Leslie Wylie

DIY Nation: How to Make a Bit Warmer

By Melissa Owens

What’s one way to make your horse despise you even MORE for dragging him out of his cozy pasture to work? Shoving an icy cold bit in his mouth, that’s what.

Lucky for you, today I am going to teach you how to make a super-easy bit warmer at home to use all winter!

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You Will Need:

~1 Lonely Sock (one of those longer ones)

~About a cup-ish of rice*

*Corn works well too, but after several times in the microwave, it might start to, well, pop!

Step 1) Thoroughly check your sock for holes- the last thing you want is rice all over the barn. If you find any, sew them suckers up like the seamstress you are!

Step 2) Pour about a cup or so of rice into your sock. You want it filled, but with enough empty space to be able to twist it around and such (to wrap around your bit).

Step 3) Tie off the top and — BAM — you’re done! If you’re really artsy, you could sew it up, but eh, don’t bother.

And that’s it. To use:

Stick it in the microwave for about two minutes. Wrap it around your bit as you groom/tack, and it’ll be toasty warm and ready to use when you need it! Also helpful for thawing fingers.

You’re welcome, HN. Now go riding (out in the cold with a toasty bit)

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Horse Haikus of the Day, by Laurie Jakobsen

Horse life in 17 syllables.
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Laurie and her horse (they leave their pink polos at home on horse show days)

Each morning we release a fresh new horsey haiku (or set of haikus!) into the Internet ether. Today’s haikus come from reader Laurie Jakobsen.

Laurie writes, “Here are some from a city dweller perspective.”

Commute from the city

Inhale barn air deep, relax.

Best moment of week.

 …

Apartment building

Washer/dryer. Sneak saddle

pads, polos in — pray.

 …

Matching shirt, wraps, pad.

Would George approve? Not in pink,

frowning trainer says.

 …

Quick stop at Costco

after lesson this morning.

No fashion statement.

Thanks for sharing, Laurie! Before we head one, one more for haiku from all of us here at Horse Nation:

Send us your haikus

5-7-5, it’s easy

Horse Nation needs you

Email your own horse haiku (a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line) to [email protected]. Include a photo of your haiku’s equine inspiration if you like!

Go Riding.

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Best of Craigslist: The Christmas Pony Ads Begin

Lord help us all.

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Let’s kick off the show with couple ads sent in by Susan, one wanting a horse and one selling a pony. Maybe they can work out a deal?

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I hope not. Here’s some more classic Facebook horse trading for ya, sent in by reader Danielle:

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No saddle? We can fix that! Here’s one from Jenni — it even comes with “brakes”:

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I can’t even. Here is what appears to be a two-legged Percheron, sent in by Ruth:

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And this one from Donna: “Notice the disclaimer at the bottom.”

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Magic is a cute little mare- about 18 years old, but still full of energy. She’s a little offer 14 hands high. She has no bad habits, good in a herd, barefoot and sound w/t/c. Not mare-ish. She neck reins wonderfully and safe for an advanced beginner. Feel free to call, text or email with any questions! Price Neg.

*There’s a small chance she’s bred


 

And from Heather: “It must be a pegasus… wingly?”

baby wingly female horse nice looking to find a great home – $250 (white city)

IHave a female baby horse that was born last year we need to find a home for her she needs to be trained she’s ready to be trained it could be a companion horse please serious inquiries willing to trade for good grass hay or alfalfa Or send me an offer


 

Last but not least, from Sherrie: “A 17 year old arthritic herdbound gelding that you MUST NEVER EVER REHOME (even though this owner is rehoming…). Also has excellent bloodlines and will live a long time. What a deal!”

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17 year old, register quarter/ thoroughbred. Majestic Mystique aka Moses. He is a great grandson of legendary Kentucky derby winner Swaps 1955.

