Routine Health Care

Routine health care must be maintained through the winter.  One common misconception during cold temperatures is that deworming is not required.  Winter is actually an excellent time to deworm.  The conditions may prevent the hatching of some eggs but there are still some internal parasite eggs that can survive cold temperatures.  For this reason horses need to be dewormed throughout the winter.  By deworming now, your horse will remain worm-free longer.   

It’s also important to maintain a regular vaccination and health care schedule with your veterinarian. 

No Hoof, No Horse

Hoof care is often overlooked during the winter as many horses are ridden less frequently.  Horse’s hooves should be inspected daily for foreign objects and picked clean, especially during rainy periods when mud and manure can become packed in the hoof.  It’s a common practice to remove shoes from horses during the winter, however regular farrier care is still required every six to eight weeks to keep your horse’s hooves in good condition.  Some horses may require shoeing year round due to lameness or conformation issues, even if they are not ridden during this period.

It is also recommended to put your horses on a hoof supplement during the winter.  The harsh conditions of winter can create cracks in the hooves so a good hoof supplement that consists of biotin, amino acids, zinc and copper will help keep the integrity of your horse’s hooves throughout winter. 

Mouth Care Often Ignored

Cold temperatures can lead to mouth related problems for horses, especially older horses.  Additional grain supplementation may be needed during the winter however horses will not be able to efficiently use the extra feed without sound teeth.  Horses with poor teeth may be able to maintain good body condition in the summer but this becomes much more challenging in the winter.  Horses should be examined every few days in the winter to be sure that they are maintaining adequate body condition. 

Another issue during the winter is related to your tack and bit accessories.  Riding during the winter is important but using a cold, frozen bit can cause mouth damage.  A cold equine bit not only causes pain but it can create numbness, physical discomfort, lip and tongue injury and a head-shy horse.  Consider using a bit warmer as it will bring the bit to a safe and comfortable temperature for your horse.

“Expecting your horse to accept a freezing cold bit on a winter day can cause pain, discomfort, and result in a head-shy horse that’s resistant to being bridled”, said Bit Blanket Owner Jamie Sturgess.  “Our product (seen right) also preserves your horse’s mouth as a numb mouth caused by a cold bit will result in less sensitivity to bit pressure. Bit Blanket is a simple, convenient, and easy-to-use electric bit warmer designed to warm the temperature of a cold bit so it’s compatible with a horse’s normal body temperature.”  To learn more about Bit Blanket visit www.bitblanket.com.   

Also, don’t overlook dental care as it’s essential that your horse’s teeth are maintained so that horses are able to utilize feed optimally.  

About Bit Blanket, Inc.

Jamie Sturgess, Inventor and President of Bit Blanket, Inc. has been an avid horse lover since she was a little girl growing up in New Hampshire. She has always loved everything about horses; the way they look, the way they smell, the whinny when they hear you coming, and the way they know and understand your personal touch. One thing she never liked, however, was feeling bad every time she had to put a cold bit in her horse’s mouth on those blustery winter days in New Hampshire.  Over the years, after trying all the various approaches and other bit warmers, she came up with the concept of an easy and effective way to warm a cold bit.   Bit Blanket is a horse bit warmer that you simply plug in and it begins warming your cold bit immediately.  Jamie is proud to offer riders and horses a safe, effective, easy-to-use option for warming cold bits.   To purchase or learn more visit www.bitblanket.com or contact Jamie Sturgess at 603.329.3044 or at sturgessj@bitblanket.com.

#9  They make wonderful gifts for your trainer, barn mates, and friends – and fit especially well in Christmas stockings.

#8  Cold bits can cause numbing of the mouth, interfering with communication.

#7  Using a hair-dryer is a hassle, is noisy, and uses at least 1250 watts of energy!  Bit Blankets use only 4 watts!

#6  You don’t want to create a head-shy horse who’s resistant to being bridled.

#5  Your horse may accept a cold bit but it doesn’t mean he likes it.

#4  Cold bits are uncomfortable, painful, and can cause lip/tongue/gum injuries.

#3  Bit Blankets are fast, effective, and convenient.

