To start things off on Thursday, Oct 8-11 The U.S. National Peruvian Horse Show will be taking place at Will Rogers Coliseum. Come Watch the Peruvian Horse at its best! Visit North American Peruvian Horse Association for more information!

Up Next on October 12-17, 2009 the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association will kick off. If you have never seen these magnificent animals perform in person be sure to attend this event. Andalusian’s and Lusitano’s compete in all events western, english, driving, in-hand, and dressage!  For complete information visit IALHA.

Following the Andalusian’s to Will Rogers is the World Championship Appaloosa Horse Show. October 23-31, 2009. These beautiful “spotted” horses enjoy a rich history and are extremely versatile, competing in all western, english, driving, and jumping events. This show will showcase several one of kind events including horse against horse barrel racing, horse against horse pole pending, and many others. Come watch the Appaloosa in action! Visit the Appaloosa website for more details.

If your up for a short trip North of the Red River the Morgan Grand National World Championship Horse Show is being held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the State Fair Grounds October 10-17, 2009. This is fantastic show to watch and be part of, the Morgan horse is the oldest breed in the U.S and one of the most versatile. Visit AMHA for more information.

For more information on Fort Worth Events contact LydiaBagley@myhorseforsale.com

Photo: Andalusian Stallion Santigo

The key point to preparing for winter is to Plan Ahead! Ask and answer the following questions. What supplies do you need? Do you have Blankets? buckets? hay? shavings?  Do your horses have adequate shelter? Winterized play area’s?

Lets break down each question. 1. What supplies do you need? Look around the tack room, do you have coolers, blankets (that are water proof), extra buckets for those rainy days, mud boots for yourself, first aid kit, towels (typically we get wetter than our equines). If you are short on supplies start filling in the gaps now, so when the surprise freeze comes, you are prepared.

2. Blankets – many people provide their equines with a blanket for those really cold days, its time to pull it out of the tote and make sure it is clean, and still fits properly. Measure from the point of shoulder to the point of hip (for size), when on the blanket should fit securely with out rubbing the withers, or shoulders. If you body clip or keep your horse under lights it will be important to have a blanket for those cold days, as your horse will not grow as much hair.  If your horse lives outdoors all year and has a big fluffy coat, you probably don’t need to blanket.

3. Hay – The growing season is over and while the rains brought relief and some grass will grow, it will not be long before the pastures are brown. Make sure you have plenty of hay stored in a dry place for the winter, as the winter draws on hay will become more expensive and harder to find.

4. Shavings – If you have a lean to shed or barn shavings will help keep your horse dry and warm this winter, purchasing ahead of the cold will give you a chance to acclimate your horse to the new bedding before the cold and again prevent you from being out in the cold yourself.

5. Shelter – Its important to make sure your equine partner has adequate shelter from storms and bad weather, a lean to that faces (or opens to the south) will protect from the common North wind. It will also keep your horses dry during rain, ice, or snow. If you have a barn make sure your horses have access to their stalls or ability to get under cover if you don’t get home in time to bring them in.

6. As the weather turns cold, we often face muddy, slick conditions in pastures and outdoor riding area’s. If your horses are stalled, make sure that fences and other hazardous are well kept to keep your horses safe from wire cuts, as they play and frolic in the cold. Check your riding area’s for slick spots to avoid.

Fence and Plumbing maintenance:

Check your barn or watering area’s, make sure that all exposed pipes are wrapped or covered to prevent freezing and breaking. Check fences often for downed wires due to wind, ice, or tree limbs. Check that all entrances to the barn and/or shed are clear of debris and drain properly.

As you prepare for winter, remember its never to early to prepare!

If you would like more information about winterizing your barn email lydiabagley@aggienetwork.com or consult your instructor/trainer for tips.

MyHorseForSale.com is proud to be a sponsor of the Pinto World Championship Horse Show.

We hope you enjoy some of the candid shots from the show.

Best Wishes to everyone showing.