Moses is kind and sweet. I can no longer ride and he is just going to waist. He has not been ridden in 3 years due to my multiple neck and back surgeries.
He used to be a dressage horse but for 9 years that I’ve owned him, he was a great trail horse. Bless his heart for all the Halloween costumes this horse has been in!
He is excellent at most everything!! However since he hasn’t been rode in 3 years, I think he is herd sour and may have arthritis. I would have classified him as a kid horse a few
years ago but now NO. He is still sweet and kind but needs a refresher course . I’m rehoming ($400) to an approved home only and he is not to be resold! If you cannot
keep him for the remainder of his life then don’t bother to call or email me. Yes you will have to sign a horse sale agreement! He is very special and deserves only the best. He has excellent bloodlines
and will live for a long time. He is great to trailer load, great for the farrier, great with a water hose etc… Call me only if you can love this great horse for the rest of his life.

Readers, if you run across an “interesting” ad in your Internet wanderings, send it our way! Email the link to [email protected]. Who knows – maybe you’ll help connect a horse with a safe, loving home. Go Riding.

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Horse Haiku of the Day, by Margaux Lavenue

Horse life in 17 syllables.

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Each morning we release a fresh new horsey haiku (or set of haikus!) into the Internet ether. Today’s haikus come from one of our readers:

Sometimes I feel like
My horse only likes me when
I have  food for him

My nighttime prayer
Before all of the horse shows:
PLEASE NO LONGSPOTS GOD

It’s show day, all dressed
My horses mouth is covered with
Slime he’ll wipe on me

I wish that I could
Train boys like I train my horse
And just give them food

My horse got a new
Blanket for $300
The next day, it’s ripped

When I have food, I
Am god to my horse and when
I don’t, I’m nothing

Thanks for sharing! Before we head on, one more for haiku from all of us here at Horse Nation:

Send us your haikus

5-7-5, it’s easy

Horse Nation needs you

Email your own horse haiku (a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line) to [email protected]. Include a photo of your haiku’s equine inspiration if you like!

Go Riding.

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Horse Haiku of the Day, by Rachel Olsen

Horse life in 17 syllables.

Each morning we release a fresh new horsey haiku into the Internet ether. Today’s haiku and accompanying photo comes from reader Rachel Olson.

Cuddly little foal

Was going to do homework

Sleeping here instead

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What a cutie! Just show that photo to your teacher — surely he or she will understand. Who could resist?

Before we go, one more for haiku from all of us here at Horse Nation…

Send us your haikus

5-7-5, it’s easy

Horse Nation needs you

Email your own horse haiku (a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line) to [email protected]. Include a photo of your haiku’s equine inspiration if you like!

Go Riding.

EquestriansAnonymous.jpg

Horse Haikus of the Day, by Jenny Gray

Horse life in 17 syllables.

Each morning we release a fresh new horsey haiku (or set of haikus!) into the Internet ether. Today’s haikus and accompanying photos come from reader Jenny Gray. Here we go!

Rosie lays ears back

Lillie backs fast in terror

Guess who gets fed first?

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Bend in the corners

Keep a firm contact softly

Horse goes round, I smile

 

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Thanks for sharing, Jenny! One more for haiku from all of us here at Horse Nation…

Send us your haikus

5-7-5, it’s easy

Horse Nation needs you

Email your own horse haiku (a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line) to [email protected]. Include a photo of your haiku’s equine inspiration if you like!

Go Riding.

EquestriansAnonymous.jpg

Horse Haiku of the Day, by Erin Recke

Horse life in 17 syllables.

Each morning we release a fresh new horsey haiku into the Internet ether. Today’s haikus come from reader Erin Recke.

Erin & Guinness

Erin & Guinness

Guinness, you’re a spaz.

You think you see dead people,

But don’t buck me off.

Thanks for sharing, Erin! Guinness is quite the character, I gather.

One more for haiku from all of us here at Horse Nation…

Send us your haikus

5-7-5, it’s easy

Horse Nation needs you

Email your own horse haiku (a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line) to [email protected]. Include a photo of your haiku’s equine inspiration if you like!

Go Riding.

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