The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 3....!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

The third product I want to recommend is Chestnut Horse Feeds, not only for their fantastic feed but brilliant customer service.

The avid readers of my blog will already know that I had energy level problems with Ceaser for quite a while, so when I found Chestnut feeds it was a refreshing change. 

I first heard of Chestnut feeds from fellow Charles James Fox sponsor, Show jumper, Tori Twite who speaks very highly of their feed and what they have to offer. Then when I was interviewing Geoff Billington and Oliver Townend last week on their Edge of Glory Tour, Chestnut Feeds came up in conversation regularly and I thought if its good enough for their horses then it was definitely worth looking at. 

The lovely Lisa from Chestnut Feeds agreed to do a yard visit once she returned off the Edge of Glory tour to show me the feeds and talk through all of my horses requirements. This was a year ago and we have since not looked back!

Upon meeting Lisa I told her I was fed up of having to feed my six horses all different and individual feeds. Of course I understood Ceaser couldn't have the same feed as my Thoroughbred and my laminitic pony couldn't have the same as the good-doer pony... However I was sure we were spending ample amounts of money on various types of feeds when in reality, there must be a way of doing it differently.

The experts working at the company have designed the feed range with palatability in mind and have carried out extensive research to ensure they only offer feed that is both nutritionally balanced and appetising. Each feed has been made with individual horses in mind.

The feed includes:

NO Chemically processed ingredients 
NO syntehtic materials
NO by-products from industrial processes
NO Animal by-products or fishmeal

Chestnut Feeds also offer a unique Bulk Bin Feeding System that enables you to pick the size bin you want; either small or large and that is then delivered straight to your door with the feed of your choice in. When your bin is running low you simply place your next order and they will replace the empty bin with a full one. 

I told Lisa that I wanted Ceaser on a feed that provided him with enough energy to compete in the type of competitions he does, such as affiliated level dressage, but not get fizzy on it. I have noticed lately he's been getting a "Lucozade effect" type of energy where he'll have a sudden burst, take off, spook and then 10 minutes later have no energy left. I explained I needed something that had a slow release energy but something I could rely on to provide with him enough to compete at 3-day competitions as well as keep his condition. 

As well as this I needed something for the riding school ponies, as well as my old laminitic pony and the thoroughbred that could get fizzy at the sight of oats. 

Lisa was absolutely fantastic and together we sat down, worked out what I am feeding the horses now, how much I am spending and what in reality they all require as individual feeding needs. 

Ceaser is on their Alpha plus which is a digestible balanced blend of alfalfa, oil and cereals complete with vitamins and minerals. 

What I like is that it is not only suitable for competition horses but also veterans - so I have something that is almost made uniquely to suit Ceasers needs. As well as this, one of their bins lasts me about 5 months so I am making a huge saving! I have been on Chestnut feeds just over a year now and I am still only on Ceaser's third bin! 

The riding school ponies are on Chestnut Lite. Its low in sugar molasses but still has all the vitamins and minerals needed for good condition. 

My thoroughbred is on to Alfa Easy which is a slow releasing energy food that has low starch and high fibre meaning it helps to avoid over exuberant behaviour and maintain and even temperament. It is also suitable for ponies at risk of laminitis!

All of the feed I am now feeding is a complete feed so there is no more hassle of having to buy different Hi-Fi for different ponies and then a different mix to suit each one. Whilst running a very busy riding school and livery yard its hard to keep a tab on what each pony is having and keeping track of ordering all their feed. At least now we can worry less and know that our feed will be delivered when we need it.

I would highly recommend Chestnut Horse Feeds to anyone looking at changing their horses feed and wanting a balanced diet but still with all the added goodness. For those who went to the Edge of Glory Tour you cannot deny how good Geoff's horses looked and all of his are fed on Chestnut Feeds! 

To view the website for more information please visit their website.  Don't forget to quote "Sian Lovatt" when you buy your feed though please! 

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 4...

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 equine products I (ceaser) couldn't live without!

Charles Owen Pro II Hat. 

