Cashmans Horse Equipment Outlet Drive Thru Feed Store

It's the time of year again! We are loving these cool mornings, and gorgeous days! Now is the perfect time to be thinking about those fencing projects! Whether you are wanting to put up a new fence completely, or just wanting to clean up and replace parts of your fence… We have everything you should need for fencing projects.

There are a lot of options to consider and fencing can become a costly investment. The arrangement and location of your fence can affect your building efficiency, so it is smart to plan ahead before you build. Knowing the type of fence you are looking to build and planning you layout with a fence expert are going to really save you time and money in you fence building adventure. Simple things like putting gates on a corner instead of in the middle of a run is something that everybody may not think of, but an expert would be able to suggest for you to save you money and time!

If you bring in your land layout and measurements, with an idea of what type of fence you'd like to put up we are happy to help get a quote together for you!

This weekend, we'd like to send out a special thanks to all of our service men and women. In honor of Memorial Day, we will be closed on Monday May 25th. We hope you all have a great holiday weekend & don't forget those who have given their lives for our freedom.

The Cashman Family

What happened to spring?! Man, did the weather just jumped right up there!

We are definitely enjoying the overcast sky and cooler weather today. April was a very busy month for us, and we've worked hard to extend some specials for all of our customers!

May is the perfect time to be thinking about fencing – and if you are, let us help! We have a very accurate fence estimator on our website. Be sure to fill in the correct email, as after you've completed the fence estimator, you will receive as special thank you from us!

We were also able to keep the Fortiflex 5 Gallon Flat-Back buckets at $4.99. WHAT A STEAL!

In may we also have some special financing available on Spreaders & 50′ or larger round pens. 18 months 0% interest from May 20th – June 2nd. Which means two weeks of extra savings! The Cashmans Horse Series also come s with a $100 gift card with purchase!

                 Bobcat ProCat 52″ Deck

May is also Mower Month! There are some great buyer incentives out right now. There is $250 Mail-in-rebate good on the Predator-Pro & Procat Mowers. This rebate also EXTENDS YOUR WARRANTY! We are also running a 48 Months 0% Interest if paid in full!

For a horse equipment store, we do chickens right! Today we had a rep from Nutrena, Tiffany Pattison, out to talk to customers about chick care, and nutrition. The display and presentation all looked great! It has also been nice to be able to have an event such as this while our April sale is taking place.

BUCKETS, SOOOOOOO MANY BUCKETS….

If you haven't stopped in and stocked up yet, you are seriously not going to want to miss these prices! We were able to pass along some great prices, but the deals won't last long!

There won't be an article in the Corral in this month… but we are working on something GREAT! Keep an eye out for our fencing SERIES that will be coming in months ahead.

Round Pen Buyer's Guide:

By Christy Beaver

It seems very few training tools pay for themselves like a round pen does.  A high degree of training can be accomplished from the safety of the ground that can be transferred to under-saddle work.  By working properly in a round pen, you can really gain a horse's trust. You will want to establish yourself as the leader of the herd. Your horses should think of you as a safe and reliable leader. This connection needs to be created without creating fear; the goal is communication not domination.

Being mindful of your horse's body language is going to make this process easier. Your horse will let you know if they are frightened, bored, or comfortable. You'll want your horse to have their poll about level with their withers; this is typically a good sign that they are relaxed, but still paying attention to you. Pay close attention to your horse's ears as well, as they will tell you a lot. With consistency, you'll be surprised how subtle your cues can be and your horse still responds accordingly.  With every training tool out there, you'll want to make sure you are using the round pen correctly, so you don't hurt your horse. If you would like to learn more about round pen training, contact a reputable trainer in your area.

Before you go out and buy a round pen, there are some important factors that you'll want to take into account. First, remember safety matters. Safety is a huge factor that should carry some weight in your buying decision. Round pens come in a variety of different attachment systems, and panel shapes. There are many different attachment systems. Chain attachment panels are used more commonly for cattle enclosures, as they allow for 3-4 panels to be attached at one point. Chain attachments do not provide a lot of stability. An 'I pin' or 'drop pin' is a popular attachment in the light, economy style panels. It provides for an easy set-up and tear down, but a horse could easily get caught on the pin itself.  Then, there is a 'J Hook' attachment. It provides a safer connection than the drop pin, but still poses a risk of a horse getting a halter or something caught on the pin. A 'rodeo latch' is the safest type of attachment that you can get. Rodeo latches have no sharp edges, allowing for a smaller gap between panels – creating a safer environment for a horse to get a halter or something stuck on.  The connection is still very simple, but is strong enough for even the heaviest of panels. Most manufacturers put the rodeo latch on their best panels.

