Archive for the ‘SuperStall’ Category
February 18, 2013
Are you using hay in your stalls? According to an article in The Horse, dust particles, mold spores and fibrous plant materials found in hay can cause severe respiration irritation when inhaled by horses. Together, these irritants can result in shortness of breath, coughing and other symptoms which can impact training and exercise. In addition, a recent university study shows that mature hay for bedding can be dangerous for pregnant mares in the third trimester due to fescue toxicity. Here are four safety tips for horses bedded on hay:
1. Wet the hay: A study conducted at the University of Edinburgh suggests wetting hay before it is put in stalls can significantly reduce dust concentration. The most effective way of limiting dust is by immersing hay in water and then immediately putting it in the stall. If not done right away, the hay will dry which could allow respirable dust levels to increase.
2. Remove horses while mucking: The study concluded dust levels are higher when there is a lot of activity in the barn. Therefore, remove horses while mucking out stalls or during any other frequent activity.
3. Test mature hay for toxins: It is not uncommon for horses to eat their bedding. Tall fescues may contain high levels of the toxin ergovaline. This could cause problems for pregnant mares and their unborn foal. Ergovaline tests can cost up to $50 per sample, but it is money well spent to protect your mare.
4. Select alternative bedding: Reducing the amount of hay used for bedding can reduce the risks posed by dust irritants and/or fescue toxicity. SuperStall® Foam Mattress by IGK Equestrian features a waterproof industrial top cover which creates a “moisture tray” that allows all liquids and manure to be captured on top and easily removed. This not only results in a cleaner, drier environment but it also reduces the amount of hay and other bedding needed in the stall.
Which bedding would you choose to keep your horses safe?
Posted in Bedding, Dust, Foaling season, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Respiratory Issues, Rubber Mat, Stall mats, SuperStall, Top Cover | Leave a Comment »
January 15, 2013
Although time consuming, building or renovating a barn can be an exciting project. You’ll want to design a barn that is safe and promotes good health and well-being for both horses and people.
According to a recent article in The Horse, veterinarians suggest avoiding attaching a newly constructed barn to an indoor arena. Although this is a convenient set-up, the dust produced in the arena can be harmful for horses. Dust interferes with breathing and can also lead to Inflammatory Airway Disease or IAD, a condition that causes coughing, nasal discharge and exercise intolerance.
If this isn’t realistic, or you are renovating a barn that is already attached, than limiting the amount of hay and sand in the stall will help reduce dust. These materials not only produce dust, but can also create an uneven surface, which could cause slippage. Wood shavings should also be minimized in the stall due to the risk of ingestion, which can cause serious digestive problems, including colic.
Concrete covered with rubber provides a nonslip surface that is comfortable and gentle on the horses’ joints, and is easy to clean. Frequent cleaning is important to help protect horses from oral-fecal diseases such as Salmonella infection, which can occur when moisture is trapped underneath the mats.
When it comes to building or renovating your barn, consider SuperStall™ Memory Foam Mattress by IGK Equestrian. SuperStall is a one-piece wall-to-wall, foam mattress system that features a waterproof woven top cover. The top cover creates a “moisture tray” that allows all liquids and manure to be captured on top and easily removed with the bedding. This not only reduces the amount of bedding needed to provide comfort, but also reduces the risk of slippage and disease risk.
How do you keep your horse healthy and safe in the barn?
Posted in Bedding, Dust, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Respiratory Issues, Rubber Mat, Shavings, Stall mats, SuperStall, Top Cover | Leave a Comment »
December 21, 2012
When choosing a surface for your stalls, how do you decide which material is best for your horse and easiest on you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages of two common stall bedding materials: sand and mattresses.
Sand:
Advantages:
- Sand is highly absorbent and allows good drainage.
- The surface is soft making it one of the most forgiving bedding materials for a horse’s legs.
- Even if the sand is wet it rarely gets slippery.
- Sand is often one of the most affordable bedding materials.
Disadvantages:
- Pure and newly laid sand does not compact well, creating potentially dangerous tracks and pockets.
- Because sand does not compact well, stalls must be raked daily to assure a smooth, safe surface.
