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The Top Horse Saddles

Horse saddles

Horse saddles come in different sizes, shapes, and designs. For this reason, if you have yet to spend much time with horses, choosing the best horse saddles from the many options will be a challenge.

Trainer’s Loft has examined four of the most reputable western saddle brands worthy of buying from. These manufacturers make durable and comfortable horse saddles. Moreover, the companies make saddles for different horse body shapes.

Fabtron Saddles

Fabtron Saddles has been manufacturing various equestrian products, such as whips, since 1977. This brand makes lightweight saddles that save your horse from unnecessary weight. With Fabtron, your horse will move with utmost comfort.

Moreover, Fabtron saddles are easy to clean. You simply wipe off dirt, mud, oil, and other debris from the surface. The cleanable saddle is suitable for outdoor activities where the saddle is likely to get soiled.

Since Fabtron saddles are made of synthetic leather, they tend to be less expensive. Thus, they are an alternative to those expensive saddles made of pure leather. Despite the low cost, the synthetic material is quite durable. The saddles won’t tear after a few uses.

Circle Y Saddles

With a legacy spanning more than six decades, Circle Y is another great brand for horse gear. This company stands out among the best western saddle brands for one reason. It handcrafts varied saddle models, making finding the ideal saddle easier.

The brand’s line includes roping, trail riding, and barrel racing saddles. Circle Y makes these best horse saddles from pure leather. The leather is the most preferable saddle material for premium saddles; it is breathable and aesthetically timeless.

The leather construction is also rugged. Thus, saddles from Circle Y will serve you for many years before they wear out. They are ideal for equestrians who are looking for something made for heavy use.

Although they are made of pure leather, Circle Y saddles are lightweight. They’ll enable your horse to move on the trails with ease. Furthermore, the lightweight horse saddles relieve pressure on your horse’s back.

Tucker Saddles

Tucker saddles are distinguished by one unique feature – gel padding. The saddles from this company have gel padding, which absorbs shock. They give exceptional comfort, a prerequisite for long horse-riding hours.

Like many of the best horse saddles, Tucker makes them from authentic leather. Even better, the company combines leather construction with high-quality hardware. Rest assured that the saddles will provide many years of service.

Tucker produces saddles in various sizes so that everyone can get the best-fitting saddle. Sometimes, Tucker uses computer imaging technology to customize some saddles. The imaging technology is ideal for horses with unique body types.

Wintec Saddles

Wintec Saddles is another best brand for western saddles. This manufacturer specializes in producing affordable horse saddles made of synthetic leather. Although synthetic leather is less durable, it can still hold up well. It isn’t a substandard material.

Thus, these saddles from Wintec will need less frequent replacements. Additionally, the ruggedness of the saddles increases your riding safety and stability.

Unlike traditional leather saddles, Wintec synthetic saddles are super lightweight. They reduce unnecessary pressure on your horse’s back. They’ll improve your horse’s comfort and maneuverability on the trails.

Find Your Perfect Saddle Match at The Trainer’s Loft

With the many saddle types available, finding a suitable model is a real challenge. That’s where The Trainer’s Loft comes in. We have specialists who help you choose the ideal saddle based on your horse’s physique.

Let our specialists guide you to a saddle that gives you the comfort and durability you want. Contact us or check out the horse saddles available in our store to choose a model that gives you and your horse the utmost comfort.

 

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Plants Toxic to Horses

Hand Petting Horse

Do you know which plants are toxic to horses? It’s easy to assume that horses can eat just about anything, but that’s not the case. As a responsible horse owner, it’s important to know what plants can cause harm to your equine companion.

Horses are known to graze freely in pastures and while on a ride, and they rarely mind what they eat. However, some plants can be harmful to their health. As a horse owner, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers to keep your horses healthy and happy.

At The Trainer’s Loft, we understand the importance of feeding your horses the right things. We offer affordable, high-quality equestrian-related goods, including nutritious feeds that promote healthy growth and performance. This post will provide a comprehensive guide to plants toxic to horses, including their potential risks, to help you take better care of your equine friends.

The Importance of Recognizing Toxic Plants

Toxicity from plants can have a long-term impact on your horse’s health and performance. Prolonged exposure to these harmful plants can lead to a decline in their health and overall well-being. This can result in decreased performance levels, making it difficult to take your horses out for rides or competitions.

Recognizing the signs of plant toxicity is essential for maintaining the health of your horses. Early detection and removal of toxic plants from pasture areas can help prevent potential poisoning. If you notice any changes in your horse’s behavior or condition, it’s best to take action immediately.

Common Toxic Plants for Horses

Some of the plants toxic to horses include:

Bracken fern. This large and upright plant, characterized by triangular fronds with lance-shaped leaflets, is very common in the US, especially in poor-quality hay. It contains thiaminase, an enzyme that blocks thiamine absorption. It can lead to depression, uncoordinated gait, weight loss, and blindness.

Buttercups and pokeweed. You may notice these two pasture plants if you live in a dry area and happen to overgraze your pastures. Long, thin stems and yellow cup-shaped flowers characterize buttercups, while pokeweed has a reddish purple stem and a large, bushy outlook. They cause oral irritation, diarrhea, and gastric upset.

Yew plants. These woody evergreen shrubs have needle-like leaves and bright red berries. They contain taxine, a poisonous alkaloid that causes swift respiratory and cardiac collapse.

Nightshades. Green tomato and potato vines, jimsonweed, horse nettle, bittersweet nightshade, and black nightshade are common in the US. These plants have white or purple 5-lobed flowers with berries that turn black or yellow when mature. Solanine, the compound available in nightshades, affects the gastrointestinal tract and nervous systems.

