Newsletters

Hall Saddlery Newsletter

July 2009



Take some time this summer

Jude Bauer,
Hall Saddlery Store Manager

Summer has finally arrived and so have the skin problems associated with it called "scratches." I have heard many stories on what causes scratches - clover in the fields, that it may be hereditary, dew on the morning grass, mud, manure, and other things. The treatments for them range from scrubbing with iodine,soaking legs, cleaning and wrapping legs, and even using motor oil on the horses legs.

So what works? I use MTG (Shapleys) which sells for $17.95. I use this product for tails too. My horse Travis has 4 white socks, and he lives outside 24/7. This makes him prone to scratches. I have suggested this product to a lot of people and I have gotten mixed reviews. One of the issues is that there are no directions. MTG states that it should be reapplied daily until visible signs of skin problems are gone. This is how I use it and it has always worked for me.

In general, no matter what the circumstance, we seem to want everything to work out immediately. For example: (above product) using just one application and it should be fixed or by having one month with a trainer and my horse should win at the shows. This is called a "FANTASY LAND" as a well trained horse takes TIME.

I have been told that I'm too slow at training horses, and yes, I do take my time. When I first start young ones I sometimes don't canter for months. I like a good relaxed walk (sometimes 15-20 minutes), the trot has to be straight, forward, and with rhythm. To canter, the trot should be with contact or long rein - with no deviation from rhythm. I like to take my young horses to open shows to hang out or if their calm enough, we attend a class. The open shows are inexpensive: the Washington County Twightlight (Friday nights) costs $15/stall. So, before they go to the expensive ($100+) shows, they get the experience they need at less cost. The picture below shows 3 young horses in their first horseshow. The grey is Mojo(a T-bred off the track) ridden by Kelly Cesarz, the black "Bela" is a TALL lanky t-bred owned and ridden by Lori Moran, and last is my Princess Allie. All these babies made it through the class without problems. It was a great experience for them as they are moving on to their true callings: Mojo to Dressage,  Bela to Hunters, and Princess to Hunt and Western.



Just an FYI: If you are planning on coming to the Whisperwood Show (Combined Training) on September 19th the date has been changed to Sept 12th. Contact Kelly Cesarz (414) 852-1434.



Come in and check out some of our NEW products for summer

Kathy Hansen,
Hall Saddlery Assistant Manager

Just in time for fly season, we have two new products from Tail Tamers Products. Bug Balm Underbelly Balm is a soothing bug balm that chases away nasty biting insects while helping to heal bites in tender underbelly region. The very thick consistency provides a barrier against bugs. Mug Balm Face Shield is a natural lotion that provides a barrier to both biting insects and harmful rays of the sun.  A sunscreen and bug repellent to protect those pink noses. The Bug Balm sells for $16.95 and the Mug Balm sells for $9.95.