The fourth product in this series I wish to recommend is my lovely Charles Owen Pro II hat. When I went to look for a new riding hat it was between this one and another. However, as soon as I tried this on and felt how comfortable it was I knew I had to get it - despite it dipping my bank account a considerable amount. 

The low profile Pro II keeps your head both safe and cool. It is both stylish and comfy but doesn't compromise on safety. The ventilation holes enable air to flow freely, making it comfortable even in the warmest of weather. 

When I was looking at the various hats on offer I wanted something that I could use as an all round hat - both in dressage and when I do some combined training. Although it is traditionally known as the hat for eventing, it is stylish and professional enough to look good enough in the dressage ring. 

I was that impressed with my Pro II that I ordered another of their hats for showing. The Hampton is described as one of the most beautiful and well-appointed protective hats available. It is covered in a luxurious, Italian velvet and provides a perfect look for both the show ring and hunting field. Just like the Pro II it is comfortable, keeps my head cool on hot days and does everything it says on the tin, plus more!

Since having the Pro II, several people at my yard have mentioned they want one - lets hope we all don't end up matching!!

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.... Number 5!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 5 equine products I (ceaser) couldn't live without!

Supreme Products Hoof Paint.

In 2011 when I started showing at a more serious level I would spend absolutely ages sitting on the floor (in my show gear) painting black shoe polish onto Ceaser's feet to give them that finishing look. Needless to say, by the end you could guarantee some would have gotten on my lovely canary jodhpurs and it was a pain to get out.

When someone recommended Supreme Products hoof paint to me I was a little sceptical. They said it didn't come off, even in sandy arenas and lasted much longer than just a competition day. So, Ceaser would have black hooves forever? Well, no, not quite. It doesn't work like that. 

The product is a paint-on, shiny hoof oil that gives that finishing look in any show ring. It can either be purchased in black or clear and stays shiny, even in adverse conditions. 

At the time of first trying this product I thought it was quite costly at £11 when I could buy a "normal" hoof oil for just £6! However, hoof oil only lasts for the time it takes you to walk from the lorry to the collecting ring, so if you need something that lasts, this is definitely the product for you!

Not only does it save you re-applying constantly throughout the day, but even though the bottle looks small it goes a long way. Just one of these bottles lasts me a whole show season and I am out competing at least every other weekend from March to October.

Once you return home and want to remove it from your horses hooves, you simply wash them with warm soapy water. I think adding something like this to your show basket completes the picture, whatever sphere you are competing in.

Add this to your Christmas wish-list this year, I definitely would. For more information and to order, visit the Supreme Products website. 

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.... Number 6!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...6 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

Golly Galoshes Gaiters


After mentioning on Twitter that Ceaser suffered with mud fever and I had yet to find any boot that protected his legs I was contacted by Golly Galoshes and asked whether I would try their equine gaiters out and write what I thought after using them for a few weeks. 


Golly Galoshes Gaiters are designed to help keep your horse or pony’s boots or bandages clean and dry
whatever the weather.Golly Galoshes can be used to help keep boots and bandages clean and in great condition or your horses legs free from sand, dust, dirt, mud, debris and water. 

They are both breathable and waterproof and feature a sturdy full zip, with a fleece lapel, secure hook and loop fastenings and an additional 2" reflective strip as standard.

I have tried various boots and chaps that are highly recommended for mud fever but honestly I had yet to find anything that suites Ceaser. 


All the boots I have tried still allowed the wet mud to get underneath the boot and onto Ceasers affected area. Everyday when I took his boots off I was still finding big pieces of mud down his legs. With the bad weather we have experienced lately and Ceasers ongoing problem with suffering from mud fever I knew I needed to find something that worked - and quick! I compete quite seriously in both showing and dressage so am very fussy about what type of boot I use on Ceasers legs and keeping them clean. I am forever having to wash his legs in the winter because he comes in covered in mud. Again, if I put his turnout chaps on they are only able to be used once and then they need a wash. Their material does not make them good for washing at night and then needing to be used the next day as I have found they do not dry in time. I not  needed something that could either protect his legs and stop the mud from getting to them or I needed something that protected his boots.
Washing his legs every night is not good for his skin but I wasn't prepared to let him stand all night with mud ridden legs. 
I knew what type of boot I needed to prevent this but it wasn't until Golly Galoshes contacted me that I realised there was in fact something out there in market already!

