Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial last days of Summer, but there is still a lot going on for horsemen as we prepare for Fall and enjoy these beautiful days. It’s time to think Back-to-School, preparing for the change in weather and making sure the barn is stocked with hay. For all your late summer needs, Rainbow is here! Outfit your students in the coolest Western styles from Ariat, Wrangler, Carhartt, and more. Get your firewood chores done with Rainbow’s huge selection of Outdoor Power Equipment including Stihl, Husvarna, Milwaukee and Honda. It’s all at Rainbow, plus a lot more. Three stores near you – Middletown, Lakeport and Ukiah – to make your shopping time easier. Enjoy September and get ready for Fall!
New at Rainbow – Purina® Systemiq™ Probiotic Supplement
For over a decade, Purina has been studying the equine microbiome to help horse owners unlock new insights into their horse’s health. We looked beyond the usual expectations of what a probiotic can do. The unique and patented probiotic technology in Systemiq™ supplement survives when other bacteria strains don’t, remaining live and active through manufacturing and the horse’s gastric environment.
It has a systemic effect in your horse, helping him to overcome challenges such as exercise or occasional gastrointestinal stress. It is one more piece of the puzzle to help protect horses with sensitive systems and elite athletes alike. Systemiq™ probiotic supplement provides proven benefits backed by science, all part of the Purina® MQ™ platform. Learn more https://mq.purinamills.com/
Fall is coming and the days are noticeably shorter. There are also temperature swings, from warm sunny days to much cooler nights, that can affect our horses, particularly horses who are out on pasture. While horses who have a chance to gradually adjust to temperature changes tolerate both heat and cold well, it is the combination of temperature extremes and swings that can be stressful. Temperature fluctuations (50 degrees or more between daytime and nighttime extremes) in early fall and late spring, when the horse hasn’t grown his winter coat yet or has already shed out, can be harder on horses than prolonged heat or cold.
To protect horses from extreme weather swings, provide them with a good windbreak or open-sided shed where they can shelter if they choose. As long as the horse is healthy and has adequate nutrition, these changes are usually handled well. Thin, sick or stressed horses can’t handle the sudden changes and need extra support. If you anticipate a temperature swing towards freezing, a few simple diet changes can help your horse stay warmer. Feed as much high-fiber feed as your horse will eat, and also pay attention to the water, so that it is not so cold that your horse won’t drink. If they are not getting enough water, they also won’t eat enough to keep them warm. If your horse is older or has poor teeth, hay is not enough. Provide a pelleted or chopped feed and mix the water in, so that the horse can get enough nutrition to digest correctly and stay warm. Learn more about helping your horse during temperature swings in this article, courtesy of The Horse – Running Hot and Cold, Caring for Horses During Weather Changes.
Events! Plenty of fun events planned this Fall!
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Respected clinician Lester Buckley will be back in Willits October 3 – 6, at Berry Creek Ranch. Thursday will be private lessons, followed by three days of group lessons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are currently openings for both riders and auditors, but these clinics always fill up fast. To reserve your space, contact Robin Kane at aurtique@gmail.com and come join in this amazing multi-disciplinary horsemanship experience! Learn more about Lester and his training philosophies at his website.
Willits Horsemen’s Association has lots going on including a Tack Swap and Cattle Practice. Check out all the activities at their Facebook page.
Lake County Horse Council is holding their Horse Faire – Pumpkins and Horses – on September 21 at Gaddy Shack Ranch in Kelseyville. Join in for a day of fun and learning. Drive a pony, watch demonstrations of Drill Teams, Barrel Races, Calcutta and live music! Food, wine tasting and more. Learn more…
The 13th Annual Mary Burgess Memorial Ranch Rodeo will be held October 12 in Willits. Events include Rodeo, Cook-Off, Open Branding, Bull Riding, Ranch Bronc Riding Dummy Roping or Breakaway. More information at their Facebook page.
Trivia! Enter to win a $15.00 Rainbow Coupon, good on any purchase at any Rainbow store!
In August, we asked what is the only other animal besides horses who cools themselves primarily by sweating? Well, it is US – Humans! Our winner is SK Gorman.
The September question is, what is something that you can learn at the Lake County Horse Council’s Horse Faire?