Tack Sale

One of the tack sales sites I belonged to mentioned that one of the girls who was selling her tack gave her tack on trial to a potential buyer, and three weeks later, can't get the person to answer her. I would think that most people would be able to avoid this with a little due diligence and healthy mistrust of strangers, but sometimes the thrill of some cash for our stuff gets in the way. A few ways to avoid these problems in the future:
  Go through a tack store. Now this will cut into your profit as said tack store will most likely want a cut which can range from 5 or more percent. But always ask about this up front along with the price they plan to put on your merchandise. And sometimes a high traffic tack store is worth a little loss in cash if your looking to unload stuff in a hurry
   Deal with friends. I personally have tack from a friend who is trying to sell, and I can guarantee that I will be giving it back if I can't find a buyer.
   Get a down payment. If I was going to be selling any of my tack, and a buyer wanted to take it for a trial, I would get a check for half the amount of the tack. And I am not saying you have to deposit the check, but if for some reason you don't get your stuff back, at least you have half the amount. Most tack shops do something similar. You could always call one and ask their procedure...  ;)
   Get some ID! If you get a down payment you should make sure you have a drivers license number, telephone number, and address written on a check.

When you sell most big items written documentation is required from both parties, so why not something worth a few hundred dollars? A bill of sale could go a long way in minimizing a further issue, and considering its tack and could be described different ways, you can always take a few pictures.

Backyard Breeding Anyone?

WOW! Could not help posting this lovely CL add from Eastern Carolina...

1 Liter of Horse Semen Wanted

Really?! And why are you wanting this?  The fact that there is NO explanation, and that its OK for it to be from multiple stallions just screams back yard breeder to me.. Can anyone think of another reason to request this?

And just to clarify my stance on back yard breeders, and really ALL breeders, if you can't be responsible about what your doing, then perhaps you shouldn't be allowing your stallion to breed so many mares? Not every mare should have a baby, just because they have an 'amazing' temperament.

Winterizing

Getting ready for winter as a horse owner is always time consuming. Thinking of all those cold days, nasty stalls from horses being in all the time, frozen water lines... BRRRR. I'm cold and tired just thinking about it! So what are YOU doing to prepare for the cold rainy weather in southern VA?
Things I'm doing for winter

     1. Dragged my horse blankie to the cleaners. Of course I THEN notice the large rip it had acquired across the rear. Also missing a back strap; not sure where that ended up.

     2. Break out the heated water bucket. For some reason my gelding will almost EXCLUSIVELY drink from it during the winter months. I could even put warm water in his other bucket and he still chooses the heated one.

     3. Although a little late now, our barn stocked up on hay for the winter. If your place has the room its always cheaper to stock up on good hay during the 'hay season.'  Otherwise, expect to pay that premo price for nasty crap that has no name. You know what I'm talking about, that 'Mixed Grass' no one can identify.

     4.  Clean out the horse trailer! Show and riding season is mostly over. Give your trailer a good cleaning, and a tune up. Grease things, check screws, ask your hubby to make changes that you've been jonesing for.

     5.  Walk the fence lines. In reality this should be done weekly; but are you positive your barn owner does it that often?! If my horse is in a pasture I try and walk it myself at least twice a month. And I ALWAYS find things I'm sure my horse can find some way to injure himself on, they are like small children in that aspect. Side note: I know my barn owner walks the fences and pastures as much as I do, which promotes feelings of well being for my horses health when I'm not at the barn.

     6.  Think about water supply while your horse is pastured. Breaking the ice on a trough is fun, but fishing the layers of broken ice out IS NOT. Using a clean pitch fork can help in this instance.

     7. I have busted out my warm clothes, water proof boots, gloves, and hats. I'm more interested in keeping warm then looking like a marshmallow.

Hampton Roads Intro

Can't believe our heavily involved equine community of Hampton Roads does not have a horse community/blog! Considering how bass ackwards (sp?) some of the things I and numerous friends see, hear, and witness there comes a time when it should be talked about! Plans for the blog include everything related to the wonderful creatures we call equine.