- Sand can retain dampness in cold weather, which can be uncomfortable.
- Sand tends to have a drying effect on horse hooves.
- Sand mixed with other bedding material can be a hassle to clean and should be replaced frequently.
- Horses could ingest sand which could lead to possible intestinal impaction and colic.
Mattresses:
Advantages:
- Mattresses provide a comfortable surface.
- Because mattresses provide a more level surface, they can reduce the risk of slippage.
- Foam and rubber mats provide insulation for a more comfortable and warm environment during the winter.
- Mattresses tend to have a long life with added ability to withstand continued use.
- Horses bedded on mattresses are less likely to ingest sand or wood chips.
- Mattresses with a waterproof top cover can reduce maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- Foam mattresses without top covers may retain odor and moisture.
- Mattresses can be expensive; however, many come with a warranty.
When it comes to choosing a stall surface for your horse, for the best return on investment and overall comfort, it pays to choose SuperStall® by IGK Equestrian. In addition to all the advantages listed above, SuperStall features a waterproof, woven top cover which creates a “moisture tray” that allows urine and feces to be captured on top and removed with the bedding. This helps to reduce labor, disposal efforts and cost. Best of all, SuperStall comes with a 5-year warranty.
Which bedding do you prefer? Sand or Mattresses?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Rubber Mat, Stall Hygiene, Stall mats, Stall odor, Stall Rest, SuperStall, Top Cover | Leave a Comment »
November 30, 2012
With the Farmers’ Almanac calling for a colder, snowier winter for much of the United States, it’s important to make sure your horse’s bedding is winterized! Follow these steps to ensure your horse remains dry and comfortable all winter long.
1. Remove the Manure: Don’t believe the myth that manure keeps a horse warm. No horse wants to sleep in its own droppings, regardless of the temperature. If manure is not thoroughly removed, it can freeze, leaving your horse to lie on a bed of “manure cubes.”
2. Minimize Wood Shavings: A recent study showed horses are more likely to consume wood shavings during wet, cold weather because they are both hungry and bored. Ingesting wood shavings can cause potential serious digestive problems, including colic, so be sure to keep wood shavings to a minimum in your horse’s bedding.
3. Change Bedding Materials Frequently: Stalls bedded with wood shavings, straw, sawdust and shredded newspapers absorb a lot of moisture. These materials need to be changed frequently to ensure dryness, which can be a real chore when the temperature drops below freezing.
4. Install Foam or Rubber Mats: Foam and rubber mats provide insulation fora more comfortable and warm environment during cold winter days and nights. SuperStall® Foam Mattress by IGK Equestrian features a waterproof, industrial top cover which creates a “moisture tray” that allows all liquids and manure to be captured on top and easily removed. This results in a cleaner, drier environment with less need for wood shavings and other bedding materials.
Consider installing SuperStall®, and both you and your horse can look forward to winter.
What are your biggest challenges when it comes to winter stall cleaning?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Rubber Mat, Shavings, Stall mats, Stall Rest, SuperStall, Top Cover | 1 Comment »
October 26, 2012
The popularity of “going green” has been ingrained into our everyday lives. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn you can make environmentally-friendly choices when it comes to your horse’s bedding, too. Just follow the three R’s: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.
Reduce: Stalls bedded with wood shavings, straw, sawdust and shredded newspapers absorb a lot of moisture. These materials need to be constantly changed and disposed of to ensure dryness. Reducing the amount of bedding you use reduces the amount going into your local landfill.
Recycle: Although you shouldn’t “recycle” bedding for obvious hygienic reasons consider using bedding materials that are themselves recycled, such as newspaper or sawdust. And consider the actual stall comfort product that contains recycled shoe soles or tire rubber, even recycled memory foam!
Reuse: Choose mattresses designed to last horse after horse, year after year. Unsure about the lifespan of your mattress? Ask about the warranty!
Going green is easier with SuperStall®, a foam mattress manufactured by IGK Equestrian. This bedding option reduces wasted materials, eliminates potential hygienic problems caused by “recycled” bedding, and lastly ensures durability and comfort for years to come.
