Everyone who loves animals is heartbroken by images of neglect or cruelty. We most often think of this in regards to dogs and cats or other household pets. Many don't realize this is also a problem in the equine community.

But the Humane Society has stepped up with a program to build a network to address the problem. Watch this:

With these bigger animals comes a need for bigger solutions. By creating a network of providers across the nation, resources like pasture, hay, and stalls can be ready on an emergency basis.

If you love horses and have the resources to help, please contact the Humane Society of America and ask them about Safe Stalls.

Climate is, of course, as much of a factor of comfort for your horse as it is for you. The desire to take shelter from intense heat, biting wind, or a downpour is as natural for equines as for humans.

Not everyone can afford a full barn for their horses and there is a range of options that can fill the need. One is a pasture run-in. The run-in is an open structure that may or many not have storage or a feed bin. This allows your horse to get out of the weather at will without you having to bring them inside to a stable. 

A popular design, especially when space is limited, is a building with stalls attached to a small covered area called a run. The set-up can be further configured by adding stall gates to limit or expand a horse’s options. 

We recommend building a run off the stall with an extended roof over it. Your horse has the ability to go outside under the roof or further outside under the sky. It's a progression of confinement: the stall, the run, a paddock, and the pasture. Ultimate equine flexibility.

Keep climate in mind. A run-in shed that converts to stalls with only a gate will not be nearly as cozy as a structure with walls and would not be a good option if warmth is a concern.

Some companies manufacture moveable sheds that might be ideal in some climates but would not work in areas of constant windy conditions. These types of structures can be dismantled or moved with a tractor to give pastures a rest.

The first consideration is your goal. What is the most important and economical thing you can do with your budget?

You can phase a project as well. You can grow your equine facility by planning for that from the beginning. Perhaps you can only afford the posts and the roof for a run-in but your desire is to eventually have a concrete aisle and tack room.

You can later add walls, concrete, electricity, and lighting. Design for that from day one and keep your dream in sight. 

According to IBISWorld, a leading market research company, a "return to disposable income will boost spending on race- and recreational horses" as well as on equine products in general in 2012.

IBISWorld predicts after a negative 2.7% growth from 2006-2011, we're poised for growth from the end of 2011 through 2016. And by some significant margins.

Profits on $1.6 billion in revenue should be around $82.2 million for more than 106,000 businesses in this sector. The recovery over this period is expected to get an initial bump in 2012, with revenue projected to grow 2.7%.

Good News

This is good news not only for those of us in the equine industry but for everyone who loves horses. Increased revenues means new players can enter the market and offer innovative products and services for those of us who ride.

Horses for recreation have never fallen out of favor in the U.S., even in tough times. Over two million people in the U.S. own the nearly ten million horses that reside here.

Over 4.5 million people are employed in the horse industry in some way.

And lest you think that horses are only for the well-to-do, nearly half of all horse owners have an income between $25,000 and $75,000. People love horses.

Through 2016, per capita disposable income is forecast to grow at an average annualized rate of 1.6%, twice the rate observed during the previous five years.

A depreciated U.S. dollar will boost export demand for horses, and equine products and services. Through 2016, the Horse and Other Equine Production industry is forecast to be on its way to pre-recessionary levels.

So this may be the year to get started on that dream project for your equine pals. Perhaps a new run-in, a new barn, or a new horse arena has been in the back of your mind for a while. Give us a call and let's talk about making your dream a reality.

Personal technology is something that has been overlooked by the horse industry, but that’s beginning to change, with some very useful results. There are many innovative applications for mobile devices that can bring a lot of value both to the life of a horse owner and to the life of a horse. In this post we will highlight just a few. There are many out there, so explore, and talk to other equestrians.

TrailLogger, http://traillogger.com/

This is a simple, handy app that logs the time you spend riding. This can be useful for horse owners who would like to officially keep track of their hours in the saddle, as many horse associations offer recognition based on hours logged.

Endomondo, http://www.endomondo.com/login

While this is not an application specifically designed for horse owners, it has become very popular as it spans many possible uses. A few of our friends have been using this with great success, and enjoyment.

Equicalc, http://www.equiapps.com/equicalc/

Knowing your horse’s weight is vital when evaluating things like medication and the amount of food he needs. If you don’t have immediate access to an actual livestock scale, you know that you have to guesstimate your horse’s weight. Not anymore! The equicalc app for iPhone helps you estimate your horse’s weight using a couple of simple measurements of your horse that you can take yourself. This application can help horse owners be more confident that they’re taking care of their horse in a way best suited to their individual needs.

HorseMinder, http://horseminder.mobi/

This is yet another useful app for your iPhone that creates individually tailored plans for your horse’s parasite control, and automatically calculates the dates on which your horse will need deworming. It also keeps records and individual histories of each of your horses - all you have to do is plug in your horse’s name.

Silversand Horsemanship Foundation Skills, http://www.irishhorsemanship.com/greyhorseapps/equestrian-apps/silversand-foundation-1/

As a co-op effort launched by GreyHorseApps.com and Silversand Horsemanship. Ahead of the curve on many levels, The Silversand Foundation Skills Series app specifically focuses on teaching horse owners how to understand the thinking and psychology of their horse. It includes video content showcasing Australian horse trainer Steve Halfpenny, an innovative leader in the industry, and helps build your horse’s confidence, which in turn strengthens the relationship between you and your horse. This type of understanding and empathy makes for an overall better experience for both horse and rider. Halfpenny is a master at seeing the world through a horse’s eyes, and has geared the series to teach the horse owner to understand this horse-centric view. The application is very thorough, each 1-hour episode featuring a principle in a progressive course of foundational skills for you and your horse to practice and master.

The Silversand website itself also features many other helpful, fun, and even funny applications utilizing Halfpenny’s philosophy. One entertaining application, called “What Horses Think,” uses advancements in “equine telepathy and horse telecommunications” to tell the inquisitive horse owner exactly what his horse’s thoughts are at any given moment.

Grey Horse Apps has a robust web site with lots to explore.

Do you have an idea for an application? There are some developers and sites out there offering places for you to submit ideas. Search them out during your web browsing and also learn of upcoming applications.