Unique Equine Blog

The Himalayan Salt Lick is getting a lot of attention these days. These salt licks are hard rocks of salt with minerals. Mined from the river beds at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains, they provide a great source of not only salt but also important minerals that your horses need.

We all know the benefits of salt as a natural electrolyte to help horses drink more and retain water. Even though it is winter, salt is still important to get your horse to drink. Many horses don’t like to drink cold water, so providing a salt lick can make them thirsty and they will want to drink more.

These salt licks are great because they are hard and cannot break apart like the salt bricks. We know how frustrating it is to put a brand new brick in your horse’s stall or feed bucket to find it broken to pieces and covered in shavings the next morning. Your horse will slowly lick this salt rock and it will last for months.

Most people will try the 2.2lb lick first to see if their horse likes it. We often find that with the first one, horses will attack and lick like they’ve never tasted salt before! Owners will often get a larger size for their second lick and it takes quite a bit longer for the horse to finish it, not only because it is larger, but because the horse has adjusted their salt needs. These licks can even be placed outside and will not dissolve in the rain!

Try one today and see how your horse likes it!

It’s snowing here right now, and to be honest, I’d love to go for a ride. Sometimes a snowy day trail ride can be so peaceful. I am, however, a cold weather wimp so I thought I would share some of my secrets to staying warm in the saddle. If you dress accordingly, it’s really not too bad.

6. A sheepskin seat saver. Fleeceworks makes a fabulous seat saver for your saddle. It is comfy and eliminates the cold seat problem.

5. Headwear. I always wear a helmet and I have long hair so I can cover my ears to some degree, but when it’s really cold or windy, I need more protection. The Cozy Cover will cover your entire helmet and wrap around your chin to keep your cheeks and ears warm. You can also try the Trailheads Goodbye Girl Ponytail hat or headband under your helmet. These are thin enough to fit under most helmets, especially ones that will adjust. Also try the neck up to keep your neck and chin warm.

4. Hand and Toe Warmers. Probably one of the greatest winter-time inventions. Put these little packets in your gloves and boots so your toes and fingers will stay toasty.

3. Gloves. Finding a good winter glove that will keep your fingers warm without the bulk has been a challenge. #4 takes care of most of that problem, but there are two gloves that I love. The SSG Winter Riding Mitten and the Extreme Weather Glove by Heritage. I give them both two thumbs up!

2. Winter breeches. I got a pair of winter breeches this season and don’t know how I ever survived without them. The Tuff Rider Unifleece breeches are so comfy and warm. I wear them to the barn even if I don’t plan on riding because they are simply the warmest pant I own. For snowy or wet conditions, I’ll use the Tuff Rider soft shell breech which is wind and water resistant. I might need a silk base layer under these depending on the cold.

1. Layers. I am the queen of layering, and I’ve been known to have up to 7 layers on my upper body. Did I mention that I hate to be cold? For really cold days, I start with a silk base layer, sometimes layering that with a light moisture-wicking top. Then, I put on my turtleneck. I top that with either a fleece vest or fleece full zip, sometimes opting for a down vest instead, or, in addition. Then I put on my coat which is always a 3-in-1 type combination that includes a fleece or quilted liner along with a waterproof, windproof, breathable outer shell. That’s a lot of layers, but when and if I get hot, I can take one off as needed to adjust accordingly.

On an aside, I would rate a down fill vest or jacket as the #1 must have item to stay warm in the winter.

With those tips, I challenge you to go for a ride in the snow. And, if you are lucky enough to live in a climate where you don’t get snow, can I visit?