74 SIDELINES MAY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
The Benefts of Stall Waterers
When it comes to stall waterers, horse owners tend to either refuse to
use them or will swear by them.
If you already have an automatic waterer installed in your horses’
stalls, you probably have a list of things that you have found to be
benefcial. For those of you still dragging hoses and or carrying buckets,
you may fnd that automatic waterers will beneft you after all.
Stop carrying buckets
– How much time do you spend each day
flling buckets? Horses can drink an average of 10 gallons of water a
day. This means that you will need to fll their 5 gallon buckets at least
twice a day under normal health and weather conditions. An automatic
waterer can do this for you. No more reflling or carrying buckets. Your
horse will have fresh water on demand 24 hours a day.
Monitor your horse’s drinking
–Acommon thought is that if you are
watering your horses with buckets, you can ensure how much your horse
is drinking. More and more watering companies have water meters as
accessories to their automatic waterers. Some models are basic that will
monitor the gallons used, while others are digital and readily accessible
for easy monitoring.
Stationary and Durable –
How many times has your horse thrown
its water bucket or been able to dump out the water? Most stall waterers
are mounted to the stall wall with heavy-duty bolts. The close quarters
require the waterers to be durable to withstand kicking, rubbing and
chewing.
Warmer in the Winter, Cooler in the Summer –
Automatic stall
waterers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a variety
of materials. When researching waterers, you will fnd inexpensive
galvanizedwaterers to fully insulatedplasticandmetal units. All automatic
Sidelights
waterers function by
being attached to a main
water source. In most
cases, the water source
is buried, which will
keep the incoming water
cooler. Stall waterers
that feature the fully
insulated casing will
help maintain the cooler
water
temperatures.
The same casing will
also help keep the water
warmer in the winter.
Coupled with energy
effcient heaters, the
insulated waterers will
ensure that you will not
need to carry buckets, even on the coldest days. These models are also
less expensive to run than drop in or bucket heaters.
Individual waterers –
Stall waterers are stationary and installed
individually. There is no shared water source, which makes them ideal
for quarantine situations. With the installation of a water meter, you can
monitor every aspect of your horses’ water intake.
Other factors –
Many of the automatic stall waterers on the market
today have a long life; some of the top stall waterers feature a 10 year
warranty. Spend less time flling and cleaning water buckets and more
time in the saddle. Instead of worrying if the bucket is full, have peace
of mind that the waterer is already full.
For more information on quality, reliable stall waterers, visit
RitchieEquine.com.
Great New Shirt from Kerrits
Moisture-Wicking Bamboo Enhances Kerrits’ New Airgyle Riding Shirt
Spring is in the air and the design team at Kerrits has introduced a new wrap
collar riding top designed to look sharp and perform fawlessly in warmer
temps. The Airgyle Riding Shirt is built with Kerrits’ uncompromising
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“What sets this shirt apart is its breathable, moisture-releasing functionality
and versatile design,” says Kerri Kent, CEO and designer for Kerrits
Performance Equestrian Apparel. “With just a few snaps this shirt transforms
from a formal wrap collar equestrian look for the show ring to a more relaxed
training style with an open collar.”
The Airgyle Riding Shirt features a two-fber jacquard construction in a
classic allover argyle pattern. The environmentally friendly fabric is infused
with a natural charcoal fber that gives the lightweight shirt a beautiful
texture; woven in to pull moisture away from the skin for quick evaporation.
The result is a ride that feels dry and comfortable—even after demanding
workouts in the hot sun. The exceptional bamboo-charcoal fber also resists
stains and odors, so it’s the perfect companion for the barn or saddle.
The shirt’s semi-ftted silhouette is designed to feel comfortable and relaxed
without losing its fattering feminine shape. A slightly longer sleeve and split
hem with a shaped riders cut completes the equestrian look.
Airgyle Riding Shirt
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $54
Colors: White, Leaf, French Blue
Visit kerrits.com to fnd an authorized dealer near you!
Sidelights