Western Pads

With 3/4″ felt and a merino fleece bottom, this pad is a great option! It has a classic look and all the right features. Wear leathers at the spine and skirt give this pad extra durability.

They don’t come more eye-catching than this one! The vibrant colors allow this pad to look great on any colored horse. Impact Gel pads are known for being high quality. You can rest assure your horse will have a comfortable ride in this.

This choice comes in a standard thickness of 5/8 inch. It has a suede cover and specialized core material with proven orthopedic value. They’re 100% crafted in the USA.

Featuring rust, pink, and teal, this western pad is a sight to be seen! The woven wool top is reinforced with a leather spine for durability. It’s contoured to fit your horse.

Here’s another option that’s too gorgeous to not list! It has a unique pattern in brown, mustard, emerald green, and baby blue. The 100% New Zealand wool top and Impact Gel base layer system are designed to eliminate pressure points.

There are so many gorgeous and practical options available. Which one will you choose?

Every cowgirl can certainly find all the fashion tack and Western accessories they could ever want or need at Rafter T Ranch Company! Just head on over to raftertranchco.com to shop now.

This remodel, done by Gravitas, is located in Eagle, Idaho. In addition to the stalls, you’ll find a spacious tack room, wash stall, office, individual corrals, and a geo-textile riding arena. So often builders neglect the essentials, but that’s not the case here. There’s tons of light and natural air flow. Perfect for the comfort of your horses!

Take a look around!

If you liked this equestrian property, then wait till you see these Small Barns That You And Your Horses Will Love!

It’s a bad sign when your horse is underweight in the winter. Losing weight during these colder months can be problematic for your horse. They won’t be able to fend off the cold as easily. The first step in correcting this issue is finding out why the pounds are dropping. Check out these seven reasons!

Failure to increase calories in the winter: Your horse needs more calories in the form of forage, such as hay, during colder months. They burn through calories much quicker as their bodies try to stay warm. Digestion can create heat! A horse with constant access to hay will be much happier.

Poor quality hay: Remember, not all hay is equal. Have a professional hay analysis performed if you can’t determine the quality.

Incorrect grain usage: Feeding more grain isn’t always the answer. Processed food can be harder for your horse to digest, especially in large quantities.

Dehydration: Your horse is less likely to drink icy water when temperatures drop. Many horse owners fail to provide their horse clean, warm water. Water is an essential part of the digestion process, and failure to stay hydrated can cause gut issues.

Dental problems: This can cause weight loss year-round. Horses need to be able to chew their food correctly. The chewing process even helps to buffer stomach acids.

Old age: The horse has a difficult time absorbing nutrients as they grow older. Over time, the horse’s teeth and liver begin to function less.

Parasite overload: Stay up-to-date with fecal exams. A good deworming schedule is necessary.

Start with this list if your horse is losing too much weight during the winter months. A vet can also help you identify the root issue.

Hay is known as forage. It’s a combination of dried grass and plants. When grass isn’t available, most horse owners turn to feeding hay. This could be through the winter months or if your pastures aren’t lush. It’s important you know how to feed it correctly. Check out these frequently asked questions.

How much hay does your horse need?

They should be eating one to two percent of their total body weight in forage. As a starting point, a 1,000 pound horse should be eating at least ten pounds of hay a day.

What are the different types of hay?

There are grass and legume hays. Alfalfa is a popular legume hay. It contains two to three times more calcium and protein compared to grass hays. While it’s more expensive, this hay is helpful for young, growing horses and lactating mares.

Typical grass hays include timothy or orchard. Timothy is an easy crop to grow and it matures quickly. Some horse owners may prefer a mix of grass and legume hay.

What does good quality hay look like?

Your hay should be green, not yellow or brown. There shouldn’t be any signs of mold. The hay will smell slightly sweet and have a high leaf to stem ratio. When you drop the hay a dust cloud shouldn’t form.

What cutting is best?

You’ll have to decide between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cutting. Most horse owners will try to get 2nd cutting hay. It tends to be greener, more nutritious, and have less weeds. However, this isn’t always the case. Evaluate the hay carefully no matter what cutting it is.

How long can hay be stored?

Under the right conditions, hay can be stored for two to three years. However, each year the nutritional value will go down.

What is an ideal moisture level?

The moisture level should be between 15 and 18 percent. Higher levels can cause heat and mold growth.

What causes hay prices to fluctuate?

Weather conditions, the time of year, and the cutting can all impact prices. Extreme drought, very wet seasons, and high humidity can cause prices to jump.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when evaluating quality or how much to feed. It can be tricky feeding hay at first, but in time you’ll be a pro!