#2  You’d never lick a frozen flagpole (hopefully!) and you shouldn’t ask your horse to!

And the #1 reason to order a Bit Blanket:

Your armpits really aren’t that effective AND they make the bit taste funny.

Featured Presenters Include Chris Cox and Monty Roberts

One of the attractions of any successful equine event are the presenters and clinicians at the show.  The 2010 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts offers some of the best from the equine world including Chris Cox and Monty Roberts.   

Here is a complete list of the featured presenters at the 2010 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts.   

Along with these great presenters there are a long list of seminars and demonstrations throughout the four days of the event.  Things kick off with a bang on Thursday, November 11th as Julie Goodnight and Marlene McRae are two of the first presenters of the event.  There are other great seminars and demonstrations throughout the day including Caring for Wounds by Patricia Provost, VMD.

Here is the complete schedule and times for the clinics, seminars and demonstrations.

From Supplements to Electric Bit Warmers, Trade Show Has It All

For some horse owners, they may know exactly what they are looking for at this year’s Equine Affaire.  For others, they are window shopping looking for the right gift for themselves or for their equine companion.  Either way, visitors will have 418 booths to select from at this year’s event.

“As an exhibitor at this year’s Equine Affaire, having a over 400 booths is extremely exciting”, said Bit Blanket owner Jamie Sturgess.  ” We have learned from experience when there are more exhibitors there is more excitement, buzz and shopping which is great for the industry.”    

Bit Blanket, a cutting edge electric bit warmer, is one of many companies who spend several months preparing for this show.  The resources (time, money and people) it takes to run a successful show is plenty but it can be very rewarding.  

“We spend a lot of time and energy focused  on this show as we know it attracts thousands of horse owners from all over the country”, said Sturgess who is setup at booth #841.  ”We personally believe this is one of the top two or three equine events of the year so we are excited and happy to be part of this tradeshow.”

On average, 75% of trade show attendees plan booth visits before the start of the show.  If you have yet to set your plans for this year’s event here is a complete list of the exhibitors at the 2010 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts.   A recent survey also showed that 79% of trade show attendees believe that the show will help them decide what to buy either today or in the near future.  83% of those surveyed said that trade shows bring them up to date on the latest trends and products in the industry.

The 2010 Equine Affaire in W. Springfield, MA promises to be a great event.  With Christmas less than seven weeks away, it’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping and with over 400 booths, this event is a great place to start!

Who Doesn’t Like Free Stuff

The free Equine Affaire raffle at this year’s show in W. Springfield includes some great prizes.  From a Bronco Poley Saddle Package to a Horse and Rider Travel Package to electric bit warmers from Bit Blanket, there is something for everyone. 

“We wanted to provide those present at the Equine Affaire a great gift to show our appreciation for attending”, said Bit Blanket owner Jamie Sturgess.  ” As a horse owner myself, I know how much we all love and value our horses.  We feel like we have a product that horse owners will find extremely helpful so we are proud to be part of the raffle.”    

Here is a complete list of the items being given away at the 2010 Equine Affaire. 

Why Do People Enter Raffles?

Entering a sweepstakes or raffle contest isn’t just about winning.  It’s about fun even if your odds at times seem slim.  Here are five reasons why people will be entering the free Equine Affaire raffle!

1. For the Thrill of Winning

Whether the prize is big or small, it’s exciting to wait and see if you won!  Seeing your name flashed or hearing your name called can brighten up your day, week or even year!

2. Be Part of the ‘Community’

There is a certain community of people that enter sweepstakes, raffles and contests.  They enter every contest and grab every free item.  By joining the sweepstakes community, you make new friends around the country who share your same hobby and interests.

3. Prizes Offer New Experiences

The beauty of winning something free is that you are getting an item you didn’t think you needed or would love – only to find out you absolutely love it!  A new saddle, bit accessory or horse supplement can quickly become a hit for you and your horse.  If it weren’t for the raffle, you and your horse would have missed out on this great new experience.

4. Share With Your Friends

When you win something you want to tell your friends, show your friends, share it with your friends.  This is great for those products that are being given away as they instantly become the talk amongst those close to and around the winner.