Alsike Clover. Some farmers use this plant for soil improvement, pasture, or hay. It is characterized by small pink flowers that later turn brown and long stems that range from 1 to 2 feet. This type of clover causes liver damage, photosensitization, and potential nitrate poisoning.

Ragwort. All ragwort species are highly toxic to horses, denoted by their 13-petal daisy-like yellow flowers. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in these plants inhibit cell division in the liver, leading to eventual damage to the organ.

Red maple trees. These toxic plants are characterized by bright red leaves during the fall. The trees are commonly found within or near horse pastures. Their barks and wilted leaves are palatable but highly toxic, as the chemicals they contain cause liver damage and impair red blood cells.

Symptoms and Potential Risks of Plants Toxic to Horses

There are numerous ways that poisonous plants could affect your prized equestrian assets. Apart from the ones caused by the plants mentioned above, other common symptoms of poisoning include:

● Jaundice

● Colic

● Swelling around the face or neck

● Muscle twitching

● Dilated pupils

● Extreme thirst

● Hypertension

● Vomiting

● Seizures

When left untreated for a long period, poisoning can lead to death. Thus, call your vet instantly when you observe any of the symptoms above, even if they are mild.

One big thing you can do to curb the threat of poisoning, other than weeding out toxic plants from your pastures, is to give your horses healthy commercial feeds. We stock numerous types of horse feeds and supplements and are ready to guide you on an appropriate feeding regimen.

Discover Unparalleled Horse Safety – Consult With Our Specialists Today!

Plants are not the only thing that is toxic to your equestrian investment. Even inappropriate gear and improper training could affect the health and performance of your horses. At The Trainer’s Loft, we endeavor to provide you with holistic horse supplies and consignment so that you can take your investment to the next level.

Contact us today to consult with our horse gurus!

 

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Feeding Tips for First-Time Horse Owners

Are you a first-time horse owner seeking a brief, easy-to-read guide to feeding your new horse or pony? The Trainer’s Loft has got you covered. From general equine nutrition to the best feeding procedures, we explain how to guarantee that your horse meets its nutritional needs.

At The Trainer’s Loft, we love helping new horse owners on their journey, so we have streamlined the information on caring for your horse. This article introduces the fundamentals of equine nutrition and teaches you everything you need to know about feeding your horse.

Water – A Vital Nutrient for Your Horse

Providing clean water to your horse is essential for its health and well-being. The amount of water required can fluctuate depending on your horse’s workload, size, genetics, temperament, and weather. Your horse must have constant access to clean water in stalls and turnout.

Many horse owners use flat-back buckets in stables because they hang close to the wall and can hold around five gallons of water. However, they must be periodically refreshed with clean, fresh water. Use a heated or insulated bucket throughout the winter to avoid ice development and maintain water flow.

Stock tanks and water tubs are standard options for turnout scenarios. With a capacity of anywhere from 20 – 100 gallons, these tanks are not easily overturned and allow multiple horses to drink at once. However, it is essential to monitor the tank’s condition and the water’s quality, as it can rapidly become contaminated, especially if numerous horses use it.

Provide Enough Hay and Forage for Your Horse

After water, the majority of your horse’s diet should consist of hay or grass. A horse should eat 1.5% – 3% of its body weight in hay per day – roughly 12 – 15 pounds. Horses are grazing animals by nature, and their bodies are well adapted to eat forage throughout the day continuously.

Ideally, your horse should have access to hay at all times. As horses do not have a gallbladder to store bile, their stomachs are constantly secreting digestive acid, and need the constant intake of small amounts of forage so the acid does not start working on the lining of the stomach and intestines. Consider purchasing a slow feeder to allow your horse to graze throughout the day in order to minimize wastage and slow down intake. Slow feed hay nets come in different size holes, from 2” down to 1”, allowing you to select the one that meets your horse’s needs. Testing your hay for sugar content and mineral content will help you determine what mineral supplementation will be necessary for your situation.

High-quality hay or pasture with appropriate forage mineral balancing is sufficient nutrition for many pleasure and trail horses. Grain can be given if hay is insufficient, but a horse’s main source of calories should always be forage.

A horse’s digestive system is geared to utilize the nutrients in grassy stalks. Therefore, a horse should consume one and a half to three percent of its body weight daily in roughage.

The typical feeding habits of horses who spend most of their time in stalls and paddocks can be satisfied by placing hay in front of them for most of the day. This way, they nibble on it for a while, take a break and nap, and then return to it, maintaining a steady flow of roughage through their digestive systems.

Vitamin/Mineral Supplement for Your Horse

Hay is deficient in numerous vitamins and minerals. Several vitamins, such as Vitamin A and E, oxidize when hay is stored, rendering them ineffective for horses. In addition, several regions of the United States are deficient in certain minerals, such as the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and the Eastern United States.

To mitigate this issue, test your hay, and provide your horse with a vitamin or mineral supplement, such as Vermont Blend, to replace the nutritional inadequacies in the hay you feed. This will ensure optimal nutritional health.

Choose The Trainer’s Loft As Your Source For Your Horse Needs

The Trainer’s Loft is customer-oriented, making it the best place to seek insights on horse care. It is also the best place to source horse feeds, supplements, accessories, and equipment. Our highly competent staff can guide you accordingly regarding the best supplies to get for your horse. Contact us for any inquiries regarding horse care and horse supplies.

 

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