Justin 2010- Wrangler WNFR Commemorative LIMITED EDITION Dufflle/Boot Travel Bag.

Justin 2010- Wrangler WNFR Commemorative
LIMITED EDITION
Dufflle/Boot Travel Bag.
On Sale Reg. $49.95 Sale $42.95

This boot bag is made of a a heavy duty 600D polyester with PVC backing for added strength. It measures oversized 22"x14"x10". There are 2 exterior zippered boot compartments on each side of the bag.

It has the Justin Boot official logo on one side, along with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo - Las Vegas 2010 embroidered on the other side. Both logos are in a very nice quality embroidrey.

The bag with brown with dark brown piping, straps and zippers. It offers both shorter hand hold straps and a longer shoulder carry strap.

This is a very nice limited edition gear/duffle/boot travel bag! 
 
To purchase go to www.acetack.com
Merry Christmas

Winter tips

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We all know how difficult it is to maintain our balance while carefully treading across a thick sheet of ice. Now imagine performing the same task without rubber-soled boots and add an extra pair of legs to the equation. This is a challenge that your horse must face every winter season. To prevent traumatic injuries (such as bruises, sprains, and lacerations) caused by slipping or falling on ice or slushy snow, keep walkways shoveled and salted or sanded. Whenever possible, avoid walking your horse over ice or other potentially slippery areas.

CARE ON SNOW AND ICE TIPS

The snow itself is a potential danger. Even a thin blanket of snow may disguise objects on the ground such as that lunge line you forgot to put away or your dog’s favorite tennis ball. These are tripping hazards and could cause potential injury. Try to reduce such risks by carefully assessing your surroundings and practicing good housekeeping habits. Drifted snow is not only difficult to walk through, but it may also block access to vital pathways or doorways. It is important to maintain easy access into and out of your barn, as you never know when you will need to pass through the doorway in an emergency. Prevent drifts from accumulating in front of doors, ensure that the doors slide or swing open easily, and maintain a safe, shoveled walkway wide enough to accommodate both you and your horse.

Minnesota State Fair

Wow it's been a busy week packing for the Minnesota State Fair.
We will be down at the great Minnesota get together August 26- September 6, 2010
We have lot's of new boots from Ariat, Justin,Roper and Corral. Special pricing on many of the boots,

We also brought in a truckload of Beyer's with all of the newest additions. We have tons of kids stuff as well as apparel, jewelry, handbags, wallets, cell phone covers and much more for everyone.
We are so excited this year and hope this will be the best year yet.
Thanks to everyone who continues to support Ace Tack & Outfitters.
Visit us online at www.acetack.com   

Dressage braiding

The fine art of braiding the mane.



To braid the mane for Dressage, follow these directions.






1. Start with a three-strand braid, wrapping right over center.






2. Continue by crossing left over center.


3. Continue to ends of hair.






4. To secure the end of the braid, place folded string behind the braid.


5. Wrap the string around the braid and through the loop at the fold in string.






6. Lace the string through the top of the braid and fold the braid in half.


7. Separate the ends of the string that you pulled through the top of the braid.






8. Encircle the top of the braid with thread. 9. Secure with a square knot.






10. Spray with Equine-Shine to hold the braid

Fire works Saftey

 Ace Tack & Outfitters wishes every one a happy and safe July 4th, 2010
Enjoy our fireworks safty tips!!



1. Children Should Not Handle Fireworks. Never let children handle, play with or light any fireworks. Fireworks should only be handled by adults.







2. Do Not Use Alcohol With Fireworks. Please do not consume alcohol when using fireworks. Fireworks must be used by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not impaired in any way.






3. Follow the Laws; Use Common Sense. Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; and do not make your own fireworks. Use common sense at all times in handling fireworks.






4. Use Fireworks on a Hard Surface. Use fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface, not on grass or gravel. If you are using fireworks on grass, lay down a strong piece of plywood as a shooting surface. You must do what you can to insure the stability of the items as you use them.






5. Use in a Clear, Open Area. Use fireworks in a clear, open area, making sure the area overhead is free from obstructions. Keep the audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Watch out for dry grass, dry brush or any flammable items that could catch fire. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.