             Now, let's talk panel shape. There are two main shapes, rounded corner panels and squared corner panels. Rounded corner panels, or corral panels, aren't recommended for horses.  This is because when two corral panels are placed together, it creates a V where a hoof or even tack can get easily caught. The squared edged panels are what we call "horse safe" panels. This is because the panels, when placed together, are close together at the top to help prevent a horse, or tack, getting caught between the panels.

Second, remember strength matters. How you are using the space will also determine the strength of panel you will need. Will you be working older, or more broke horses? Breaking young horses, or maybe even occasionally containing cattle? We offer round pens from 'economy' to 'super duty' and everything in between. The strength of a panel is determined by its weight. An 'economy' panel only weighs around 40 pounds, where 'super duty' panels weigh around 120 pounds.

Third, remember size matters.  A round pen can be bought in packaged sizes ranging from 40 to 80 feet in diameter. What you are going to be using the round pen for will determine the size of the round pen you require. If you're just looking for a small area for a turn-out for a horse, you can opt for the smaller size such as a 40'. If you're looking for an area to do basic ground work such longeing, a 50-foot-diameter is going to suit your needs. However, if you're going to be doing more extensive training such as long lining or even riding and breaking young horses, experts suggest a 60-foot-diameter pen or larger.

If you buy a size and decide you need more space down the road, you are able to add on to the diameter of your round pen. Panels are offered ranging from 8' to 16' in length. Typical round pens are packaged together with 12' panels, which is the most popular size. When buying a round pen using smaller panels, such as 8' or 10' lengths, the price per linear foot raises anywhere from 10-15%. When you get into the longer lengths, such as the 14 and 16-foot lengths, the panels get almost too heavy for one person to handle.

            So you bought a round pen, and you've got it home…Now what? There are a few more things that you'll want to consider. You'll want to think about types of footing, footing depth,  drainage, maintenance and dust control. You'll want to carefully choose the location that you want to set up your pen in, considering these things. If you don't have the large equipment to correctly prepare and compact your base, contact a local contractor. If drainage is a big issue in your area, you may want a mixed layer of #2 and #4 sized gravel as a base below your top dress, to encourage drainage. Contact your local quarry for more information on what is offered in your area.  Drainage issues can also be helped by placing your round pen in the highest flat point on your property. You'll want your round pen area sitting at least a foot above ground level for proper drainage.

            Thinking about the type of footing, non silicon sand limestone mix is the most common footing and is relatively inexpensive. You'll want an average of 2-3 inches of footing. You'll want it deep enough to provide sufficient concussion protection, without putting too much stress on your horse's tendons and ligaments. As you are thinking about the type of footing you'd like, keep in mind dust control. There are different types of sand additives, or rubber type products that cut down on dust. A dusty environment is health issues for horses and humans, so great footing or additives are an investment worth making. As far as your maintenance, that will be very dependent on the footing type you go with.  You'll want to make sure you keep the surface smooth, and free of ruts. One nice thing is you'll be able to pull open a panel or two to use an ATV with a harrow, or other grooming equipment. Once you have your base put in, and your footing on top, it's time to set up those panels! Once your pen is set up, it is time to get working on building your relationship with your horse(s)!

March is a busy month for us! Our first show of the month is at MSU's Stallion Expo. Attendance seemed to be up this year, and it was a great show for us! Of course we enjoyed the great food too! If you've never been to the show and haven't eaten Vickie's Grand Grillin' I highly suggest it! Vickie's was has been on Food Court Wars as well. Here is a link to her site: http://www.grandgrillin.com/ Another favorite of mine during the trip was Stillwater Grill. I highly suggest the Cajun Sirloin Tips, if you are into the sweet and spicy taste. Here is a link to their website: https://stillwatergrill.com/index.php.

But enough about food, I'm making myself hungry! Now that MSU is all said and done, we are gearing up for our next show. This coming weekend is the Beef Expo at Columbus Expo Center, and we are in the Voinovich building. We carry Tarter's full line of cattle equipment, and keep everything from headgates, squeeze shoots, sweep systems, to feeder panels and calf pass throughs in stock.

