/Um6GhUvOSvI/AAAAAAAAAck/z9nWL7ySL58/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gooey molasses...and an awkward sandcastle of brown sugar!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gDTEq-0x4g/Um6GisXZRcI/AAAAAAAAAcw/ItHpqKIDeVU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gDTEq-0x4g/Um6GisXZRcI/AAAAAAAAAcw/ItHpqKIDeVU/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should have bought stock in this company this year...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz2IezKX6Wk/Um6GjZ86qMI/AAAAAAAAAc0/anJN0gJ5sOw/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz2IezKX6Wk/Um6GjZ86qMI/AAAAAAAAAc0/anJN0gJ5sOw/s400/photo+6.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks GREEEAAAAT.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-1ElEN_Z0/Um6GmHoPxsI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ZDGg_ZRPNn0/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-1ElEN_Z0/Um6GmHoPxsI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ZDGg_ZRPNn0/s400/photo+7.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betcha can't wait to touch THIS with your hands.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
3. Roll into small balls with your hands. I recommend about 1" in diameter balls for some normal-sized treats. As you go, place these balls on the cookie sheets. They do not rise or spread or anything, so you can place them as close to each other as 1 1/2 inches or so...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llVwMP7RR3E/Um6GkuN6_EI/AAAAAAAAAdA/oBXcgCa7pJs/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llVwMP7RR3E/Um6GkuN6_EI/AAAAAAAAAdA/oBXcgCa7pJs/s320/photo+8.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should have been a hand model.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWAFBCKi4IU/Um6GlSQgXII/AAAAAAAAAdI/qk8uYdCejYg/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWAFBCKi4IU/Um6GlSQgXII/AAAAAAAAAdI/qk8uYdCejYg/s320/photo+9.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case you didn't know how to put them on the cookie sheet.</td></tr>
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** If you're making your treat balls, and they seem to be falling apart a bit, you can always add more molasses to thicken the 'batter'.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODkKKfcu7z8/Um6Ga9Rfi2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/B541UcPLhyw/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODkKKfcu7z8/Um6Ga9Rfi2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/B541UcPLhyw/s400/photo+10.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta da!</td></tr>
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4. Place into the oven, and let bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8q7pcNtIxI/Um6GbrdruRI/AAAAAAAAAb0/Fy9BM3RQCtA/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8q7pcNtIxI/Um6GbrdruRI/AAAAAAAAAb0/Fy9BM3RQCtA/s400/photo+11.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I have the cutest oven in the world.</td></tr>
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5. Pull them out of the oven. They should be a bit dried out, but still a teeny bit squishy when you poke them a bit. They will not be crunchy. If they are, you have poorly misjudged the settings on your oven. <br />
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Before they cool and before you remove them from the cookie sheet, sprinkle the tops of them evenly with the cinnamon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqFKN0-htw4/Um6GaJjvYmI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6UP9BHaZY7k/s1600/photo+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqFKN0-htw4/Um6GaJjvYmI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6UP9BHaZY7k/s320/photo+12.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamony goodness!</td></tr>
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THAT'S IT! Easy right? Stick with me and soon enough you'll be the next barnyard Martha Stewart. So desirable.<br />
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This recipe as it is above, makes about 36-38 horse treats at this size. Good enough for plenty for your horses, and to share with the barn girls! Helping you earn brownie points, here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ktHaP6QvaQ/Um6GeRN4DLI/AAAAAAAAAcI/OKH8y2mz_vM/s1600/photo+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ktHaP6QvaQ/Um6GeRN4DLI/AAAAAAAAAcI/OKH8y2mz_vM/s400/photo+14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XIbFbubQds/Um6GekAL5uI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qLyfGSm3KtQ/s1600/photo+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XIbFbubQds/Um6GekAL5uI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qLyfGSm3KtQ/s400/photo+15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty shots of these beauties!</td></tr>
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Pass this recipe around, and share it with your friends! For the record, these are edible, and slightly delicious. I...uhhh...had a friend that told me that. ;)<br />
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Happy Baking, and have a WONDERFUL Halloween!<br />
<br />
<3,<br />
HJAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-39748466170074930992013-10-21T11:55:00.001-07:002013-10-21T11:55:30.695-07:00REVIEW: Complete EquiFUSE Body PackageRecently on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHorseJunkie">Horse Junkie's Facebook Page</a>, I asked you guys what products you wanted me to review next on here. One of you said EquiFUSE products...and since I'm such a nice gal...TA DA!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXLQzMxb2E0/UmVhfm37gSI/AAAAAAAAAV0/k5zlFkQw7lQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXLQzMxb2E0/UmVhfm37gSI/AAAAAAAAAV0/k5zlFkQw7lQ/s400/IMG_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professional Photography.</td></tr>
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I contacted Amber Dunmire over at EquiFuse, and she generously sent me a sample of their Complete Body Package, with instructions on how to use each component. As I was looking through everything, I loved to see that the ingredients include a ton of natural stuff, some of which I use on my own hair! Very cool. Lucky for me, it's still 85 degrees mid-October here in Southern California (don't be jealous), so I was still able to test these products to their full capacity!<br />
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Here are the full instructions, and each component of the care kit as I received it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCx5tiHxKXo/UmVhhOw0hMI/AAAAAAAAAWM/NSey_vahYcY/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCx5tiHxKXo/UmVhhOw0hMI/AAAAAAAAAWM/NSey_vahYcY/s400/IMG_0259.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FOOL-PROOF. Love it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztIIM7xfTy0/UmVhjXM3t8I/AAAAAAAAAWg/sUkhTF22pPs/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztIIM7xfTy0/UmVhjXM3t8I/AAAAAAAAAWg/sUkhTF22pPs/s640/IMG_0260.JPG" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: Shampoo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZqemNSVSvo/UmVhjZLiUlI/AAAAAAAAAWk/mPBCf4tj-Zk/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZqemNSVSvo/UmVhjZLiUlI/AAAAAAAAAWk/mPBCf4tj-Zk/s640/IMG_0261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww...what a cute grey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vZuCxyRvQ8/UmVhdnzuoaI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pYbDyomGJac/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vZuCxyRvQ8/UmVhdnzuoaI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pYbDyomGJac/s640/IMG_0252.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: Conditioner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6M_NYQyC6E0/UmVhckH9OnI/AAAAAAAAAVo/sdpUbVb5Ajk/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6M_NYQyC6E0/UmVhckH9OnI/AAAAAAAAAVo/sdpUbVb5Ajk/s640/IMG_0254.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait a minute...leave in? Brianne, tell me MORE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCIOlQ_HF_Y/UmVhe2fsm_I/AAAAAAAAAV4/Aiyx2espaaI/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCIOlQ_HF_Y/UmVhe2fsm_I/AAAAAAAAAV4/Aiyx2espaaI/s640/IMG_0256.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: Shine Serum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_iysSjCQ_o/UmVhg9o76WI/AAAAAAAAAWI/xyzDKtOYNo0/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_iysSjCQ_o/UmVhg9o76WI/AAAAAAAAAWI/xyzDKtOYNo0/s640/IMG_0257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The secret weapon, for sure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
OK, already I'm going to tell you, this is going to be a photo heavy review. I guess I figured you'd need to see me bathing my horse, yes? I knew it. Before we jump into that exciting stuff, I figured I'd post a "Before" picture of Hatchet, our handsome model for today - also known as the Breyer Horse. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh1hOQTmF_E/UmVhim2vnyI/AAAAAAAAAWY/FInn4jUH5v8/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh1hOQTmF_E/UmVhim2vnyI/AAAAAAAAAWY/FInn4jUH5v8/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59vjZoMg7TE/UmVhm_QGODI/AAAAAAAAAW4/aHDLTqprWe4/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59vjZoMg7TE/UmVhm_QGODI/AAAAAAAAAW4/aHDLTqprWe4/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MORE BEFORE: Look back at it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, he's already pretty shiny, due to an awesome <a href="http://www.horse.com/item/horse-health-joint-combo-hoof-and-coat/SLT700305/">supplement</a> I give him regularly, so this stuff has it's work cut out for it to impress me! BUT, I guarantee you he is unwashed for a couple weeks at this point (LAAAZYYY), and I let him roll around in the arena before we started. Something that makes him happy, right before I torture him (Read: he has bath time). I do notice though, that he is a duller color than usual for this time of year, and he is duuuusty. Remember that I said it's still 85 degrees here? Well yeah, it's also super dry right now, which means EVERYTHING has a nice healthy coat of dirt on it, even Hatchet's butt.<br />
<br />
OK let's dive in, because this will already be the longest shampoo review known to man.<br />
<br />
First instructions say to open the (SMALL) packet of shampoo, and dilute it in a gallon or two of water. I have to say, I was a little worried here because the packet didn't look like much. It was about how much shampoo I usually use out of a bottle for MY hair. I'm used to using a TON more of the Mane & Tail Shampoo that I use now, just for one horse wash. There was no way that I could get a whole horse washed with what I had been given as sample!<br />
<br />
BUT, low and behold, I squeezed the packet into the bottom of a small bucket, filled it with water, and went to work! Now, you'd think with all these pictures, I'd have ONE of a soapy bucket, but I don't. Imagine it in your head.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZjwWd5zz0g/UmVhxbgHbKI/AAAAAAAAAXw/tM-VsmCOEq0/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZjwWd5zz0g/UmVhxbgHbKI/AAAAAAAAAXw/tM-VsmCOEq0/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soapy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, the shampoo lathered nicely - much nicer than what I was expecting. Hatchet is a 15.2HH Quarter Horse, and I was able to do his whole body with a little over half of the bucket. Then I felt like I did something wrong, so I went over him twice. You can never be too sure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnmNIlUQfAQ/UmVh2RKb6YI/AAAAAAAAAYY/gHkqQkMhHV4/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnmNIlUQfAQ/UmVh2RKb6YI/AAAAAAAAAYY/gHkqQkMhHV4/s400/IMG_0281.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE BATHING HORSES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJXBr_lRsPA/UmVh6DXkLkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/0zoSV1qaZ2Y/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJXBr_lRsPA/UmVh6DXkLkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/0zoSV1qaZ2Y/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action Shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HysqPMpEnpU/UmVh5PdBstI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Ka-s_EhK5Bc/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HysqPMpEnpU/UmVh5PdBstI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Ka-s_EhK5Bc/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bargaining with Hatchet. Also: Our wash racks look like the ghetto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIaWNEqUK9E/UmVhzA4k58I/AAAAAAAAAYE/iBTq3Is_tvE/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIaWNEqUK9E/UmVhzA4k58I/AAAAAAAAAYE/iBTq3Is_tvE/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, this is how I wash tails. Judge me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I rinsed him off, and went to work with the conditioner. Similar instructions on that, to dilute it in a bucket of water...BUT WAIT, YOU LEAVE IT IN. I'm usually not a fan of conditioners on horses. I think that just stems from my innate laziness, though. But it's one extra step, and they'll get dirty anyways, right?? Baths are just a formality. I have to say, though, I was attracted to this conditioner because of the mere fact that I didn't have to do another rinse cycle.<br />
<br />
So, I filled my bucket and went to work. One standout thing that you'll notice is that the conditioner was not lathery. Not to say that conditioner is USUALLY lathery, but you can usually feel it when you're putting it on them, or in your own hair, right? Well, this just looked like water - but smelled lovely!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcNPZ8FRy-s/UmVh1KzLJ_I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/zo-hue0jgls/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcNPZ8FRy-s/UmVh1KzLJ_I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/zo-hue0jgls/s400/IMG_0279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know how to work a sponge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, 1 one-gallon bucket was PLENTY to do his whole body, mane, and tail. I even sponged some onto his face - go me! It was hard to fight my natural instincts to rinse him off, but somehow I was able to avoid it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y_gG4thbFY/UmVh13cRCWI/AAAAAAAAAYc/EiTXmsweMJ4/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y_gG4thbFY/UmVh13cRCWI/AAAAAAAAAYc/EiTXmsweMJ4/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the unwarranted boob shot - I'm not responsible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After you apply the conditioner, you straight-up sweat scrape. COOL, almost done. For some reason, he was already looking shinier than usual, and smelled fresh-to-death. I don't really have anything else to say about this step.<br />
<br />
The final step - the shine serum - can be applied either wet or dry. I figured, what the heck, he's already wet, let's do it NOW! :D Again, no pictures. Just imagine me putting the clear goo in my hands, and applying it evenly to both his mane and tail. <br />
