The Best Hacks that Every Equestrian Should Know!

Every equestrian has a set routine: go to the barn, groom and tack up, ride, and so on. But doesn’t it make life so much easier when life is, well… easier? Here are The Best Hacks that Every Equestrian Should Know!

As an equestrian and horse owner for the past several years of my life, I find that there are little tricks here and there that really aid in the horse-care process. But interestingly enough – though not surprising – I find that it’s really when you put your pride on the line and listen that you learn the most.

Not that you have to put your pride on the line for this post haha, but it’s something to always keep in mind! When I moved my horse, Theo, to a previous new barn a couple of years ago, I was recommended my farrier who I still use to this day. Though, some of his methods are a little unorthodox – and we’ll get to those in a couple of seconds.

Not only has my farrier set the tone for thinking outside of the box, but there are so many other equestrian figures who have a trick or two up their sleeves – you just have to pay attention! Here are the best hacks that every equestrian should know!

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Pig lard for the hooves

Starting off strong. Rubbing pig lard on my horse’s hooves was honestly next level yeehaw for me. And it all started when I texted my farrier saying that Theo’s hooves were awfully cracked and I needed a quick fix before they got worse.

He gave me two options: a) hardwood floor wax, or b) pig lard.

Both were supposed to be coated onto the hooves everyday, acting as a seal for moisture while also moisturizing. I ended up going with some good old fashion pig lard and within a week, his hooves were richer – not so dried out – and the cracks had stopped their ongoing invasion.

While a simple medicated hoof dressing can be costly, lard can be a more economical decision. You can order some here!

Just be sure to coat the hoof wall (I use a paint brush) and let it sit for a bit! And hey, it wouldn’t hurt to send your farrier a text as well : )

Apple sauce in a syringe

Most equestrians have experienced the awe-invoking occurrence of a horse morphing into a giraffe. And though impressive, not very practical when whipping out the wormer. Something that I found most helpful years ago, was taking a syringe and first filling it with applesauce. You might find the horses elongating their necks at first, but as soon as they get a taste… hey, that’s game over for them.

You can either practice several times before you worm, or you can hit them with a one-two; first administering the sauce, then promptly adding the wormer to the mix.

Check out: How to Juggle School and Horses

Hanging your saddle pads

An all time dilemma is that of storing saddle pads – when one is never enough, but the tack room says that one is absolutely enough.

I was going through an old wardrobe one afternoon when I found some vintage wooden hangers for pants. Since they weren’t in significant use, I decided to see if they would hold my saddle pads… and with luck, they did.

Now, I hang all of my pads with them and if you too, want fashionable storage… then I would highly recommend. Though not vintage, you can find similar ones here!

Desensitize with water

Wasting fly spray? In this economy? Absolutely not.

We all know that one horse who will roll in a puddle of mud, but a spray bottle is equivalent to a slow death. But luckily, all they need is a little bit of desensitizing – but not with fly spray. Try adding water to a spray bottle and spend a few minutes everyday just spritzing it at your horse.

They might take offense to the routine at first, but will eventually settle into it. And hey, zero fly spray (and money) wasted!

Check out: Knowing When to Spend or Save with Horses: The Ultimate Guide

Tennis balls to prevent freezing

With winter on the horizon, there’s honestly nothing worse than trying to break the ice in a water bucket or trough. And really, no equestrian desires to do such a thing.

With the added costs of hay and feed – and any other winter necessities – a water heater may not fit into the budget. So, placing tennis balls into the bucket or trough will help break the surface tension of the water and thus, it will have a harder time freezing over. But just watch out, your horse(s) might have fun playing with them!

And there ya have it!

Being an equestrian is a full time job and there’s no reason to make it harder than it has to be. And hopefully these hacks will aid in that! Here’s a quick roundup of the best hacks that every equestrian should know (be sure to save this post for later!):

• Pig lard for the hooves
• Apple sauce in a syringe to help with worming
• Wooden hangers for your saddle pads
• Desensitizing with water
• Tennis balls to prevent water troughs from freezing

Tell me, do you have any hacks that you use on the daily? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

All the best,
Laura

Check out: Everything you Need for your First Horse: The Ultimate Guide!

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