“How do you practice “going green” when it comes to bedding?
Posted in Bedding, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Shavings, Stall Hygiene, Stall mats, SuperStall | 3 Comments »
September 27, 2012
According to a recent university study, researchers looking at horses on restricted calorie diets found that nearly half of them were ingesting wood shavings in their stalls.
Wood shavings aren’t a horse’s “go-to” snack, but when they are put on a diet, bedding can look pretty tasty. Although all the horses in the study remained healthy, ingesting wood shavings can cause potentially serious digestive problems, including colic, and should be discouraged.
If your horse is eating his bedding, one obvious solution is to reduce the amount of bedding in the stall. The SuperStall™ Memory Foam Mattress by IGK Equestrian features a waterproof woven top cover that fits wall-to wall within the box stall, creating a “moisture tray” that allows all liquids and manure to be captured on top and easily removed with the bedding. This not only reduces the amount of bedding needed to provide comfort (or a snack), but also reduced odor, labor to muck out stalls, and disposal costs.
The SuperStall™ Top Cover is constructed of tough fabric that can be custom fit for everything from a 12’ x 12’ box stall to a 12’ x 24’ foaling stall
Have you ever caught your horse snacking in bed? What did you do?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, Shavings, Stall Hygiene, Stall mats, Stall odor, SuperStall, Top Cover | 4 Comments »
August 29, 2012
When choosing a surface for your stalls, how do you decide which material will provide the most comfort? Comparing two popular mats, solid rubber and foam, can help with the decision.
Solid Rubber Mats:
Benefits:
- Long life; added ability to withstand continued use
- Can help keep dust production down
- Can help to reduce slippage
- May assist in preserving your floor’s natural surface
Drawbacks:
- May require additional bedding materials for comfort
- Could retain odor and moisture
- Heavy (can weigh up to 150 pounds); making it difficult to remove and level/clean out stalls
Foam Mattresses:
Benefits:
- Memory foam material helps cushion tired/strained ligaments and joints
- May be sized for wall-to-wall coverage in a variety of stalls
- Remains level
- May resist bacteria growth
Drawbacks:
- Initial expense; however, many come with a warranty
When it comes to choosing a stall surface for your horse, for the best return on investment and overall comfort it pays to choose SuperStall®, by IGK Equestrian. In addition to all the benefits listed above, SuperStall® features a waterproof, woven top cover that helps to reduce labor and disposal efforts and cost, along with a 5-year warranty.
What mats are you using in your stalls now?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Memory Foam, North Brook Farms, Rubber Mat, Stall Hygiene, Stall mats, Stall odor, Stall Rest, SuperStall, Top Cover | 4 Comments »
July 10, 2012
When the thermometer soars in summer it’s important to make sure your horse remains comfortable. Taking a few simple precautions will help you both keep your cool.
- Ventilation – Keep the air moving as much as possible in the barn. Try to keep windows open and use fans to circulate air (and keep flies away). Misters are also a good idea for an instant cool-down solution.
- Shade – When outside in the elements, try to allow your horse the opportunity to lay and rest in shady spots. It is a good idea to keep horses inside during the hottest part of the day in order to avoid exhaustion.
- Workouts – There is no need to abandon riding altogether in high temperatures, but try to keep workout times to a minimum. After you’re finished, give your horse a cool bath to lower body temperature.
- Electrolytes – Providing your horse with added electrolytes, such as a mineral or salt block, can help to replace nutrients lost from excessive sweating.
- Water – Be sure to provide your horse with plenty of fresh, cold water to drink throughout the day.
In high temperatures, it is likely your horse will be spending a lot more time in the stall to escape the heat and harsh UV rays. Therefore, the maintenance of the stall environment is essential to keeping your horse healthy in the heat.
Bacteria growth accelerates in warm, wet and humid weather, making your horse’s stall an active breeding ground for potentially harmful diseases. Using a stall mattress, rather than only organic bedding materials, helps to combat the excess growth of bacteria and maintain hygienic living conditions.
