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Whether you’re applying an English or western saddle, knowing how to saddle your horse is one of the most essential things to know. Here are the steps to take according to Katherine Blocksdorf of About.com:GroomWith your horse securely tied, take a brush and groom the horse’s back where the saddle will rest. Anything that’s not supposed to be there could causing chafing and hurt the horse so do brush thoroughly and check to see if there are any sores as well.Applying the blanketPlace the saddle pad or blanket just forward of the horse’s withers so when you put the saddle...

Bird enthusiasts enjoy watching birds eat and bathe in their backyards. Here are some important tips to help maintain healthy wild birds: • Keep feeders free from debris, droppings and old seed that has gotten wet and possibly moldy. Moldy seed can spread sickness and disease. Feeders should be cleaned at least once per month and may be done so by using one part chlorine bleach and nine parts of hot water. Be sure feeders have completely air dried before hanging them back up! Replenish with fresh food. Keep the area under the feeders free of seed debris and droppings....

Just as human do, horses require periodic dental care. Generally speaking, cavities are less of an issue for a horse, provided the ingredients of the feed are not super saturated with molasses, unnatural flavorings or sweeteners. Uneven wear on the teeth can create health issues for your equine friend.A Horse's Teeth Grow Continuously! If a horse is fed a natural diet of grasses and other natural plants chosen by horse nutritionists, the teeth can naturally wear themselves down at about the pace that the teeth grow. When they are fed a diet that doesn’t allow this process to take place,...

Late fall and winter provide a new set of challenges for our feathered friends. Most of the lush vegetation, full of berries and seeds, has withered away. In addition, most insects are either dead or dormant and the heavy snows will soon bury most natural sources of wild bird food. Not only will the birds’ food sources be changing, but their nutritional needs will, as well. Foods higher in fat and oils will help supply them with more energy for winter survival. Though most wild birds survive just fine on natural food sources, many species will come to feeders to...

While the coming of winter does mean cozy nights by the fire and hot cocoa, there is no doubt that the switch to life indoors can, at times, be a bit stifling. If you are feeling bouts of excess energy during these months, odds are, so are your pets! Like you, your pets daily routine changes in the winter, and so must the activities that keep them busy.While some pets (such as Bernese Mountain dogs or Huskies) are born to live in a snowy environment, many pets are not. Leaving your dog or cat outside for the full day can...