<br />
This shine serum, I gotta say, might just be the pretty little bow on top of this awesome package. It smelled GREAT, is made of all-natural ingredients like macadamia nut oil and vitamin E (So it will make your horse's hair grow, LADIESSS!!) and a little bit goes a long way. I got excited and used the whole sample, but I bet I could have used that amount for a couple applications. Hindsight is 20/20, isn't it?<br />
<br />
So now we wait, and wait, and wait.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7vlIVyeUrQ/UmVhotq2BgI/AAAAAAAAAXI/TJ0eTWtiG6o/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7vlIVyeUrQ/UmVhotq2BgI/AAAAAAAAAXI/TJ0eTWtiG6o/s400/IMG_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatchet doesn't mind waiting...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snRD5rJTzGA/UmVhsAAY1CI/AAAAAAAAAXY/NlnaBiB_NqQ/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snRD5rJTzGA/UmVhsAAY1CI/AAAAAAAAAXY/NlnaBiB_NqQ/s400/IMG_0271.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still doesn't mind waiting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here's how it looks when he finally dried!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAdJx2nzg-s/UmVhpbXDq0I/AAAAAAAAAXM/tUyMJFhOsHs/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAdJx2nzg-s/UmVhpbXDq0I/AAAAAAAAAXM/tUyMJFhOsHs/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umm...GORGEOUS! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSwIqs93fOE/UmVhy77nULI/AAAAAAAAAYA/miy70iNQkfM/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSwIqs93fOE/UmVhy77nULI/AAAAAAAAAYA/miy70iNQkfM/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrg8Q7RWigg/UmVhxwM0bCI/AAAAAAAAAX0/aXdGONkt3Hg/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrg8Q7RWigg/UmVhxwM0bCI/AAAAAAAAAX0/aXdGONkt3Hg/s400/IMG_0276.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even his crack was shiny!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
End result: LOVE this stuff! His coat was so soft, you could barely even feel it! (Is that weird?)<br />
<br />
WAIT - let me do one of those cool before and after things...It's a blog, after all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpOzKDGHjfo/UmVweVsZX9I/AAAAAAAAAZE/75a3ukAgiig/s1600/IMG_0263NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpOzKDGHjfo/UmVweVsZX9I/AAAAAAAAAZE/75a3ukAgiig/s640/IMG_0263NEW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRJsUkShRLg/UmVweX0F-SI/AAAAAAAAAZI/AMJVoSXShf0/s1600/IMG_0272NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRJsUkShRLg/UmVweX0F-SI/AAAAAAAAAZI/AMJVoSXShf0/s640/IMG_0272NEW.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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A few notes: Of course, the sun was at a romantical setting phase when we took the "After" photos, so I'm pretty sure it would have made even his dirty butt look decent, BUT I will tell you, the Body Package did bring out his coloration and his shine much more than before. It made his colors brighter, and his whites whiter! He smelled SO GOOD, and Amber let me know that his shine will last 4-5 days from now!<br />
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Now, where can you purchase this magical stuff, you say?<br />
<br />
Well, you can always go to your nearest tack shop and see if they have it in stock (a lot of them DO!), or you can contact Amber here and purchase it from her! They've also got a very user-friendly <a href="http://www.equifuse.com/">website</a> you can shop right off of. They also sell the sampler package that I was sent, so you can try it out for yourself before you take the dive! Perfecto.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lqZpqCRyyE/UmVhcum-ccI/AAAAAAAAAVg/03ZVhR5hw6c/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lqZpqCRyyE/UmVhcum-ccI/AAAAAAAAAVg/03ZVhR5hw6c/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She was definitely kind enough to send me some of this great product, so I'm sure she'd LOVE to help you discover this great brand too! Of course, you can always follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EQUIFUSEINC">Facebook</a>, or message her through there! Tell her I sent you, for sure.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Amber Dunmire, for introducing me to this brand - we'll be in touch! ;-)<br />
<br />
Also to my photographer and BFF, Erin. Thanks for all the ATTRACTIVE photos of me!<br />
<br />
Happy Bathing!<br />
The Horse Junkie<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer - All products shown here were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my OWN!** </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-14769108093722758042013-09-26T11:13:00.001-07:002013-09-26T11:14:36.189-07:00Riding as Exercise - It's POSSIBLE!Hi, Hi. I'm here and alive and well.<br />
<br />
So it's time for my bi-annual update! I kid, I'm just horrible at updating regularly. We know this by now because I think I introduce each entry the same way.<br />
<br />
Recently, my riding buddies and I have been on the subject of riding as exercise. I know most all of us have come across some non-horse person that says, "What?? You just sit up there...You can't tell me that riding is a sport/exercise!" Once I'm over my feelings of 'I-wanna-reach-over-and-choke-you', I usually defend myself by saying something unintelligible about "posting the trot, or hanging on for dear life, or you try it! You try it!" Pishaaw.<br />
<br />
Lately on our rides, we've been tracking our distance, MPH (So fun), riding time etc. through an app called <a href="https://www.runtastic.com/" target="_blank">Runtastic</a>. There's either a free version, or you can pay for the full "Pro" app for $4.99. (Read: I am a sucker) Although mostly difficult for us to remember to turn on at the beginning of our ride (#FAIL), this app is super handy for tracking ALL sorts of data as you ride, but more importantly, is set up for HORSE RIDING. Yes. How cool. Go download it! (Sponsor me?) At the end of your ride, it also tells you how many calories you burned during your ride. Calories...wait - me, or the horse???<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-gfoUk2_A/UkR37acDONI/AAAAAAAAAUo/K7dgZL7pv4U/s1600/IMG_9985.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-gfoUk2_A/UkR37acDONI/AAAAAAAAAUo/K7dgZL7pv4U/s400/IMG_9985.PNG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recent ride of mine. Yes, 26mph, my horse is fast! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a major brain fart, we deduced that this must be OUR calories, because a horse is much larger and therefore would burn MUCH more than 400 or so calories during a strenuous mountain trail ride (that would surely kill me if I attempted to do it sans horse). Does that make sense, anyone with an education? Of course, because we're big blabbers, us girls, we got on the topic of how many calories do we burn each day we come to the barn? This of course, the question, because it determines how crappy we'll be able to eat & drink - guilt free - following a trip to the barn. Hey, I didn't say I was training for the Olympics, here.<br />
<br />
So this app tells us one thing, but how about the interwebs? ...Since everything on the internet is true. <br />
<br />
Google and <a href="http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/caloriesburned.html">The Ultimate Horse Site</a> tells me the following:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><strong>Calories Burned in Horse Activities</strong></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Whoever thinks horse riding and care isn't excercise never owned a horse! Between the shoveling and the grooming and the training, you're burning up a lot of calories-- for example, riding at a trot burns more calories than a brisk walk!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />Horse Activities - Calories burned per hour:</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td width="169"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ACTIVITY:</span></td><td width="144"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For 130 lb person:</span></td><td width="168"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For 155 lb person:</span></td><td width="131"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For 190 lb person:</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shoveling</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">354 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">422 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">518 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">General Horse Riding:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">236 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">281 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">345 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />Riding horse at the walk:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">148 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">176 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">216 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Riding horse at the trot:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">384 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">457 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">561 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Riding horse at a gallop:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">472 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">563 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">690 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Horse Grooming</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">354 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">422 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">518 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baling hay/cleaning barn:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">472 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">563 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">690 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shoveling Grain</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">325 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">387 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">474 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fencing</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">354 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">422 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">518 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Polo</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">472 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">563 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">690 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hiking, cross country (if your horse is hard to catch...)</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">354 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">422 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">518 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brisk walking 4 MPH</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">236 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">281 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">345 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Walking, carrying 15 lb load:</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">207 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">246 cal/hr</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">302 cal/hr</span></td></tr>
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Burns more calories than a brisk walk??? NOW we're talking - says the girl who hates exercising, and loves her ponies. Now, granted, you have to use your noggin, because you WON'T be trotting or galloping for an entire hour straight, but this IS a good ballpark for gauging your ride overall. Which is handy, because it's about how I calculate my calorie <i>intake</i>. You know, "Well, I didn't LICK the bag after I ate all the chips, so that saved me 100 calories or so." It works, try it! Best diet ever - take that, Dr. OZ!<br />
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So I guess, if you have a dinosaur flip phone still, or don't usually bring your phone along on rides (UMM, you should), you can always go home and use your stone tablet and chisel to calculate your approximate calories burned on your ride. How COOL, Brianne! Thanks for sharing. AND, as an added bonus, next time someone tries to talk smack about riding not being a "SPORT," pull this up on your phone, hand it to them, say BOOYAH!, and walk away. But don't forget to come back and get your phone. You'll need it for Runtastic, afterall. Am I bitter?<br />
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Let me know if you end up downloading and using the app (two very different things, I've found). I think it's worth a try!<br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
The Horse JunkieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-29817476074115582922013-07-03T15:18:00.001-07:002013-07-03T15:19:20.619-07:00REVIEW: Custom Stall SignsPicture me, BORED one day (I know, difficult to imagine), and I'm cruisin' Facebook...<br />
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Then I see this one tiny photo on my feed that someone random "liked"...it's this ridiculously cute sign with a horse's name on it, and a cartoon horse off to the side.<br />
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*Click*...*Scroll*...and BAM! That's all it took - I had to order one! How convenient that my BFF's birthday is right around the corner - perfect excuse to make her the guinea pig! (Sorry, Erin). **Evil Laugh**<br />
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Anywho, creepiness aside, the Facebook page that I quite literally stumbled upon is simply called "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CustomStallSigns" target="_blank">Custom Stall Signs</a>"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDmBF4ZsPfQ/UdSZ-FVClTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/VhHHCRZBdDY/s960/944170_645346118826128_43752142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDmBF4ZsPfQ/UdSZ-FVClTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/VhHHCRZBdDY/s400/944170_645346118826128_43752142_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What, you didn't believe me??<br />
Source: https://www.facebook.com/CustomStallSigns</td></tr>
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FIRST OF ALL...Look how insanely adorable that caricature is. Do I even have to say that?? If you think the computerized/Photoshop version is cute, check out the HAND PAINTED versions!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KTp_KQ0QQU/UdSh_9TPxeI/AAAAAAAAATM/R1qsEQLO9eg/s960/7879_653240131370060_255208329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KTp_KQ0QQU/UdSh_9TPxeI/AAAAAAAAATM/R1qsEQLO9eg/s400/7879_653240131370060_255208329_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few examples, you know.</td></tr>