The SuperStall® mattress, made by IGK Equestrian, helps horse owners use less bedding materials, limits bacteria growth in scorching temperatures, allows for less mucking, reduces the risk of disease for your horse and the cost of bedding for you. SuperStall® will help to keep your horse cooler in high temperatures and allow you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the summer.
What are some things you do to help your horse stay cool in the summer?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, North Brook Farms, Stall Hygiene, Stall mats, Summer, SuperStall | Leave a Comment »
June 18, 2012
We’ve discussed the benefits of using stall mats to help reduce stall odor and cut back on bedding. But, when is the proper time to retire or upgrade those mats?
The durability of rubber stall mats depends on their thickness and weight composition. Normally, the heavier the mat the better it will hold up to continued use. You shouldn’t have to replace your mats for many years if they are properly cared for. It’s important to remove and thoroughly clean the mats to make sure they are in good working order. If you are using a lighter weight mat, you may have to remove it once a month to re-level the stall; however, with heavier mats, this may only be a semi-annual event.
It is also important to note the more active your horse is, the more often you will need to remove, clean and re-level your stall. This can be a tough job, especially with solid rubber mats. Often, women find it helpful to work in teams in order to ease the strain of having to lift such heavy mats.
If you consistently maintain your mat, it is unlikely a mat of good durability will stretch, tear, or weather for the duration of its use. Some mats also come with a manufacturers’ warranty to ensure quality and provide you with a better estimate of how long the mat should last.
Of course, to ensure the greatest return on your investment, be sure to select a stall mat with benefits for both you and your horse. The SuperStall® mat by IGK Equestrian provides horses with the softness they need to cushion tired joints and ligaments. Its recycled memory foam construction will resist compaction over time for added durability. The tough, waterproof top cover resists tearing and is field repairable. And a 5-year warranty helps you sleep easier too.
When is the last time you changed your stall mats?
Posted in Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Stall mats, SuperStall | 1 Comment »
May 22, 2012
Having a horse on stall rest is something every horse owner will eventually encounter. Whether the recovery period is due to lameness, show fatigue, suspensory problems, or after an operation, you’ll both have adverse reactions to the confinement. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help make your horse’s recovery period manageable.
Remember, your horse is used to being active. It will be helpful for your horse to convalesce in a stall with a window so he/she can see activity happening around them and get some fresh air. Your horse may need some extra attention after being cooped up alone for the majority of the day. Be sure to practice regular grooming habits to help keep him/her relaxed and comfortable. Another animal in the barn provides companionship and a mirror in the stall, or a radio at low volume provides welcome background noise. Adjust your feeding routine by limiting intake to counter excess amounts of energy your horse will have from constantly being in the stall.
The reason for necessary stall rest could also play a role in determining proper care techniques.
- If your horse has a suspensory ligament, it is important to prevent access to open pastures or arenas in order to limit the amount of physical strain that is placed on the legs. Instead, you could handwalk your horse on short jaunts, but only if you think he/she will be up to it.
- After shows, your horse may experience symptoms of fatigue, including a slowed pace, loss of motivation, hindered coordination and increased breathing. If your horse experiences these symptoms, it is important to allow him/her the chance to get plenty of rest. Be sure to provide your horse with a soft surface in the stall to cushion joints and hooves after extended periods of exercise.
Stall mattresses provide a more comfortable surface, which creates a more well-rested horse that will be ready to perform for the next show. SuperStall mattresses are an ideal choice for increased horse comfort and feature an easy-to-clean waterproof top cover for owner convenience and a more hygienic environment.
What techniques do you use to provide your horse with a speedy recovery?
Posted in Bedding, Horse Comfort, IGK Equestrian, Lameness, North Brook Farms, Recovery, Stall Rest, SuperStall, Suspensory Ligament | Leave a Comment »
Are you using hay in your stalls? According to an article in The Horse, dust particles, mold spores and fibrous plant materials found in hay can cause severe respiration irritation when inhaled by horses. Together, these irritants can result in shortness of breath, coughing and other symptoms which can impact training and exercise. In addition, a recent university study shows that mature hay for bedding can be dangerous for pregnant mares in the third trimester due to fescue toxicity. Here are four safety tips for horses bedded on hay:
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