I trawled through the Golly Galoshes website and their team on Twitter were a huge help in answering all of my questions.

If I use my normal turnout chaps on Ceasers legs and then put the Golly Galoshes over the top my problem is solved. The material they are made by enables me to hose them off at night and not worry if they will dry in time for use the next day. They are dry within the hour and I can even towel dry them if I need to use them again quick.They are also waterproof so the mud and wet do not get anywhere near my turnout chaps and together they make a fantastic combination of protecting legs from mud fever but also keeping boots clean and dry!

Whilst the weather was bad I also found Ceasers exercise bandages were getting covered in sand from our arena and also wet. With the use of my Golly Galoshes on top of the bandages it stopped the sand from sticking to them and the rain wetting them through.

These are just two uses of the Golly Galoshes but with the reflective stripe down the middle they are also brilliant for hacking out in, enabling drivers to see you much sooner than they would without them on.

My set of Golly Galoshes have made life much easier and without them I am very sure Ceaser would have to be on limited turn out in bad weather. With this not being ideal I am so glad I have now found a product I can rely on to help protect his legs and stop mud from covering his legs when out in a wet field. 

Also recommending this product are Natasha Baker, a Para Olympic star and Eventer, Victoria Bax. Both use Golly Galoshes either for everyday use or to warm up in at a competition. 
  
 For more information on Golly Galoshes see their website :http://gollygaloshes.com/ or tweet them at @GollyGaloshes

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.... Number 7!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...7 equine products I (ceaser) couldn't live without!

Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot

I have always wanted a pair of Ariat boots after being told how comfy they are but unfortunately funds have never allowed it. However, with the news I had gotten a new job and a very willing boyfriend (thank you Mark!) offering to go halves with me as a well done present I finally found my self in a position to be able to afford a pair.

Initially I went into the tack shop looking for a cheap pair of boots that were sturdy enough for me to spend the whole day at the yard in, without a hefty price tag.

Although once Mark got involved he took one look at the cheap pair of boots and then at my "ohhhh" and "ahhhh-ing" over the Ariats and said I may as well buy them as they would last me longer and the leather looked a much better quality. For only £40 extra I could have a pair of Ariats. Now, who am I to argue with someone who then offered to go halves....?

Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot

"With its proven versatility and traditional style, the Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot is a true favourite. Riders will feel the support and comfort of the 4LR technology and will appreciate the hard-working Duratread sole's flexible performance. Superior leather and craftsmanship, antiques brass zipper and sophisticated profile create an elegant yet approachable boot."

Usually when trying short boots on in shops you have the problem of hard leather and the feeling that they would be fine if you could just "wear them in a little" before using around the yard. With the Ariat boot I felt snug as soon as I tried them on and could feel the quality the moment I put my foot into them. 

The zipper up the front to me creates an elegant, dressage looking boot which I would feel comfortable using both in the show and dressage ring. However, I would feel equally as confident as teaming the boots up with a nice pair of jeans and going shopping or to the pub for an evening meal in!

The Duratread flexible sole is the best I have experienced and so much better than the usual cheap, plastic soles you find on most short boots. Since wearing the Ariats I have no longer experienced that shooting pain you get up your legs when dismounting onto concrete which is amazing.

The soft leather of the Ariat's provide a comfortable boot that I have worn for almost 12 hours on the yard without feeling the need to take off my shoes because they were uncomfortable. The best thing about this is, it was only 2 days after first buying the boots - which is usually around the time you start to get blisters with new boots. Not with Ariats! 

I am happy to have finally found a boot I can be comfortable in when riding and mucking out. The saying really is true... "Once you've had a pair of Ariats you won't want to wear anything else!". 

I am now saving up for the long Ariat boots as these short pair made me realise how uncomfortable my current dressage boots are! I would highly recommend the Paddock Boots for anyone, who like me, hates wearing wellies or muckers around the yard but has struggled to find something comfortable and robust enough to withhold the wear and tear of day to day use. 