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I think there's such a charm and uniqueness to all of her designs - TRUST ME, this is just a super small sample of what she's done, and what she's capable of!<br />
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So, this amazing "One-Man-Show" girl, Bryn, can either do a super cute cartoon version of your horse...fairly exactly down to the markings, or she can do crazy-realistic painted versions of your horse's face...or BOTH! As you can see, really easy to go nuts, here. She works with you directly through email, (and might I add, is GREAT with customer service) to make sure the sign is everything you want, including the background, border, whether you want to add glitter, and overall design of the sign! Guys, let's be real. I know we have all these specific images of our horses in our minds, etc. etc. AND on top of that, we're already crazy horse ladies, so believe me when I say, this woman has the patience of an angel, and take criticism super well!<br />
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Beyond that, it looks like she is trying to expand her business some (which, she should!!) to include car & refrigerator magnets, exhibit A:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYHPxpcZBqc/UdScRYt-x0I/AAAAAAAAARU/QuhiNJLvn8U/s960/388879_608382899189117_1442796930_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYHPxpcZBqc/UdScRYt-x0I/AAAAAAAAARU/QuhiNJLvn8U/s400/388879_608382899189117_1442796930_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and some keychains, which appear to still be in the works.<br />
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Either way - WELL DONE, BRYN!<br />
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The sign I worked with Bryn to create came about like this...<br />
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<b>STAGE 1: Nailing down the main design, and colors.</b><br />
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<b>STAGE 2: Borderrrrr</b></div>
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<b>Stage 3: Fine-tuning the details. Asked her to add more feathers, and perfect the border! </b></div>
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<b>(Which, by the way, matches the brads on her custom bridle!)</b></div>
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AND...(Drumroll, please)....</div>
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<b>THE FINISHED PRODUCT! :)</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U87RvH_beKk/UdSfe8EK5uI/AAAAAAAAASc/JYO5ArHFzt0/s960/1044956_10100307589021403_303003237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U87RvH_beKk/UdSfe8EK5uI/AAAAAAAAASc/JYO5ArHFzt0/s400/1044956_10100307589021403_303003237_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think it's safe to say, Bea likes it :)<br />
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So, you say...Cost? Lead time? How to order? Of course you do! I don't just write shining reviews for nothin'!<br />
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<b>Cost</b>: Varies some, dependent on what you want on the sign (As far as if you want a realistic painting vs. a caricature, or both)<br />
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<b>Lead time</b>: If I'm not mistaken, she's out about a month or two, or maybe three, but she does offer RUSH processing for an additional fee, if that's something that you're interested in.<br />
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<b>How to order</b>: Very simple, contact Br<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">yn at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><a href="mailto:stallsigns@gmail.com">stallsigns@gmail.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> to place an order or to ask a question! If you're looking to place an order right away, and why wouldn't you, be sure to include reference photos! The more, the better!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Of course, you can always check out her website - here it is again: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CustomStallSigns">https://www.facebook.com/CustomStallSigns</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b>Believe it or not, this blog post/review was NOT sponsored, and I paid full price for my sign. Will be ordering two more soon!</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Apples & Carrots, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Breezy </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-91482656253716236192013-05-29T10:59:00.001-07:002013-05-29T12:15:06.605-07:00Top 10 Horse Finds on EtsyOk so, recently, I think it's fair to say that I've been obsessed with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. Who wouldn't be??<br />
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If you're as craft-retarded as I am, of COURSE you're gonna want to pay other people to make you cool homemade things...right? And what better handcrafted things would us Equestrians want to purchase blindly than Horse-related items?!?<br />
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That being said (It's OK to be in denial, but I know you're going to read on...), I have put together a list of the top 10 coolest horse-related items I've found on the site. In no particular order, here goes!<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/118784939/equestrian-infinity-scarf-horse-lover?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=horse&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Horse Pattern Infinity Scarf</a><br />
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Umm...way cool infinity scarf. You can be trendy and nerdy, all at the same time! Go horses!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G52pQc3yO30/UaY62dqrgMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/QI6CL78glCM/s1600/il_570xN.409711471_scmr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G52pQc3yO30/UaY62dqrgMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/QI6CL78glCM/s400/il_570xN.409711471_scmr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76391552/horse-horse-decal-quote-horse-sticker?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=horse&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Wall Decals</a><br />
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If you're like me, your horses keep you broke enough that you have to live in an apartment. Can't paint those walls! Next step, wall decals! Genius. Granted, this one is an entire paragraph (And a little showy), but there are plenty of decal shops on Etsy that have cute (and maybe more subtle) designs like this one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj30Ft89sew/UaY77lXhBdI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/G-dz9XSC8tc/s1600/il_570xN.252354142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj30Ft89sew/UaY77lXhBdI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/G-dz9XSC8tc/s400/il_570xN.252354142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87650255/little-horse-surprise-mug?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=horse&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Surprise Mug</a><br />
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OK, really?? Too cute. I have one like this with a zebra in the bottom that a friend of mine gave me, but you can't have it. Get your own.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cs6O0ig6-k/UaY8eytD4bI/AAAAAAAAAOY/-eA7KseVr-o/s1600/il_570xN.292275711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cs6O0ig6-k/UaY8eytD4bI/AAAAAAAAAOY/-eA7KseVr-o/s400/il_570xN.292275711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110580005/white-faux-taxidermy-faux-horse-head?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=horse&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Faux Taxidermy Wall Head</a><br />
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I know this errs on the side of creepy, but I like it. Don't judge, just order one. I think they can make it any color you like too!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9E9eRZTlX8/UaY8-AqPYsI/AAAAAAAAAOg/joEUMzC4JuI/s1600/il_570xN.389899613_o9dj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9E9eRZTlX8/UaY8-AqPYsI/AAAAAAAAAOg/joEUMzC4JuI/s400/il_570xN.389899613_o9dj.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/129099427/braided-horse-hair-bracelet-bright?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=horse&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Horse Hair Jewelry</a><br />
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There are several shops on Etsy that do this, but here's an example. I once got a keychain made from <a href="http://www.tailspinbracelets.com/" target="_blank">Tail Spin Bracelets</a>, and it was gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but it cost me...oh, it cost me. Whyyy didn't I think of Etsy??<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNikQEKggVc/UaY9l-VsgRI/AAAAAAAAAOo/gAu-aohuvW0/s1600/il_570xN.447835448_itjm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNikQEKggVc/UaY9l-VsgRI/AAAAAAAAAOo/gAu-aohuvW0/s400/il_570xN.447835448_itjm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126866462/swarovski-crystal-bridle-browband?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=custom+browband&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Custom Browbands</a><br />
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Again, there are SO many shops that do so many cool things with browbands, so be sure to shop around before you land on one, but here's one shop. Beautiful work, and even better that someone took the time to hand make them!<br />
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7. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82258753/horseshoe-halterbridle-tag-pet-tag-pet?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Personalized Bridle Charms</a><br />
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I went NUTS last year, and bought these for each of my barn friends, for EACH of their horses. Yeah, I know, get on MY list. :D This shop is by FAR my favorite. Great customer service, shipped quick, and the quality was fantastic for the price. They also sell halter plaques, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pObFd-c4Q44/UaY-xFpcAcI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Aq3RzqhZfZ0/s1600/il_570xN.272624532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pObFd-c4Q44/UaY-xFpcAcI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Aq3RzqhZfZ0/s400/il_570xN.272624532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/115532851/xmas-gift-horseshoe-personalized-lucky?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Wire Wrapped Horseshoes</a><br />
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Best gift EVER for your horsie friends...also, super cheap and HANDMADE. Love, love, love. Did I mention I loved Etsy? Have also purchased from her, and her quality is great, and shipping is quick!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1D4NOpvgbdM/UaY_mv8qJyI/AAAAAAAAAPI/kSE6u5zJDPM/s1600/il_570xN.392709146_cvf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1D4NOpvgbdM/UaY_mv8qJyI/AAAAAAAAAPI/kSE6u5zJDPM/s400/il_570xN.392709146_cvf7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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9. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125962904/horseshoe-decorative-bowl?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=horseshoe+bowl&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Horseshoe Bowls, etc.</a><br />
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Once more, there are several shops who make things out of horseshoes, but my favorite as far as keeping the original shoe intact is this shop...CUTE STUFF.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_BMYxKu7E/UaZAB93MhRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/hZmrjOvNQJc/s1600/il_570xN.436215685_stkj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_BMYxKu7E/UaZAB93MhRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/hZmrjOvNQJc/s320/il_570xN.436215685_stkj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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10. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/30483637/custom-painted-breyer-horse-to-look-like?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Custom Painted Breyer Horse</a><br />
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Probably the COOLEST thing that I have not yet bit the bullet and purchased yet, are these custom hand painted Breyer Horses. This lady called Breyer and got Holy Permission before she started, and now she can custom paint (And well done too...) a Breyer Horse to look just like your baby! She does beautiful work, seriously, check it out. A bit pricey, but you understand why!<br />
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Ta Da! There you go. Go nuts! Thank me later.<br />
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Also, I promise I'll be better about posting...and what happened to MY Etsy shop? Who knows. I made a few shirts and then stopped, as I do with everything. I'll get on it!<br />
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Love & Carrots!<br />
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**This entry is NOT sponsored by anyone on here!! Blah blah blah...**<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-6590328210542136632012-11-30T08:57:00.002-08:002012-11-30T08:57:54.740-08:00Vital SignsOk, here's something I KNOW we're all guilty of...or at least 80% of us...plus me.<br />
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When's the last time you checked your horse's vital signs? Ever? Do you know what their "normal" is? I don't. I only know what I've read and what's normal by the book...<br />
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Let's fix that RIGHT NOW.<br />
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It's rainy here again, and will be for the entire weekend, or so says my iPhone. (Known to be wrong ALL the time, but we'll go with it for the purposes of this post). Either way, this is a perfect time to get yourself and your horse familiar with the most important facts every rider should know about their horse (YES, even more important than where they like to be scratched, or what their favorite treat is...). Also, some of these have come in handy since Hatchet has been on-and-off again sick these days. (He's ok now :))<br />
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VITAL SIGNS...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the hay is this picture?? ...Get it?<br />
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Photo Credit: <a href="http://horses.blogcarnival.com/">horses.blogcarnival.com</a> </td></tr>
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First off, let's do a run through of what's NORMAL, according to the "books". My books happen to be the internet. Various vet websites...This is also what I grew up knowing. There you have it! Common knowledge! Just had to check my facts before I went nuts and blogged about them...you know.<br />
