Category: Owning A Horse

Caring for Your Horses Tail and Mane (Part One)

10/19/2020

While the seasons begin to change, it's time to start thinking about caring for every aspect of your horses from the tip of their tails to their noses! Let's focus on the best ways to care for your horse's mane and tail!

Hello, trail friends! We are back again at our writing desk after taking a break from our saddles! We continue to have incredible rides with our guests that are safe, full of fun, and surrounded by the beauty of the Lowcountry! Have you visited lately? We'd love to hear about your trip! Make sure to comment below after reading this blog! We would appreciate the feedback because we have been loving every moment with you all on the trail!

In this two-part blog, we are going to be moving away from the trail and back into the barn. As much as we hate to admit it, we are going to see the weather change and get cooler over the next few months. Rain will mean muddy fields, trails, and paddocks that will cover our horse's bodies, hooves, manes, and tails. While this is very normal, it is also very important that we keep our horses coats, manes, tails, and hooves clean and dry throughout the winter season. This can help promote healthy skin, help avoid sores or irritated skin, and help maintain your horse's overall health. To learn more about caring for your horse during the winter months, follow the link below to one of our past blogs that discusses exactly that!

https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com/blog/archives/11-2019

In this blog, we are going to be specifically focusing on the care of your horse's manes and tails. This extra care will not only keep them healthy and happy, but it will also help keep them ready for the next season of competition, riders, tournaments, and more!

Getting Started

The changing of the seasons isn't the only reason why a deep clean on your horse's mane and the tail is needed. The big secret to true beautiful hair is being consistent and thorough all year round. This has to be part of your regime for each of your horses, especially horses like Gypsy Vanners, Andalusian, and Lusitano's who are known for their long and luscious locks. Just like humans, a healthy diet and lifestyle are also a huge help in keeping and maintaining lush, healthy, and clean tresses. This consistent care needs to happen all year round, even if it is colder, to keep your horses at the height of health and cleanliness. Each breed will naturally have their own kind of mane and tail, and will each have their own unique thickness and length that they can healthily grow to with proper care and attention. Taking the time to consistently and properly care for your horse's mane and tail will help prevent hair loss or thinning and help keep it strong against natural elements that actively work to destroy it.

The Brush

One of the first things you need to remember is to never over brush your horse's mane or tail. Only brush it when you have to! A significant amount of hair does come out when brushing, and over-brushing can lead to dull, thinning, and breakage of the hair itself. Brushing daily is not something that we would recommend. What you can do daily is shake out your horse's mane and tail to remove any excess dirt, skin cells, or any branches, twigs, or leaves that might have gotten stuck in there. Also, if you do come across any knots or mats, gently break them up and pull them apart with your fingers. Make sure to do this as often as possible. Also, keeping them away from anything that could grab or snag their tails or manes can help prolong the quality of both. Also, don't forget to use the proper tools. Horse and Rider recommends that you use a tail and mane brush that has wide teeth. These brushes help remove less hair when brushing. It also helps you avoid catching tangles and limits breakage. Also, save your brushing for after both mane and tail have been thoroughly washed and have had time to dry. Brushing wet hair can be even more destructive than brushing it every day. If you need to, make sure to secure your horse while letting its mane and tail dry to avoid it getting dirty again or getting more tangles. Most importantly, please don't rush the brushing or grooming process. If you rush through a brushing, this can result in ripping out the hair or cause severe breakage!

The Wash

Just like over brushing, over washing, or using too much shampoo or conditioner can damage your horse's mane and tail. This too can cause the hair to dry out and become very brittle. According to US Equestrian, the best place to start washing is at the root of the mane or the dock of the tail. Really scrub right at the root of the hair, this is where most of the oil, dirt, skin cells and dander will accumulate. Plus, who doesn't love a good scalp massage? Scrubbing deep and right at the root will also help with blood flow and will promote healthy hair growth. Also, don't forget to wash both sides of the mane. Start at the root and work your way down to the very end of the mane or tail for a thorough clean. Once you've accomplished this, make sure to rinse well to help get out any dirt you might have missed, help battle any tangles and knots, and remove the shampoo.