6. Keep Clear of the Fireworks. Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product at any time. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand.






7. Use Care in Lighting the Fireworks. Always light fireworks products with an extended butane lighting device, a Phantom pyro-torch, a punk or a flare. Light the fuse only on the tip. Use a flashlight at night so you can see the fuse. Never use a lantern or other flame-producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the fireworks product and get away quickly.






8. One at a Time. Light only one firework item at a time.






9. Do Not Use Malfunctioning or “Dud” Items. Don’t persist with malfunctioning items. Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any “dud” firework item.






10. Have Water Close By. Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby. During any fireworks shoot there should always be someone assigned as the fireman, whose job it is to be alert and at the ready with a water source for emergencies.






11. Windy Conditions. Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions. Light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. If there is a wind shift during your shooting, you should stop or rearrange your shooting site to accommodate the wind shift. 12.






12. Use Care in Handling Fireworks. Use care in handling fireworks and be careful not to drop them. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Never smoke when handling fireworks.






13. Never Use Fireworks as Weapons. Never use fireworks as weapons. Never aim, point or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.






14. Storage of Fireworks. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.






15. Use Fireworks Outdoors. Use fireworks outdoors. Never use fireworks indoors.






16. Special Reloadable Rules. Never use a wet or damaged shell or launch tube. Insert shell all the way into the bottom of the tube, flat end down. Never force a shell into a tube. Use only one shell at a time. Wait at least 30 seconds between loading shells. Never ignite a shell outside of a launch tube. Never take the shell apart. Never relight a fuse that fails to ignite the device. After lighting the fuse, move a minimum of 20 feet from the launch tube.






17. Purchase Fireworks from Reliable Dealers. Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any fireworks; do not attempt to make your own fireworks.






18. Safety Glasses. Safety glasses are recommended for individuals lighting fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.

19. Use Caution with Animals. Be careful with animals. Noise and lights of fireworks often frighten animals.






20. Do Not Transport Fireworks on Airplanes. Do not transport fireworks on airplanes; it is a violation of federal law.

Ace Tack & Outfitters now has the Easy Boot Glove



This form-fitting, seamless boot hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. Flexible and tough, this boot adds traction to the hoof, while allowing a free stride and breakover. Like a glove, this boot provides protection without stifling mobility. The Easyboot Glove material stret......ches over the hoof and clings to the wall so that debris stays out of the boot even through sandy and muddy conditions. No external hardware means that there is no need to worry about replacing cables. Studs are available for winter riding. Does your horse overreach? These boots have a faster breakover and no hardware to catch on the front heel if you are wearing them on hind feet. This boot must be carefully sized and fitted to the hoof. Your horse’s width and length must fall into the same size category. If your horse’s width and length fall into two different size categories you must choose another boot style. If you believe that you measured correctly but the boot doesn’t fit tight try going to a smaller size or chose another boot in the EasyCare line. Sold individually.

Happy Fathers Day

Well this weekend is Fathers Day and Below is the History of Fathers Day.




The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.


Having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.






In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. So Father's Day was born in memory and gratitude by a daughter who thought that her father and all good fathers should be honored with a special day just like we honor our mothers on Mother's Day.






Happy Father's Day


Any man can be a Father,
but it takes a special person
to be called Dad.

Don't forget to get that special dad a gift from Ace Tack & Outfitters. We have new Brooks and Dunn shirts and the new American Patriot line. We have lot's of great sales throughout the store.

Shampoo tricks

When you wash your horse with our Equine Horse Shampoo, save time by throwing your brushes into the bucket with the shampoo and let them soak for a few minutes.  You can toss your dirty cinches into the bucket, too. It will clean them gently and help get rid of harmful bacteria.  Equine Shampoo is also an excellent spot cleaner when you don't have time to wash your whole horse.

Trade In your boots

Ace tack now is offering tradeins on boots bring in an old pair of western Cowboy boots and receive $5.00 off your new pair of boots. Old  boots become the property at Ace tack.
Please make sure your old boots are clean for you trade in.