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<b>Temperature</b>: Normal body temperature is between 99-101 F.<br />
<b>Pulse</b>: Normal pulse is 36-42 beats per minute<br />
<b>Respiration</b>: 10-24 breaths per minute<br />
<b>Mucous Membranes (Gums)</b>: Moist, healthy pink<br />
<b>Capillary Refill Time</b>: 2 seconds or less<br />
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Say WHAT?? Let's dig deeper.<br />
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<b><u>Temperature:</u></b><br />
Temperature is allowed to vary by about 3 degrees from that norm up there. This can be from any number of environmental factors, stress, excitement, exercise - all that stuff. Anything outside of that variation, and you've got trouble. Getting to know your horse's normal temperature could save you a lot of panic and silly vet bills down the road. (I'm a panicker, but I try not to be.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do everyone a favor, and clean it before you put it back in there...<br /><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://Rei.com/">Rei.com</a></td></tr>
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The best way to take a horse's temperature, unfortunately, is rectally. FUN! The best way I've found, is to have a digital thermometer (More accurate than mercury - no human read error) that's all your own, and attach a string and a hair clip (The claw kind) to the end of it. Slick up the end of that thermometer, either with some good old fashioned spit, or vaseline, if you're classier, and ease it in, clipping the string and hair clip to their tail. You don't even want to know what happens if that thermometer disappears. Keep in mind, it's awkward for everybody, and some horses don't like it. Most don't mind...but be smart about it, and have someone help you or distract your horse for you if need be. Be patient, and don't remove it early! You'll get the best read if you let it sit!<br />
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<u><b>Pulse Rate:</b></u><br />
Horses that are very much in shape can have rates as low as 28 or so, and this is not considered abnormal, but if you've got a horse that has a rate above 45-50, it should be looked at. Anything above 50-60 is pretty serious, but can be explained by an elevated temp. Anything above 80, and we've got problems...General rule of thumb, the higher the pulse rate, the more severe the condition. That being said, keep in mind that you need to have your horse actually be at REST when you take this measurement. They should not be surprised or stressed throughout the process of taking the measurement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captivating photo...<br /><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://vector.us/">vector.us</a></td></tr>
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To take their pulse, stand on the left side of their chest, right behind their elbow. With your handy dandy $5 stethoscope, listen to their pulse for at LEAST a minute. I always check this about 2-3 times before I stick with the results. Just to make sure I've given them a fair shake at it (Panicker, remember?)<br />
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Don't have a handy dandy stethoscope?? You can also check their pulse right near the front of their left jawbone. Under the jawbone, there is a big ol' artery that sticks out. Using your POINTER FINGER, not your thumb, press against the artery firmly. Since these guys tend to move their heads more than their, umm, elbows, only take the measurement for 15 seconds, and multiply to get your minute's worth.<br />
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Don't have a pointer finger?? I can't help you. BUT, you can also check their pulse by squatting on that left side next to their fetlock joint, and rest your thumb on the outer edge of the joint. Move your fingers around a bit to feel for the digital artery...<br />
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Can't find it?? Don't stress. If the pulse is weak or hard to find, it's most likely normal and OK.<br />
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<u><b>Respiration:</b></u><br />
A horse's respiration rate can increase based on a number of factors. Great, right? These can be anything from hot/humid weather, exercise, but also either pain or fever. Of course, nervousness can also affect this measurement as well - ALL important things to remember when taking this measurement. A below normal rate could indicate shock or hypothermia, but also could be your horse's "norm" if he is in good shape. That's vague! Perfect!<br />
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Watch or feel your horse's belly or ribcage for one minute. You can also watch him flare his nostrils with each breath, or put your hand up to feel his exhale against your palm (just don't let him sniff you...it will mess up the reading). Whatever works for you...It's breathing. Measure it for 30 seconds and multiply to get a minute's worth.<br />
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If you feel the need to bust out your fancy $5 stethoscope again, even if it's just to justify your purchase of it, go ahead and use it to measure their respiration rate too! Place it against his windpipe to listen to his breathing. By doing this, you can also tell if he has a blockage or anything else dangerous. You will also look super cool to everyone else at the barn at this moment.<br />
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<b><u>Mucous Membranes:</u></b><br />
The most medical way to say...Gums. Lift up that hood (Read: Lips), and check out those gums. Here's a guide to what color they should be, and when to panic.<br />
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Moist Pink: Healthy, normal circulation<br />
Very Pale Pink: Capillaries contracted, indicates fever, blood loss, or anemia<br />
Bright Red: Capillaries enlarged, indicates toxicity, or mild shock<br />
Gray or Blue: Severe shock, depression, or illness<br />
Bright Yellow: Associated with liver problems<br />
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Just like a mood ring!<br />
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<u><b>Capillary Refill Time:</b></u><br />
While you're in there, amongst the chompers, you can check your horse's CRT. It's a quick and easy way to check and indicate blood circulation.<br />
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Press your thumb against his gums for 2 seconds, to create a white mark. Pull your finger away quickly, and begin to count how long it takes that white part you just made to return to the normal color it was...Ta da! Magic! If your horse is anything like my guys, you'll need to do this a few times to get an accurate count. Hatchet is especially famous for head-banging while I try and do anything with his teeth/mouth. If your CRT takes longer than 2-3 seconds, your horse might be in shock. Write that down.<br />
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Other important things you should know...<br />
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<u><b>Gut Sounds:</b></u><br />
My most favorite thing to do, as of late, since poor Hatchet has been suffering some gas colic here and there. Gut sounds should ALWAYS be present in your horse. Even if he hasn't eaten in a while. In fact, when you DON'T hear gut sounds, it is much worse than when you hear too many gut sounds (I usually cheer when THAT'S the case...). If you don't hear any gut sounds at all, call your vet, as it is indicative of colic. <br />
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To check for these gut sounds, press your ear all the way flush with his barrel, right past his rib cage, and listen for gurgling and other tummy noises in there. Very Technical. Make sure you can hear them on both sides of the horse. Also a great time to impress the ladies, and pull out that stethoscope! Best purchase of the day!!<br />
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<b><u>Dehydration:</u></b><br />
I shouldn't even have to mention this one, but I will to round on this heck of an essay I've written!<br />
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Horses drink around 5+ gallons of water a day, and this is super important to their health, just as it is to ours. If he slows down (And they CAN, right around this time of year, when it gets colder), remember to encourage them to drink, whether it's by flavoring their water (Apple juice works great), or with an electrolyte powder or pellet feed.<br />
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To check for their dehydration level, you can perform a quick pinch test. Yep, just like it sounds, you pinch a bit of skin on their neck, on the flat side - not underneath...that's just mean. If the skin flattens, and returns to normal within 1 second, you're good to go. If it takes longer than that, you have a bit of hydration issues to deal with. Nothing we horse people can't handle, right??<br />
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Of course, these are all tips to aid our vet and their visit, or avoid a visit altogether, so make sure to have these measurements at the ready when calling in. Also couldn't hurt to keep a general log of these values!<br />
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Leave it to me to help you get to know your horse in <i>all kinds</i> of new ways!!<br />
<br />
Happy weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-10471517115737698572012-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:002012-11-22T09:22:03.967-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>563</o:Words> <o:Characters>3210</o:Characters> <o:Company>Pin USA</o:Company> <o:Lines>26</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3766</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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<div class="MsoNormal">...to those of you in the States!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every year at this time, I try to look inward and thinkabout the things I have, and what I’m thankful for (I know, how mushy and emo)because I feel super blessed to be where I’m at in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I, as I’m sure all of us do fromtime to time, get so buried in our daily schedules and running here and thereand doing this and that, that we miss out on coming up for air to look back atwhat we’ve done, who we have in our lives, and what makes up our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself constantly getting lost in theflow of life, and losing chunks of time all at once!! (How fast did this yeargo, amIright?) Lol…So, without further adieu, please let me share with you a fewthings I am thankful for…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3v3OXz4iRZg/UK0v8bX4A6I/AAAAAAAAAMk/_2ugYPCwft8/s1600/100979216616522068_NWLnc77n_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3v3OXz4iRZg/UK0v8bX4A6I/AAAAAAAAAMk/_2ugYPCwft8/s400/100979216616522068_NWLnc77n_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truth. Sometimes, it hurts.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">www.pinterest.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table>First of all, what immediately comes to mind probably mostlybecause of this blog, is that I have three AMAZING horses, who give me moreeach day than I could ever give them back over a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are my support system, my joy, mychildren, my wallet cleaners, my stinky, fluffy, nippy dreams come true.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a family who loves me unconditionally, puts up withall my get-rich-quick ideas (Side note: I’m not rich), listens to my storiesabout the horses, and supports me no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with living on the other side of thecountry, they manage to always be there for me, and don’t ever let me losemyself.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a solid group of friends, barn friends, and coworkerswho are my second family, always there to listen to me, guide me, offer advice,let me rant, support my silly ideas, look out for me, and share both the joysand sorrows in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that Ican reach out to them at any time for anything, and they will come through (andhave, many times).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a job, while tough and challenging at times (read:most of the time), has allowed me to HAVE horses in the first place, and to bemore or less financially stable day to day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This job has taught me more about myself, and has taught me so manyskills that honestly affect some HUGE aspects of my life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have great lesson kids (and their families), who let meunplug for a few hours each weekend and reconnect with my own inner kid, whilesharing a common interest and love with them, hopefully inspiring them andtheir futures too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make what I doworth it, every time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a car that helps me get from place to place daily,and 80% of the time does not let me down…Although it is material, I place a lotof faith and trust that this car will help my life continue on, and it does!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And last but not least, I am thankful for the Internet. Itsounds silly, but think about it. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to keep in great contact withmy family, friends, OR meet any of you readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of my greatest friends and acquaintances I have met or reconnectedwith over the Internet. I feel super attached to you guys, and I couldn’timagine living in a pre-Internet world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, THANK YOU for taking time out of your busy days to read myblog posts or my Facebook, or check my Instagram. Most of you readers don’teven know me in the “real world,” and trust me, not a day goes by that I don’tthink about you guys, and feel completely and utterly blessed and loved thatyou give me a piece of your time to read these, or ask me about my horses or mylife, or tag me to share something with me, or whatever it may be. YOU INSPIREME.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What are some things that you’re thankful for, as we preparefor the Thanksgiving holiday? No matter what stage of life you’re in, or whatyou have, there are ALWAYS things to be thankful for…Happy Turkey Day!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PS. Last mushy post for a WHILE! Whew, that was exhausting. :)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer…yeah, disclaimer: Please don’t look at any ofthis as me bragging – it’s NOT intended that way. I know I am very lucky, but Iwork very hard for what I have!! XO<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-10684645609860747792012-11-19T12:17:00.001-08:002012-11-19T12:17:19.515-08:00Rainy Day & A Ride!
