The Glory of Spring

Spring has sprung! That means different things for different folks. For southwest Colorado it means wind, and hoping for rain. It also means the miracle of daffodils and crocus. For eastern Colorado it means 70 degrees one day and a blizzard the next, and hoping that the precipitation levels have been adequate to deter a season of forest fires. For horse owners who live in cold winter climates, one thing we all have in common is a surplus of horse hair that attaches itself to our clothing and blows everywhere. My advice is to stay upwind from your horse while using the shedding blade, and never wear fleece! You may be preparing for the riding season by getting your trailer tires, floor and bearings looked at, and getting your pulling vehicle looked over for brakes, tires, and the usual auto tune up list. Spring is also “equine tune up time”. It is a good idea to assess your horse’s health including hooves, weight, dental issues, deworming and vaccinations. Regular deworming with chemical rotation is vital to a horse’s efficient use of feed. Deworming can kill off good gut flora, so this is a good time to put your horse on Formula 707 Digestive. This effective supplement helps gut flora stay healthy and has been proven to help during transitional periods such as changing from a hay only diet to hay and pasture. It also works to support healthy digestion. The secret to its effectiveness is the large colony count per serving of microencapsulated bacteria for easier absorption, viable yeast cells and supplemental enzymes. Some horses may have dull coats after a long winter. Lots of elbow grease and currying can help them bloom. Most horses can benefit from supplemental top dressings. I love to use Formula 707 Glo-N-Go Liquid Fat Supplement because it makes the horse’s coats shiny and provides vitamin E and B1. This product is especially helpful for a horse that is thin or has always been a hard keeper. It is apple flavored and contains three times the calories found in an equal weight of grain. Glo-N-Go™ is formulated with soy and does not contain animal fat while also providing an ideal Omega3/Omega 6 ratio. For additional help with hard keepers. Formula 707 Weight Gain is a highly palatable, calorie-rich supplement specifically formulated to help all types of horses gain and maintain weight. But don’t forget the probiotics – they will help with efficient digestion so that your horse uses costly feeds to maximum potential. If your horse eats noticeably slowly, it may be that they have a sharp tooth tearing their cheek with each bite. Spring is a good time for a dental check. And last but not least, it is time for the regular farrier visit. Thanks for reading! Happy trails from southwest Colorado.