July Spotlight

Say Thanks To Your Farrier
In recognition of the valuable work performed by hoof care professionals, National Farriers Week is being held this year from July 6-12. It is an appropriate time to recognize the effort and training required by the men and women who shape and protect hooves in order to keep the animals comfortable and functional. Horse owners who want to show a special appreciation for the exceptional work of their farriers can download a certificate of recognition by going to www.americanfarriers.com/ff/certif on the American Farriers Journal website.Other ways to show a farrier appreciation throughout the year include:
• Providing a level, clean and well-lit work area for handling footcare needs
• Having the horses properly cleaned and ready prior to the farrier’s arrival
• Training your horses at a young age to be comfortable with having their feet handled
• Taking the time and making the effort to say “thanks” for a job well done

Let The Games, Good Times and Family Fun Begin at the 28th Annual Mule Days!
Mule Days will be celebrating mules and muleskinners on the weekend after Labor Day, September 5-7. From its humble beginnings in 1981, it has progressed steadily and is the fastest growing mule show in the Northwest. This annual event draws mule and donkey owners--and spectators intrigued by long-eared equines--from all over the West.

The weekend is packed full of mule-related happenings, and there is always something to see and do for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy strolling the green and visiting with vendors, exhibitors and western artists. Tennessee mule artist Bonnie Shields from Sandpoint, Idaho, is the featured artist at this year's show. Her mule art can be viewed at the show and at www.bonnieshields.com

Be sure to make HCMD part of your summer plans. For more information, call Sondra Lozier at 541-426-3271 or toll free at 888-323-3271, or visit www.hellscanyonmuledays.com. Rated "E" For Everyone.

Tacky Rack: A Product Review
by Karen Pickering

This lightweight unit can be hung in your wash area, tack room, horse trailer, or from a handy fence post. The surface acts much like Velcroæ, easily holding your protective boots in place for washing after riding your horse. Convenient pockets at the bottom of the rack hold bottles and accessories used for cleaning your equipment and horse stuff. It’s also a great place to store your protective boots! I would recommend this product for everyone’s barn. You’ll love the convenient, washable rack. It’s simple to set up and very easy to find a convenient place to hang near your water source.

Challenge Yourself and Build Confidence with Raye Lochert
This clinic, sponsored by Troxel and Cowboy Campsite, will build confidence in both the horse and the rider. Join Raye in Sedro Wooley, Washington July 25-27 to learn how to send your horse across, through and over obstacles safely and with control. You and your horse will gain confidence with uneven terrain and strange obstacles. In turn, this will create a more secure horse and rider. You will learn how to develop your horse's trust in you and take your leadership to the next level. This clinic is a must for anybody who enjoys trail riding or has a "spooky" horse.

Participation fees: $225 for Cowboy Campsite members, $275 for non-members.

For more information, please contact Duke Croney of Cowboy Campsite at 360-319-6236 or duke@cowboycampsite.com

Keratex Hoof Products: A Product Review
by Diane Kimker

If hard, healthy hooves continue to elude your equine partner, Keratex hoof products may be the answer. I recently tried Keratex Hoof Gel on my mare’s feet and was impressed with the overall results. This gel has been formulated to act as a barrier against adverse external influences (e.g., ammonia from urine and constant wet conditions) that can have a damaging affect on the hoof wall. I found that with continued use not only did the overall health of the hoof improve, but routine cleaning of manure, mud and debris from the bottom of the hoof became much easier. In addition to improved hoof quality, this unique product, combined with Keratex Hoof Hardener, may be very beneficial in helping a horse transition from shoes to barefoot.

To learn more about Keratex products, please visit www.keratex.net or order locally from www.allwhidbeypet.com and click on Keratex For Horses in the left hand column.