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<br />
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Yesterday was literally the most PERFECT weather to ride in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been raining the last 2 days or so, and for
California people, this is quite the shocking change of pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, when it rains around here,
people forget how to drive, go into hibernation, and complain on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, on the other hand, LOVE the rain, and look
forward to it on a forecast!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I spent most of the rainy Saturday at the barn, of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I teach a lesson/horse camp
every Saturday, and I cannot cancel on that poor kid, no matter what! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once my day was over, I blanketed all the
babies, fed them their supplements, and let them have the rest of the day off.
I was going to ride with Erin, but as soon as we got around to tacking up,
DOWNPOUR. Fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWwf6qlwz9o/UKqSeyvd2DI/AAAAAAAAAMA/RRnlmlmMkuE/s1600/IMG_6200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWwf6qlwz9o/UKqSeyvd2DI/AAAAAAAAAMA/RRnlmlmMkuE/s400/IMG_6200.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy day! See the horse on the end reaching for a drink? hehe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, that left me with Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no real plans, so I knew I had most of
the day to hang out and get things done around the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived and took everyone’s blanket off.
Thanks to the End of the World, it was supposed to be in the 70s that day…Yes,
the day after a rainstorm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First up was
Rio. He’s a fairly ‘clean’ horse, so after a quick brush off, I tacked up, and
headed for the hills! (Quite literally)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was a little hesitant to go out on his own…He will, but he is a very
sociable horse, and loves to have a buddy. As soon as I got him out on the
perimeter trail, though, he was fine, and we got into a working trot to warm
up.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rio runs a bit differently than most horses I’ve ridden.
Normally, I’d walk in an extended walk to stretch out a horse, and then work
them into a trot, but Rio has never required that. This horse has more stamina
than I’ve ever seen. In fact, I’ve never felt him have a lazy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ride with little to no leg at all. Mostly
voice commands, or driving with my seat. He is SO much fun to ride, and picks
up on the tiniest of cues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally,
I will note, he has the most interesting pattern of gaits, and I will not ride
him bareback! Not to say I couldn’t…He has more control than 80% of the horses
I have ridden, but he’s a bit of a rocky road. Hee hee!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We crossed the bridge over the LA River, went through the
tunnels under the 134 freeway, and around Martinez Arena, passing several
rental riders as we went. It was kinda funny; as I kept hearing kids say, “That
horse’s tail is EPIC!! SO COOL!!!” (Oh, remember when I said people drive like
idiots when it rains? Exhibit A: There was a massive car accident right at the
Martinez Arena intersection, where a girl my age plowed through a hydrant, and
busted a water main).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxvJoKhFcIg/UKqSf_SHqCI/AAAAAAAAAMI/WLni-Gk65Fs/s1600/IMG_6203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxvJoKhFcIg/UKqSf_SHqCI/AAAAAAAAAMI/WLni-Gk65Fs/s400/IMG_6203.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeeeeeeese!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a bit of the trail that curves around Martinez that
is wonderfully flat, and a great place to pick up a nice canter. I asked Rio to
lope out, and we went sailing past all the stopped cars…Best feeling ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went through one last tunnel, and let him
loose up the hill. This horse packs some POWER in his hind end, so it feels
great to have that underneath you, but he is also conscious of his rider, and
will not take off, as to let you fall behind the motion. He will usually pick
up a bit, and then with a slight release of the reins, I confirm to him that he
can move up and take off up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
keep my legs against his side to support him (And let’s be real, to hang on)
but he does all the rest! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s a pretty smart horse, so once we get up a mile or so up
the trail, he bring me right over to the water fountain/trough thing the Parks
Department has for both people and animals…sounds great, but it’s really not
that bad LOL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, he doesn’t opt
to drink, and just lets us stand there and take in the views and fresh
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A minute or so later, I ask him to
move forward, and guide him down one of the 4-point trails.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAihc5JnhoA/UKqSdUhTYdI/AAAAAAAAAL4/vggwD6SwbuY/s1600/IMG_5543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAihc5JnhoA/UKqSdUhTYdI/AAAAAAAAAL4/vggwD6SwbuY/s400/IMG_5543.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio modeling the trough. Look at that view! *Pre-blue tail*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, don’t get me wrong, because I love a good, solid trail
ride, but when you keep going over and over through the same 5 or so trails,
you have to start getting creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes it’s working on leads around the curves of the trail, other
times, it’s finding new ways to traverse the terrain…Rio is game for it
all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding deer trails, joggers’
paths, etc. It’s fun for me to see my horse thinking his way though an obstacle,
or actually looking at the scenery surrounding him. I catch him all the time
looking around, just as if he’s a person, checking out the sights. I wonder
sometimes, if they miss the Kentucky surroundings…open pastures, greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In any case, they get MUCH more attention out
here with me, than they would out there!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We head all the way down the hill and back to the barn
without much of a to-do…I brush him once more (He’s not sweaty AT ALL…remember
that stamina thing?) and put him away…NEXT!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next up, riding Bea for Erin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatrix is a gorgeous Baroque style Friesian
(AKA oinker), and Regina’s new BFF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, they are joined at the hip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Erin is gone for the day, and I jump at the chance to ride her mare,
what a sweetie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tack her up in her stall, and just throw on a bareback pad
and her bridle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hop on and out we go
for a quick workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bea has a bit of
energy today, so she’s quick to pick up a nice working trot that actually feels
like a solid driving trot underneath me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do this about ¼ of
the way around the perimeter trail, and then pick up a soft canter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding Bea in place of Regina is fascinating.