April brings on a whole new set of challenges for us, but we wouldn't have it any other way! For the whole month of April we are doing a BIG sale here at our location in Delaware, OH instead of going to Equine Affaire. We will be running specials on everything from buckets, round pens, spreaders, mats, and everything else you should need for your horses! Also in April we will be having a one-day-only "Chick Chat" day. This day will be on April 18th. We will be running specials on chicken feed, like chick starter, chicken feeders and waterers. We will also be having a Nutrena Rep in from 10am – 2pm to answer any questions you may have! We will also be having all sorts of fun give-a-ways and activities for the whole family!

Along with our April Sale we will have an article featured in The Horseman's Corral Magazine and Horse Circuit News about the advantages to round pens, and a buyers guide when looking to buy a round pen. We are happy to answer any and all questions you may have. We are proud to have such a knowledgeable staff!

Manure Management

By: Christy Beaver

    It's finally March, and we are springing forward! With longer days, and shorter nights, we are all thinking about the warmer days ahead…and riding more. What about manure management, and that smelly manure pile you have out back? This is the perfect time of the year to be thinking about these things.

Manure management is a stinky topic that any farm owner needs to be knowledgeable about. When animal waste isn't managed properly, it can pollute the environment, and potentially do more harm than good. Mismanaged manure piles can pollute ground and surface water with: nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon, effect air quality, and can even pose a fire hazard.

It's estimated that a single 1,000 pound horse produces an average of 50 pounds of manure a day! Multiply that by 3 or even 15 horses and that's a lot of poo! You also have to take into account if they are stalled; you're adding 15-20 pounds of bedding. As we all know, this piles up fast! You have a few options as far as how you are going to manage manure on your farm.

One way to manage manure is by composting it. Composting is a long process that also needs to be carefully managed. There are many great advantages to composting, and is a great way to support a sustainable agriculture. The process of composting converts nitrogen into a stable form that is slowly released as crops need it. Composting: increases the value of the manure, kills parasites, weed seeds, and decreases the overall volume of waste. You have some options for composting. There are very knowledgeable companies that specialize in composting and Aerated Static Pile Composting. Aerated composting significantly increases the rate of composting, by introducing oxygen directly into the compost pile. Composting with this type of system mitigates foul smells better, as well as reducing fly populations. Aerated composting also degrades vaccines, de-wormers, and antibiotics that are passed through our animals.

There are also some pitfalls to composting. Compost piles have been known to spontaneously combust. For this reason, they should be located away from barns and other buildings. Piles must also be turned on a regular basis, depending on the internal temperature. Although, if you go with an aerated system, it does not have to be turned! There is a lot of science involved in composting. A properly managed pile is watched for: internal temperature readings, moisture content, and even carbon to nitrogen ratios. With ideal conditions, this process can take as little as 3 months with frequent turning. Aerated systems typically take around 30 days.

Disposal is another consideration for manure. There are some companies that will rent you a dumpster and empty it on a regular basis. This option is typically costly, though it does remove the manure from your property completely. Another disposal option you have is spreading it. Spreading doesn't just get rid of the manure, but it also adds fertilizing nutrients back into the soil. There is a vast difference in spreading manure, versus spreading compost.

  Spreading compost improves soil tilt permeability, and helps soil retain moisture. If you spread compost, versus spreading manure directly, you are cutting the number of parasites that populate your fields; potentially re-infecting your animals. Spreading compost also reduces the number of weed seeds that are making their way back to your pasture. Spreading manure can circulate parasites and weeds back into your pastures. If spreading manure instead of compost, be sure to check your local and state laws.

The most popular decision is to spread compost; the next question is where do you start? There are a lot of spreader models out there, and of course many things you should take into consideration when buying a spreader. First, take a look at your equipment. Do you only have an ATV or a smaller garden tractor? Do you have a compact tractor, or a standard tractor? Your smaller spreaders are going to be ground driven units, but as you get into medium sized units you may have the option of ground drive or a PTO driven spreader, where the large units are PTO only. You'll also want to know what horsepower your equipment has when shopping for spreaders and comparing models.

Next, think about size. Do you want to be able to pull it down your barn isle and put manure directly into the spreader as you are cleaning stalls, or do you want to pile it up and spread it all at once later? Additional things you might want to think about, regarding size, would be how low it sits to the ground. If you are dumping muck tubs, or even pitching the manure directly into the spreader you don't want to have to throw it up to get in the spreader and risk hurting your back.  Also, think about how many horses you have. If you have four horses, a compact spreader will be sufficient. If you have five or more horses, or are just looking to make less trips to dump your pile, a bigger spreader is going to be helpful.

