Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wow, Thanksgiving is upon us already. You're probably going to be enjoying a meal and visiting with relatives indoors today. Your horse will have a day off but why not let him enjoy a special meal also? Here is a great recipe of bran mash to try out. It will warm his tummy and make his day special:

Thanksgiving Mash

Ingredients:
Hot Water
A dollop of molasses
A handful of brown sugar
Two carrots shredded
One chopped apple
6 Cups of bran mash
Your horse’s daily grain ration (either morning or evening portion)
2 cups of apple juice

Optional ingredients:
chopped up corn (still on the cob), apple sauce, carrot tops, dollop of corn oil, store-bought horse cookies or sugar lumps.

Instructions:Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket. Pour enough hot water on top to resemble soupy oatmeal. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, or until the bran has absorbed the water and is cool enough to eat. Pour the apple juice on top and serve. Discard any leftovers.

For more on this recipe and other news about equestrian life, visit www.horsechannel.com/ .

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Today’s tip is all about dryer sheets. They are one of the most versatile creations of laundry room stock and are a valuable addition in the tack room. They smell good and have magnetizing and anti-static properties. As an added bonus they can serve as a great way to keep away all the little flying insects around the barn, pasture and on the trail.

As an insect repellent:

For sweet itch, an allergy reaction to the bites of midges or gnats, rub a dryer sheet on the top of the tail.
To rid the horse of flies, braid Bounce or other brand of dryer sheet in the horse’s mane and tail.
While riding, tuck a dryer sheet in the bridle and one in your back pocket or under a belt loop to repel flies, bees, and wasps.

As a static remover:

If your horse gets a buildup of static electricity in the mane and tail, wipe the hair down with a dryer sheet.
When your horse wears a wool-lined winter blanket, rub the horse gently with a dryer sheet before you put the blanket on to reduce static shock when you remove the blanket.

As an air freshener:

In between shows, place a dryer sheet in your tack trunk or garment bag to keep everything fresh.
Hang a dryer sheet in your tack locker to both repel flies and keep it smelling fresh. (The softening agents in the dryer sheets can affect the leather so make sure to hang it where it will not be in contact with your bridle and saddle.)

So the next time you are out purchasing your laundry needs, pick up an extra box of dryer sheets for your horse!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Welcome to The Frugal Horseman! Here you will be able to find resources for do-it-yourself projects for horsekeeping and ways to use what you already have in the care of horses, tack, and equipment.

These days it seems like we are reminded constantly about how the economy is not as generous as it used to be. So the question is "how do we keep up with the best care for our equine companions as possible on a frugal budget?" Well, I got ideas and resources, resources, resources.

Put this blog in your favorites and come by often for hints, tips, DIY projects, instructions, effecient care, and a few giveaways!