Fungasol Ointment

Absorbine

$13.89 on Amazon

In comes the rain, warmer weather, and the inevitable fungus. Springtime is known for being the season of skin fungi that cause pain and discomfort to horses. Rain rot, girth itch, and bacteria growth are often seen on horses’ coats during this time of year and can be simply treated with Absorbine Fungasol Ointment.

Mineral Medix Natural Hoof Dressing

Equine One

$38.49 on Amazon

As hard as owners try to protect their horses, thrush, abscesses, and hoof cracks are sometimes inevitable! We know how frustrating it can be. Thankfully, Mineral Medix Equine One Natural Hoof Dressing is here to help. This all-natural dressing works to stop bacteria in their tracks and creates a healthy hoof environment.

Hoof Gel

Keratex

$35.99 on Amazon

If you’ve ever lifted a horse’s foot in the mud, you know how soft and tender the soles are. The simple application of Keratex Hoof Gel prevents the softening of the hoof in wet, muddy conditions. Furthermore, this gel works to preserve moisture in the hoof at an optimum level, regardless of environmental conditions.

Hoof Soak 

Vetericyn

$19.99 on Amazon

The Vetericyn Hoof Soak works to prevent abscesses and foot rot from occurring. Prevention is key to keeping your horse feeling and moving great! When faced with gross, muddy conditions turn to this soak as the first line of defense against contaminants that cause lameness.

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Spring Pasture Dangers

1. Toxic plants: Field management is so important. You must know what is in your pasture. A curious or bored horse may consume something that they shouldn’t. Certain plants like nightstand and buttercups can be toxic to them.
2. Grass high in fructan: Fructan is a sugar-based carbohydrate, which serves as an energy source for plant cells. In the spring, it’s abundant in grass. Unfortunately, your horse struggles to digest fructans. An overload in their system can cause laminitis, colic, and diarrhea.
3. Wet grass: Dewy grass in the morning is very common in the springtime. Your horse is at risk for scratches and other fungal conditions due to the high level of moisture on their skin.
4. Animal holes: Groundhogs and prairie dogs begin to emerge in February and March. Their holes can be very dangerous to your horse. If your horse were to step in one, they could break their leg!
5. Ticks & other insects: Once warm weather arrives, ticks will begin to appear. They can transmit some nasty diseases to your horse. They’re most active from March to mid-May. Some horses are also hypersensitive to insect bites. They can leave them scratching themselves raw!

Spring is a wonderful time of year with gorgeous weather, sights, and smells, but it does come with some risks. You need to monitor your horse carefully when they’re out on pasture.

Stunning Western Loop Reins

1. Weaver Leather Ecoluxe Flat Barrel Reins, $29.99, Tractor Supply

Crafted from organic bamboo, these reins are moisture-wicking, antibacterial, breathable, hypoallergenic and resistant to UV rays. The gorgeous mix of colors are perfect for the season.

2. Tough1 Flat Cotton Roping Reins, $11.95, State Line Tack

Throw these in your Easter basket! The neon green and soft cotton material will make them a hit for western riders. They’re seven feet in length!

3. Rafter T Barrel Rein with Pink Leather Plait, $49.49, Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply

If you enjoy the feel of leather in your hands, then these are just what you need! The elegant pink laces through the brown leather. They’re eight feet long and 5/8″ thick.

4. Martin Saddlery Latigo Laced Barrel Rein, $43.79, North40

Here’s another gorgeous barrel rein! These are crafted from harness leather and have a majestic purple laced through them. They’re 5/8″ thick.

5. Weaver Ecoluxe Bamboo Round Trail Reins, $25.19, Riding Warehouse

Turquoise is such a great color! These reins are eco-friendly and buttery soft in your hands. They can be used around the barn or on the trails. They have scissor snaps!

Spruce up your tack this spring with these gorgeous colors!

Floral Western Saddle Pads

Pick from a wide selection of patterns and colors when you opt for a custom pad. This Impact Gel option has gorgeous floral designs. The LE Pattern Blue Floral has such an elegant and classy look!

With a retro feel, this Flower Power Elite pad is another great choice! Take yourself back to a groovy era with this orange, purple, and yellow pattern. This saddle pad comes in 3/4″ and 1″ thickness options. It has a low profile and won’t slip.

Here’s an affordable option! This Weaver pad has a fleece liner to wick away moisture. It also features microfiber wear leathers for enhanced durability. What’s not to love about this beautiful floral print…

Cowgirls, don’t sleep on this one! It has a burgundy background with vibrant sunflower designs. It’s quite the masterpiece.

These saddle pads will definitely get you in the mood for spring! Who’s counting down the days…

Daisy Daze Eau de Toilette

Marc Jacobs Fragrances

$71.99 on Amazon

This floral fragrance has a blend of mandarine, sweet mirabelle and creamy musks, making it the perfect scent to kick off spring! This perfume gives us all the bright, warm vibes of a new season and warmer weather!

