Careful Moving Blankets
I know it seems basic, but so often I see people
adjusting horse blankets without a clear
understanding of their impact.
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Happy Holidays.
I hope you are off to a peaceful holiday season.
I'd like to pass on easy techniques that make a
world
of difference to horses. So, this is the first issue of
my Evolved Grooming Newsletter. Future topics will
address seasonal issues as well as your grooming
concerns. I look forward to sharing information that
proves both useful and important to you and the
horses in your life.
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Here are blanketing tips your horse will appreciate:
Ouch!
- If you want to reposition a blanket or sheet, do
not pull it over or forward. This action pulls his hair
back against its growing pattern and hurts. Such an
experience is why many horses try to bite you when
you attempt to fuss with their clothes.
Moving Blankets
- Reposition blankets by first undoing leg straps,
then grabbing just above the tail and folding
the fabric forward to the withers. Now that the
clothes are halved, use one hand at the withers and
the other at the fold to lift the clothes to move
them. That is, elevate all the material and hold it up
as you straighten the clothes and move them toward
the chest. Next, gently slide them back. I like to
leave about 5" of space between the chest and
clothes. This leaves the horse shoulder room to lie
down comfortably and reduces the number of times
the blanket needs to be repositioned. Don’t forget
to
finish with the leg straps.
Leg Straps
- Leg straps can be dangerous stressors. If a horse
lies down and his hock gets caught in the slack of a
strap, he'll panic, scramble and likely hurt himself.
Don't attach the straps across the diagonal or simply
attach them to the same side. Instead, snap them
to the same side, passed through the other strap
between the legs. This way, the straps hang
suspended between the legs rather than drooping
with that dangerous slack. Be sure to adjust the
length to hang loosely, yet a few inches above
the hock for safety.
Wishing you and yours happy holidays and happy
horses!
Ciao for now,
Ruthann
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| Evolved Grooming |
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I had some time to think about horse's hair... So, I
worked with a vet to develop an advanced coat care
system. Now, you can enjoy healthier coats with 3
Lucky Braids products instead of using the 11
conventional products.
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| Giving Healthy Turnout |
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A healthy coat makes a great gift. To keep
horses comfortable in their skin, Lucky Braids offers
evolved products for naturally rich coats. Products
are available separately or in Gift Packs for the
holidays.
- Top Turnout Packs are healthy, time-saving gifts
for your horse and barn friends. They include:
Lucky
Braids Shampoo, Dry Wash/Stain Remover and
Salve.
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| Keep in Touch |
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If you have not done so, please join my mailing list.
It will be used exclusively for sharing more Evolved
Grooming Tips and perhaps invite you to a Top
Turnout Clinic in your area. If you would like to
submit a newsletter topic, please do so in the
comments section.
Please forward this newsletter and encourage
your friends to join as well. It's good for the horses.
Enjoy the holidays. Peace to all.
Ciao.
~ Ruthann
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