Hey Horse Lovers!
To all of you who attended our horse course last night, Nutrition: They are what they eat–the Equine Erin seminar on nutrition and supplements, I am sure you, like me, are giving your forage (your hay) a second glance this morning!
Alf Budweth (not Budson, that’s his company) shared a wealth of equine-eating knowledge and information, and did a very good job of attempting to simplify a complex digestive system of the horse. Alf has a degree in animal business, and is also a graduate with a Bachelor of Animal Science/Nutrition, from the University of Guelph. On top of that, Alf has learned the ropes of nutrition growing up on his family farm. A farm that now operates a feed mill and specializes in the production of equine feed.
Key points to remember:
- Use your “horse sense”. Remember to look at your horse, despite all the good advice, make a sensible decision regarding food intake.
- Get your hay analyzed. For $25.00 you will save yourself time, money and keep your horse healthy.
- One handful at a time. If you are changing up your horse’s intake of anything; be it supplements, de-wormer, new hay, or dealing with a stress situation make only one change at a time to give your horse a better chance of success with the new program and to lighten the impact on the horse’s system.
- Consultation. Ask, ask, and ask. Each horse is different, and they breakdown their food differently. A good combination of healthy forage (hay) and necessary supplements will result in a happier, healthier horse.
Jeff Stewart of Stewart’s Equipment presented the Kubota “ready worker”. A great little tractor well suited for the small equine operation. This machine sells for about $22,000. This tractor has a quick release bucket, which makes changing attachments very easy and light. Jeff welcomes horse owners to come in and talk to himself, Scott or Rob about their tractor and equipment needs and what works for their farm. There are many new and used attachments, which can make managing horses easier, and more efficient.
Our Horse Course participants won some great door prizes last night, including a plastic bucket, Kubota Rodeo Series Hats, a handy Kubota Brush Carrier, and several bags of feed from Budson Farm and Feed Company.
Thanks to everyone who participated in last night’s program. And if you want to make the spicy treats that Joanne brought please check out the recipe at the bottom of this post.
Reminder: Next week, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 is our final class in this program Horse Course Level 2 series.
It’s called Equine Fencing, Structures and Equipment: Build right, save time and money.
Who doesn’t like to do that?
See you next week at Stewart’s at 7:00 p.m. and thanks from Equine Erin.
SOFT SPICE BARS
These bars have the old-fashioned taste of gingersnaps, but they’re chewy and quick to fix.
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a mixing bowl, combine butter, 1 cup sugar and molasses. Beat in egg until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt; stir into the molasses mixture. Spread into a greased 15″x10″x1″ baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Do not over bake. Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.