Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Horse industry trivia


Here are some interesting Horse Industry statistics provided by the Horse Industry Alliance:

  • 1/3 Americans want to or have had involvement with horses
  • 97% ride for pleasure, only 6% ride for competition
  • Only 10% ride once per week or more
  • (i.e. 90% think they are "riders" even through they ride less than once a week)
  • 80% favored Western
  • 60% started as a child
  • More $$$ are spent on horses than $$$ spent in the movie industry
Yes, we are a MAJOR industry to the U.S. economy!


Horse events at the NEW Nebraska State Fair - check it out!


The new Grand Island Nebraska State Fair will be starting on Friday, August 27, 2010 and there are a host of horse events to take in! From Quarter Horses, Barrel racing, a huge Draft horse show with several hitches and more, Morgans, Paints, and much more! Even if you are not showing, you might want to stop out and take a look at the fabulous new facilities and watch some of the shows. I also understand Thompson 4-H Arena has had a bit of a "face-lift" - so check it out!

A schedule of the entire Nebraska State Fair can be found at: http://www.statefair.org/fair/

A map of the new grounds is at: http://www.statefair.org/fair/generalinformation/Grounds&Facilities.asp

A general schedule of the horse shows is at: http://www.statefair.org/fair/entertaiment/equineandlivestockshows.asp

Hope you enjoy your time at the NEW Nebraska State Fair!

Kathy Anderson

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Welcome to Husker Horse Info!



Welcome to our new Husker Horse Info blog. Through this blog we will post a variety to tips and information that will help you with your horses, horse activities, and things going on at UNL related to horses. We will make every attempt to post information routinely and timely.

As we are in the midst of a very hot time, you may want information on how to help your horses survive this blistering heat! One thing to consider is are they getting enough salt?

Ever notice your horse trying to lick your hands? Your horse may be telling you it is in need of salt. If the craving for salt is not met, you also might begin to notice your horse eating less feed and drinking less water. Next, your horse may begin to lose weight and become dehydrated.

Free choice salt can be provided either as block or a loose form. Horses will tend to consume higher levels of the loose salt than salt provided in blocks. Providing either loose or block salt is simple. Stall feeders for loose salt are available at many feed or tack stores and are easily mounted in most stalls. Blocks can be placed in mounted feeders or if on the ground, should also be placed in some type of on-the-ground feeder. Even though a horse’s needs for salt increases with sweat, this supplemental salt should be provided year round. This will ensure your horse always has sufficient opportunity to consume the required amount. It has been found; horses have a wide variety of the amount of salt consumed. Furthermore, intake will increase during hot, humid weather-with or without exercise.

For more information on helping horse handle the hot weather go to:

http://www.extension.org/pages/Help_Your_Horse_Beat_the_Heat_this_Summer