Now on to a big factor… Price. Compact spreaders are great for the budget conscious horse owner. They start with a basic model, but also offer great add ons. Add ons typically, are things such as: a poly-urethane liner, dolly wheel, or even end gates. The poly-urethane liner adds to the life of the spreader. If you're looking for longevity, there are also stainless steel spreaders on the market today. A dolly wheel is going to be great on the smaller units, as you won't have to have them attached to a piece of machinery; you could easily push it down the barn aisle or into a stall if needed. End gates are great when dumping into the spreader; the end gate would be placed down to keep manure from rolling right out the back, and then lifted up when it's time to dump.

Finally, when making an investment, such a buying a manure spreader, think of life longevity and safety features. Factors that affect the life of a spreader would be things such as the type of metal it is made of, and how that metal is treated. You'll see spreaders that are made of Cor-Ten steel and then painted. The advantage to working with Cor-Ten steel is that it is cheaper.  The problem with Cor-Ten steel is that it is a porous steel, that creates a protective layer on its surface by weathering. When building with Cor-Ten steel, special welding techniques may be needed to ensure that weld points weather at the same rate. Painting weathering steel is no more corrosion-resistant than conventional steel. In fact, painting Cor-ten steel doesn't allow the metal to breath and weather, causing paint to peel or chip, and eventually rusting at a faster rate. If you want a unit to last longer, look for a unit made with a carbon steel, that has been primed correctly for powder coated paint, or even an all stainless steel unit. A good carbon steel unit is going to outlast a Cor-ten unit, but a stainless steel unit is going to last you a lifetime.

You also will want to take into consideration the type of drive system and apron assembly a unit has, as these are very important factors of your spreader. A spreader with a drive system made out of gears and chains is going to last you longer than one made from belts. You'll also want to pay attention to the type of metal and the design of the apron slats and links. T-Rod links are easy to remove and replace if needed, and I've even seen them in stainless steel as well. Take into consideration the availability of parts as well. Years down the road, if and when you have problems with your spreader, are you going to be able to easily get a hold of parts, or are you going to get the run around?

Think about where your grease points are and how often they will need attention. Sealed bearings are a modern technology that doesn't need to be greased, which not only makes your job easier, but keeps maintenance low. Also think about the body style. Are the edges sharp or nicely rounded? If you or your horses accidently bump into the unit, I'm going to guess you're going to want no sharp edges. Lighter units have been made without compromising the integrity of the units by updating their technology. Things such as where the tongue attaches to the body of the spreader may have been something that you didn't think about but, ultimately affects the life of your spreader. Warranties on units are always a great thing to know. I've seen warranties as great as 3 year complete, 10 year lining warranty, and even lifetime floor warranties on one unit.

Now that you know the horsepower of your current equipment, how many animals you have, what features are available that you want, what you can expect the life of your spreader to be, and your budget… It's time to get shopping!

    Cashman's Horse Equipment is a family owned and operated business specializing in all your horse equipment needs. Started in 1979 by Pat and Kristen Cashman, as a drive thru feed store in Delaware Ohio, we've been open for 35 years. We specialize in horse equipment such as: watering systems, fencing, stalls, rubber flooring, manure spreaders, gates, and round pen panels. We are open 9A.M. – 6 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Please visit our website www.cashmans.com or call 800-500-5804 to learn more about the products we offer.

All of here are thinking warm thoughts! We got quite a bit of snow on Saturday, and hear there is still more to come later this week. We are working diligently on some exciting things coming up for us in the next few months. In March, we have two large shows. The Michigan Stallion Expo at Michigan State University is March 13th -15th, and then we have the Ohio Beef Expo in Columbus on March 20th – 22nd. We are excited to show off our new All Weather Hay feeders and Thermal Buckets, both which are great to have in this nasty winter weather.

In April, we won't be going to Equine Affair this year. We've decided to stay here at our location, which is only about 30 minutes north of the Columbus Fairgrounds! We are able to give bigger and better discounts if we stay here, and trust me you can't afford to miss these deals we are going to have! We will have a large load of Fortiflex products, Millcreek Spreaders, and SO MUCH MORE!

Also in April, we will be have a Chick Chat day. It will be April 18th, and we will have some great deals on chick feed, and accessories, free give-a-ways, and more! Be sure to keep checking back with us, as we will be posting more info about these events. Also, if you are in the store, be sure to fill out one of our green customer forms, to enter in a drawing for a $50 gift card!

With two trailers in tow, and white out conditions…We braved the winter storm that blew through here on Saturday, to head up to the Findlay Tack Swap. We always enjoy going to trade shows, and meeting new and existing customers! If you missed us at Findlay, the next show we will be at is the Stallion Expo at Michigan State University! Check out our event page on Facebook for more information on this event!