You can use more shampoo than you can conditioner. Using a lighter amount of conditioner can help avoid it from getting clumpy or being left in the mane after you rinse. This can cause more dirt to build up and stick to the leftover conditioner or the mane and tail can become very greasy. While washing or conditioning avoid tangling it or adding to existing tangles. You don't need to scrub back and forth, according to Horse and Rider. This will also help avoid irritation, itching, and rubbing if you remove the dirt and thoroughly rinse the mane and tail. According to US Equestrian, instead of using large quantities of conditioner, spraying a clean damp mane after the wash with leave-in condition can help with keeping it healthy and shining. Spray on before brushing, and once the mane and tail are dry, you can then begin the brush!

How does your current brushing, washing, mane, and tail maintenance stand up to this list so far? Are you already a pro, or do you think you might have some work to do? No matter what path your on, as long as you're working towards helping your horse have the best skin, mane, and tail, then you're doing great. Who knew that manes and tails needed so much care? This is just one of the many aspects of caring for just one horse, can you imagine how much time it takes to do this for multiple horses? Owning and caring for a horse takes extreme responsibility, and you must be ready to take it all on if you're wanting to provide the best life possible to your horse. If you have any questions about the care of your horse between now and the second part of this blog, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you care for your horses as best as possible. Until next time, stay safe and stay hopeful everyone!

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Tips For Purchasing A Horse

7/29/2020

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Are you finally in the market to buy a horse of your very own? We have some tips and suggestions that can make the process smooth and simple.

This summer weather is not a joke! We love being outside with our horses and on the trails with all of you every time you visit. But, this heat index is crazy! We can't stress enough that keeping yourself and your horse hydrated needs to be your top priority right now! Don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray, too. We've seen a lot of horse flies recently, and those bites are not pleasant.

Since many of us are spending a good amount of time at home right now, more of you might be thinking about buying a horse of your very own. A few blogs back we talked about some steps and what to expect when adopting a horse here in South Carolina. If you missed that blog, please follow the link below to read:

https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com/blog/adopting-a-horse-in-south-carolina

We understand that you might want to go a different way when getting a horse of your very own. There is no wrong way of doing this, it is all a personal preference. But, before you make the big step in buying your horse, we wanted to share some tips and ideas to keep in mind before you do and while you're going through the process.

Understand who you are as a rider and how much time you can invest in your horse. Think about how you'll be riding, if you just want a companion horse, if you want to breed horses, race, or compete. If you're going to ride, be honest about your skill level and what temperament of horse is best for you. Don't challenge yourself just because you can! A horse might look beautiful and might be a great opportunity but, you're looking to buy for a lifetime. Your horse needs love and care for what could be up to 20 to 25 years.
Please be honest about your budget. A horse is a very big investment and is a long term investment. Proper nutrition, a place to live, a place to roam, medical treatment and care, grooming, and care for their hooves will be needed for the whole lives. If you're going to board them, that will be an added expense, and so will be the training you will need if they aren't already. Also, if you want to show or compete with your horse, that will require even more training and will add to your budget.
Make sure you don't buy your horse blind. Seeing a picture online or that someone sends you is not enough. Meet your horse in person and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Do your research and educate yourself on the breeders, sellers, or dealers you want to work with. Reputation holds a lot of truth. According to Horse and Rider, the sale of a horse is protected, and they have to be fit for why they are being sold. So, if you do get yourself in a bad situation, you'll have protection. Even still, this is something you'll want to avoid.
Make sure that your dealer or seller is forthcoming about your horse's linage and breading. Make sure you will be given the full paperwork and records that are needed for your use and to provide to your vet. Not having this important paperwork can find you in a very bad position. Ending up with a horse of poor breading can lead to a sickly horse or a horse that could develop serious issues down the road.
A lot of people will tell you that buying a horse is very similar to buying a used car. You would never buy a used or new car without sufficient research and not without seeing how it drives. Make sure you see not only how the horse rides while you're visiting the stables you're buying from, but also make sure that you ride the horse too! If you can, ride several horses before picking out the one for you. A horse might look beautiful and might ride will for someone else, but that doesn't mean it will be the same for you.