Lyme Disease in Horses

Lyme Disease in Horses Requires Health Treatment



It s easy to overlook or dismiss Lyme disease, but it s a real illness that can do a lot of damage at any time of the year.






Keeping your horse near areas where ticks are may result in Lyme.






As many as 75% of horses living in areas of the country where Lyme organism infection of ticks is high will test positive for antibodies to the organism. How many of these horses have an infection that will cause obvious signs of Lyme disease is unknown. However, skepticism over whether or not Lyme disease exists in horses is long gone. It’s real.






The progression of Lyme disease symptoms has been best studied in people. The first symptom is a characteristic bull’s eye rash around the bite site, anywhere from three to 30 days after the tick is removed.






At this time, there is also fever, fatigue, chills, headache, muscle and joint pains, enlarged lymph nodes, making it a flu-like syndrome. Over the following days to weeks, the symptoms may intensify and expand to include neurological signs and heart-rhythm disturbances.






If untreated, the symptoms typically die down on their own, only to reappear several months later with shifting joint swelling and pain, possibly neurological symptoms of shooting pains, headache, and “brain fog.”






Symptoms


According to our experience and the information we gathered from practicing veterinarians (see page 13), the real-life symptoms associated with Lyme infection in horses include:






• Fever (probably early infections)


• Ill-defined, shifting lameness not explained by injury or level of work


• Poor performance


• Personality changes


• Laminitis


• Anterior uveitis (ERU/moonblindness-like eye changes).






Varying degrees of insulin resistance can be found in laminitic Lyme horses. This isn’t surprising, since infections are known to induce insulin resistance in other species. When the horse is already predisposed to being insulin resistant, the insulin resistance is difficult to control by diet alone.






Diagnosing Lyme


Early Lyme symptoms, such as fever and irritability, are nonspecific and easy to miss or dismiss as a virus, work-related arthritis or various causes of muscle pain. Lyme is also likely to be put lowest on the list of possibilities if a horse is showing neurological signs, if it is considered at all.






To make matters worse, early Lyme symptoms may appear before the antibody tests are even a low positive. This makes it difficult to confirm the disease at the time when it ideally should be treated. The horse may also have antibodies from a prior exposure complicating interpretation of tests.






Horses at pasture are the least likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, while horses in active use will probably have their symptoms attributed to one or more other problems.

New 2010 Breyers Now in stock.

Ace has new 2010 Breyers now in stock. Stop in and check them out.

Minnesota Horse Expo 2010

The 2010 Minnesota Horse Expo went well. We want to Thanks all of our loyal customers for their support.
We were grateful for the Miracle of Birth building during the rainy weather.

Hope to see you in 2011!

Mid West Horse Fair

The Mid West horse Fair was great. The weather was really nice over the weekend and people seemed really happy to be out and about. Watching the Texas Thunder Horse team is amazing! those horses and there drivers are awesome to say the least.

Dennis Auslam was also phenomenal, loved watching him work the horses.  

Ace was excited to be there again and is ready to go back next year.

Now on to the 2010 Minnesota Horse Expo 

Hope to see you there. 

Ace Tacks Open House and Royal flush give away

This week is our annual open house. We are having our first ever Royal Flush card game. Grand Prize is $1000.00. Stop in for brats and hot dogs.Plus fun for the kids in the kids corral. Visit with reps and listen to our guest speakers Mary Hamilton and Dennis Auslam, plus the MTRHA will be here to answer questions about your minnesota trails.
Call or stop by the store for details.

Corral Boots

Ace is proud to announce the latest addition to our store.

Corral boots and are they way cool. Featuring exotic leathers and custom designs. Come and see them for yourself ! Join us for our open house March 26-28, 2010  

Sad and Upsetting for Equine Owners

Mainers give up their horses as economy takes toll




By Sharon Kiley Mack


BDN Staff






BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTOS BY BRIDGET BROWNDancer (left) and Clementine, two horses at Spirit of Hope Farm in Winterport, nuzzle in their pasture Wednesday. The farm, like many other equine shelters, is facing record high hay prices and greater numbers of horse owners who come to them to give up their horses. Co-owner Jennifer Allain Winchester said she is having to turn away more horses than she is rescuing. Buy Photo



MACHIAS, Maine — A bad economic climate and even worse weather earlier this summer have created a crisis for many horse owners. Under the stresses of uncertain finances and a near-disastrous hay crop, many Mainers have had to surrender their horses to the state of Maine this year.



