MARCH 2008 TIPS:
TIP 10: (From RT)
I have had problems with mildew growing on my spare leather bridle (even though it was kept indoors). Most of the treatments I've tried allowed the mildew to grow back again. But the latest thing I tried was the Carr Day & Martin Stage 1 tack cleaner (I think this is quite a new product). It mentions mildew on the label, but isn't strictly marketed as an anti fungal treatment, but just as a cleaner. Well... I used this on the bridle with the problem about 3 months ago, and have had no problems ever since. (The bridle is one I don't use, and it's been hanging up in the same place without any other treatment since the Stage 1 stuff, and the mildew has stayed away). Good stuff!
TIP 9: (From KB)
Another show preparation tip: to keep the tail clean, cut the leg off a pair of tights - cut off the toe part. Pull the nylon tube up over the tail, and secure with a tail bandage.
TIP 8: (From KB)
When preparing for a show, if your horse's tail is a bit thin or wispy, you can make it look fuller: wash it the day before, and while it's still damp, plait the tail in several small sections down the whole length of the tail. Leave in overnight, and when you take the plaits out in the morning, the tail will be wavy and look fuller!
TIP 7: (From JP)
Never tie up your horse by clipping the lead rope on to the horse's bit when he's got his bridle on - if he panics and pulls back, he could do himself serious damage (and break the bridle as well)
TIP 6: (From JP)
Keep your riding hat in a proper padded hat bag - after all, your hat cost a lot of money, so you should look after it. Most of the bags have handy pockets in - I keep my gloves and hairnet in mine, so I don't lose them.
TIP 5: (From PT)
Wash your horse's numnah/saddlecloth and girth frequently to avoid soreness caused by a build up of grease. Use a kind detergent to avoid any skin reaction.
TIP 4: (From SR)
Does your horse wear a hunting breastplate? Put 3 trigger clips on the straps (2 that go to the D ring on the saddle, and 1 on the running martingale attachment if you use it). Then you can clip the breastplate on to the saddle quickly and easily, and anyone else tacking up doesn't have to worry what hole to do it up on. Also, when using a running martingale attachment, you can take the saddle on and off independently of the bridle.
TIP 3: (From JP)
When you're undoing the leg straps on a turnout rug, take them from around the horse's legs and clip them back up to the d ring before taking the rug off - this will avoid the leg straps trailing on the floor, which is a trip hazard, and will also avoid you hitting your horse with the clip when you throw the rug back over him/her in the morning.
TIP 2: (From LS)
Got a fat stabled pony ? Suspend a small hole haynet from a chain or rope slung over a beam rather than on a wall tie. It will then take longer to eat the contents and keep it occupied for longer too.
TIP 1: (From SH)
To stop your jods riding up your legs when putting them into long boots, tuck the bottom of your jods into your socks - get it all smooth down there before putting your foot into the boot - perfection!!! |