We are so excited that you are thinking about bringing a horse into your family, and we hope these tips and suggestions cleared up any questions or hesitations you might have. Until you do make this dream become a reality, don't forget we are still open for our historic horseback trail rides. They are the perfect way to get outdoors, be safely distanced, and visit with your favorite animals. For more information, please visit our website. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

6/29/2020

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Becoming a forever home for a horse in need can be a dream come true for you and your new horse. How do you go about adopting a horse here in the Lowcountry?

Friends, we have to say it. We LOVE when you visit and take one of our historical tours. Please know you are always getting the best trail rides and horseback riding experience in Charleston every time you visit. But, we know the truth of how it feels to fall in love with horses and wanting one for your very own. It comes with a big-time commitment, a big responsibility, and a can be very expensive. But, they are worth every moment and every penny. With that in mind, we wanted to share a few tips and suggestions on how and where to adopt a horse of very own here in the Charleston. Choosing to adopt and buy one from a breeder is a personal choice, and whichever you decide is perfectly fine. We just wanted to share the adoption process with you first, and talk about some wonderful organizations that can help your dreams come true.

L.E.A.R.N Horse Rescue (Livestock, Equine Awareness, and Rescue Network)

Located right here in the Lowcountry, LEARN is dedicated to not just finding someone to adopt their rehabilitated horses, they are dedicated to finding the best forever home. Since their founding in 2009, LEARN has "successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed" over 300 neglected horses. They are an all-volunteer organization that takes in and rehabilitate horses that have had to endure the worst. Their adoption process is not one they take lightly. They take the necessary and needed amount of time to help heal, rehabilitate, and train the horses that come to them, and never rush the process. They make it very clear that the love and care they provide these horses is not just to get the adoption fee. The fee is nowhere near what is spent on the care of the horse during its rehabilitation. They have you fill out a very detailed adoption application and you must provide references. Your knowledge of horses, the facilities you have to house them in, your financial situation, and your ability to care for your adopted horse determines if you are a good potential or not. They will also speak to your references before beginning the process. You must provide pictures of the horse's new potential home, too. If all of these requirements are met, you get a 30 day trial period with your horse. If it is a success, you officially get to adopt. If a lifetime commitment cannot be filled after adoption, the horse is returned to LEARN. These horses are not allowed to be sold or used commercially once adopted, and some can be ridden while others are just meant to be companions. To learn more, apply for adoption, or donate visit their website below.
https://learnhorserescue.org/adoption-application%2Finfo

2. Big Oakes Rescue FarmLocated in Hodges, SC this rescue farm is dedicated to the care of horses, donkeys, mules, and more! The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Joe Mann, who has a passion for saving animals. They strive to give these animals a new life and home along with providing education to the public about awareness of animal care, welfare, and abuse. Since 2010, they have also rescued and rehabilitated over 300 horses and found them brand new homes. Big Oakes also has an extensive application that you must fill out before an adoption can happen. You have to describe where the horse will be living, along with providing pictures of where they will be living, where they will be fed, and where they will exercise. You must provide your personal information, along with your farrier's and vet's information. They will also be calling your vet as part of the application process to talk about your history with animals and if you would be a good potential horse owner. To learn more, begin the application process, or donate to their cause visit their website below!
https://www.bigoaksrescuefarm.org/

3. H.O.P.E ACRES RESCUE (Helping Our Precious Equines) Located in Berkeley County, SC they provide rescue services to horses across the country. Thanks to community, country, state, and donation support they can save, rehabilitate,and give a safe home to horses in need. From the very beginning of the adoption process, HOPE makes it very clear that every potential family must understand the financial and physical demands of owning a horse. Their multipage application is also very detailed. The questions range from wanting to know about you, your knowledge of horses, who will be riding and caring for the horses, what your style of riding is, what activities you have planned for your horses, and more. The HOPE farm also has very specific requirements that must bet met before being considered for adoption including:

A visit to the farm.
At least two references, a vet, and a farrier.
At least one other horse at your home.
At least two acres of pasture space for the horses to roam.
A donation between $400-$600 depending on how much care and rehabilitation the horse has been through.