Interesting to see how, although alike in many other ways, their gaits are so
different. Regina tends to be very linear and predictable with her stride. Bea
is a bit dramatic when transitioning into her canter, and feels
very…medieval…if that’s even a feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both horses are amazing, graceful, and fun to ride in their own ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvowzGoqto0/UKqSgd_V3uI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/muIi-52uB8U/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvowzGoqto0/UKqSgd_V3uI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/muIi-52uB8U/s400/IMG_6208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BeaCam, creepy edition!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We make our way back to the barn (told you it would be
quick!), and I untack her and let her stand in the crossties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She, on the other hand, has managed to work
up quite a sweat from our half hour outing, and I want to make sure she is
completely cooled before I let her go back in her stall and eat her lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By this time, I’m feeling the workout in my legs, and decide
to give Regina and Hatchet the day off…Can you blame me??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t seem too upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blanket everyone back up again, feed
supplements, and head out. Good day at the barn! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-90254277385825547582012-11-11T21:07:00.000-08:002012-11-11T21:17:43.531-08:00Dip Dyed Rio!Have you ever woken up, and just had one of those...ideas?<br />
<br />
Well...today was one of those days! Rio got a dye job! I found myself at <a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/" target="_blank">Sally Beauty Supply</a> this morning, picking out colors of Manic Panic to color his mane & tail. <br />
<br />
Rio has always been the baby in the group. I've had him since he was two years old, so he's practically grown up with me. He's always had the desire to be the center of attention - I think it's more like the younger sibling syndrome, always growing up in Hatchet's shadow. He is always the one to want to wear silly hats, or do funny tricks. He even ate my homework once - NO joke. He's very...pliable...which makes him a very fun horse. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO91tfH5j7U/UKB82_vytmI/AAAAAAAAAKg/6kV34QqIpkc/s1600/545880_896163100273_594297530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO91tfH5j7U/UKB82_vytmI/AAAAAAAAAKg/6kV34QqIpkc/s400/545880_896163100273_594297530_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That being said, I decided it was time to give Rio a little bit of extra attention. I met Erin at the barn, and recruited her help...Rio LOVES his auntie Erin...See?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDW1l39H8HE/UKCGRqFdHZI/AAAAAAAAALk/4QnoEKkId3I/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDW1l39H8HE/UKCGRqFdHZI/AAAAAAAAALk/4QnoEKkId3I/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bag on Rio's head just ties up this picture into a neat little bow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We began to suit up. Putting on boots that could get wet and/or blue, rubber gloves, and laying out our supplies. Of course, I didn't take any pictures of this (that would have been too easy), but basically, we had rubber gloves, two pots of Manic Panic, a plastic grocery bag, a comb, a water supply (hose is definitely best, as opposed to a bucket, etc), and rubber bands, but hair clips would have worked well too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dDqcW2GdEE/UKB-y-aG5vI/AAAAAAAAAKw/1YqivJ_Zzfg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dDqcW2GdEE/UKB-y-aG5vI/AAAAAAAAAKw/1YqivJ_Zzfg/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooo Instagrammy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Reading the label, it says it's best to use this on clean, dry hair, but we didn't wash Rio's tail beforehand, and everything turned out fine. Just make sure you brush through it, and it is free from any big dirt clumps, or shavings. We started to lather on the dye, rubbing it in with the comb and our fingers. We went through a pot and a half of this stuff, FYI. Once we got it all rubbed in, we bagged his tail, and tied it around the top portion that we didn't dye. (How FANCY, we left some grey tail to cover the top of the blue area, so it would look more <i>natural</i>.) ANND we let poor Rio sit for a half an hour while it 'cooked' in there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOesgdA7mzY/UKCAXNFEviI/AAAAAAAAAK4/hhqXCrbQsa4/s1600/rio3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOesgdA7mzY/UKCAXNFEviI/AAAAAAAAAK4/hhqXCrbQsa4/s400/rio3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice. No blue cheeks here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, we decided to get a bit crazy and dye his forelock to match. This got kinda messy, but like I said, it's a vegan dye, so Erin assured me with just a few swipes of a baby wipe, the color would be outta there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Leaq7QHPfMU/UKCA3PasMMI/AAAAAAAAALA/oP9lefx1L6s/s1600/rio2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Leaq7QHPfMU/UKCA3PasMMI/AAAAAAAAALA/oP9lefx1L6s/s400/rio2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you he likes attention!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we kept him entertained while the time went SOO SLOWLY. Once it was time, we unwrapped him, and began to rinse....and here's what we got after it dried!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7RPMshbULU/UKCBaBLJ4YI/AAAAAAAAALI/4UNgDJIz6A0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7RPMshbULU/UKCBaBLJ4YI/AAAAAAAAALI/4UNgDJIz6A0/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smurf horse!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxhbpjD2Aa4/UKCBefdUhiI/AAAAAAAAALQ/klBP4XGoWhU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxhbpjD2Aa4/UKCBefdUhiI/AAAAAAAAALQ/klBP4XGoWhU/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forelock + Face. You win some, you lose some.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He definitely feels pretty! HAHA. <br />
<br />
One thing I will warn, is that even though this is a semi-permanent dye, and washes out with a number of shampoos, unless you plan on shampooing your horse as often as you shampoo your own head, just figure that your horse will be this color for a very extended amount of time. It is quite the commitment. Rio doesn't go to shows, and is not a famous actor, so I don't really have to worry about his presentation...<br />
<br />
On the other hand, it can be a LOT of fun, and change it up a bit in your day-to-day ride. Manic Panic is a great brand that has been around a while to earn it's reputation, along with all the fun facts that there are no chemicals and that it's vegan, etc etc.<br />
<br />
If you end up doing this to one of your horses, send me a picture, or tag me on Instagram or Facebook! I'd love to see them!!!<br />
<br />
Here it is in action!! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyvxmrt8hLWHe7mEn2yjlSgsPSwjZ1jtpBvntpfPzzLCD8DcPdgY3txNrsNk9F-j7uFcziH5-H4q-WAdLByA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-14700476482103005242012-11-08T23:06:00.002-08:002012-11-08T23:07:57.681-08:00FaceLIFT and FaceBOOK (Clever!)Just a quick note to let you know that I'm growing!<br />
<br />
I've added a beautiful new <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thehorsejunkie" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, that's just a baby, so be nice and add me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDKaZ3-t_aY/UJyqX5uFVzI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QtP_kpBZ9Y0/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDKaZ3-t_aY/UJyqX5uFVzI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QtP_kpBZ9Y0/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
See? I told you - Nothing on it. I'll get there!<br />
<br />
ALSOOOO, you'll see I've added a "Shop HJ" button up at the top...I'll be opening a small Etsy shop soon, with some handmade goodies, so stay tuned...the link may be funky, but it's because I linked it, but there's nowhere for it to land as of yet. :)<br />
<br />
Finally, did it really take you until JUST now to see that I revamped the page?? Came up with my own, state-of-the-art banner up at the top (I know.), and rearranged a few things to where they fit better. See? Change is good. Don't be scared.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for all the support!!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-76435346831059922112012-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:002012-11-07T16:28:22.148-08:00Riding Technology - Ariat Volant BootsOne thing I hate more than anything, is spending tons of money on boots that are going to get dirty and messed up anyways...What I LOVE more than anything, is getting NEW BOOTS! Quite the double-edged sword.<br />
<br />
Because I am <strike>cheap</strike> (I prefer the word 'frugal'), it takes a lot to convince me to spend money on myself, as opposed to something for the horses. I don't ever want to feel like they're not getting something they need, because of me. That being said, I found myself going into a local <a href="http://lasaddlery.com/" target="_blank">Saddlery</a> with Erin to size myself for some discounted boots I found online ($100 Ariat tall boots?? Sure, why not). I'm not usually a tall boot person - I'm one of those that thinks those are too fancy for daily hacking...BUT who could pass that up! I walk in, and ask to try on ANY Ariat boot, and even disclosed that I wasn't looking to purchase, just learn my size. WELL, out comes the salesgirl, who happens to be a friend of mine (Dangerous, at a saddlery), with the Ariat "Volant" boots. At this point in my head, I'm saying - "PFFT, no worries. We'll be in and out of here QUICK!" WRONG. These just happen to be the same boots that Erin, that "Barn Friend" I keep mentioning, wears almost every day, and constantly raves about their comfort and style. The second I slipped them on, I knew I was screwed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjSqZuHYGyw/UJlsYpzK7_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JkEWSGr3fnA/s1600/volant-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjSqZuHYGyw/UJlsYpzK7_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JkEWSGr3fnA/s400/volant-header.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooohhh the whole collection! Fancy finding this on Google.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.equestriancollections.com/">www.equestriancollections.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/" target="_blank">Dover Saddlery</a> describes the boot in the following way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The ease and convenience of a front zip. A combination of premium European calf leather and stretch mesh in the upper create superior fit and comfort in this new riding boot. Overlasted construction offers a sleek silhouette and enhanced durability. Oiled leather on the inner calf increases grip. Full-length, premium quality, front-zip system with keeper, TecTuff heel counter and overlay design on foot. Ariat's Cobalt™ Quantum technology. No front intake vents.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></blockquote>
OOOOOHHHH...Melt my heart why don't you. Needless to say, I walked out of the store with them on. I know we've all been there!! (Right?) Thank goodness they were on some sort of sale, which turned out for the better, and made me feel 15.5% less guilty about buying them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLKDCNSYLfY/UJlzPa5f2eI/AAAAAAAAAI0/kbjJoN9YGck/s1600/0038975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLKDCNSYLfY/UJlzPa5f2eI/AAAAAAAAAI0/kbjJoN9YGck/s320/0038975.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new babies. Like buttah.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/">www.doversaddlery.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First of all, the Pros.<br />
<br />
<b>PROS</b>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>SUPER comfortable. I am able to wear these for riding all day, and then out to run errands later (You look REALLY cool getting groceries in these).</li>
<li>Very stylish. Look great with a pair of black breeches...I also love how cutting-edge they look. Kind of like a modern steam-punk?? Ok, don't push it.</li>
<li>The insole of the boot is so squishy. I have a pair of basic Ariat Heritage Paddock boots, and I thought those were comfortable, but these quickly put those to shame! #firstworldproblems</li>
<li>SUPPOSEDLY, from what I've read, you can show in these. I don't show anymore, so I've been out of the loop for a while. Maybe you can only show in the all-black versions (Far right in the photo up top)?? Do your research before you blame me.</li>
<li>Love the grippy leather on the inside calf. My leg stays dead still in these babies even when riding bouncy Regina.</li>
<li>Works like a tall boot, wears like a running shoe. Seriously. These do NOT need to be broken in, AT ALL.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>CONS</b>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Biggest thing I can think of, is IF you CAN'T show in these, they might be a wasted tall-boot purchase for you (get it?)...Might as well get a versatile tall boot that you can hack in and then clean up and show in.</li>
<li>Second thing, would have to be the price tag. Without my fancy (and LUCKY) discount, these babies push $500.00. PLUS, some websites I've visited charge an extra fee for shipping big, bulky tall boots, so there's that.</li>