I paid £100 for them, which initially I thought was a lot for a boot, but after experiencing the difference to cheaper boots, I feel they are well worth their money! 

Five stars to Ariat for their fantastic and quality made riding boots without a large price tag. 

For more information visit: http://www.ariat.com

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 8...

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 8 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

Dance Pony Dance!

When I started this blog I originally wanted it to be some equine products I couldn't live without, but then I remembered the Plucky Pony and how he filled our television screens with fun and laughter. After seeing his Christmas appearance last week I realised I couldn't leave him out. 2013 television wouldn't have been the same without him!

In March I received a lovely parcel in the post containing a chocolate horseshoe and a small bucket full of a variety of sweets.

Originally I had no idea who the very thoughtful parcel had been sent by. All I knew was, a company had emailed me and asked for a postal address so they could send me a gift.

As I eagerly unwrapped the parcel I opened it to find a gorgeous handcrafted chocolate horseshoe, along with a bucket of goodies that didn't last long once opened.

Included in the parcel was a postcard of a Shetland pony and on the back it said: "This plucky little pony can't wait to show you what he can do. On March 1st he'll do just that. #DancePonyDance." There's nothing like being secretive.

Eager to find out more I googled the hashtag #DancePonyDance to realise it was the mobile phone company, Three UK, that had sent the parcel and they were sending them to all journalists and equestrian bloggers.

Don't forget, type #DancePonyDance in to Twitter or Google to find out what this plucky did on our television screens! 

Have you spotted his Christmas advert yet?

#DancePonyDance

#ThreeUK

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Last two affiliated events of the season

I had it firmly set in my mind that I wanted to get my first affiliated Novice test in before this year was officially "over" so I set about entering one at two different venues, but the same test - just so I could look at my progress over the course of the two weeks.

Firstly we went to Sheepgates 3-day show at the end of November. I had decided to use a Prelim to warm up and then do a Novice to finish us off for the day. Unfortunately though the times got published and we realised I had a huge almost 3 hour gap between my tests which wouldn't bode well for Ceaser.

He warmed up tremendously for the Prelim 19 test and felt right on form and exactly where I wanted him to be. Warming up with big, powerful warmbloods is always off-putting and as always I let it distract me, but nevertheless he felt amazing and I was ready before my allocated time to go in and do my test. We had pulled the short straw and I found out our test was going to be in the dreaded arena 3, but where I would usually let it bother me I tried to turn it into a positive and thought it would give us more experience of riding in the usually spooky arena.

The test felt foot perfect and although I seemed to have a brain freeze where I couldn't remember how to do a 15 meter circle at S, I think it went okay. On reflection my circle wasn't too bad and I was given a 6 which was appropriate for how it felt. Ceaser felt fantastic which to be honest has been how he has felt quite a lot lately. Whether it's the additional schooling I am investing in, his superb supplements from NAF or the feed he is on, I don't know, but I like to think they are all playing an important factor.

Unfortunately there was a 3 hour gap between the prelim and our novice test. I would have ideally liked the opportunity to go almost straight into the novice as that was what I was using the prelim as; a warm up.

We were given 67.05% for our prelim test which stood us in good steed of gaining points for the summer championships. That put us into a respectable 2nd place which I was thrilled with as it was one of our better scores in the last few months.

After what seemed like eternity due to the very cold weather it was finally time to start tacking up and plan the warm up for the novice test. I don't know what changed but the happy relaxed partnership that we had in the morning seemed to have evaporated and I was tense, which led Ceaser to be tense and we did one of our worst warm up sessions to date. As soon as I walked in I was told by one rider not to go near her horse as he disliked others coming towards him! Right...ok. Add that to a mix of rather huge warmbloods and then a small Ceaser trying to all warm up together, it turned into an absolute disaster. After spending plenty of our warm up time on two legs I was rather thankful to say the least when they called my name to go and do my novice test.

