Winter Equine Feeding Tips

So far this winter with lashing rain and high winds we have experienced somewhat different winter weather! Nonetheless the wind and rain can mean our equines require extra care and the freezing conditions are sure to join us at some point so The Saddlery Shop is getting ahead and sharing our top tips for equine nutritional winter care. During the winter our horses and ponies require additional specific care, particularly during freezing conditions in order to maintain their health and well-being. It is vitally important that your equine stays both warm and nourished in order to allow him to enjoy the winter months. Always ensure water is available In cold weather when your water tanks and troughs are susceptible to freezing over break the ice at least twice a day, and try adding hot water where possible to your horse’s drinking water in order to keep is from freezing. Provide Ad Lib Forage During the winter months our grazing is reduced alongside becoming depreciated in nutritional value. This means it is vital to provide sufficient hay or haylage as an alternative not to mention always offering hay or haylage in the field when the ground is covered by frost of snow. Including essential fibre keeps the gut healthy and mobile and as the horse digests fibre the fermentation process of the roughage literally warms him up from the inside out. Add Vitamins and Minerals to the diet In order to provide essential micronutrients during the wintertime consider feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement in the diet such as the range available from The Saddlery Shop such as Clop, Equivite and Benevit. Keep the weight and the rug on! If your horse is lucky enough to still be getting to enjoy regular turnout ensure your equine is sufficiently rugged in order to make sure he doesn’t lose energy, calories and weight in order to keep warm. This is especially important if your horse has been clipped, losing his natural defences to cold weather. A huge range of equine stable and turnout rugs are currently on sale with reductions of up to 50% off from The Saddlery Shop as part of the January sale. Why not visit the website today and pick up a bargain? Winter doesn't need to be a puzzle with fantastic advice and products on hand from The Saddlery Shop just visit the website or make an enquiry online to find out more!

Equine Winter Care

During the winter time maintaining optimum equine welfare can be more of a challenge. Here at The Saddlery Shop we thought we would share our top tips for protecting your equines from the elements including rain, wind and snow! The majority of horses actually cope well in cold weather providing they have a shelter from the rain and wind. Providing ample amounts of hay and haylage in the field can go a long way to keeping our equines warm as the digestion of fibre generates heat, keeping them warm from the inside out. Top Tips for Coping with the Winter Elements! 1.)If your horse is living out or turned out during the day in winter time ensure there is either a constructed shelter or run-in or a naturally occurring hedge line which can help equines find protection from the rain and wind. 2.)For horses in regularly work that need to be clipped a rug is essential. If your horse is rugged during the winter always make sure you have a spare one so if it rains heavily you are able to change rugs. A wide range of stable and turnout rugs are available from The Saddlery Shop. 3.)Always readjust rugs! Whether your horse is stabled or turned out the heavy weight of winter rugs can cause them to slip back and potentially rub. Always remove and readjust your horse’s rugs daily to ensure they are not rubbing, chafing or causing sore spots.Investing in an anti rub vest or neck cover can prevent issues such as this developing as well as limiting hair loss. A wide range is available from The Saddlery including brands such as Mark Todd, Shires and Roma. 4.)If your grazing is sparse or snow covered provide ample hay or haylage to compensate for the discrepancy. Always check your equines water both in the stable and the field to ensure automatic drinkers are functioning and any ice is broken and removed from the water.It can also be wise to add a vitamin and mineral supplement to the diet to promote equine health all year round. Visit The Saddlery Shop website to see the range of equine supplements we have on offer! 5.)Don't forget to wear plenty of warm and protective clothing yourself! Keeping warm and healthy is vital for rider's too so layer your clothing with thin layers, fleeces and a warm waterproof coat and a sensible pair of boots- all available from The Saddlery Shop. For more information about The Saddlery Shop and the wide range of equestrian products for horse and rider available visit our website at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or Tel: 0844 880 6900

Christmas Saddlery Shop Delivery and Returns Information for Customers

To make sure you and your loved ones received every you want for Christmas we thought we would share our last despatch dates for pre-christmas delivery. UK Standard Delivery: Orders must be made by Tuesday 17th December before 12pm UK Express Delivery: Monday 23rd December before 12pm Overseas delivery (all countries other than UK): Thursday 12th December Remember Scottish highlands, Islands, and Northern Ireland and some more remote mainland Scottish areas can take an extra working day at least to deliver so please order at least one working day earlier than stated above if this is your location! Please note: The items must show ‘in stock’ at the time of ordering and must not have a dispatch estimate showing against the item when viewing your basket. We will be processing internet orders on the working days between Christmas and the new year as usual in the warehouse, but the office will be closed for telephone and routine email enquiries from 24th December 2013 to 1st January 2014 inclusive. We are also offering an extended returns policy; perfect for buying Christmas presents! Goods purchased directly through www.TheSaddleryShop.co.uk (not through Amazon or Ebay) from 1st November 2013 - 24th December 2013 may be returned (in addition to our standard returns policy) until 15th January 2014 for a store credit or exchange. To purchase all your equestrian Christmas gifts visit The Saddlery Shop www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots- Christmas Deal!

