From showing to
trail riding, horses bring entertainment and joy to pet owners around the
country. According to the 2009/2010 American Pet Products Association (APPA)
National Pet Owners Survey, horse owners reported companionship/company, love,
and relaxation/relieves stress, as the top benefits to ownership. Of the 3.9
million households that own a horse, almost half buy gifts for their horses.
Even 59 % of horse owners have made financial provisions in their wills or
named a caretaker or guardian for their horse.
There are many jobs
horses do extremely well and no technology has yet developed to replace them. For example, mounted police horses are still effective for certain
types of patrol duties and crowd control. Cattle ranches still require riders on horseback to round up cattle
that are scattered across remote, rugged terrain. Search and rescue organizations in some countries depend upon
mounted teams to locate people, particularly hikers and children, and to
provide disaster relief assistance. Horses can also be used in areas where it
is necessary to avoid vehicular disruption to delicate soil, such as nature
reserves.
Here are some
popular horse products produced by APPA members to help owners return the love:
Petastic Naturals Equestrian Laundry Detergent
Equestrian Laundry Detergent contains a
unique formula that is specifically designed for use on equestrian gear. This
detergent is safe and effective for cleaning and deodorizing clothes, towels,
blankets and other fabrics used during equestrian activities. Petastic Naturals
do not contain toxins, petrochemicals, bleach ammonia, phosphates or other
harmful chemicals. www.petastic.com
PetAg’s Mirra-Coat
Mirra-Coat is a skin
and coat supplement that offers a blend of essential fatty acids and nutrients
specifically required for a horse’s healthy skin and hair-coat. Horses respond
to Mirra-Coat supplementation by increasing their level of essential fatty
acids in the blood serum. Mirra-Coat contains vitamins A, B6, E, biotin and
zinc and enhances maintenance of normal skin cells to develop and promote pliable,
moisturized skin. www.petag.com
American Health Kennels, Inc. Mustang Munchies
Created by a graduate of the Culinary
Institute of America, Mustang Munchies were formulated with special attention
to the health and well being of equine pets. Shaped like apples and carrots,
they are made with whole-wheat flour, rolled oats and barley flour and provide
horses with essential nutrients and vitamins. Real apples and carrots are
grated into the treats and mixed with molasses, water and vegetable oil. www.americanhealthkennels.com
Healing Tree T-Zon Equine Dermal Care Cream
T-Zon is a fast acting professional strength
cream that aids in the treatment of scratches, girth itch galls and sores for
horses. The blend includes pure Australian Tea Tree Oil, 1 % Hydrocortisone and
Aloe Vera in addition to other calming ingredients and conditioning emollients.
T-Zon Equine Dermal Care Cream is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
and is veterinarian formulated. www.healing-tree.com
Bare Skin Barrier- Fly Control for Your Horse
Bare Skin Barrier is an organic formula that
protects horses from biting flies without using insecticides, pesticides or
Pyrethrum. Horse owners can apply the formula on their horse’s chest, legs,
ears, belly and to open sores safely and effectively. It stops tail rubbing and
stomping to escape the discomfort caused by flies and insects. www.missywryn.com
Relaxation Music for Horses
Relaxation Music for Horses for Equine
Well-Being is the only music CD that is contoured for hearing ranges of horses.
The melodic soundtracks create a tranquil acoustic environment that diminishes
stress in equines and facilitates the bond between humans and horses. www.musicforpetsandpeople.com
Please let
me know if their are other things you love about horses or products you think
are great for horse owners. Thanks!