Human and Equine Respiratory Health

Most of us know that dust and mold spore exposure is a huge problem for our horses. But many of us don’t even consider the side affects it has on the people who work with the horses. An interesting article by Dr. Bryan Waldridge discusses the problems many of us overlook.

Many of the factors that contribute to Equine Respiratory problems, also contribute to Human Respiratory factors. Among the biggest problem makers were spreading hay and mixing powdered supplements with feed. Even the best quality hay can contain mold spores and dust.

To combat many of these problems, Waldridge suggests many small changes. to start, he suggests to switch horses off of straw and onto shavings, cardboard, or paper bedding. Then instead of mixing in those supplements dry, try adding a type of liquid, like molasses, water, or even yogurt, to help the small particles “bind” together.

Waldridge also talks about the benefits of steaming hay, and how it will reduce the mold spores and dust in the bales. Not only that, but surprisingly enough, feeding the hay on the ground may actually be more beneficial to your horse than harmful. When on the ground, your horse “limits the amount of dust particles and mold spores that the horse breathes while eating by naturally allowing the horse to clear mucus and inhaled particles…” (Waldridge).

Being the owner of a horse with prominent respiratory problems, I have become more aware of my horse’s surroundings, and how they affect him. And by changing many of these factors, I have noticed uplifting changes in not only his health, but also his spirit.

The article is much more in-depth and you can read it in it’s entirety here.

We now carry dog & cat supplies!

For the past few months we have been polling our customers to see what kind of dog food they feed, and we have come to a decision. The majority vote goes to Diamond and Taste of the Wild! Not only do we have food for both dog and cat, but we also carry other pet supplies such as toys, treats, shampoos, and more.

Pricing Information:

Diamond Dog Food:

• All Natural Chicken and Rice 40lb – $31.99
• All Natural Lamb and Rice 40lb – $34.99
• Premium Adult 50lb – $32.29
• Sport Dog 50lb – $26.99
• Dog Maintenance 20lb – $14.29
• Dog Maintenance 50lb – $27.79
• Dog Performance 20lb – $18.99
• Puppy Food 8lb – $8.29

Taste of Wild:

• High Prairie Dog 5lb – $8.79
• High Prairie Dog 15lb -$21.79
• High Prairie Dog 30lb – $40.79
• Pacific Stream Dog 5lb – $8.79
• Pacific Stream Dog 30lb – $38.99
• Sierra Mountain Dog 5lb – $8.79
• Sierra Mountain Dog 15lb – $21.79
• Sierra Mountain Dog 30lb – $40.79
• Wetlands Dog 5lb – $8.79
• Wetlands Dog15lb – $21.79
• Wetlands Dog30lb – $40.79
• Rocky Mountain Cat 5lb – $8.79
• Rocky Mountain Cat 15 lb – $23.49
• Canyon River Cat 5lb – $9.79
• Canyon River Cat 15lb – $25.29

Aside from the Dog and Cat food, we also carry many supplies for them as well, such as:

• Adam’s Flea & Tick
• Espree Shampoos
• Bio Spot
• Dog and Cat Toys
• Dog Treats (including pig ears!)
• Joint and Maintenance Supplements
• and more!

• ” ” 15lb – $21.79
• ” ” 30lb – $40.79

Cleaning those Clippers!

If you haven’t already, it’s almost that time to start-up the clippers. And if you have stalled on your cleaning, here are a few tips on keeping those clippers nice and tidy.

1: Remove the Icky Stuff

• Remove blades from the clipper housing following the manufacturer’s directions
• Use compressed air or an old toothbrush to gently remove dirt particles and hair from the clipper blades

2: Use a blade Wash

• Re-attach blades to clipper housing.
• Pour a small amount of blade wash into a jar lid or a flat shallow dish.
• Dip the blades into the blade wash and run the clippers, with blades still in wash, for about a minute.
• Do not allow the blade wash to seep down into the clipper motor area.

3. Critical Clipper Oil

• Oil clipper blades regularly during use, particularly after running the blades through blade wash.
• Oils made specifically for clippers are the best choice.
• After each use, detach the blades, clean thoroughly, and then rub with clipper oil.

4. Use Cooling Sprays

• During use, the clippers will start to warm up. This is when you want to use the cooling sprays. With the motor running, hold blades away from you (tips of blades facing down) and spray.
• Spray a liberal amount of cooling spray around the entire blade area.
• Turn clippers off and wipe away excess cooling spray. If clippers feel hot, do not turn them back on for several minutes.

5. Blade Storage

• Store blades in a protective container. This can dramatically help extend the life of your blades.
• Blades can be removed from the clippers and stored in containers of blade wash.

6. Sharpening Dull Blades

• The first shaprening takes 3/1000 off, but if the blades are pitted, 9/1000 is removed.

7. Recondition When Needed

• Send clippers for reconditioning if they give you trouble despite regular care.

Bring in the New Year!

The New Year is almost here, and we want to celebrate! On January 3rd -7th, 2011, we will be having a HUGE online sale. That’s right, only online!! The rules are simple, First, check our website Monday and Tuesday for HUGE savings, then call the store to place your order, and finally, either swing by and pick it up or we will ship it right to you!

Items on sale include:
Western Headstalls
English and Race Bridles
Bits (Western and English)
Western Reins
Western Saddles
Horse Care Items
and more!

So don’t forget to visit with us January 3-7, 2011 for some amazing deals!
-Brumfield Staff

Deck The Stalls!

Its Almost that time for the holidays! Remember on December 11 we will be having our annual Deck the Stalls Sale. Just about everything you’ll need to keep your horses warm this winter will be on sale. Not only that but our gifts and dog items will be marked down as well! So stop by Saturday December 11 for some great savings! For more details click here.
-Brumfield Staff