I think my negative attitude from the moment I got on was reflected throughout the whole test and everything Amy and I had worked on in the last few weeks just went out the side door. I rushed, I pushed him forward too much and I completely lost all sense of direction - no, really. I was supposed to canter straight off a diagonal, but instead I carried on trotting until I realise sugar I should be cantering and as I pushed on to canter the judge beeped her horn. Thankfully she realised I had just remembered what I should be doing and allowed me to continue. Silly rider error! Once that happened I got myself together and bucked up and I rode a not bad test afterwards.

I was adamant I had just mucked up our first affiliated novice up and I spent the next half an hour ranting to everyone that would listen that I would now have a shocking score on my record for the rest of my life. I text Amy to say I had just rode the most shocking test and what the hell was I doing. Oh I do like to dramatise. Anyway, thankfully the judge was nice and gave us 66.45%, to which Amy replied with a "Stop moaning, that's a bloody good score". Okay, I deserved that. So, our first 4 BD points and we had gained them in one sitting - I was on cloud 9 and also on the naughty step for having a brat moment that I "couldn't do it".

**

Next up was Elms farm the following weekend and what a blooming drama that was! First of all we arrived to find silly Ceaser had gotten his leg stuck in the lorry partition. How, I will never know, because he isn't a bad traveller so god only knows what he had done! Anyway, after further inspection we realised he was fine, not lame and it was a tiny graze that had caused some bleeding. Phew. Definitely needed a corner to rock in after that though.

I had a really long wait until my tests as my yard manager had come along to take part in the unaffiliated dressage which was being ran in the morning. I wasn't on until 2pm and we had gotten there at 10! Thankfully Mc Donalds isn't far away and Mark fetched me one to gear me up before it was my time to start tacking up. It also gave me plenty of time to fuss over Ceaser that he'd potentially nearly tried to break his flipping leg! There is never a dull moment when you own a Ceaser Pony, I promise you!

When it was time to hop on and start warming up I was thrilled with how he felt. He warmed up just perfect. Everything felt smooth and not rushed. Transitions were bang on perfect and I had a good feeling. When it was our turn to go in I told myself to remain calm and I think I can hands down say the test we produced was our best ever. Everything just felt spot on and despite the wind howling around us at nearly 80MPH Ceaser wasn't phased and took everything in his stride. We went on to win the class with 67.50% which is fantastic and another 4/5 points to add towards our summer qualification in Prelim.

Thankfully there wasn't long to wait until the novice and with just 30 minutes to go I kept Ceaser ticking by adding some lateral work into our warm up to get him really thinking and working uphill. He felt on fire and really powerful behind, which is a feeling I admit is a new one from him! His medium trots are really coming along and instead of just pulling himself along I can really feel his hind end working.

With reflection of the week before I just wanted to go into this novice and enjoy it - which is another reason I had booked in to do the same test. As it was another summer qualifier I went in with the idea that any BD points would just add towards our regional qualification but I wanted to come out with a smile on my face. It was really windy and I struggled to hear anything Mark said but it was a much better test. Everything went smoothly and thankfully there were no rider errors! My circles resembled circles this time and I made sure there was nothing but coolness, calmness and collection (apart from in the mediums of course!). I only nearly made one tiny error where I forgot to circle but thankfully I managed to pull it off and circled just in time. Phew! Before I knew it, the test was over and I was trotting down the centreline.

I had not been judged by this particular judge before so was keen to see what she scored us like. A respectable 2nd place and 66.50% put us .5% ahead of the week before and some much more positive comments. Maybe a little on the harsh side of judging, but a fair and accurately marked test. So, another 4 British Dressage points to add to our record and of course to our summer regional qualification!

I cannot believe how well Ceaser has done in the last two competitions of the season and I am thrilled to have ended it on a such a high like that. He is a remarkable pony that I am so lucky to own and compete. I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings and am sure what we are experiencing now is only a taste for the future.

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 9.....

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave me to me... 9 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!


Musical Ride Company 


After stumbling across the Musical Ride Company page a few weeks ago I was more than intrigued. I am always taking my iPod down to the arena when riding alone and trying to find some decent music to ride to. Unfortunately the moment "i'm sexy and I know it" blasts out I seem to lose all focus and start singing instead. Not a good combination and all I can say is good job we don't have that indoor arena with windows or my singing would have broken them by now.

