Pure Horse Products

The Nibblenet

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:22:00 +0000

Price: $ 47.99 (varies depending on size)

http://www.thinaircanvas.com/nibblenet/nibblenetframe.htm

Rating: +++++

Product Description:

THE NIBBLENET ® is designed by a horse lover for horse lovers. The unique design and high quality construction make this the ideal way to feed hay to your horses. The 1.5" openings in the front of the bag allow the horse to "graze" for his hay in a much more natural way. Instead of gulping down big mouthfuls, he has to work for the hay, one bite at a time. This slows him down, which is much healthier for his digestion, and keeps him busy much longer. The design of THE NIBBLENET ® is such that there is also much less waste of hay, the solid back prevents the hay from falling out the other side.

Findings:

I have found this the very best of haynets on the market today. Not only do they have an improved design with extra D-rings to fasten the corners on top but the strap is made more durable and the webbing is a better quality. Overall, my horses have been very happy with these, suspended from the ceiling with a bungee and clip, hanging freely to keep them super occupied. The nets are extremely easy to fill. Just unclip one side and slide the hay into the bag, kind of like an envelope. These bags are made to last and only the toughest materials have been used. You will not be disappointed. Look for them in my web store.

Easy Boots, Bare

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:04:00 +0000

Price: $ 75.00 per boot (may still be found for 1/2 price in the bargain bin)

http://www.easycareinc.com/

Rating: ++++

Product Description:

The “Bare” has been a huge success in 2006. Although it is a little harder to apply than the standard Easyboot Epic, the Bare provides a simple, close-fitting boot that constantly adjusts to the hoof. The boot is designed to stretch and flex, mimicking the movements of the naturally bare hoof. Check out the 2007 model with the lower profile comfort strap, thicker bungee and improved rivets.

Findings:

These boots were recommended to me by a friend and they happen to be the only ones that fitted my horse. I am not disappointed by them. They come with an attached gaiter just like the "Glove" which I like. They also have an adjustment on the front called the comfort strap. They are a pain to adjust, but once it is done, you don't have to do it again. They also look and feel very big and heavy, but the horse seems to deal alright with it. I had to order a fairly big size shoe (5) and I found that the strap of the gaiter was too large, but this is also a minor problem, since the system does still work. These boots are not as high up the hoof and will not touch the coronary band as with the Boa Hoof Boots. Overall, I would certainly recommend these to friends although I have not tried these long enough to inform you about the durability of the boot.

Boa Hoof Boots

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Price: $ 164.00 for the pair

http://www.easycareinc.com/

Rating: +++

Product Description:

The Boa Horse Boot™ is the first horse boot to use materials and technology previously found only in modern athletic shoes and snowboard boots. Modern materials and manufacturing techniques, combined with the unique Boa Lacing System™, make the Boa Horse Boot™ the most advanced horse boot ever.

Findings:

A lot of horse owners like these boots, so I too, gave them a try. To me, they were not easy to get on or off and I have several issues with them. First of all, the cap to protect the dial on the front is cumbersome to take on and off. The risk of loosing it was great and happened with one boot. Without this protection of the dial, the dial easily gets damaged. The laces are a good concept, but may break over a period of time. These can easily be bought to be replaced. These boots are recommended to buy with gaiters (not included, pay an additional $20.00 per pair). I used them without gaiters and they were rotating around the hoof. I also had issues with pressure points on the front of the hoof. They also come up pretty high to the coronary band which I didn't like. Overall, these boots are a great concept, but in reality, they didn't work out for me and my horse. I therefore, tried several others, which I was happier with. These are also included in these reviews. But because of others having better experiences with them, I still wanted to rank them with a +++ rating.

Easy Boots, Glove

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:34:00 +0000

Price: $56.00 per boot (may still be found for 1/2 price in the bargain bin)

http://www.easycareinc.com/

Rating: ++++

Product Description:

A form-fitting, seamless boot that hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. Measurement must be precise. Fit kit also available.

Findings:

We have owned these boots for a few months now and are very pleased with them. They fit like a ... glove and are very easy to get on and off. I like the gaiter they now put on these boots with the double fastening Velcro, although in snow, deep snow conditions, they might fail like all Velcro does in the snow sometimes. However, on hard surfaces, they work great. I screwed ice screws in these to make them suitable on icy roads. Because of fit, I installed the "power strap" for an additional $5.00. They come in all kinds of fancy colors and are very easy to install with just a screwdriver, scissors and a hole puncher. A must have for any barefoot advocate. Too bad they don't come in the bigger sizes, but just wait, they might soon!

Child's Ovation Elite Pony Half Chaps

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Price: $ 34.95

http://ovationriding.com/

Rating: +

Product Description:

None found

Findings:

After buying two different sizes, I gave up. These chaps are the worst when it comes to true sizing. None of these fitted my 8 year old that is normal sized. We ordered a size "A" first (8-10) at first. They didn't fit, so I ordered size "B" (12-14). When they didn't fit over her regular Ariat riding boots, I gave up and ordered some from a different brand. They seemed nice enough for kids but weren't easy to get on even if they would have fitted. Even though they come in "cute" colors, don't get fooled by these.

Big Bale Buddy

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:59:00 +0000

Price: $89.95 and up plus shipping

http://www.bigbalebuddy.com/

Rating: +++++

Product Description:

The Big Bale Buddy keeps your hay clean and contained until your horses eat it. It catches all the high nutrition chaff and makes it available for your horses to eat. Why stand by and see your high quality (and expensive) hay used for bedding when there is an inexpensive, easy to use and safe alternative?

Special weave designed to allow water that gets inside the feeder to seep out while moisture hitting the outside of the Big Bale Buddy will be repelled, keeping your hay drier.

