Weatherbeeta Thermo-Cell Cooler

I've had my Weatherbeeta Thermo-Cell cooler for about seven years now, but it's had little use until recently. With working Louie on a night indoors, it can become a bit hot, and although fully clipped before I got him, Louie has sweat patches on his neck, girth and saddle area. This is where this rug really comes in use.

After riding, I pop this on him, it keeps him warm, but wicks away the sweat. After 10-15 minutes, Louie is dry and ready to put his normal stable rugs on.

Showjumping Lesson for Louie

Despite today's rather grim weather up in Northumberland, we headed to our showjumping lesson. & we are so glad we did!

Louie is as green as grass over showjumps, and we've been working really hard on increasing his confidence and taking trust from me.

We've been together six weeks tomorrow, and have now worked up to jumping bigger cross poles with fillers in from the side. Louie is even pulling me into the jumps now!

Horseware Hypocare

Whether your horse is injury prone or not, this is a must have for any tack box. Not only does it kill 99.99% of pathogens, it also supports natural healing and promote the regrowth of hair. It's also completely safe if your horse decides to have a lick/chew at the wound.

I first discovered Horseware Hypocare when eventing Thomas in 2013. He would strike into his front heel bulbs nearly every event, leaving a sliced split looking wound. These proved difficult to keep clean, and due to the movement of the foot, would sometimes easily open back up. Initially, I did use Savlon anticeptic spray on the wound, which help to keep infection out as well as drying the wound out. However, after two-three days, it needed something to help it heal and close up. Hypocare did just this.

Shires Stretch Hood with Full Face

Following all the cleaning that we'd done in preparation for Louie's first dressage competition, I didn't want his to decide to use his poop in his stable as a pillow & so invested in a Shires Stretch Hood with Full Face.

I'd read mixed reviews about this type of product in regards to it slipping, and whether the stain just soaked through. Both were put to bed - it did not slip nor did the stains soak through (& there were plenty of marks on it to prove I was right to use it!)

Louie's First Party

If you've been reading our recent posts, you'll know that we've been taking Louie out most weekends to lots of different arena for lots of lessons. But the one thing that you don't get from lessons is working in different places while in amongst lots of other horses. Plus, I wanted Louie to meet the white dressage boards ready for when we really do want to compete.

Mark Todd Bright White De Staining Shampoo

Having used Lynn Russell whitening shampoo on white socks for a number of years now, I was reluctant to change product. However, there doesn't seem to be many stockists that now offer this product.

Andrew bought Mark Todd Bright White De Staining Shampoo from The Black Horse Shop as I'd finally run out of my usual.

At first, I was not convinced - it came out of the bottle very running, and almost lavender purple, rather than the deep blue I was used to seeing. However, after a wash (or two!) it seemed to bring out the whiteness to Louie's socks, as well as helping to clean the mud stains from the bottom of his tail.

It doesn't foam up too much, and goes quite far. It isn't difficult to wash out - I used a bucket of warm water and a sponge. I'd left it on for a few minutes, before washing off.

We'll see how we go on with it, but first time use was good & a nice surprise from a product I was fairly loyal to.

Louie: Four Weeks On

So we've done a lot with Louie in the four weeks that he has been with us, taking into account the freezing weather conditions and dark nights.

Unfortunately, not many photos for this post...