Benefits of Horses

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!