5. The Chase, The Dream

People enter contests to win!  It may not be a million dollars or a new car but it doesn’t matter, you won!  The possibility, that potential for something amazing to be just around the corner is one of the best parts of entering contests.

About Bit Blanket, Inc.

Jamie Sturgess, Inventor and President of Bit Blanket, Inc. has been an avid horse lover since she was a little girl growing up in New Hampshire. She has always loved everything about horses; the way they look, the way they smell, the whinny when they hear you coming, and the way they know and understand your personal touch. One thing she never liked, however, was feeling bad every time she had to put a cold bit in her horse’s mouth on those blustery winter days in New Hampshire.  Over the years, after trying all the various approaches and techniques to offer her horse some relief from that cruel practice, she came up with the concept of an easy and effective way to warm a cold bit.   Bit Blanket is an electric bit warmer that you simply plug in and it begins warming your cold bit immediately.  Jamie is proud to offer riders and horses a safe, effective, easy-to-use option for warming cold bits.   To purchase or learn more visit www.bitblanket.com or contact Jamie Sturgess at 603.329.3044 or at sturgessj@bitblanket.com.

Stay Dry, Stay Warm

As noted earlier, wind and rain are two winter conditions that will challenge your horses ability to stay warm.  During these times it is essential to provide them protection from the elements.  This can be achieved by providing appropriate horse clothing and a well built shelter.  A commonly overlooked problem is the effects of a tightly closed up barn during the cold months.  A sealed up barn can create high humidity and dust which can result in an increase in allergies or infectious respiratory disease.    

Another indication that the weather may be a bit too cold for your horse is regular freezing of your horses water.  It is imperative that you check the water supply daily.  If you get hard freezes then a water heater is a good idea.  Remember, it is vital that your horse has plenty of water available to them throughout winter.

Bottom Line

Usually cold temperatures alone is not enough to chill a healthy, strong horse.  It is the combination of wet, cold and wind that can create an environment that is too cold for your horse.  It is not the coldest days that will put your horse on ice but those rainy and windy days that will challenge even the hardiest of horses.

In these conditions, provide shelter from the wind and rain, adequate feed and water and you will have a comfortable and healthy horse.

About Bit Blanket, Inc.

Jamie Sturgess, Inventor and President of Bit Blanket, Inc. has been an avid horse lover since she was a little girl growing up in New Hampshire. She has always loved everything about horses; the way they look, the way they smell, the whinny when they hear you coming, and the way they know and understand your personal touch. One thing she never liked, however, was feeling bad every time she had to put a cold bit in her horse’s mouth on those blustery winter days in New Hampshire.  Over the years, after trying all the various approaches and techniques to offer her horse some relief from that cruel practice, she came up with the concept of an easy and effective way to warm a cold bit.   Bit Blanket is an electric bit warmer that you simply plug in and it begins warming your cold bit immediately.  Jamie is proud to offer riders and horses a safe, effective, easy-to-use option for warming cold bits.   To purchase or learn more visit www.bitblanket.com or contact Jamie Sturgess at 603.329.3044 or at sturgessj@bitblanket.com.

Feeding For the Cold

An important aspect of preparing for winter is having the proper feed program.  A horse must spend more energy in the winter to keep warm so a change in your feed program may be needed.  When temperatures drop, the best heat source is extra hay.  Hay is digested in the cecum and colon which results in heat production by bacterial fermentation.  This makes hay a more desirable way to meet your horses’ elevated energy requirements.  Supplementation with grain is another way to help your horse deal with the cold winter but only if your horse has difficulty maintaining body condition.  If your horse is already overweight there may be no need to increase their grain.  The key in preparing for the winter is to know in advance what you are going to feed during the winter.  Prepare early so your horse has time to acclimate to new feed sources and a declining body condition.

Mouth Care Often Ignored

Cold temperatures can lead to mouth related problems for horses, especially older horses.  As noted earlier, additional grain supplementation may be needed during the winter.  However, horses will not be able to efficiently use the extra feed without sound teeth.  Horses with poor teeth may be able to maintain good body condition in the summer but this becomes much more challenging in the winter.  Horses should be examined every few days in the winter to be sure that they are maintaining adequate body condition. 

