Horseback riding is a wonderful way to experience the natural world. Riding through fields, woods, and along the beach allows you to connect with nature in a way that few other activities can. The rhythm of the horse’s gait and the sound of its hooves on the ground create a …
What to do if you have really muddy paddocks?
Dealing with muddy horse paddocks can be a significant challenge, as excessive mud can lead to various health issues for your horses and make the management of the paddocks difficult. The impact on horse health and wellbeing can be significant, leading to both short-term discomfort and long-term health issues. Hoof …
What’s the difference between paddocks, fields and pastures?
In the world of agriculture, a paddock typically refers to a small, enclosed field where livestock, such as horses, cattle, sheep, or goats, are kept. These areas are often enclosed with fencing or natural barriers, providing a safe and confined space for animals to graze or roam. Paddocks are crucial …
How to know if you have mice in your stables?
If you suspect you have mice in your stables, there are several telltale signs to look for: To control and prevent mice from settling in your stables, regularly clean the stables and remove leftover food and hay. Close any gaps or holes that can serve as entry points using steel …
What is a barn cat, and why might you want one?
Farmers, equestrians, and those who dwell in the countryside have long known the value of the barn cat. But what exactly is a barn cat, and why might you want one? Let’s dive deep into the world of these feline overseers of the stable. A barn cat is a cat …
5 ways to get rid of horseflies
What is a horsefly, you ask? It’s a biblical curse on wings, is what it is. But biologically speaking, it’s a stoutly built fly, the female of which is a bloodsucker and inflicts painful bites on horses and other mammals, including humans. Adult horseflies typically eat nectar, but the females …
How to use chickens as natural pest control at your stable to keep flies away
Too often I’ve seen stables with lots of flies and all people do is try to spray their horses. Trapping is one way you can keep bug populations low, but there’s a really low-maintenance, natural way to control bugs around your barn that is mostly overlooked. I’m talking about chickens! …
7 questions to ask when choosing where to stable your horse
For any horse owner choosing where to keep your horse is a big decision and it can be a challenging one if you’re a first-time horse owner. You should choose a livery yard that is insured and complies with the current health and safety guidelines and that will offer you …
What kind of stabling options can you get for your horse?
Depending on what you and your horse need, there are several different kinds of livery options. Livery, or boarding as it’s also called, means that you don’t keep your horse at home but rent a field, stable and related services from someone else. Stabling your horse is one of the …
What are stable vices and how do you fix them?
What kind of problems do horse owners experience and how should they be addressed? Horses can come with problems and they can develop problems even after many years. Whether the problem is physical or psychological there is always a reason and it’s the job of a responsible horse owner to take the time to get to the root of the problem and not just treat the symptoms.