I emailed Hannah at the Musical Ride Company asking if it would be possible for me to do a product review and whilst I waited for her reply I entered a competition to win a free CD on another page. To my delight I won the competition so won a CD and Hannah also replied saying of course and to send my address. Think I killed two birds with one stone there.

The Musical Ride Company offers a bespoke CD that contains four different workouts which vary in length. Each workout includes music that is specially selected and produced for the beats per minute for walk, trot and canter. When the pace is about to change there is a vocal instruction that gives you a warning.

Music is a tool often used by many to help both horse and riders relax and concentrate. If you're someone that suffers from nerves when riding or you find your horse becomes excitable of fizzy then the Musical Ride CD can help to sooth nerves.

Based on riders using an arena approximately 40 x 20, the Musical Ride Company offers workouts that can help to keep work sessions interesting, stimulating and enjoyable to both horse and rider by offering variety and something to work towards.

The specially created music on the CD helps your horse maintain rhythm and energy.

Because horses are different sizes and move at different speeds there are three CD's available that are designed for this.

- Large horse: For horses 16 hands and over.
- 14.2h - 16h: For small to medium sized horses.
- Pony: For ponies up to 14.2h

Workouts will run for set times and the CD has cool down tracks at the end of each workout, allowing you to relax and stretch. It really is a great tool for those that have little inspiration when it comes to schooling or find schooling boring.

I can't wait to start using my CD and will let you know how I find it! In the meantime to check out the website where you can purchase your own CD click this link.

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 10.....

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave me to me... 10 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

Hypocare:

Who created it?

Hypocare was created by Horseware in Ireland and is described as "a revolution in infection control" and since arriving on the market is proving to be very popular.

How does it work?

It is a topical application that mirrors the body's own immune system; by working naturally alongside the body it kills all bacterial, viral and fungal infections on contact.


Hypocare is widely known already to work on fungal infections such as Ringworm, Mud Fever and Thrush.
Whilst Hypochlorous acid is amazing and between 80-300 times more effective at killing pathogens than hypochlorite or bleach, it is kind to healthy tissues which ensures that it will not slow down the healing process. Despite being used to kill potential infections in places such as operating theatres on surgical appliances it is completely safe to use and very effective.
Any mammals can use this product, not just equines. Horsware strive in knowing that this product is 100% safe to use. It was created to help maintain healthy and itch-free skin and is completely safe if ingested, meaning that it is a great creation for dog or cat lovers who may lick the affected area!


Hypochlorous acid is the active ingredient in Hypocare and is naturally produced by the body's own immune system. This is where mirroring the body's own immune system comes in to force.

When a wound or infection occurs in the body, neutrophils, which is a type of white blood cells are deployed to the site of infection. The neutrophils then engulf the pathogen and produce Hypochlorous acid which immediately kills the bacteria on contact.

But can it harm my horse if its so strong?


To ensure Hypocare doesn't sting or cause your horse any discomfort it has been formulated to emulate skin pH, which makes it work in perfect harmony with the body. Thus meaning it will not sting when applied nor harm any healthy tissue or slow down the healing process.

One of the great things about Hypochlorous acid is that pathogens do not become resistant to it. Like antibiotics which has resulted in the explosion of superbugs and antibiotic resistance, we are not at risk of this with Hypocare. In stead, this product kills pathogens on contact, rather than having to penetrate the cell wall to attack the nucleus, giving neighbouring cells the opportunity to develop resistance.

If I can use Hypocare anywhere on my horse or domestic pet, surely I have to be careful if it digests any?


Why is it only out now?

Although Hypochlorous acid has been around for years, scientists have not up until now been able to product it over 150ppm and with a shelf life of more than a few hours.

The creators of Hypocare believe it is ground breaking technology that will change horsemanship and animal care forever.

To make life easier for each individual, Hypocare offer their product in a variety of bottle sizes.
**

Results

Ceaser has a cracked heel from some previous mud fever so I have been using Hypocare to try and hurry along the heeling process 

Already the area looks a lot drier and less sore. There is now no discharge coming from it and once I have sprayed the Hypocare on, the area looks clean. I have been conscious about having to wash his heel in hibiscrub constantly as it can cause discomfort to horses skin, so finding a product like Hypocare that will clean the area for me and help speed the healing process is brilliant.