<li>Not really a CON, but I've heard that the calf sizes run slim, so keep that in mind while ordering. OR run to your tack store and try them on if you're shopping online. It could potentially save you a lot of time and a headache!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EXoz7vGCqM/UJl2UeOj--I/AAAAAAAAAJI/c2wJCoSJUXQ/s1600/0038976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EXoz7vGCqM/UJl2UeOj--I/AAAAAAAAAJI/c2wJCoSJUXQ/s1600/0038976.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'll pass on these paddock boot versions...yuck.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/">www.doversaddlery.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So now that you're hooked like me, <b>Where to Buy?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Literally everywhere online, I've seen them on eBay (Beware of skeevy used boots, unless you don't mind), and your local tack/saddlery store. Here are a few links for you:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat%C2%AE-volant--front-zip-tall-boots/p/X1-38973/?ids=i01zmo45v3agajuthstuds55" target="_blank">Dover Saddlery</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.smartpakequine.com/ariat-volant-tall-boot-front-zip-9412p.aspx" target="_blank">SmartPak</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Ariat-VOLANT-Front-Boots/dp/B004IWH4WS" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (Check the size before you buy!!)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ariat-VOLANT-Tall-Boot-Front-Zip-all-sizes-w-Free-bag-/160583525097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=460022238892&hash=item25638622e9" target="_blank">eBay</a> (Cheap, and come with a free bag, and free shipping?? SCORE)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just to name a few, but really, these are mainstream. So there you have it! Your next new tall boots! I just love spending your money for you, especially after I've taken the plunge!<br />
<br />
Thanks, Erin, for talking me into these...HA!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Again - I was not paid for this, just wanted to share my experiences and review this product! BUT, just a hint, Ariat, you can send some free stuff my way, and I wouldn't be disappointed.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-6971282786298800222012-11-05T15:38:00.001-08:002012-11-05T15:38:38.064-08:00Bon Voyage, Maya!It is with a bit of sadness, but a TON of joy that I announce that we have found a GREAT home for our sweet Maya...<br />
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For those of you who do not know, Maya is our mare Regina's latest filly. She is about 6 months old, and a great little filly, with an excellent bloodline (More info on her is under my "Horses" tab up top). I co-own both of these Friesians with my friend, Erin. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rwkq2C0k0U/UJhMWbVi26I/AAAAAAAAAIA/-xwt-R3l5vE/s1600/004361_2_DSC02733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rwkq2C0k0U/UJhMWbVi26I/AAAAAAAAAIA/-xwt-R3l5vE/s400/004361_2_DSC02733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maya - "Maaje"</td></tr>
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Being that we live in Los Angeles, and do NOT own a ranch...We decided it was best for us AND for Maya to be sold to a home that has plenty of land and time to put into Miss Maya. We ended up finding a couple who is going to start up a Friesian business, and has property here nearby in Lancaster, as well as in Arizona. They sent us an offer we couldn't refuse, both on Maya's part and on our part! Bottom line is, she will be WELL taken care of, and have plenty of free space, and love, which makes both Erin and I very happy :).<br />
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Our plan is to stay in touch with these new owners, and keep up on Maya's progress. Of course, I will share any information with you guys!!<br />
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Thanks for being a part of my family!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-64910722093182005662012-10-31T09:10:00.000-07:002012-11-01T12:41:56.292-07:00Ode to HalloweenWell, kids, it's that time of year again, where children and adults alike take to dressing up their beloved horse in some kind of ridiculous costume, to win a ribbon!<br />
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Can we all agree that nothing looks more excited than a horse dressed up in a full-blown costume on Halloween?<br />
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Here are some of my favorites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dl9XimZCK1k/UJFJx9vY0lI/AAAAAAAAAFw/9mAO52pcY6Q/s1600/180195,xcitefun-horse-costume-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dl9XimZCK1k/UJFJx9vY0lI/AAAAAAAAAFw/9mAO52pcY6Q/s400/180195,xcitefun-horse-costume-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You just can never go wrong dressing up like food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsPEBsi45m8/UJFJySdZn9I/AAAAAAAAAF4/FV3ofnKPv_Q/s1600/398210_10152181362910713_1392816058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsPEBsi45m8/UJFJySdZn9I/AAAAAAAAAF4/FV3ofnKPv_Q/s400/398210_10152181362910713_1392816058_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually the only thing on here that I saw, that I'd actually do...if I wasn't lazy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We_U4IMy-kw/UJFJy2s9FMI/AAAAAAAAAGA/OKmlgYnsSic/s1600/A19V_1_20120823_28119803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We_U4IMy-kw/UJFJy2s9FMI/AAAAAAAAAGA/OKmlgYnsSic/s400/A19V_1_20120823_28119803.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umm...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVDcPFWnhq8/UJFJ5825OBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GxbqgnHEXew/s1600/Batman_Horse_Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVDcPFWnhq8/UJFJ5825OBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GxbqgnHEXew/s400/Batman_Horse_Costume.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, this is only cute because you KNOW this was this little boy's DREAM.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogVdqD2C-f0/UJFJ7Jtu8CI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/SfQb7rXgje8/s1600/Costume-UnicornerFarm-RaggetyAnne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogVdqD2C-f0/UJFJ7Jtu8CI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/SfQb7rXgje8/s400/Costume-UnicornerFarm-RaggetyAnne.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, I have a few problems with this one. First of all, such a SAD Raggedy Andy!!<br />
Second of all...Is it just me, or is he happy to see me?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVVjirMYd3s/UJFJ70zg-9I/AAAAAAAAAGY/wts9uMD89oA/s1600/Costume-UnicornerFarm-SpongebobGary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVVjirMYd3s/UJFJ70zg-9I/AAAAAAAAAGY/wts9uMD89oA/s400/Costume-UnicornerFarm-SpongebobGary.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh dear...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x213KuBO-Ms/UJFJ9vHxyVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/gxbRsURLUoI/s1600/HarryWorldarenashot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x213KuBO-Ms/UJFJ9vHxyVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/gxbRsURLUoI/s400/HarryWorldarenashot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that a second, fake person?? Don't even get me started on the beak.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bTu_Qxa2cc/UJFJ-0kzHnI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0vX1vD-5od0/s1600/costume2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bTu_Qxa2cc/UJFJ-0kzHnI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0vX1vD-5od0/s400/costume2.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EEDRbFNIDc/UJFJ_V_pdzI/AAAAAAAAAG4/YqwFvcW1Its/s1600/fish_horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EEDRbFNIDc/UJFJ_V_pdzI/AAAAAAAAAG4/YqwFvcW1Its/s400/fish_horse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the fin-tail!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUgJ2tPxDP8/UJFJ_4VeOrI/AAAAAAAAAHA/A_Fv-XI0nYA/s1600/funny-pet-costume-dog-dressed-up-as-horse-and-knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUgJ2tPxDP8/UJFJ_4VeOrI/AAAAAAAAAHA/A_Fv-XI0nYA/s400/funny-pet-costume-dog-dressed-up-as-horse-and-knight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April Fools!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hYV_PRynwg/UJFKAP84AuI/AAAAAAAAAHI/CG9Vi5ho5DU/s1600/gumby-703230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hYV_PRynwg/UJFKAP84AuI/AAAAAAAAAHI/CG9Vi5ho5DU/s400/gumby-703230.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look into those big bulging eyes...so much pain!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6dXzaUao14/UJFKA8ZYWhI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/j6OEX7QfiZA/s1600/horse-costumes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6dXzaUao14/UJFKA8ZYWhI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/j6OEX7QfiZA/s400/horse-costumes-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh no...is this a pink panther, or a Playboy Bunny?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-bqkIU28Lc/UJFKBf6FzNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/MW9FhYV4QRE/s1600/hourse-dressings-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-bqkIU28Lc/UJFKBf6FzNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/MW9FhYV4QRE/s400/hourse-dressings-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something tells me that this wouldn't end well if there was a massive horse spook.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gD1taMfmw/UJFKB1-taUI/AAAAAAAAAHg/QLkeo80t5AQ/s1600/i_4092_stupid-horse-outfits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gD1taMfmw/UJFKB1-taUI/AAAAAAAAAHg/QLkeo80t5AQ/s400/i_4092_stupid-horse-outfits.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No comment.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSLhwAUWUmQ/UJFKCAINMEI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Q6EzUZDBB70/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSLhwAUWUmQ/UJFKCAINMEI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Q6EzUZDBB70/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easily my favorite. LOL.<br />
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All Images Credit: <a href="http://www.google.com/">www.google.com</a><br />
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Good gravy, I love Halloween! HEHE<br />
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Send me any other glorious costumes you see, and I'll add them to the post! Otherwise....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-68557369421271800412012-10-30T15:16:00.001-07:002012-11-01T12:41:34.083-07:00Mid-Fall Tips & Tricks!Well, now that it's mid-Fall, I wanted to touch base and share with you the steps I take to prepare my horses for the colder (I say colder because, come on, it's California) months.<br />
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As we work our way though Fall, I take the following steps to ensure my horses' health and happiness:<br />
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<b>1. When the temperature dips below 55 degrees F at night, I begin to blanket!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPSY02-xJdE/UJBL6X_4YwI/AAAAAAAAAFI/AaYvD17C4sg/s1600/f959338254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPSY02-xJdE/UJBL6X_4YwI/AAAAAAAAAFI/AaYvD17C4sg/s400/f959338254.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be the envy of your barn...NO WINTER COAT!<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.victorycanter.com/">www.victorycanter.com</a></td></tr>
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Since I do not have a threat of snow where I'm at, I just use a simple nylon cooler during Fall & Winter. It's easier for me to handle as far as taking it off, and putting it back on. Also, it's lightweight enough that I can usually leave it on them all day long, until I'm ready to get them out.<br />
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Cooler sheets are also great for us SoCal people, because they are on the cheaper end of the blanket range, and they warm horses just enough that their bodies are tricked not to grow a winter coat! HA! Take that Mother Nature. That being said, though, make sure you are appropriately blanketing for whatever your climate is...Check around your barn to see how other people are blanketing, or ask your local tack store, barn manager, whoever has been around in your climate.<br />
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<b>2. Just like us girls, hibernating in the Fall & Winter and all, it's OK to let your horse put on an extra few pounds during this time.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IhjEmKrvsw/UJBMf__V4dI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/09gnjdZXlvE/s1600/FatPony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IhjEmKrvsw/UJBMf__V4dI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/09gnjdZXlvE/s1600/FatPony.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FYI, this is too much weight.<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.minnesotafarriers.com/">www.minnesotafarriers.com</a></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
This overall keeps your horse happier and warmer. Think about it - the term "Fat & Happy" didn't just fall from the sky! I tend to ride a bit less when it's cold out (read: I'm a wuss), therefore my horse is exercising a bit less day-to-day. This added weight gain will help keep their body temperature up when they are simply sitting out in pasture, or in their stall, inactive.<br />
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OK - Disclaimer - This DOESN'T mean add an extra flake to their diet...it only means to be conscious of what they're eating, and add a BIT here and there. I don't need a bunch of angry people with fat cows on my hands saying "But you said!!!". You're NOT doing your horse any favors by making them tote around you + a big belly full of food.<br />