“Last year we removed 32 horses from owners that could no longer care for them,” Maine’s Animal Welfare Director Norma Worley said Monday. “Only six of them were seizures [for abuse or neglect].”




But by the end of August this year, 50 horses already had been voluntarily surrendered to the state, she said.




“People are struggling to put food on their own dinner table. They cannot afford to feed a horse,” she said.





They cannot afford to have them euthanized, either, said Janet Tuttle of Rockin' T Equine Rescue in Union.





“Some of the horses being brought to us are 30 years old,” she said. “I have 33 horses here now and more than five of them have heart conditions.”





To have a horse euthanized, it costs about $185 plus the cost of a backhoe for burial and the veterinarian’s farm call fee, Tuttle said.





“People are going to tie the horses out back of the barns to die,” she predicted. “This is beyond sad.”





Tuttle said that in her effort to rescue horses, she also has piled up bills. “I owe $2,500 to the vet and $5,000 to my hay man,” she said. “I have never seen it this bad.”



Within a few weeks, horses will no longer be able to feed off pastures.

“We’re worried,” Worley said. “This winter is going to be bad.”






The high cost of grain, hay and veterinary care, combined with the economic crisis across the country and a general horse overpopulation, has horse owners surrendering their animals in record numbers, unable to feed and financially care for them over the winter. Hay that was $1 a bale two years ago is now $4 to $6 a bale. A 50-pound bag of grain that was $8.50 is now $15.






Persistent rain has pushed the price of hay to record levels, according to Rick Kersbergen of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “This has been the worst year I’ve seen for hay,” he said this week. “Some people are just getting a first cutting in now.”






Jennifer Allain Winchester at Spirit of Hope Farm in Winterport said she is turning away more horses than she is rescuing.






“Last year round bales cost us $40 each. This year we’re expecting that cost to rise to $50 each. This is a 20 percent increase in cost for hay alone,” she said. “Coupled with a poorer quality crop because of the excessive rain — we’re just getting in our first cutting, which will be more dry and dusty, with less nutritional value be-cause it is not cut at prime growth — we will also have to supplement with other products like Hay Stretcher pellets, alfalfa cubes and more grain, which of course adds more cost. Because of the increase in the overall cost of feed, along with a reduction in donations and adoptions due to the economy, we are in a financial place where we can’t take in any more horses, at least not for the time being.”






Judy Merryfield at Mountain Equine Rescue in Union said she remembers when hay cost just 60 cents a bale. “We are coming into winter now and I have three to five people calling me each day wanting to give up their horses,” she said. “They are telling me they can’t afford the hay or their hay dealer doesn’t have a supply this year.”






Merryfield has 15 rescued horses on her farm right now and spends hours each day trying to arrange private placements.






“This is the worst it has been and it will only get worse,” she said.






Linwood Green at Double B Equine Rescue in Industry said he too is trying to link those forced to give up their horses with others who are willing to adopt them.






“We charge no adoption fee and we have adopted out about eight horses already this Smmer,” he said.


Green has 17 horses looking for homes while he normally would have about a dozen at this time of year.

“We are overfull,” he said.



He hears from those relinquishing their horses that the high cost of hay is forcing their decisions.






“The situation is terrible,” he said. “We feed what we can get but we try to get the best. Abused or neglected horses especially need some really good rations to bring them back to good health.”



He said what would really help is for people who want a horse to call the shelter and adopt.



For those who own Standardbreds, the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine in Buxton has an emergency program for those in need of hay. The program is limited to Standardbreds and can be applied for confidentially by calling 284-2230.



Brenda Bryant of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization said the organization also has free horses available for adoption.


