Got tips?

Lol. So, I was just wondering... Does anyone have any random tips for money saving, etc, or is there already a thread for this? Like, it's just awesome to share cool tricks we know, right? hahaha, here's a few of mine.

Instead of brushing your horses tail every day, braid it! and then, to protect it, put a tailbag over it.

You can make those oh so expensive tail bags by... taking a worn out shirt, or jeans, cutting them off, sewing one end shut and cutting little ties on the other end. Ta-da, works just as well, and you're not so worried about losing the $50 one you just bought.

Instead of buying new sawdust for your trailer, use old (not dusty) hay. Lots cheaper than sawdust.

Buy those expensive showshirts at bargain stores... or just find a shirt that has potential and add bling to it.

Share shirts and show clothes, along with horse blankets, halters and other show equipment with other people in your barn/club. Awesome and cheap!

Hmm... I thinks I have more, but I can't remember... lol, you guys have any?

Off the top of my head....

~Make my own fly spray
~Dilute shampoo (they're very concentrated anyway)
~Use vapor rub for preventative measures for thrush (recommended by farrier)
~Use Diapers, depends pads and absorbant sheets (the ones with the waterproof backing can't remember the name) for bandages for injuries , just be sure to cut off any elastic material.

That's all that I can think of for now.

vapor rub for thrush! GREAT idea!! i am so using that one tomorrow. :)

I also use sanitary pads for bandages. :)
I use baby shampoo from the dollar store.
I make my own saddle pads.
I only buy used tack, almost always.
Make my own fly spray.
I walk or ride my bicycle to the stable to save gas.

Make your own saddle pads?!
Please tell me how you do this?!haha

I crochet anything I can.... fly masks, polo wraps, saddle blankets, saddle pads, tail bags, mane bags...
And I make my own rope halters/lead ropes

Thats awesome. I bet it saves a heck of a lot of money. I have no idea how to sew, or crochet, so I guess that doesnt help me out at all. But I was just curious!

chrocheting is SO EASY. I'm still a beginner and I've been able to make some pretty cool things. You should give it a shot some time. This book teaches you everything and it's really easy to follow: I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting: Updated Edition - Crochet - Leisure Arts - The Art of Everyday Living

And you make saddle pads by crocheting? How well do they hold up??

They hold up great! I do, though, have to sew fleece onto it by hand (easy to do... you can get fleece at most fabric stores). And you want to use whool yarn for the blankets and pads. It breathes the best =)

I'm a crazy crocheter too I make little hats for my horses. And saddle pads, little flowery clip things to put in tails, and lots of other stuff!

My Tips Include:

~Dilute Miracle Groom in water; that's stuff is so great but so costly.
~Never ride on a windy day unless you're SURE that you horse isn't scared of flapping stuff.
~Never cross tie in a rope halter; bad things happen.
~Spray horses behind the ears when you wash them. Makes them feel so much better afterwards
~ Never look at your horse while riding; look ahead.
~ If you can't get your horse to take the bit, put some honey on it.
~Get items to desensitize your horse at the dollar store or the like.
~Don't try to give your horse water out of a human water bottle.
~When catching your horse, don't want in a straight line to it. Zig zag.

Well, I would write more but I'm tired.