I now do not have to worry how much I am washing his feel and causing the skin to become soft and easier to break, in stead I spray Hypocare on and it dries instantly rather than leaving Ceaser with wet legs.

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 11.....

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave me to me... 11 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

The Original Rug Bag

According to research the modern horse of the twenty-first century has an extensive wardrobe of rugs for all seasons and weather conditions. In fact it is an ongoing joke between myself and my friends that Ceaser has more "clothes" than I do!

Any rug is not cheap; often they are a huge investment and need looking after. It's not a surprise when it comes to winter and you find your heavyweight rugs still covered in mud and damp from being left throughout the summer m
onths and visa versa with summer rugs.

This is why The Original Rug Bag was created.

What is it?

The Rug Bag is a protective cover for all of your rugs whilst hanging on a rug rail or stored in a tack room or locker.  The Rug Bag can accommodate rugs of all shapes and sizes and also doubles as a travel bag.

They offer fantastic features that will not disappoint.

- Waterproof
- Lightweight/strong
- Integral Strap
- Heavy duty zip
- Reinforced Handles
- Hook/loop fastenings
- Plus, acts as a travel bag!!

The Rug Bags are a brilliant way of protecting your rugs whilst also acting as a preventitive from becoming stained with bird droppings, dirt, spiders, cobwebs, dust and more!

Unlike many products, the Rug Bag is made in Britain and created using strong, waterproof and breathable fabric which will protect up to four rugs.

To treat your horse, friend or loved one to a Original Rug Bag this Christmas then visit their website.

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 12....

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave me to me, 12 equine products I couldn't (Ceaser couldn't) live without! 

A Likit Snak-a-Ball

This is another product I couldn't live without. I realised last winter just how much it helps make life much easier for not only me but also Ceaser. 


I want to recommend in this Christmas feature is the Likits Snak-a-Ball that are great for horses and ponies that don't like spending a lot of time in their stable but have to when the weather gets bad. I had wanted one of these for Ceaser for quite some time because he isn't brilliant at being stabled for long periods of time. Ceaser gets quite agitated if other horses around him are being fussed or taken out to the field and he has to stay in. As a youngster he would simply climb on his stable door and stand with his two front feed hanging over it as if to say "Excuse me, I am here". However now he is just very vocal and stands neighing at people. 

When he wants to come out the stable and he feels its time to come out he can be pushy. Last year we have had someone out to him to do Reiki and our fears that he was claustrophobic have been confirmed. 

So, I decided I need to get him something that would make stable time 'fun' and not boring. He is the type of pony that gets bored very easily, even when ridden so I knew I needed something to keep him occupied. 

The Likit company suggested their Snak-a-Ball as they can entertain for hours when a horse is stabled. You put the treats in one end of the ball and before a horse can get them out they have to roll it around where the treats have to go through a tiny hole inside of the ball and then get through another hole onto the stable floor. Despite fears that Ceaser would get bored of the treats not coming out very often it is fantastic. The treats make a noise when being rattled around and I have found this keeps them occupied as they know there is something there to get. 

The snack-a-Ball is not only good for keeping horses entertained when stabled but also stimulates natural grazing behaviour, which is very beneficial to a horse's digestion. I also like Ceaser to use his as much as possible as it encourages the horse to stretch forwards and down which helps to improve muscle tone and flexibility. 

Our barn is always quite noisey at dinner time when all the horses have their snak-a-Balls!

To treat your horse to one of these this Christmas visit the Likit website where you will find a variety of gifts for both canine and equine! I am also a guest blogger for the Likit page so please have a read of my blogs on there if you have time.

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.

Last year's 25 products countdown until Christmas was a huge success so this year I am going to do something similar.

Rather than post 25 products I think will make good Christmas presents, I am going to post 12 equine products I couldn't live without which will act as the 12 days of Christmas.

I can't believe it's the 1st December already - where has 2013 gone?

Watch out for the first product tomorrow!

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