The gorgeous Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are the ultimate in horsey chic for the discerning rider! These Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots include the RCS tough tec durable rubber sole which offers lightweight flexibility and a traction control grip. The Eskimo River boots are completely lined with synthetic fleece for a fashionable edge, warmth and comfort providing a snuggly, yet stylish look! Treated waterproof redskin leather to keep the boots breathable and the elements out. The Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are currently part of one of The Saddlery Shop's fabulous Christmas Deal's priced at just £114.99 reduced from RRP of £149.99! Snap up your perfect pair of winter boots today by visiting www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The Saddlery Shop Have Christmas All Wrapped Up!

Online retailer The Saddlery Shop has it all wrapped up this Christmas, with an exclusive personal shopping service. “Our team is on hand to advise customers via phone or email about the perfect gift for their loved ones, whether it be for ladies, men, young riders or equines,” co-proprietor Lucy Nicholas says. In addition, the website is clearly structured into these categories for easy shopping, with customer searches being sorted by popularity, latest products, or price. Vouchers are available for those ‘hard-to-buy-for’ friends or relatives - just give The Saddlery Shop a call, or drop them an email. Plus, there’s FREE standard delivery for orders over £75, and reduced-price standard delivery for items under £75, at just £4.99. Express delivery is also available upon request, from £3.99. To see a wide range of equestrian goods, gifts and equipment at below RRP prices, visit the website: www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or call 0844 8806900 - email customerServices@TheSaddleryShop.co.uk

Beat the Box Rest Blues with Proper Preparation

Sometimes unfortunately box rest can be part and parcel of horse ownership. Whilst we try and protect our beloved horses and ponies wherever possible occasionally acute injuries or an illness can mean that a period of enforced box rest is occasionally necessary. The term box-rest often fills horse owners with dread but with proper preparation is is plausible to make box rest as painless as possible. The key to good box rest care is to provide the best environment possible, meeting our equines needs, and minimising any stress caused by the process. Beat the Box Rest Blues with The Saddlery Shop 1.) Select a bedding which is comfortable and highly absorbent to avoid a build up of ammonia in the stable. Always ensure you muck out your horse at least twice per day to keep his stable clean and fresh. 2.) Provide ample forage, alongside fresh, clean drinking water in order to keep his digestive system functional and mobile. Prevent him from bolting his hay or haylage by supplying it in a small-holed hay net available from The Saddlery Shop in order to slow down the eating process, mirroring the natural trickle feeding pattern of the horse and keeping your horse occupied. Offering stable toys can also be useful and a radio can be a welcome distraction but make sure you give your box resting horse plenty of your attention and groom him regularly with the range of grooming brushes and products available from The Saddlery Shop in order to keep him clean, comfortable and content.

Beat the Box Rest Blues!

"Box rest" the dreaded terms to any horse owner but sometimes this process is part and parcel of horse ownership. Whilst we try and protect our beloved horses and ponies wherever possible occasionally acute injuries or an illness can mean that a period of enforced box rest is necessary. If the worst does occur then horse owners should consider how to provide optimum care for their equines in the stable whilst they rehabilitate. There are many ways to make the necessary process as painless as possible. Remember that if your horse or pony is subject to spending a period of time in his stall or stable it is our responsibility to provide an environment which compliments their needs as much as possible. Top Tips from The Saddlery Shop to Beat the Box Rest Blues! Select a bedding which is soft, comfortable and highly absorbent to avoid a build up of ammonia in the stable. Always ensure you muck out your horse at least twice per day to keep his stable clean and fresh. The handy Equine Manure Scoop with handy rake available from The Saddlery Shop can offer a quick and easy way to skip out your horse several times per day. Provide ample forage to your equine in order to keep his digestive system functional and mobile. Prevent him from bolting his hay or haylage by supplying it in a small holed haynet in order to slow down the eating process, mirroring the natural trickle feeding pattern of the horse and keeping him occupied. Always carefully monitor your horse’s water intake and always provide fresh, clean drinking water. If your horse isn’t drinking enough during his stabled time why not consider soaking his haynet to boost the hydration levels of the diet? Offering stable toys and mirrors can also be useful and a radio can be a welcome distraction but make sure you give your box resting horse plenty of your attention and groom him regularly in order to keep him clean, comfortable and content. A huge range of grooming products are available from The Saddlery Shop including brushes, combs, sprays and shampoos and much, much more! It is often necessary to reduce the levels of concentrate feed provided to your equine whilst they are on box rest so make sure you choose a feed which is low in energy or cut the quantity supplied down. However always remember that sufficient forage is vital to health.