Happy New Year!

Top New Year’s Resolutions

Every year we resolve to do something that makes our lives better. Here at Hawkeye Tack we’ve come across a list of the top 15 New Year’s resolutions – let us know, is yours on this list?

Top 15 New Years Resolutions

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2. Get Fit
3. Tame the Bulge – Loose Weight
4. Quit Smoking
5. Enjoy Life More – Reduce Stress
6. Quit Drinking
7. Get Out of Debt
8. Learn Something New
9. Help Others – Volunteer
10. Get Organized
11. Get a Better Education
12. Take a Trip
13. Get a Better Job
14. Eat Healthy Food
15. Spend more time on your Hobbies

Coming in January we’ll look at some of the top horse resolutions to make.

Merry Christmas!

 Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Holiday Hours

Just an FYI that we will be open holiday hours coming up for your last minute shopping needs:

Christmas Eve we will be open 9AM-3PM

Closed Christmas Day

Open Monday, December 26th 9AM-7PM

We’ll also be open New Year’s Eve 9AM-3PM

Closed New Year’s Day for inventory

Open January 2nd 9AM-7PM

Riding in Winter

You may think that riding during the winter isn’t a good idea – after all, it’s freezing cold with ice, snow and wind… who’d want to go out in that? Your horse would! Those commercials you see with riders charging through snowbanks and snow-covered fields aren’t just “made for TV.” Taking your horse riding during the winter is an excellent way to get your horse some exercise and get you out of the house during those long winter months.

Snow is Best

When you’re horse riding in the winter, it’s best to go out when there is a few inches of snow on the ground. This gives the horse’s hooves some cushion, as opposed to riding over frozen or icy ground (and icy ground should be avoided to prevent falls and other accidents).

Snow also provides the horse a great workout for both its heart and leg muscles. In the winter, you don’t even need to ride your horse at a gallop – a walk or especially a trot will do just as well since your horse will be pulling his legs out of the snow as he goes. Even a nice, long, relaxed walk on a long rein can give him all the exercise he needs.

Some Winter Riding Safety Tips

When riding during the winter, be sure you’re only riding along paths and trails that you know well. If you’re riding in a new area, you risk stepping in or on something that can injure your horse or cause an accident because you are not able to see what is underneath the snow cover.

As we said earlier, it’s best to ride on snow cover only. Avoid riding on ground covered by rain, slush or ice, or plain frozen ground. These don’t lend themselves well to the kind of footing your horse needs during a ride, and can lead to injuries to your horse or an accident.

No jumping your horse outside during the winter months. Even if you’re riding in snow, the ground is still slick enough to not allow for proper footing on landing. The impact from landing on frozen ground or snow can also injure your horse’s legs. Make sure that if you will be doing any jumping during winter months, it is in an arena that allows for proper and appropriate footing.

The winter months are a great time to take your horse for a ride, and can provide a break from the indoors for both you and your horse. Taking the proper precautions and preparation will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Dan Post Boot Socks (2 pair package) Reg $18.99 on Sale $14.99

Breyer Horses & Accessories 20% off

Boot Jacks Reg $14.99 on Sale $9.99

All Reg Priced Purses & Wallets 20% off

All Reg Priced Felt & Straw Hats 20% off

Specials end December 14th, 2011

Weekly In-Store Specials!

20% off Winter Coats and Vests

Buy any pair of regularly priced boots and get a free pair of Dan Post Boot Socks

$5.00 off Mens Cinch Jeans

$3.00 off Boys Cinch Jeans

Buy $50.00 worth of Reg. Priced Wrangler Products and get a FREE George Strait CD

Buy any pair of Just Reg. Priced Boots over $100 and get a FREE Justin WNFR Gear Bag

Deals run from December 8th-14th

How to Tell If Your Horse is Uncomfortable

• Putting ears back or turning head back repeatedly without an external stimulus attracting attention;
• Repetitive tail swishing, raising the tail off the perineum (region between the thighs encompassing the anus and genitalia), or slapping against the perineum;
• Frequent shifting of weight on the limbs, either from side-to-side or fore to hind;
• Lifting a leg or kicking toward the abdomen;
• Kicking out to the back or side;
• Stamping or pawing at the substrate or into the air, aside from scenarios such as when waiting for feeding or turnout;
• Rubbing any part of the body against objects;
• Self-biting or -nipping;
• Standing for rest with front legs not squarely under the body;
• Repeated deep stretching;
• Flehmen response (lifting the upper lip) outside of the usual sexual or marking context;
• Excessive yawning;
• Repetitive head shaking, flipping, or bobbing;
• Abnormal postures when resting, urinating, or defecating;
• Trembling, muscle fasciculation (twitching), or tremors;
• Leaning against a wall or other object when resting;
• Grunting, groaning, or squealing;
• Repeated sighing;
• Teeth grinding;
• Frequent lying down and getting up, with or without rolling;
• General crabbiness around people or herdmates, as if saying, “I don’t feel well, and don’t bother me”;
• Unwillingness to do usual work;
• Hyperresponsivity (unusual jumpiness or spookiness);
• Restlessness or uneasiness;
• A change from normal eating style to either picky eating or to food urgency and bolting of feed;
• A glassy eye or dazed or dull look, which can be associated with pain-induced endorphin release.

Free Shipping on Our Website!

Today through Sunday, December 4th, get free shipping on orders over $50.00 on our website!

Excludes trailers, spreaders, arena tools, and saddles.

Use coupon code holiday2011

Tips on Keeping Your Horse Warm

The temperatures are dropping, which means it’s time to wrap your horse in a winter blanket to help keep him warm. Knowing what blanket size to get can make all the difference in the world in keeping your horse warm.

If the blanket you select is too large or too small, the blanket could slip out of place or rub against the horse’s skin, causing irritation. There are two major factors to take into account when picking the right blanket size:

Accurate measurements: The most important measurement to find is the length of blanket needed. To find this, measure the distance from the center of your horse’s chest to the rear of his quarters, or the point where you expect the blanket to finish. Most blankets are measured in two- or three-inch increments, so figure accordingly in your measurements.

Your horse’s build: Is your horse stocky or bigger in size? Is he more finely built or skinnier? Knowing the answers to these questions tells you whether you need a blanket that’s slightly larger than the length you’ve measured (for the stockier horse) or one that is a size smaller (for the more finely built horse).

Also, you should have two separate blankets, one for turnout and one for when he is in the stable. Keep in mind that the blanket you use for turnout will probably be a size bigger than the stable blanket to allow for movement.

Finding the right-sized blanket ensures your horse is warm and comfortable during the cold, winter months.