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<b>3. Make sure that your horse has adequate shelter from the elements. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79l-BmhaWCg/UJBNDn-gkfI/AAAAAAAAAFY/zSeAgiTF5fk/s1600/Kon_trojanski_RB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79l-BmhaWCg/UJBNDn-gkfI/AAAAAAAAAFY/zSeAgiTF5fk/s320/Kon_trojanski_RB.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect. This is exactly what I mean.<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.texasliberal.wordpress.com/">www.texasliberal.wordpress.com</a></td></tr>
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This one's pretty simple. If you pasture your horse, at least make sure they have a lean-to, or some other form of shelter, so that if they CHOOSE to, they can run and hide from any rain, winds, etc. Easy, right? If they're stalled, make sure that there are no leaks in their roof...blah blah blah.<br />
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<b>4. Preserve their fan for next year!</b><br />
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My horses all live in indoor stalls. It gets HOT in Spring & Summer, so each of them have their own hanging fan in the corner of their stalls...Each time it gets cold, I take those down, clean them, and store them until I need them again. For SOME reason, if I leave them up all Fall & Winter, when I go to turn them on come Spring, I have about a 50/50 chance that it will turn on and function...WHYYY that is, I have no idea, but it's just a thing, so don't get lazy and just do it. (Note to self, practice what you preach and do your fan, Brianne)<br />
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<b>5. Check with your vet about supplementing your horse.</b><br />
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I am NOT a vet, so I don't want to advise anything here, other than to double check with your vet to make sure that you are properly feeding your horse for the colder months. Every once in a while, I had a vet tell me to feed this grain or that supplement, especially when my horses were in Kentucky, where it's COOOOLLLDDD.<br />
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Also important, is to have them double-checked for worms if you don't rotate on a worming schedule already (They need their extra feed, it doesn't need to feed an internal worm right now...). Blood work, fecal work, etc.<br />
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<b>6. While you're at it...Make sure they have access to "working" water.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOgfU27BWVQ/UJBN4Qh4_qI/AAAAAAAAAFg/-khaQ3jLayY/s1600/cocktail_margarita-3071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOgfU27BWVQ/UJBN4Qh4_qI/AAAAAAAAAFg/-khaQ3jLayY/s320/cocktail_margarita-3071.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're gonna give your horse frozen anything, at least make it a margarita. Rule of thumb.<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://free-extras.com/">free-extras.com</a></td></tr>
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Now, I don't have to worry about this here in SoCal, but when I lived in Kentucky, I had to put a water heater contraption in the bottom of my water trough for the horses. If you live in a FREEZING place, make sure that your horses have access to melted water. Duh.<br />
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There are several ways to do this, whether you really feel like going out and stirring it, or replacing it every few hours, purchase an automated system (can be pricey!!), or pay someone else to do it, it's your responsibility. I don't think I even have to say that...<br />
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Grand Finale: The most important thing to remember as we transition into the cooler seasons, is that no matter where you live, horses are naturally designed to survive through these months. With or without human interference. "But my horse has never lived in the wild!!!" Well, obviously, but that doesn't take the NATURE out of a horse. YOU know your horse better than I do, though, and some DO need that special attention. Typically it's older horses, or other horses who are generally known as NON easy keepers...You know if you have one of those...you just do. For example, my two Quarter Horses are definitely easy keepers, and I didn't even OWN a blanket for either of them when they lived in the snow in Kentucky. They didn't even blink an eye.<br />
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Bottom line is, don't stress yourself, or your wallet, out when it comes to preparing for these new seasons, but be conscious of what your horse MAY need, as the new season arises! <br />
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Happy Fall, and get out there and enjoy the most beautiful trail scenery you will see all year!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-62842075300267877332012-10-26T14:48:00.002-07:002012-11-01T12:41:22.036-07:00Product Review - Calm Coat ProductsI told you this blog would be random.<br />
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Not too often do I feel crazy passionately about a product, so much that I want to sit down and write a whole essay about it. Especially for no reason at all...but THIS product has quickly become a staple in my daily horse beauty regimen.<br />
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I was introduced to it through a barn friend of mine, who made the entire barn aisle smell sooo good with it. The product? <b>MannaPro's Calm Coat Detangler & Shine</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKBiI1cM58/UIrE36yRjII/AAAAAAAAAEw/xESkPflLyAA/s1600/21627.a.zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuKBiI1cM58/UIrE36yRjII/AAAAAAAAAEw/xESkPflLyAA/s400/21627.a.zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hero. <br />
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.sstack.com/">www.sstack.com</a></td></tr>
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<b><u>Pros:</u></b><br />
1. Right off the bat, it smells like a tropical paradise. The kind where you're sitting on the beach with a strong Pina Colada, and your horse is being groomed in the background by a striking young man with an accent, dressed in a banana hammock...THAT kind of paradise.<br />
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2. Everything they promise on the label, they deliver. It keeps your horse, well...umm...detangled and shiny. Literally. Even if you DON'T use it daily, let's face it, sometimes we just wanna brush really quick and get on with life, the results LAST.<br />
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Sometimes I'll pull Hatchet out of his stall, and OMG this horse is a dirt & dust (and pigeon poop) magnet, and with one swipe of a brush, this guy is shiny! I still get compliments on him even if he hasn't had a decent bath in 3-4 weeks! Miracles, I tell you.<br />
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I've used an array of detangler & shine products, like Cowboy Magic & ShowSheen, and I promise you, this product surpasses both. Both Cowboy Magic & ShowSheen worked that day, but over time, I found my horses hair overall to get more and more dry & brittle. Different chemicals, I suppose.<br />
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3. A little bit goes a long way. I spray this everywhere. EVERYWHERE. I soak their manes and tails in it, then spray it across their bodies and legs. I only finger comb their manes, and it helps a LOT. It also keeps their manes and tails conditioned so they will GROW longer & faster! (I'll fill you in on the supplements I use to help this also, in a later post)<br />
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<b><u>Cons:</u></b><br />
1. This product doesn't grow on trees. :(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eH1PkgNiZTw/UIrE5n96wxI/AAAAAAAAAE4/VKOUhxNK564/s1600/manna-pro-calm-coat-large-animal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eH1PkgNiZTw/UIrE5n96wxI/AAAAAAAAAE4/VKOUhxNK564/s400/manna-pro-calm-coat-large-animal.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their entire magical line.<br />
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.westernfarmcenter.com/">www.westernfarmcenter.com</a></td></tr>
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They offer several smell-good products in their line, and also offer bulk sizes, since we all know horse people are tack and grooming product hoarders (The first step is admitting it)...<br />
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A friend of mine has tried their "Calm Eyes" Eye Cleanser, and loves it as well. Cleared up any boogers and runny fluid ASAP - actually just as well or even better than the expensive solution her vet had her purchase (There's a bummer).<br />
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OK there's always a catch, right? Too good to be true, and things like that.<br />
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WELL, my barn friends and I came to find out that they only offer their "Natural Fly Repellant" seasonally, so make sure to grab extras when summer rolls around, in case your Summer is a bit longer, like us lucky SoCal people. That's it. Can't find anything else wrong with this line!<br />
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Now, where to purchase this miracle product? I'm sure you've seen it, or maybe overlooked it at your local tack store. It's pretty mainstream. BUT I always throw mine in with my auto-shipment on <a href="http://www.horse.com/">www.horse.com</a> so it ships for FREE (remember that I buy in bulk...that problem I have). Ta da! Problems somewhat solved. It's also available on other horse-themed websites, but this is my niche.<br />
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What is your all-time favorite grooming product?? Spill!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Oh, and maybe some legal jargon? I was not paid for this, nor is this a sponsored post. Just a crazy girl wanting to share her secrets!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-3667817227807280412012-10-26T09:32:00.001-07:002012-10-26T09:32:43.138-07:00My Day to Day - LAECMy day to day with the horses, on weekdays, starts at about 6pm. During the week, I work 40 hours in an office to support my habit, and then drive the 6 blocks down the road to my boarding stables. Usually when I arrive, the sun is just about setting, or will set within a few hours - depending on what time of the year. To any diehard horse lover like me, the sun setting is NOT a reason to leave the barn! :)<br />
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I park, change my clothes, and walk down the aisles to the babies....On a good day, I'm greeted with deep, low whinnies and stares, as they watch my every move, and scan me for a bag of carrots or some treats. On a bad day, I'm blown off, and sometimes not even acknowledged until I pull one of them out of their stalls. I swear they talk.<br />
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I greet all three, Hatchet, Rio, & Regina, and then visit with my barn friends and their horses. Our barn has a small arena, but really, I seldom ride in it. It's juuuust barely big enough for 2-3 people to ride in, but really perfect for a quick turnout (so you get the idea...tragic). Besides that, I grew up ONLY riding in arenas, NEVER out on trail, so the rebel in me wants to constantly be out!! I usually tack up whoever I'm riding, and go out on the trails! <br />
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Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) has a really nice perimeter trail. Yep, you guessed it, it goes around the perimeter of the center. See it down below? Bridle Trail...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUj4EX9DKa0/UIq4iHg4kVI/AAAAAAAAAEg/CXfkIwJCm-o/s1600/overheadcfacility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="443" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUj4EX9DKa0/UIq4iHg4kVI/AAAAAAAAAEg/CXfkIwJCm-o/s640/overheadcfacility.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: www.la-equestriancenter.com</td></tr>
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To ride the entire trail takes about a half hour, or 20 minutes if you're galloping (shhh). BUT you'll notice that on the top right and left of the map, there are little legs of the trail that go off into the distance...THAT'S where the fun is. Access to ALL trails of Griffith Park...HOURS of trails, and you'll never see the same area twice. SOLD.<br />
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So, as you can see, depending on the amount of time I have each night, it's really easy to find places to ride. The Center is always a buzz, so it's never a dull moment!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-80634292213993612732012-10-25T23:45:00.001-07:002012-10-26T10:49:28.186-07:00Expectations for this blog...…for myself! I want this to be a free space where I can share whatever photos, quotes, thoughts, videos, happy times, struggles…blah blah. I want whoever follows to be a part of my journey, and my life with these horses!<br />
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Expect a lot. I have a lot of history I want to post on here, so it can be recorded, and I also have a lot of new stuff that happens daily that I want to post up, sometimes while it’s happening!<br />
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I’m excited!! Bottom line…Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589024651335649168.post-3946175731914532212012-10-25T11:54:00.001-07:002012-11-01T12:41:01.913-07:00So I suppose I started a blog......now what?? ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093289020492590069noreply@blogger.com0