Removes the risk of leg and neck injuries that can be caused by metal and rigid feeders.

Quickly pays for itself in saved hay. The Big Bale Buddy ensures that almost all your hay gets eaten.

Saves you money every time you feed! Pays for itself in 6 to 12 uses and keeps on saving you money for years!

Feeding large bales without a feeder can waste up to 1/3 of the bale.

Lightweight, easy to use, easy to care for and affordable.

ONE YEAR FREE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY AGAINST TEARING AND MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS

A safe, affordable alternative to pen type feeders; ideal for feeding large round bales to horses, cattle, llamas. bison, deer and elk.

The Big Bale Buddy comes in 3 sizes: the Small fits Bales up to 4' 4" ,the Large fits bale up to 5' 2" and the Extra Large fits bales up to 6' in diameter.

Findings:

I am using this product for about a month now and so far, it has met all my expectations! It is super durable, it colapses the way it should and yes, the horses play with it, paw at it, drag it around the paddock, but the hay stays inside. I added a slowfeed net to the top which I really like. It prevents them from stuffing their mouths full of hay and slows down their pace so they eat little amounts at a time, for yes, about 20 hrs a day. To fit the big bale buddy over the roundbale is a little tricky at first, but the advice given on their website about the tent peg, definetely worth a try if you are like me, struggling to get this thing to fit over the roundbale without any help. Depending on how tight or loose the roundbale is, one is easier to do than others. I am very excited about these Big Bale Buddies, that I am proudly selling them on my website for our Alaska customers!

Ariat? Thermal Chap

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Price: $109.95 MRSP

http://www.ariat.com/

Rating: ++++

Product Details:

Full grain leather outer leg
Cushioned suede inner panel
200g Thinsulate® insulation
Moisture wicking lining
Heavy duty Vislon® zipper
Elastic gore back panel
Contoured skirt over instep

Findings:

Too bad they are no longer available through Ariat, but you can still find them online at various locations. Price should be much lower. These are really nice chaps! They keep your lower leg nice and warm, while the upper leg gets cold with no other protection against the elements. I wear these all winter long over my Ariat Iceberg boots and have not had any cold toes and lower legs. They are durable like all Ariat products and fit perfectly. They have a durable zipper with Velcro closure. They are quilted suede on the inside with 200 grams of Thinsulate filling. Grab yourself a bargain online. I found these for under $25.00!

SKHOOP Original Skirt

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:04:00 +0000

Price: $119.00

http://snosmart.com/skirts.html

Rating: +++++

Product Description:

Versatile, insulated overskirt for cold and windy days. Great for walking, waiting for the bus or watching the hockey game in the bleachers. Open-ended zip on the right side makes it easy to take on and off. Zip on the left side up to the hip. Elastic at the back of the waistband for a good fit. Two zippered pockets on the front.

Findings:

As a lot of us are, I was too skeptical the Skhoop Skirts. Do they really keep you warm? Is it not too much work to put them on, on your way out to care for your horses? Nope they are everything I wanted. I got tired putting on snow pants several times a day to prevent my legs from getting cold while I was doing my barn chores, so I didn't bother and I got cold legs. Now, with the skirt, I find it so easy to slip them on over all kinds of clothes. They keep your legs toasty warm, they look great and they are actually very durable! I often forget to take them off when I get inside because they are so comfortable. Don't be afraid if they get all dirty, these wash up like new. The Skhoop Skirts are a must have around the barn doing chores. They come in a variety of sizes so everyone can wear one! And best of all, they are available locally, right here in Anchorage!

Mounted Mini Horse Play Round Toy

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Price: $49.50

http://www.horseplayproducts.com/

Rating: +++

Product Description:

This Mini HorseplayRound stall toy is mounted on the wall for stationary fun for your horse. Internal balls make noise while your horse spins the barrel, and self serve treats can be enjoyed as they fall to the ground out of a small side opening. (You provide the treats.) The 6” x 8” barrel and two black brackets are made from extremely durable hard plastic. All part edges are rounded and reinforced for safety and durabilty. Great for mounting on the wall of a stall or the side of a barn. Mounting instructions, lag screws and washers are included.

Findings:

My horses have tested this product for the past 3 years and it is holding up great. All that is needed are treats, but not any kind. With this toy, you need the right size treat to make it interesting enough for the horse to stay motivated but not too small either. Over the years, I have tried "healthy" treats such as sliced carrots, dried apples, compressed hay cubes of various sizes and I have found that size does matter. It keeps your horse entertained as well as the owners! A big disadvantage is however that you cannot take it apart for cleaning so plan ahead what you cram in there! But durable it is. Just a few bite marks but no cracks, holes or other damages. It is a little spendy, but it will last you a long time.

Freedom Feeder Haynets

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:16:00 +0000

Price: $40.00

http://freedomfeeder.com/

Rating: +++

Product Description:

The Freedom Feeder nets can be hung on fences, box stalls, laced closed and thrown on the ground like a pillow. They are made of 1/8"(3mm) Nylon mesh woven into 1 1/2" squares. This material has 250 lb. per strand of tensil strength! Each bag holds at least 35# of hay. These bags are extemely strong, however, some very aggressive horses will chew through them quickly. If this happens please send us an email, these horses need the bags most and we will work with you to make sure they have what they need.

Findings:

My horses tried several bags for about 2 months. I love the concept of the bags, the size, the ease of filling them and the price. I tied down the bottom so they would not flip them over the fence so with a few minor adjustments they worked fine. However, my horses chewed holes in them within a few weeks, so the durability has not been what I had hoped for. Customer Service from the Freedom Feeder has been absolutely wonderful so it is worth a try but I am still puzzled as to why mine failed under normal and non aggressive eating circumstances. I am looking forward to testing other nets made from different materials. I will keep you posted on my findings.