March – In like a lion, out like a lamb.
In recent years, that old saying didn’t apply, as we had record dry spring and warm days by the first of March. This year, though, is more “traditional” and here we are, slogging through mud and SNOW, blanketing horses and feeding extra to keep them warm!
March is a transition month in a lot of ways – winter to spring, waiting season to riding season, fuzzy coat season to slick-and-shiny season. It is a good time to prepare for the upcoming warm weather, and for all the fun horse activities to come. March is a great time to prioritize your horse’s health. Spring is the perfect time to schedule an annual wellness exam and vaccination appointment with your veterinarian. Help ensure your horse’s safety through annual vaccinations against the five core equine diseases: Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, tetanus and West Nile. Based on your horse’s lifestyle, discuss with your veterinarian whether he needs additional risk-based vaccinations, such as equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, leptospirosis or strangles.
If you plan to travel with your horse in the coming months, check your files to see whether it’s time for an updated Coggins test or health certificate, both necessary if you plan to cross state borders. This is also a good time to check out your Equine First Aid Kit and restock any necessary supplies. Make sure there is a stocked First Aid Kit in your trailer or truck.
Be prepared for riding season (when it finally gets here) with these 11 Ways to Prepare for Spring and Keep Your Horse Healthy, from our friends at Redmond Equine, providers of natural supplements for optimal horse health.
Rainbow has all the supplies you need for that first aid kit, and also carries many of the major vaccines (some, such as rabies, can only be administered by your veterinarian). With everything from shedding blades to blankets, Rainbow will help make the end of March look a lot better than the beginning!
Did we say blankets? Save 20% on any horse blanket in stock with this month’s OTRL Subscriber Coupon! Chose from a variety of sizes, weights and colors – even for Minis!
<—- Need some inspiration to keep you going while you wade through the slush and scrub that mud off your ponies? Highland Springs Equestrian Center has a slate of events planned for spring and summer, including Play Days. Check out all the happenings on their website.
—-> Here’s another fun one – Lake Country Horse Council presents a Play Day/ Fun Day on April 29 at Gaddy Shack Ranch in Kelseyville. Pay your LCHC membership and enjoy a day of obstacle courses, Gymkhana events, Jack Pot Barrels and a Tack Swap! Contact Debbie at 707 338 1014 for more information.
Popular clinician Lester Buckley will be returning to Willits for a weekend of classes on Thursday May 18th – Saturday May 20th. This very popular clinic is already filling up! If you want to get on the schedule, contact Robin Kane at Aurtique@gmail.com soon.
All this rain, wind and snow has wrecked havoc on our local trees. In need of tools to clean up downed limbs, broken branches and fallen trees? Check out the Arborist’s Department at Rainbow – from hand tools to outdoor power equipment, Rainbow can help clean up the storm destruction in a jiffy.
Trivia! All correct answers are entered to win a $15.00 Rainbow Coupon, good on any purchase at any Rainbow store.
Last month’s question was, True or False – Horses’ hooves grow faster in the winter. The correct answer is False. Generally hooves grow faster in the warmer weather. Our winner was Katrina Bartolomie, who adds that her horse’s feet grow faster in the spring and summer when the weather and feed are better.
The March question is, Why would one need a current Coggins test certificate?