Peppermint Apples Horse Treat Recipe

I 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...

So, let's just dive in - 

SOMEONE needs to clean their grout.

Peppermint Apples

1 large apple

1 shredded carrot

1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup honey

5 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon salt

3 crushed peppermints

What to do...

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.

I should be a food photographer.

Mix the honey, peppermints, sugar, and salt in a bowl...I recommend using a spoon!

Are a crazy horse lady's nails ever nice looking?

Oooohhh...texture.

Mix the oats and carrots in a separate bowl. With a separate spoon.

I went with a gladware thing, so I would have to do less dishes later...watch!

Next, coat the apple chunks in the honey mixture and roll in the oat mixture. Seriously, this is kid stuff.

This is why you dried off your apple slices...
so stuff would stick to them! If it's still not, try adding more honey.

Ooooohhh more texture. I was feelin' it, I guess.

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.

Plastic horse, optional.

Do not let recipe sit for more than a few days...obviously.  The recipe makes plenty for two or more horses, so SHARE! Sheesh.

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!

See you out on the trail!

The Horse Junkie

REVIEW: 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 Best Friend Bareback Pad (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?

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.

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.

Such a cute logo!

(All stock images/videos in this review
are pulled from www.hairybackranch.com
with permission)

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!

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!

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:

First of all, here's what you get in the package:

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.

Rio looks THRILLED! Lol

Now let's take it to the streets, and see if we can actually do it! 

Step 1: DRAPE

Step 2: ADJUST

BOOTY SHOT!!

Make sure that padded piece is on the withers.
(What, no joke here??)

Step 3: MOUNT

Lightweight, aluminum stirrup. 

"Umm...what are you doing?"

I told you - style, beauty, and grace!

And with a flick of the tail, I'm on!

Step 4: UNDO

TA DA!

Man, I'm good. I guess!

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!!

Yes, his tail is still multi-colored.

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!

Convinced you need one yet?? Here are some details.

Where can I buy it?

You can purchase this here: http://www.hairybackranch.com/products/solo-ride

How much does it cost?

$124.99 for the whole package, ships from Canada.

More details please!!

Ooooh...visual.

• Solo-Ride® is made in Canada
• Made with 100% heavy duty nylon webbing
• Hardware is 100% stainless steel
• Stirrup is polished lightweight aluminum
• Waist pack is made of durable 600 denier polyester
• Handle included
• Wither / under leg comfort pad included
• Waist pack adjusts to 55 inches
• Three zippered pockets for extra storage (cellphone and keys fit perfectly - done!)
• Key ring in pocket
• Waist pack is embroidered with safety thread

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!

Be sure to "Like" Hairy Back Ranch on Facebook to keep up with any news, new products, or sales she will be offering in the future!



Now quick, go shopping!!
The Horse Junkie

**Disclaimer - All products shown here were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my OWN!** 

PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN SKOLD

The 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.

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 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...you know how it goes. Or doesn't.

If THAT graphic doesn't get you
pumped, then there's NO hope for you.

Image source: Pinterest

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!

1. I will TRY to write & share more on this blog.

Let's see. I started this website and a Facebook for a reason, right? Oh yeah, because I wanted to do this. I wanted 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 :).

2. I will TRY to take better care of my tack.

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.

3. I will TRY to get my guys on a better, more consistent de-worming plan.

I don't know about you, but my horses are a
little more dramatic when I deworm them.

Image source: myhorse.com

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 get immune to certain wormers if they're used consecutively (Anthelmintic resistance), or too often. Also, different parasites live in different seasons, so in order to be covered for parasites in Summer, for example, 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 less.  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. 

4. I will TRY to make sure that my horses get ample turn-out time, and enough time to be HORSES.

I hope my turnout time goes a little better than this.

Image source: thinklikeahorse.org

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 be horses.  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...

5. I will TRY to clean out my tack locker, and donate or sell tack I'm NOT using!!

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 PROMISE!  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!)

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??

Happy Trails...

The Horse Junkie

The 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.

One of these pages that I follow is simply called, "The Horse." Creative! Today, they posted a link to their own blog, to an entry entitled The Top 10 Goofy Places I've Found Bits Of Hay. 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??

Just looking at this is giving me anxiety.

Image Source: www.dodgegrain.biz 

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.

That being said, I figured I should contribute a little bit today, and share with you.....

The Top 10 Most Awkward Places I've Found SHAVINGS

1. My Bra - 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.

2. My Hair - 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 else points it out to you.

3. Clean Laundry - The keyword here is CLEAN. And of course, by this point, the shavings are practically woven into the fabric of whatever just came out of the dryer. Nice.

4. My Car - 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!

5. My Helmet, Gloves, & Breeches - 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.

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.

No matter how skin-tight your breeches are (I ride in Kerrits tights), you WILL go to take them off and find at least one shaving in them. One little...bitty...jerk.

6. My Face - 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.

7. Various Barn Animals - 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!

We don't have sheep or goats at our barn...this might be why.

8. Sink Drain - 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.

9. My Frappuccino - 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.

10. Your Horse's Wiener - 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!


What are some hilariously strange places you've found shavings?

Happy Trails!

The Horse Junkie

Fall Pumpkin Cinnamon Horse Cookies

The 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?

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.

Here's the rundown...

Pumpkin Cinnamon Horse Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 can of pumpkin
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 1/4 cups of oats
1/4 cup of molasses
1/2 cup of brown sugar

Look at that arrangement!

Not too bad, right?

Method:

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)

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin. Mix until blended.

Umm...Oats.

Yummy brown sugar!

Gooey molasses...and an awkward sandcastle of brown sugar!

I should have bought stock in this company this year...

This looks GREEEAAAAT.

Betcha can't wait to touch THIS with your hands.

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...

I should have been a hand model.

Just in case you didn't know how to put them on the cookie sheet.

** 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'.

Ta da!

4. Place into the oven, and let bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven.

Yes, I have the cutest oven in the world.

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.

Before they cool and before you remove them from the cookie sheet, sprinkle the tops of them evenly with the cinnamon.

Cinnamony goodness!

THAT'S IT!  Easy right? Stick with me and soon enough you'll be the next barnyard Martha Stewart. So desirable.

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.

Beauty shots of these beauties!

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. ;)

Happy Baking, and have a WONDERFUL Halloween!

<3,
HJ