Another issue during the winter is related to your tack and bit accessories.  Riding during the winter is extremely important but using a cold, frozen bit can cause severe mouth damage. 

A cold equine bit not only causes pain but it can create numbness, physical discomfort, lip and tongue injury and a head-shy horse. 

A cold bit not only creates discomfort for your horse but because of its numbing effect, it can make communication with your horse more challenging.  Consider using a bit warmer as it will bring the bit to a temperature compatible with your horse’s normal body temperature. 

Winter riding is important as it provides great exercise for your horse’s legs and cardiovascular system.  Just remember to provide ideal conditions for your horse as this will create a positive ‘winter’ experience for you and your horse.

Follow our RSS Feed or subscribe to our Email Subscription service to receive a notification when Part Three has been posted.

About Bit Blanket, Inc.

Jamie Sturgess, Inventor and President of Bit Blanket, Inc. has been an avid horse lover since she was a little girl growing up in New Hampshire. She has always loved everything about horses; the way they look, the way they smell, the whinny when they hear you coming, and the way they know and understand your personal touch. One thing she never liked, however, was feeling bad every time she had to put a cold bit in her horse’s mouth on those blustery winter days in New Hampshire.  Over the years, after trying all the various approaches and techniques to offer her horse some relief from that cruel practice, she came up with the concept of an easy and effective way to warm a cold bit.   Bit Blanket is an electric bit warmer that you simply plug in and it begins warming your cold bit immediately.  Jamie is proud to offer riders and horses a safe, effective, easy-to-use option for warming cold bits.   To purchase or learn more visit www.bitblanket.com or contact Jamie Sturgess at 603.329.3044 or at sturgessj@bitblanket.com.

I’m Cold So They Must Be Cold

Humans have the tendency to think that if they are cold, their horse must be cold but Mother Nature has provided horses the ability to prevail against the harshest of conditions. 

“Horses evolved as temperate animals and actually are more comfortable in cold temperatures than in warm,” explained Dr. Janice Sojka, associate professor of large animal medicine at Purdue University. “One source states the horse’s neutral zone – the temperature where the animal is most comfortable and is not expending any energy to keep himself cool or warm – is between 20 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Most horses will handle the cold weather just fine as they have a very effective thermal blanket in the form of a coat.    In addition to their thick winter coat, they have the ability to trap a layer of air in their coat which provides them an insulating layer.  With that said, there are certainly some winter conditions that are too harsh for your horse.  These conditions include rain, sleet, snow and wind.  So how can you tell if your horse is too cold?  One of the best indicators that a horse is cold are their ears.  Cold ears mean a cold horse.

Can Horses Get Frostbite?

Although frostbite is uncommon among horses, there are certain conditions that place horses at risk.  Newborn and old horses are more susceptible to frostbite along with horses that are underweight, lame or suffer from abnormal sweating.  Also horses that are in extreme cold temperatures for extended periods of time without shelter or are unable to stay dry are most likely to become victims of frostbite. Frostbite among horses is rare but it is an issue you must be concerned with under extreme conditions. 

Follow our RSS Feed or subscribe to our Email Subscription service to receive a notification when Part Two and Part Three have been posted.

About Bit Blanket, Inc.

Jamie Sturgess, Inventor and President of Bit Blanket, Inc. has been an avid horse lover since she was a little girl growing up in New Hampshire. She has always loved everything about horses; the way they look, the way they smell, the whinny when they hear you coming, and the way they know and understand your personal touch. One thing she never liked, however, was feeling bad every time she had to put a cold bit in her horse’s mouth on those blustery winter days in New Hampshire.  Over the years, after trying all the various approaches and techniques to offer her horse some relief from that cruel practice, she came up with the concept of an easy and effective way to warm a cold bit.   Bit Blanket is an electric bit warmer that you simply plug in and it begins warming your cold bit immediately.  Jamie is proud to offer riders and horses a safe, effective, easy-to-use option for warming cold bits.   To purchase or learn more visit www.bitblanket.com or contact Jamie Sturgess at 603.329.3044 or at sturgessj@bitblanket.com.