HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For horse lovers like ourselves, it feels like every year is 'year of the horse'! 

2013 is no different and its arrival brings hope and excitement for the future. With each new day comes a new opportunity and new places to explore with your favourite four-legged friends!

Over the coming months we will be bringing you a huge range of exciting and informative articles, from fun activities, news and events to stable tips and the finer points of equine care and all the ins and outs of horse ownership!

So, we'd like to wish you and your stablemates all the best for 2013 and we hope you have a very horsey new year!

http://www.tictacequestrian.com

Stable Management

Keep your yard in order with proper Stable Management 

If you're lucky enough to have a beautiful four-legged addition to your family this Christmas, we have decided to give you a few tips to help you with your horses and stable management!

Stabling
Loose boxes are the most common form of stabling. Each horse must have room to lie down, stand up and be able to turn in comfort. The recommended minimum box size for horses is 3.66m x 3.66m (12ft x 12ft) and 3.05m x 3.05m (10ft x 10ft) for ponies. These are minimums and must take into consideration the size of the horse or pony.

Bedding
Bedding is essential to provide warmth, comfort and protection against cold weather and injury. It should be non-toxic and provide effective drainage to maintain a dry bed, and should consist of straw, wood shavings (or mixes), paper or chopped cardboard. Other less favoured alternatives include peat and sawdust, but these options are not ideal. Bedding must be dry and free of dust and mould, so ensure you have a good quality supplier.

Stable Hygiene
Droppings and wet bedding should be removed at least twice a day. Loose hay and feed should be swept out of the stable and both the stable and yard should be kept clean and tidy.

Fire Hazards
All electrical wires and light switches should be out of reach of both horses and rodents and be properly earthed. Piles of used bedding should be stored well away from the stable yard and smoking should not be allowed in the yard area. All fire extinguishers and fire alarms should be checked regularly and fire exits should be kept clear.