June Spotlight 2009

The Colorado 400t by Garmin

Product review by Karen Pickering

Loaded with features, the Colorado 400t GPS unit is ready for the avid hiker or horseback rider. If you’re new to GPS units it may take some time to get a handle on all the features, but it certainly is comprehensive. I found the color screen hard to read in sunlight, but there is no doubt an adjustment for this.

The unit comes preloaded with U.S. topographical maps, including 3-D elevation perspectives. I was impressed with the detail on the maps - they showed every tiny little park in Blaine, WA, which is a pretty small town! It also includes wireless sharing between units and a built-in JPEG viewer, electronic compass, barometric altimeter and temperature sensor.

The Colorado's small size fits in most coat pockets or saddle bags or can hang from a belt. The input wheel at the top of the unit makes it fairly easy to use one-handed. It also includes an SD card slot for additional data. If you’re ready for a high tech tool to go riding with, this unit can do it!

Learn more at www.garmin.com.

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School of Fine Horsemanship at Wil Howe Ranch

Wil Howe Ranch hosts the 2009 School of Fine Horsemanship sessions in beautiful Northeast Oregon. Two- to six-day sessions include From Foundation to Finished and a Ladies Only session too! Come bring your horse (use of WHR geldings available) and ride with two master trainers, get coached in the finer aspects of horsemanship, and learn hands-on skills to become a safe, competent, and refined horseman. Stay at the Wil Howe Ranch on Eagle Creek in Hells Canyon country. For early summer and fall dates, visit www.wilhowe.com or call 541-893-6535.

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Absolute Innovations: TR3 Rake

Product review by Raye Lochert

Just as important as feeding, worming and vaccinating your horses is maintaining the footing on which you exercise them. The TR3 rake can maintain perfect footing in your arena and keep gravel drives free of dangerous potholes. We even used it to create riding trails and prepare the pastures for seeding.

This strong piece of equipment is built to last. Hooking it up to your tractor is easy and adjustments do not require any tools. The rake has adjustable teeth that will fluff up the top two inches of footing or rip six inches into the hardest clay. The free-floating blade will take footing from high spots and fill in the lows while the rear comb leaves everything groomed perfectly. I had so much fun with the TR3 that my wife calls herself a TR3 widow.

Learn more at www.abiequine.com.

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Professional Choice Western Saddle Pads

Product review by Karen Pickering

I’ve been evaluating the SMx Air Ride(TM) Western Show Pads for nearly a year. They are nice, thick pads that stay firmly in place and breathe to keep the horse’s back cool and protected. They hold up under all kinds of use, dirt and sweat, and can be brushed or hosed off (if you allow drying time) and wear well. If you want to keep your saddle pad clean, there is an optional felt saddle pad liner available. Made from ¼" needle punch felt, the 80% wool and poly blend is designed to be long-lasting.

The Western Show Pads are breathable, shock absorbent, compression resistant, lightweight, flexible, moisture wicking and great looking. The science behind this saddle pad allows the horse to perform better due to the even weight distribution, shock absorption and flow of air, which promotes a cooler, more comfortable horse. They even come with a 60 day free test ride.

For more information and other styles, visit www.profchoice.com.

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Equis Feeds = Value

In today’s economy, with the growing cost of feed and the declining price of horses, the average equine owner is looking for ways to cut back. However, most horse owners aren’t really looking for the cheapest product, they are looking for the product with the best value. From the Golden Senior to the Pelleted Rice Bran, the advanced formulas of CHS Equis feeds promise the best nutritional investment in the Northwest’s equine feed market.

Each Equis product has high quality ingredients, added chelated minerals (not a standard in the equine feed and supplement market), organic selenium, yucca extract, and yeast products for optimum digestion. In addition, Equis Feeds utilizes only fixed formulas, guaranteeing a more consistent and safer product for your horse each time you buy.

Equis Feeds has also added the Organic Horse feed to its product line-up. The Equis Organic Horse is manufactured locally, in Oregon, at a mill certified by the Oregon Tilth. Equis Organic Horse adds a unique earth-friendly option for the conscientious horse owner.