Tag Archives: equestrian

Livestock Waterers Plain City UT Keep The Herd Healthy

January 14, 2011

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The early settlers of this small Utah town were drawn here because of the cattle business. The pastures were not too distant, and the mountains to the east and northeast promised a good summer range. One of the biggest problems to overcome, however, was adequate water for the livestock. Without a good supply, the health and productivity of the herds suffered. Today, however, livestock waterers Plain City UT provide a constant, clean supply of water for the herds.

Ideally, every grower should have access to a quick-flowing, fresh source of water, but this is not always the case. During all seasons, regardless of the weather, ranchers now rely on livestock watering devices developed over the past century. Actual water requirements for cattle or other grazers depend on the size of the animal, but the minimum for a non-lactating 1100 lb. Cow is nine gallons a day.

Without adequate fresh water, many large animals suffer physical problems in addition to thirst. Horses, for example, develop agonizing colic stomach cramps, and will ultimately die if not given a constant source of hydration. Cattle have trouble producing marketable amounts of milk without adequate drinking water. Livestock waterers have been designed to keep this essential fluid intake at more than acceptable levels.

Getting this water to the animals is a large undertaking. Waterers are designed to solve this problem by providing an unending flow of liquid automatically, by being attached to a water line under pressure. If water inside reaches a certain level, a float-operated valve will automatically open to allow more into the container. No one has to constantly check the levels or worry about enough getting to the animals.

In this way the containers are able to maintain a constant supply, and the valve monitors the levels, which keeps water usage and waste to an acceptable minimum. It is very important to locate these mechanisms in an area where there is some shelter from the elements. During winter an over-exposed line is subject to freezing, which means that someone will have to knock the ice off in order for the animals to drink. Also, there needs to be enough animals present to draw down levels enough to trigger the intake valve, which keeps the water replenished and fresh.

For optimum drainage the watering system needs to be built on top of a flat concrete slab. Not only does this help protect against the elements, it can stop the watering hole from turning into a nasty mud-hole. For proper installation with the right grounding, electrical versions often need the assistance of a qualified electrician in order to eliminate the possibility of shock. The pipe itself is often routed through an insulated covering called an Earth Tube in order to prevent winter freezing, and some ranchers add a cistern for greater storage capability.

Electrically or gravity-operated systems are the two basic types of devices. Both setups use a base that is insulated, and often with double plastic walls. The double wall configuration helps keep the water at a reasonable drinking temperature. A working system of livestock waterers Plain City UT that has been installed correctly will provide the basis for a healthy, profitable herd with no worries about dehydration.

Livestock Waterers Plain City UT

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The Proper Way To Handle Horses Between Riding Lessons

June 10, 2010

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If you like riding and want to spend more time around horses, riding lessons are a great way to accomplish this.

But one day you may own a horse and you need to learn how to relate to him both on and off duty. Here are some pointers.

Comfort Levels

As herd animals, horses need a leader whom they respect. Be fair, don’t demand of the horse more than he can give and take care of him physically. You will then become his comfort zone and he’ll willingly follow and obey you.

Give Your Horse Time Outs

Even though your horse may be comfortable with you, he will still require time away to amble about and graze with other horses. Being around other horses is crucial for his health, so don’t keep the horse away from others of his kind just so he can be with you. This is unfair to your horse, and it will ultimately lead to despondency.

Treat Sparingly

You don’t want to give your horse an excessive amount of treats. If you do, he’ll be eager to get them every time you appear, and that eagerness can eventually turn into biting if you aren’t careful. You’ll get instructions about giving treats during your riding lessons, since barns don’t want their horses to be biting clients!

Teamwork

In a way, your horse is also your “working pet” – just like Border Collies help farmers by herding sheep, but are still a beloved part of the family.

Even though you truly love your horse, he is there to work. By frequently babying your horse, he will no longer have interest in working, which can lead to serious control issues while you are on the saddle. Your horse must hold you with respect, but without any fear.