“People can’t wait any more for a horse to sell,” said Bryant. “It is not about getting the cash. It is about avoiding the costs.”



Debbie Lee McLane at Downeast Large Animal Society, which shelters horses, in Deblois said she turned away more than 50 horses this summer, all because the owners lacked hay. “I really think that it is going to get a lot worse,” she said.



Kersbergen said that because rain delayed many harvesters, much of the hay on hand could be in very poor condition. It could have a lot of dead or dry material in it and be of poor quality, he said.






“When you pay that much for hay, you really need to get an analysis done,” he said.






Kersbergen has postage-paid mailing envelopes for horse owners to send hay samples for testing that cost $15 per sample. He can be reached at 800-287-1426.






He also said the Extension Service’s annual hay directory is up and running and has quite a bit of hay listed for sale. The directory can be found at www.umext.maine.edu/Waldo/hay

Jennifer Alfano Chosen for Demo at 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games


Phelps Media Group

Print E-mail

Buffalo, New York - SBS Farms of Buffalo, NY is pleased to announce that Jennifer Alfano has been officially selected to represent the hunter discipline in the Hunter Derby Demonstration during the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY September 25 - October 10, 2010. Filling one of only four coveted slots, Alfano said "I am so honored to have been chosen for the demonstration. The hunter discipline is of such significance in the United States, and by participating in this demonstration, I will get to be part of an incredible experience that will let the world see what the hunters are truly about."





Two World Championship Hunter Rider titles, numerous accolades, and outstanding horsemanship made Alfano an ideal candidate for demonstrating what it is that exemplifies a perfect hunter course. Recently named the Chronicle of the Horse's Show Hunter Horsewoman of the Year, Alfano is undoubtedly one of the best hunter riders of this era. After finishing an incredible year, Alfano graciously accepted the award and said, "This year was a good year for me, and we couldn't have been happier with how the horses went. They came out at every horse show wanting to win and they did. Winning this award means so much, and I'd just like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way to make my professional career what it is today."



Riding and training out of SBS Farms of Buffalo, NY, Alfano works with SBS Farms Director, Susie Schoellkopf, and together they have continuously produced phenomenally successful hunters, including 2009 Second Year Green Hunter of the Year, Jersey Boy. Alfano is no stranger to hunter derbies, in fact, they seem to be her knack as 2009 marked numerous victories in hunter derbies around the country, including the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in Wellington, FL and the $10,000 HITS Ocala Hunter Derby, as well as an impressive second place finish in the $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals to finish off the year.



In addition to Alfano's hunter derby successes of 2009, she was also named Rider of the Year at the 2009 National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Dinner and Leading Lady Hunter Rider at the Devon Horse Show.



For more information about SBS Farms, please visit www.thebtrc.org.



Photo Credit: Jennifer Alfano and SBS Farms's Jersey Boy. Photo © 2008 Jennifer Wood/PMG.

Pat Parelli has released this new DVD as an introduction to his natural horsemanship program.







Pat demonstrates his incredible understanding of horses when working for the first time with a horse called Midas. He explains the five zones of the horse’s body followed by an introduction to the first three of Parelli’s seven games. We see Pat assessing Midas as a personality and then using the games to form a relationship.

The DVD culminates with Midas loading into a trailer.






As Pat explains his processes everything seems to fall into place and when watching there were certainly times when I squirmed with guilt at how I may have misunderstood my horse’s behaviour in the past.






This is a great DVD for anyone just wishing to dip a toe into the world of Parelli before jumping in at the deep end. Retailing at around £20 it is a great Christmas gift for any long suffering horse owner.

Groundhog Day

Today is celebrated as the Groundhog Day 2010, but did the groundhog see his shadow in 2010. Thankfully this question was answered experts, but then there are two predictions made. One Prediction is made from Punxsutawney, Pa from South. Punxsutawney says that we need to wait for 6 months to enjoy spring. However, Staten Island Chuck did not see his shadow and his predictions are showing that spring will come in next two weeks. So, people are still confused on which groundhog to be believed.