Solar Bloom Eau de Parfum

CLEAN RESERVE

$75.00 on Amazon

A clean scent with radiant floral blooms! This blooming scent is bright and ready for any adventure this spring. With notes of florals and citrus, this perfume is perfect for any occasion.

Blooming Bouquet Eau De Toilette Spray

Miss Dior

$113.00 on Amazon

Spring is in the air! Bloom along the florals with this fresh floral scent. This scent is perfect for any occasion and embodies bright florals and warm springtime air.

My Way

Giorgio Armani 

$69.00 on Amazon

This sophisticated fragrance combines ingredients from around the world in a blend of woody and floral notes. This complex scent bottles up many unique undertones, leaving you with an unforgettable and irresistible scent.

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What Are Equine Allergies?

There are substances in your horse’s environment that will trigger a response from their immune system. The horse’s body produces antibodies, which causes various symptoms to appear.

What Causes Allergies?

There are tons of allergens in your horse’s environment. Some include pollen, grass, mold, wheat, barn dust, among others! Even insect bites can cause skin allergies. What affects one horse may not affect another… Some horses will also struggle more inside a stall. They may develop respiratory issues because of dust or mold.

Symptoms

• Respiratory distress
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes
• Persistent coughing
• Diarrhea
• Hives on their body
• Swelling or inflammation
• Shift in mood, will appear uncomfortable
• Refusal to eat

Prevention & Treatment

It can be hard to eliminate all allergens from your horse’s environment. There are, however, steps you can take to greatly reduce them. It could as simple as leaving your horse outside, rather than in a dusty stall. There are also fly products that prevent bites. Some horse owners will need to make dietary changes, if their horse is allergic to certain ingredients. It will depend on your individual horse.

While the best treatment is to remove the allergen, that’s not always possible. Your vet may recommend steroids or other drugs to control the symptoms. Unfortunately, prolonged use of them can have side effects. Some have had success by building up their horse’s tolerance to the allergen. Their vet will inject the horse with increasing concentrations of the offending allergen. A test can be used to determine what your horse is sensitive to.

It will take some observation and investigating to figure out what is bothering your horse, but with time and patience you can hopefully reduce their discomfort!

Spring Grooming

• Did you know that there are two sides to your metal curry? During shedding season, make sure you’re using the one with the longer blades.
• A rubber curry should be used in circular motions. After the hair is lifted, a stiff brush can remove loose hair from their body.
• A small shop vac works wonders as a horse vacuum.
• Exercising your horse will help them to shed their coat faster.
• Baby wipes are very versatile at the barn. You can rub them over your horse’s coat, face, or even clean their tack with them.
• Coconut oil is a great natural product to use in your horse’s mane and tail.
• Baling twine can be used as a sweat scraper.
• Some swear that ketchup will turn a dirty tail white again.
• Keep a hoof pick on your horse’s stall and pick their feet daily. Your horse is at risk for thrush this season.
• Baking soda and water can create a stain-lifting paste.
• Never clip a dirty horse!
• Make sure to keep your horse’s udders or sheath clean, which can cause itchiness when dirty.
• Get in the habit of cleaning your horse brushes. Start by vacuuming loose hair off, then soak them in water and bleach for 10 minutes. Lastly, rinse and dry them in the sun.

The best grooming advice is to use lots of elbow grease. That’s how you get a horse to really shine, no special tricks!

Khari Heeled Sandal

Steve Madden

$86.34 on Amazon

Colorful, strappy sandals and unique heels have never been more in vogue! This fun pair is perfect for elevating any look. Pair with a dress for a perfect brunch or graduation celebration, or elevate your next girl’s night out with these fun kicks and a pair of jeans!

Franca Woven Slide Sandal

Cushionaire

$34.99 on Amazon

These memory foam sandals were made for all get-togethers and spring occasions. Perfect for any occasion, your feet and outfits will thank you for this addition to your shoe game.

Dixon Western Boot

Ariat

$199.99 on Amazon

Does it get more perfect than this?! The booties we all love in a new, irresistible shade. Feel pretty in pink with this trendy shade of bubble gum pink!

Adela Rose Embroidery Fashion Booties Snip Toe

Liberty Black

$169.97 on Amazon

Hello Spring! These classy yellow roses scream springtime in Texas and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed. These babies are sure to turn heads and receive compliments everywhere you go.

Spacey Gracey Rounded Toe

Macie Bean Boots

$229.95 on Amazon

This off-white spin on this classic look is just too good. Add a level of warmth and neutrality to any fit-with a cowgirl flair of course! These high-quality boots are the perfect Spring boot for any occasion.

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Shedding Horses

How kind of this horse to share his winter coat! Some might even define shedding season as the transfer of horse hair to human.

Can anyone determine what color horses this rider has? Nothing quite like hair art!

This pony @oneheartwild lost a few pounds after that grooming session. Miniatures and ponies seem to have the thickest of coats.

How does this horse still have any hair? That’s right, horses have an endless supply apparently.

What’s your weapon of choice? This shedding glove is fighting a good battle!

Let the fun begin! Grab your rubber curry and metal scraper… things are about to get hairy.