This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
For more information about the best products for grooming your horse, see:


Typical sweaty spots for hard-work- ing trail horses include the back half of the saddle pad, the girth and belly area, the neck, ears, shoulders and haunches. On very hot days you may see salt streaks on the fl anks.


designed for cleaning up horses without rinsing—just pump a small amount into a bucket of water, dip your scrubby, apply with some vigor, and voila—sweat and grime melt away. If the weather is warm, you can also use a fi ne mist trigger spray, such as a Mister Misty, to help clean up your horse in camp. Spray a light mist over areas of dried sweat, then work it out with a circular motion. (The more calories you burn grooming the more dinner you can eat later!) If the air is cool, place a moisture-wick-


ing cooler, such as one made of Polar Fleece or other high-tech material, loosely over your horse as you clean him up. This will keep his working muscles warm and speed the drying-out process. If it’s go- ing to be cold that night as mountainous locales often are, consider blanketing him, especially if you had a long or hard ride. In the morning you will be happy to start your day with a clean horse!


n CHECK FEET, BOOTS & SHOES If your horse wears hoof boots and they


are not glued on, pull them off immedi- ately and dunk them in a muck basket to wash out any mud, sand or stones. Let them dry in the sun. Check the straps for any stickers or if any parts need replacing before the next day’s ride. If you ride bare- foot or shod, be sure to pick the feet after your ride in case any rocks were picked up along the way, and pick them again in the morning.


n CHECK YOUR SADDLE Check rigging, strapping, stirrups and


other parts for wear and cleanliness. Most


Absorbine, p.13 Desert Equestrian, p.11,82 Espree Animal Products, p.28 Eqyss Grooming Products, p.3 Horse Health USA, p.19 JM Saddler Inc., p.58 JT International Distributors, p.2 Wash Wand, p.82


saddles do fi ne with little more than a light sponging off or damp cloth between rides.


n CHECK YOUR HORSE FOR WOUNDS & “SCRATCHES”


If your horse has incurred any scrapes,


clean them up and apply the appropri- ate ointment. If your horse is developing “scratches” on the back of the pasterns from the dust or soil content along the way, scrub them up, dry thoroughly and apply Desitin or other ointment to help heal the pesky lesions overnight. In a pinch, a little baby powder will help keep the situation from growing worse. Wrapping the legs overnight will speed healing. (For more information, see “Stamp Out Scratches,” Trail Blazer August 2009) Horse camping is what we crave. To


ensure that you and your horse get the most enjoyment from your time in the wilderness, be sure to spend a little time maintaining your horse’s clean coat. He’ll be more comfortable and will perform bet- ter for your efforts, and you’ll be rewarded with spiffy, sparking ride photos!


Bobbie Jo Lieberman is an award-winning writer, editor and journalist with special interests in horses, companion animals, natural healing and spirituality. She was long-time


Senior Editor of EQUUS magazine and Editor & Publisher of Modern Horse Breeding and is cur- rently Managing Editor of Trail Blazer magazine. She has been a sports editor, newslet er editor, author and ghostwriter. She recently launched a blog at www.diabetessavedmylife.net. When not wordsmithing, Bobbie Jo enjoys riding and photographing endurance rides throughout the Southwest.


12 June | July 2010 • WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US


FMI


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