By Melanie Huggett

Summertime… and the livin’ is easy.

With easy living in mind, we asked participating businesses to send us tips and products to make summertime living even better for horse and farm owners.

For full product descriptions, visit www.horsejournals.com/SummerEssentials.

Perfect Your Pastures and Farm Management
Keep a copy of the Land Management Guide for Horse Owners and Small-Lot Farmers on hand for practical solutions to common issues including mud, manure, pasture management, stream-side management, and more.
— Langley Environmental Partners Society, www.leps.bc.ca

Cure Thrush
Use No Thrush® to cure and prevent thrush infections. This dry powder attacks thrush and removes excess moisture. Safe and natural, it won’t burn tissue.
— No Thrush®, www.nothrushshop.com

A Band-Aid for Horses
Keep Equiband-Aid on hand for wounds and minor infections. Made with tea-tree oil, a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, Equiband-Aid creates a breathable film to seal out moisture and dirt while disinfecting the wound from beneath.
— Integrated Bio Systems Inc., www.integratedbiosys.com

Get Organized
Get organized with a hanging groom case. Keeps your tack room tidy and organized, and is easily moved to your trailer when you are on the road.
— The Paddock Tack & Togs, http://thepaddock.shawwebspace.ca

Protect Your Horse’s Back
Canadian made, the u-shape and anti-friction materials in the Ogilvy memory foam half pad stabilize the saddle and provide shock absorption.
— Stampede Tack & Western Wear, www.stampede.ca

Feed Slowly
A slow-feeder net has small holes, slowing down a horse’s intake of forage, keeping them busy and content while they eat as nature intended. Cuts down waste and improves digestive health.
— Abby Saddle Shop, www.abbysaddleshop.com

No More Smelly Stalls
Stallgenie is an all-natural, 100 percent organic granular material and reduces ammonia and other toxic odours from all pet and livestock areas for long-term health and economic benefits.
— 5 Star Equine Products, www.stallgenie.com

Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Mosquito-Less Horse Coat Spray is an alternative to chemical insecticides. Made with all natural garlic oil, it creates a comfort zone around your horse.
— Alex Milne Associates, Ltd., www.justaddhorses.ca

Safer Stall Doors
Stop holding stall doors open as you lead a horse from his stall and keep the barn aisle clear with door magnets that hold the door open for you.
— Sand Creek Post and Beam, www.sandcreekpostandbeam.com

Fine Mucking
Fine-Tines™ manure forks have closely arranged tines to make sure even the small stuff is removed when mucking out. The angled basket allows for more sifting and greater capacity, saving time and labour.
— The Innovative Horsekeeper at Marsh Haven Farm, www.marshhavenfarm.com

The Perfect Hat
A cowboy hat is the perfect thing to shade your head, neck, and face from the summer sun. A quality, custom hat does that with style and comfort, whether you are working, rodeoing, or out on the town.
— Double D Custom Hats, www.doubledcustomhats.com

Better than a Bucket
Clanging and broken buckets are a thing of the past with System Fencing’s Poly Corner Feeder. Its unique dovetail block design attaches securely to the wall and is easy to remove for cleaning. Large triangle tray and sloped sides keep food in the bowl for less waste and mess.
— System Fencing, www.systemfence.com

And here’s some we came up with:

Carry Water While you Ride
A handy water bottle holder that clips onto your saddle is the perfect accessory for riding on hot summer days. Keep yourself hydrated and your hands free.

No Pockets? No Problem!
Do you want to carry your cell phone while you ride but lack pockets in your summer riding wardrobe? Use a portable cell phone holder that attaches to your boot or your arm.

Always Have a Place to Rest
When travelling to competitions or events, bring a folding chair such as those used for camping. You’ll always have a place to sit and rest between classes, and they take minimal room in your car or trailer.

No More Sweeping
Blow the aisle clean in minutes using a leaf blower! It’s easy and even gets rid of the dust that brooms can leave behind.

Hang Things Safely
Use flexible hooks to hang items such as bridles and halters. Made of rubber, they bend so nothing can get caught on them.

The products and services mentioned in the "Summer Barn & Stable Essentials" Feature (see "Summer Barn & Stable Essentials, Part 2" as well) have not been tested or endorsed by the publication. Please contact the businesses indicated in the feature for more information.