If you feel as though your horse is a kid that requires prudence and care, you are going to develop an emotional bond that makes things more worth while on the saddle and during times of leisure.

Read more on how to ride a horse by checking Jim Milton’s horseback riding lessons website. Jim is an international horse riding instructor who has helped loads of horse riding beginners.

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How To Get A Western Saddle For Your Child

May 12, 2010

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Whenever picking the right western saddle for your child there are several choices to make. A great many children develop a fascination and love for horses at an early age. Who knows why. It is just a inescapable fact. Children are generally completely unafraid and also mesmerized by these kinds of large, gentle animals. This relationship is one which will last a life time. That old saying that “horses come between toys and boys” for girls is most likely some parents wishful thinking.

Children frequently get started riding once they can sit up on their own in a saddle. The saddle is easily the most costly piece of equipment you will purchase right after buying the horse or pony. The saddle must fit the horse as well as the child. You should have the horse or pony your son or daughter will be riding prior to obtaining the saddle. A good saddle can last for very many years. Unfortunately, a child can quickly outgrow a small saddle. Keeping this in mind, you’ve got to decide the amount of money you are prepared to invest in a saddle. In cases where there are several children in the family that may be using the saddle can help ease the financial pain.

Various factors to take into consideration before buying your saddle are:

1. Leather of excellent quality lasts a lifetime. Beware of poor quality of leather.

2. Artificial (man made materials) includes canvas cloth, cordura or neoprene among other forms of materials. Synthetic saddles tend to be light-weight saddles and come in many different bright colors.

3. New or Used.

4. Type of Saddle. Will this saddle be put to use for pleasure or perhaps shows.

5. Cost – Sum of money you want to spend.

One of the things which is extremely important when looking for a western saddle for ones child will be the height of the cantle. The cantle is the raised rear section of the saddle seat. The taller the cantle, the much deeper the seat, the better with regard to aiding the child stay seated in the saddle. Look for a 5″ cantle height. Barrel racing style western saddles typically have deeper seats. You will find generally a bigger selection of small child size saddles when looking at the barrel style western saddles.

To be able to measure the western saddle, take a ruler or tape and measure from the back of the swell-pommel, just below the horn base and move straight across the seat to the inner rim of the cantle. Western saddles that can sometimes be used on a horse or pony might be as small as 7″ and as large as 20″.

What follows is a general Western saddle size guideline.

7″ to 8″ for the Very Small Child, Toddler under 3 years

10″ for an Average Size Small Child, 3-6 years old

12″ for an Average Size child, 7-10 years old

13″ for an average Youth size or large child

14″ for a Small Adult size

15″ for an Average Adult size

16″ to 20″ for Larger Adults

Many small riders have a hard time reaching the stirrups. All of the leather, padding and skirts on Western saddles make it harder to raise the stirrups short enough for little, short legs to reach them. Measuring the child’s inseam provides you with an idea of exactly how short you will need the stirrups to go. On the saddle, measure from the center of the seat right down to the spot that the foot rests within the stirrups when the stirrups are pulled up as high as they are going to go.

A common rule of thumb for the 10″ western saddle is 20″ at the shortest. Any shorter and the stirrups have difficulty turning therefore the child’s toes are pointed forward. The 12″ western saddle stirrup length is usually 22″ at the shortest. There are lots of different “stirrup helpers” available. These consist of nylon webbing with stirrups attached. The nylon webbing normally wraps around the saddle horn and the stirrups can be adjusted to suit the shorter legs.

Together with proper care and also maintenance, a saddle will last for countless years. The Western saddle’s style and design and also fit may have a large affect on both the horse’s overall performance along with the rider’s position and comfort. An ill fitting saddle may cause the horse considerable discomfort as well as physical damage. The ideal scenario will be if you can try out the saddle for a day or two. Make sure that it fits your child and also the horse or pony it will likely be used on before making your final decision.

On the lookout to obtain the best prices on Big Horn Saddles, in that case visit Reg’s site to get the best help and advice on Horse Saddles For Sale to suit your needs.

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