Keeping a black horse black

Having Friesian crosses as well as a black TN Walker at one point, I have frequently struggled with keeping their coats black and not fading out in the summer. My TN Walker would have a jet black coat when his summer or winter hair came in, but by the end of the season, he faded to almost a dun color! He was the one horse that seemed to have the most significant color change. 

Mane and Tail dye.... Bigen!

Proper nutrition: A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for maintaining a healthy and shiny coat. Copper deficiency can cause a coat to bleach excessively in the sun. Some coat supplements contain Paprika, which does seem to help prevent bleaching, although it will test if you show your horse.
 
Regular grooming: Grooming your horse regularly helps to distribute natural oils throughout the coat, which can help keep it shiny and healthy. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris, and a curry comb to remove loose hair and promote circulation.
 
Sun protection: Exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause fading and damage to your horse's coat, especially for black horses. Provide shade or use a fly sheet or UV-protective coat to help protect your horse's coat from the sun. There are also some coat sprays that contain sunscreen, which I would recommend.
 
Rinse off sweat: Sweat is very salty, which can cause further damage and bleaching to the horse's coat.  If the weather is conducive to it, hose off your horse after exercise to keep the coat free of sweat.  This will also help with flies.
 
 
Remember that each horse is unique and has different coat care requirements, so it's essential to monitor your horse's coat regularly and adjust your care routine accordingly. If you have any concerns about your horse's coat or overall health, consult with a veterinarian or equine specialist.

Both these horses below are jet black when they first change coats with the seasons.  The one on the left (since passed away), would always turn almost a light bay color by the end of summer.  My Friesian will turn reddish, as will the tips of his mane and tail, in the sun.

Lesson Ideas cheat sheet saddle tag

 I came up with this idea after a friend told me that she used index cards on a binder ring, attached to her saddle D ring to help learn dressage tests.

I frequently find myself deciding to do ring work, only to draw a complete blank on all the lesson plans and riding exercises I just read about, not sure what exactly I should work on.  Hence, my laminated practice drills cards! This is my first draft.... I thought I could make various decks, such as "dressage lesson", "bomb-proofing", "jumping", and "ground work", and each deck could be a different color.

I also like the idea of having diagrams for set up of jumps, cavalletti, and riding figures.  Not sure how feasible this is in a size small enough to be clipped to the saddle, though.  I shall have to experiment a bit.

These cards are about 4" x 2". 

I currently have my basic riding set, and my groundwork set.  But really, you could make them for all sorts of different disciplines, from dressage exercises, to trick training!  Thoughts, opinions?

Updates around the farm... Foxhound Puppy!

 Well, it has been much too long since I have updates, so here we go!  My most exciting news is the addition of Bella, a foxhound puppy that I was gifted by the Marlborough Hunt Club.  She is the sweetest little thing you've ever seen, and growing like a weed! She is almost 7 months old and looks to be just about full grown.... something I am not used to!

My past few dogs were King Shepherds, and they didn't look full grown until at least a year old.  At any rate, here are a number of photos of my sweet girl for you viewing enjoyment!