Groundhog Day is based on a German attitude that exhausted animals could adumbrate the accession of bounce by their actualization on February 2. The attitude was brought to America in the 18th aeon by the Pennsylvania Dutch. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day fails to see its shadow, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. Let see what happens!

Winter poems

One little snowflake with nothing to do.Along came another andThen there were two.Two little snowflakes laughing with me.Along came another, andThen there were three.Three little snowflakes looking for some more.Along came another, andThen there were four.Four little snowflakes dancing a jive.Along came another, andThen there were five.Five little snowflakes having so much fun.Out came the sun, andThen there were none!

Keep your horse from slipping on the ice
Step 1
Riding during the winter can be beautiful and invigorating. In a time when most people hole up inside, some hardy equestrians want to go and explore the frozen and beautiful world. You can ride safely in the winter, but you will need to take some sensible precautions. Shoes that work on your horses feet any other time of year do NOT work in winter. So unless you plan on actively riding your horse in the winter, have his shoes pulled in the fall.
Step 2
If you do plan on riding, make sure your farrier comes to visit after the first real winter weather. Once the snow is on the ground for good, your horse will need to have special calks put in his shoes - essentially these are studs that will allow his shoes to act like golf shoes, or ice-climbing shoes. They will give him traction.
Step 3
If you only plan on the occasional winter ride, invest in some specialty items, like the Big Black Boot pictured, or another fitted boot for the hoof. These often come with traction and are excellent choices for the occasional winter ride in the snow and the ice.
Step 4
Don't forget your horse needs his feet looked after even if you are not riding. To prevent him slipping and falling on the ice, coat the bottoms of his hooves with Vaseline to keep the ice and snow from packing in and accumulating into a slippery ball.
Step 5
Finally, as a last resort, you may "score" the edge of the hooves to give the horse more natural traction, but this should NEVER be attempted by anyone but a farrier, as you could easily hurt the horse.

Healthy Horse Grooming Tips for Winter
Maintain your horse's health and haircoat this winter with these cold-weather grooming tips.

Once Mother Nature has clothed your horse in his winter haircoat, weight loss, wounds and skin infections are harder to recognize than when his coat was short and slick. Here are some tips that'll help you uncover--and prevent--problems through the winter.
Maintain Skin HealthMost winter skin conditions result from a dirty haircoat, which gives bacteria and fungi a foothold. Keep your horse's skin healthy by vigorously currying his body daily. In addition to lifting dirt and skin debris to the surface, it'll enable you to feel any diminishment in the fat layer over his ribs, indicating weight loss, and any bumps or clumpy hair that could signal a wound or skin condition. (For help in identifying skin problems, refer to "Skin Invader" in the March 1996 issue of Horse & Rider.)
Insider tip: For quick and easy dirt removal after currying, spray your horse's body, mane, tail and legs with a non-silicone hair-care product, such as Daily Coat Regimen (a new product by MVP Professional Horse Care Products, 817-851-0277), or Cowboy Magic, then follow with a soft finish brush or vacuum. (ShopVacs are inexpensive and work great.) Bonus: The slippery finish will help make dried mud easy to remove next time.
Treat Your Horse to a BathIf you have access to a draft-free area, treat your horse to a weekly hand-wash: Add a splash of Vetrolin (or your favorite body wash) to a bucket of warm water; apply to one body section at a time using a dampened sponge; towel dry. (Note: Not recommended in below-freezing temperatures, unless you have a heated barn.)

Insider tip: If your barn doesn't have hot water, use a wand-like bucket heater in a 5-gallon bucket. Most stores that sell stock-tank heaters carry them or can order one for you.
Insider tip: Speed the drying process with a human hair dryer (keep it moving to avoid burning your horse's skin) or an overhead heat lamp

Skin
Keep your horse's skin healthy by vigorously currying its body daily. Keep your horses, the stalls and all related equipment clean and dry to help avoid seasonal skin disorders, which can include rainrot, sratches greasy heel and ringworm.

