NORTH COUNTRY RIDER |
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Tack Room: Lifts, soles — and maybe even a genie
A MOUSE in your hand could benefit the horse in your barn ...
You’re probably not wild about spending any additional time in front of a computer, but a Colorado company promises its new software will make it easier to manage your horse life, especially if you run an equine business.
EquineGenie, a new horse management computer program by GenieCo Inc., addresses each horse’s requirements (routines, learning habits, feeding schedules, medical history), but adds expert recommendations, a daily calendar and task reminder, and a host of business reports — staffing, inventory, and profit and loss.
According to the manufacturer, the new software simplifies record-keeping for registration, training, showing, nutrition, reproduction, transportation, building maintenance, client account management and other facets of raising, promoting and selling horses.
And using the software won’t necessarily leave you desk-bound. The professional version features a handheld electronic gizmo that allows the user to enter information on the spot — in the barn, at the feed store, tack shop or horse show. The entries can be downloaded later to update information on a home-base computer.
None of this is cheap, however. EquineGenie costs $549, while EquineGenie Pro (which includes the pocket computer) sells for $895. More specifications and pricing information is available at www.equinegenie.com.
HERE’S A company that wants to be your horse’s sole mate ...
Vibram, the outfit that makes tough rubber soles for some of the world’s most popular boots, claims it’s revolutionizing hoof protection with a full line of rubber hoof pads.
The new product line, which includes rim- and full-pad shapes, provides cushioning and shock absorption, might assist in treating lameness and might prevent future hoof and leg problems, says the company.
Each pad features two-layered construction that protects the inner hoof and locks tight against the nailed shoe. The softer inner layer mounts against the hoof and provides wear and abrasion resistance. The firmer outer layer is, ideally, riveted to metal shoes to provide optimal longevity as a hardened, rubber hoof shield.
The pads ($9 to $11 wholesale) were first introduced at a farriers’ trade show in February and are now carried by many farrier supply houses across the country. Your own shoer may be the best source of information for the Vibram hoof pads, but you can get more info from www.vibram.us/hoof_pads/ or www.valleyfarrier.com.
SIZE MATTERS, particularly when you’re not so tall and your pickup truck is honkin’ huge ...
What’s the easiest way to reach over the tailgate to grab a hammer or stretch a bungee cord?
One California company’s solution is a fold-up step that bolts to the your truck’s rear bumper to offer an easy foothold for getting up and into the truck’s bed.
AMP Research, a manufacturer of truck accessories, says its new BedStep installs on a truck’s rear bumper in less than 20 minutes using simple tools. The spring-loaded, cam design step — made of high-strength aluminum — deploys and retracts with a simple nudge from a foot. It can be used with the tailgate open or closed.
“Climbing in and out of a truck bed has become harder and more dangerous as trucks and rear bumper heights have gotten higher and higher,” says a company press release. “Climbing up into the bed is a challenge in itself and jumping down is hard on knees and backs.”
The new device is available for GM, Ford, Dodge and Toyota trucks with conventional beds and bumpers. Information is available at www.amp-research.com.
