The winter months while unpleasant for everyone are a trying time for horse owners. Attempting to maintain any equipment in the face of constant bombardment from rain, frost and mud is a battle. One of the most important pieces of equine equipment in winter is the horse's rugs. New year is normally the time that everyone starts to look forward to the spring and activities in more pleasant condition but it is also that half way point through the winter where wear and tear is starting to show on the horses clothing and chaps.
Stabled horses are far easier to keep clean in the winter than those that live in a field. But lying in bedding all day takes almost as much toll on a rug as does being soaked and dirty. Urine in the horses bedding will rot the material and cause leg and belly straps to become hard bringing with it the risk of rubbing the horse's skin.
Lightweight rugs can be washed in the owners own machine. A tip to prevent the buckles banging against the drum is to encase them in old socks. Always rinse the rugs (and riding boots) well as human washing powders were not designed with horse skin mind and while we may appreciate the smell of fabric conditioner horses have very sensitive noses and it could irritate the more highly strung animal. Better to add a little disinfectant to the rinse to kill off any bacteria. The drum can be rinsed through afterwards and a quick wipe with an old towel will get rid of any hair.
Leaving leather tack covered in mud and rain will dry out the leather and cause it to become brittle so leather tack needs washing or wiping off after every use in bad weather conditions. Wash the bit so that it is more comfortable for the horse's mouth and rinse of the stirrup irons so that you aren't faced with a clogged mass come the spring. A regular clean with a spray or solid saddle soap works wonders and a weekly oiling prevents damp penetrating the leather and causing it to rot.
If the horse wears tendon or brushing boots these need thorough washing in the winter months as they can become clogged with dirt that will rub the horse's skin. Any leather attachments need thorough oiling. Stable and travel bandages can be washed in the owners machine as can travel boots.
Even on synthetic items of tack buckles and billets need the same attention as those on leather equipment. Check for any rust or loose items and get them repaired or replaced at the earliest convenience. When it come to horses a stitch in time often does save nine, there is nothing more dangerous that a broken billet on a rein or buckle on a girth strap.
Girths need particular attention in the winter as mud and dirt is kicked up on the underside of the horse's belly. Again there are many synthetic options on the market and these are easy to clean; a dunk in a bucket of warm soapy water and a rub with a sponge and they are as good as new. Again pay attention to the buckles, constant washing will cause rust and rusty buckles can be dangerous. Cloth girths can be washed by hand or in a machine but any leather fittings should be thoroughly oiled after washing to prevent the leather drying out.
For those who still like a leather girth then cleaning should be carried out after every use, dirty leather girths are the quickest way to cause a girth gall. Thorough cleaning with saddle soap and then oiling well will maintain a leather girth in good condition. Three fold girths come equipped with a piece of material inside the folds. This can be saturated in oil allowing the oil to soak into the leather over time. Never submerge a leather girth in water, this is a vital piece of equipment and a rotted girth can be considered potentially fatal.
Stabled horses are far easier to keep clean in the winter than those that live in a field. But lying in bedding all day takes almost as much toll on a rug as does being soaked and dirty. Urine in the horses bedding will rot the material and cause leg and belly straps to become hard bringing with it the risk of rubbing the horse's skin.
Lightweight rugs can be washed in the owners own machine. A tip to prevent the buckles banging against the drum is to encase them in old socks. Always rinse the rugs (and riding boots) well as human washing powders were not designed with horse skin mind and while we may appreciate the smell of fabric conditioner horses have very sensitive noses and it could irritate the more highly strung animal. Better to add a little disinfectant to the rinse to kill off any bacteria. The drum can be rinsed through afterwards and a quick wipe with an old towel will get rid of any hair.
Leaving leather tack covered in mud and rain will dry out the leather and cause it to become brittle so leather tack needs washing or wiping off after every use in bad weather conditions. Wash the bit so that it is more comfortable for the horse's mouth and rinse of the stirrup irons so that you aren't faced with a clogged mass come the spring. A regular clean with a spray or solid saddle soap works wonders and a weekly oiling prevents damp penetrating the leather and causing it to rot.
If the horse wears tendon or brushing boots these need thorough washing in the winter months as they can become clogged with dirt that will rub the horse's skin. Any leather attachments need thorough oiling. Stable and travel bandages can be washed in the owners machine as can travel boots.
Even on synthetic items of tack buckles and billets need the same attention as those on leather equipment. Check for any rust or loose items and get them repaired or replaced at the earliest convenience. When it come to horses a stitch in time often does save nine, there is nothing more dangerous that a broken billet on a rein or buckle on a girth strap.
Girths need particular attention in the winter as mud and dirt is kicked up on the underside of the horse's belly. Again there are many synthetic options on the market and these are easy to clean; a dunk in a bucket of warm soapy water and a rub with a sponge and they are as good as new. Again pay attention to the buckles, constant washing will cause rust and rusty buckles can be dangerous. Cloth girths can be washed by hand or in a machine but any leather fittings should be thoroughly oiled after washing to prevent the leather drying out.
For those who still like a leather girth then cleaning should be carried out after every use, dirty leather girths are the quickest way to cause a girth gall. Thorough cleaning with saddle soap and then oiling well will maintain a leather girth in good condition. Three fold girths come equipped with a piece of material inside the folds. This can be saturated in oil allowing the oil to soak into the leather over time. Never submerge a leather girth in water, this is a vital piece of equipment and a rotted girth can be considered potentially fatal.
About the Author:
Benny find that Equestrianclearance.com is a one of the best places online to find good quality musto jackets for an affordable price.
No comments:
Post a Comment