      Old Man Winter has finally arrived here in central Ohio. Temperatures are steadily staying below freezing, with wind chills below zero. The freezing temps and the ice that follows is undoubtedly the worst part of winter. Making the trek out to the far field with buckets of water to fill the trough, or the constant battle of ice in the water buckets; as annoying (and cold) as that is, breaking the ice is a necessity.

Monitoring your horse's water intake is just as important in the cold winter months as it is in the hot summer months.  As the temperature drops each degree under 18⁰F the energy needs for your horse increases about 1%. These energy needs are typically met by feeding more hay, but be sure there is always access to clean water.

Vet clinics see an increase of colic cases between December and March.  The increase in feeding hay, which is dryer than a summer grass and a lack of access to water, can cause an impaction and ultimately causing a horse to colic. Water is essential for many metabolic activities, including: the utilization and digestion of nutrients, and gut movement. Water isn't only important for gut function, but also plays a part is the regulation of body temperature, muscle strength, and joint lubrication.

With a horse's body being composed of 65% to 75% water, the typical horse weighing 1,000 to 1,200 pounds needs an average of 8 to 10 gallons of water daily. Colic isn't the only deadly condition that a lack of water can cause. Although dehydration symptoms don't typically show until 5% of the horse's body weight is lost, it is also important to know the symptoms of dehydration. Symptoms such as weakness, depression, sunken in eyes, dry gums, and a slow capillary refill time are some of the classic signs of dehydration.

There are a few suggestions you can follow to help keep your horse healthy and safe during the winter. Salt and trace minerals increase the consumption of water, and it is suggested that you offer them free choice. It is suggested that you try to keep water temperatures between 45⁰F- 65⁰F to maximize water consumption. We know this is difficult, especially during the bitter freezing temperatures. Fortunately for you and your horses, there are quite a few different options to help you achieve the suggested temperature for water.

There are three main ways you can provide unfrozen, clean water to horses that are in a pasture.  If you have existing water troughs in the pastures and electric close by, you can use a tank de-icer. These come in three different options. One option is a universal drain hole de-icer. You start with an empty tank; slide the de-icer plug through the drain plug hole, until you reach the drain plug. Then tighten the plug so that no water leaks out, fill the tank with water and plug in! These are nice because the thermostatically controlled heater sits so close to the bottom that horses can't play with it and the cord can easily be hidden.

For your tanks that don't have a drain plug, you have the option of either a floating or a submersible de-icer. Sometimes, these are combined into one and called a convertible de-icer. The floating models often come with a Styrofoam float to keep them at the water's surface. The down side of these is that if you have a horse that likes to play with everything, they will most likely play with the float and possibly the cord. The submersible unit sits at the bottom of the tank, so horses can't play with it, but the cord still comes out of the top of the tank which can be hard to hide.

Another option you have out in the pasture is automatic watering systems.  Automatic watering systems are great, as they offer as much water as the horses may need. They are typically very low maintenance, and easy to clean, and no cords to hide. There are a few styles and types. There is a heavy-grade plastic brand with 2-3 inches of insulation inside them that you can add a heat unit to. There are also some metal automatic watering systems that have a heating tube you can add. Though automatic watering systems are more popular out in the pasture areas, they are offered in smaller sizes for stalls in both styles also.

Automatic watering systems can be costly and a headache to put in a barn if the barn is already existing. To keep water from freezing in the barn and stalls, you have a couple options. One option you have is a thermostatically controlled heated water bucket. Like the other heated products, the heated water bucket should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, protected outlet without using extension cords. Extension cords can cause sparks, and are dangerous to have inside or around barns. A GFCI protected outlet will help your horse from potentially getting shocked if there is a short in the unit.

If you don't have electric close enough to your stalls to plug each unit in directly, or just don't feel comfortable having something plugged in most of the time, you do have another option. This option would be a thermal bucket. Thermal buckets have 2-3" of insulation in a sturdy bucket holder that comes in either a durable plastic or metal. They also come with a 5 gallon plastic bucket, and a plastic float. As the horses drink out of the bucket, they have to push the float down, which keeps the water moving. The more your horse drinks, and the bucket needs to be refilled the better these buckets work.  No matter which option you choose remember, water is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer!

This blog has been created to help share our knowledge surrounding the horse equipment needs.

Check back periodically, as we are going to be covering a wide variety of topics. If you have any topics that you'd like to see us cover, just let us know!

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