To learn more, speak with their adoption coordinator Becky Strong, begin the adoption process, or donate, visit their website below!
http://www.hopeacresrescue.org/

Horses are magical creatures and those who take the time to save and care for ones who have been through the worst are heroes. Consider donating, learning more about horse welfare education, and maybe even adopt one someday. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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A Horse of Your Very Own

10/18/2019

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Owning a horse of your very own can be a very special experience and a lifetime goal. Before you decide to take this very large step, make sure you know everything that goes into the process of researching, buying, and owning a horse.

For many, a dream come true is owning your very own horse. Believe us, we understand that. But, it's not just beautiful fall days filled with glorious rides through your favorite fields and feeding them a few lumps of sugar. There is so much that goes into the purchasing, owning, and caring of a horse. As much as we support the decision, we stress that it's not for everyone. Please take the time to consider this blog as you are deciding to or thinking about buying your very first horse.

Think about it this way. Treat buying a horse like you would any big investment. You must take the time to research, understand the strategies of buying a horse and talk with those who have had serious experiences of their own when buying horses. You don't want to make the mistake of buying a horse that's wrong for you, get frustrated, and then give up on the horse and the dream of owning one. As much as you love them, buying a horse isn't the correct path for everyone. It's a huge emotional, time-consuming, and expensive commitment.
The Book Work

Be very honest with yourself when it comes to how you will be using your horse and the temperament you will need. Don't take on the challenge of overcoming a wild steed or a young hothead that you can't control. Be honest in the amount of time you can invest in spending with, caring for, training, and riding the horse. These are beautiful living creatures that need constant care. Understand the cost of owning a horse, beyond the purchasing price. Will you have a stable and pastures of your own with all the amenities, staff, veterinarian care, and safety precautions that the horse will need? Will you board the horse? What about the care there and the training they offer? Never go over your budget or underestimate what the horse will cost you. Remember, this is a decision that could stick with you for 10, 20, or even 30 years. Only when you can meet all of these and your requirements should you buy a horse.

Stick With The Pros

If it's your first time buying a horse or even if you're still new to the game, put yourself under the tutelage of an experienced horse person and bring them along with you. Bring them with you when you're looking, when you think you've found the right horse, and when you've made the final choice and are buying. Never buy a horse without seeing it and inspecting it first, and never buy a horse online. The experienced horse person can check the horse over and look for things and see things that you might not know or recognize to look for. They can ask more questions and even some you might not know to ask yet. They can shield you and help you deal with an unpleasant or overly aggressive seller. They can also watch you with a very keen eye as you take the horse for a test ride. They can see if the horse is the best fit for you and if you are the best fit for the horse.

Do Your Homework

You don't just need to check the paperwork, lineage, passport, veterinarian documents, and the personality of the horse, you need to do just as much extensive research on the seller of the horse too. Ask around in groups of prominent owners and sellers of horses, do research on Google, and try to connect with others who have worked with your potential seller in the past. It's easy to be charmed by a convincing seller and get wrapped up in any fabrication that they can weave. You want to make sure their reputation is accurate and one you can depend on. This way you know that what they have to say about your horse is accurate and that they've treated it well. Also, do your research so you know if you're buying at the appropriate price!

We love horses, we love owning horses, and we love caring for horses. But we know the work that goes into this every day. We want you to share this magic with us, but be prepared to face the realities too. If it's not quite time for you to own a horse, you know the best place to horseback in South Carolina! Right here at Middleton Equestrian Center! We can't wait to see you on your next ride!

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Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

Caring for Your Horses Tail and Mane (Part One)

Tips For Purchasing A Horse

Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

A Horse of Your Very Own

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