Excellent winter horse care tips

While the NW has enjoyed unseasonably dry weather, we have also
been hit with a biting cold. The following article by Jayne Pedigo from www.equisearch.com covers a range of items that affect horses and
horse owners with helpful tips and hints.Winter can be a long drawn-out challenge in some parts of the world. With temperaturesbelow freezing
for several weeks or even months, it can be difficult to keep horses happy and healthy.
On the minds of horse owners are such things aswhether or not to
blanket, if and when to turn out, how to stop snow from balling up in hooves and how to deal with frozen water supplies. This article brings
together some ideas from members of the Horses forums, on a variety of winterrelated subjects. Frozen Faucets "If you have electricity out at your barn, there is a heat tape that is electric. You can probably find it at hardware stores or farm supply stores.
Just make sure you follow the directions on how to install...
There were problems with the old type of tape but the newer tapes meet safety standards.
Just follow directions."
P Mosely
"This may or may not help you, depending on how your barn is set up. I have a water faucet that is not frost free... I have a closet built around this
faucet. The closet is well insulated and about 2.5 feet wide and 6 or 7 feet tall... I live in Michigan and lately we've had highs only in the teens and
lows around 0 to 5 above. I have a light fixture in the
closet to add a little extra heat. It's located in the lower 1/3 of the closet in an out of the way area next to the faucet. It's one of those small ones with a safety glass globe and a wire cage around it to prevent it from getting broken. I have a 60 watt bulb in it. It's controlled by a switch in the
closet. With the door shut, the bulb will keep the closet at about 60 degrees, no matter how cold it gets outdoors.
Water Tank Heaters "Has anyone ever used a propane warmer to keep
water free if ice?
The guy I board from found one at a farm supply store. It seems to
work great. We have it set up in a 250 gal. trough. Up until a couple of days ago, I was hauling hot water to warm up the water
in the trough. Plus, we were havingto fish ice out. It's been a God send.

To Blanket or Not to Blanket
"I live in Michigan and have owned a 9 year old half-arab/pinto gelding for
the last 1 1/2 years. He originally came from a heated barn and had no
winter coat when I first got him so I put a heavy Big D blanket on
him.Now he has grown a good winter coat but I have been told that it is
healthier for him to go without a blanket as long as possible. I want to be
sure I am doing the right thing, so I wonder what guidelines are used to
determine whether or not to blanket". TateDakota "My belief is that if the horse is used to the changing temps and has enough coat to protect themself, they should be ok with the proper feed to help them out. We give ours free access to a good mixed hay & increased grain.
This not only keeps them fat, it helps to keep them warm when their bodies
are breaking down the food. "GiddyUpGoHost " I was told by my vet that if you do not blanket at the beginning and your horse grows his winter coat, don't then blanket him when it gets colder.A horses hair stands up to keep him warm, if you put a blanket on the hair can't stand up, then he may start to shed his coat. I blanket my Arab because he will shake every morning if I don't, he doesn't grow enough hair,and Arabs are thin skinned but most horses can keep warm enough without a blanket.... I would say if you blanket, then blanket, if not then don't at all. It is really just up to you, if you want to or not."
Majik's Mom

Keeping Snow out of Hooves

"I have heard that a little bit of Vaseline smeared on the bottom of the
hooves works just fine". Outtopasture "My horse has to be shod this winter due to some hoof problems. My farrier is putting pads on that have a little bubble like thing on the bottom that pops the snow out." Shadaisy
"Try spraying the bottoms of the hooves with a cooking spray (i.e.
PAM). Non-toxic. If your horse is afraid of the sound of a spray can, try
the pump spray. "
MagicLady

Haiti Tradgedy

Ace Tack & Outfitters sends our thoughts and prayers out to the Haitian people.
Ace will be accepting donations for the country, drop off donations for the the people and receive 25% off any one item. All donations will be forwarded to the Red Cross.

Horse Care Tips!

Horse care tips form Ace Tack:

Consider blanketing during wet, very windy, or frigid weather. A wet coat looses its loft--like a wet down jacket, and won’t hold body heat. Windy weather pulls warmth away. Some horses are comfortable during very cold weather; some will be more comfortable in a warm winter blanket.