Round-up: Advice from vendors at Equine Laundry's Barn Bazaar
Vendors shared their advice with The Michigan Hoof Beat
WHITE LAKE — What do breathing, volunteerism and cannabis have in common with horses? They were all topics close to the hearts and businesses of vendors who exhibited at the Barn Bazaar hosted by Equine Laundry (Clarkston, Michigan) at Starz Equestrian Center (White Lake) on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The Michigan Hoof Beat was there as a vendor offering discount codes for subscriptions (code "barn-bazaar" for a 30% discount on the premium tier).
Some vendors chose to offer 15-minute mini-seminars, providing educational opportunities for attendees.
Despite wearing the Michigan Hoof Beat "vendor hat" on Jan. 17, turning off the reporter switch is tricky. Here's a roundup of the folks I chatted with and the products they offer.
Joely Higgins, R&R Equine
"I really want everybody to know that your horse's body is one giant system. Everything works together from the ground up, and so you could have something going on in the mouth that translates all the way back to the pelvis." — Joely Higgins, R&R Equine
Higgins, of Taylor, describes herself as a therapeutic specialist because she takes a holistic approach to horse welfare (she has farrier, saddle-fitting and massage training).
"I want everybody to know your horse is a big system. Don't jump straight to injections. Soft tissue plays a much bigger role than you think it does, and you should not be riding a horse that does not have a properly and adequately muscled top line. A saddle will never fit an under-muscled horse."
If your horse is under-muscled and isn't gaining muscle despite your efforts, "then you need to figure out why."
Rachel Baker, Humans Move
Baker, who spoke about body alignment and function, said most people aren't breathing effectively, and that impacts how you're holding and using your core. While symmetry is often the goal of some programs, Baker reminded the crowd that normal human bodies aren't perfectly symmetrical.
Anqunette Sarfoh, Quietude by Qulture
"A lot of people are looking for ways to treat their own conditions naturally, and we have decided to expand on that and help people help their horses— also naturally—by using plant-based compounds to help treat a myriad of symptoms. And our plant happens to be hemp, and we specifically rely upon CBD, in particular, to help improve outcomes for horses."
Amanda Martin, volunteer at Starz Equestrian Center
"It's 100% volunteer-run. Everybody's here because we want to be here for the horses and for the kids."
Starz Equestrian Center is a therapeutic riding program in White Lake helmed by Charlotte Bass. Martin sings her praises.
"I've never met anybody who is so good with kids."
Alexis Thompson, DNA Tack Shack
"My main concern is the kids of the industry, making sure they can keep doing it without having to spend an arm and a leg."
Thompson's tack business is based out of Millington; there's no website yet, but you can find them on Facebook. Thompson is hoping to open a physical space by the end of the year.
"Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money. We didn't have the nicest stuff, the nicest horses," she recalls. She says she works with a lot of 4H and equestrian team kids to help them get fitted and prepared for shows.
"It's very important for you to pick the right tack store, because a lot of people just try and get stuff out the door. I go over things. I make sure everything is safe. I work with families on budgets a lot."
Heather Herring, Underdog Performance Therapy
"My business is education-focused. Not only do I put the horse first and make sure the horse is feeling their best . . . (I) make sure the owner also knows everything going on with their horse so that they can continue to improve."
Irene Coermann, IV Designs
Coermann is a sewist who says she makes her designs herself and hopes other people find her items practical. Her products include apparel, accessories, and horse products like bit warmers, stirrup protectors and tail bags.
Coermann says she started with the idea of a wrap skirt for the show season to protect white breeches and then developed pants, and later a fleece riding skirt that's been popular. "I'm expanding my products as I have ideas."
Meghan Fitzpatrick, Northern Lights Treasures
"I am always creating, and I'm always coming up with new ideas. So no matter how many shows I go to, there's always going to be something."
Fitzpatrick, recently of Los Angeles, moved to White Lake this year (her horse came, too).
Her colorful resin-based creations often feature horses or cute, whimsical creatures. (Publisher's note: I purchased vibrant duck necklaces for my girls, and they've been wearing them all week.)
Somer Lach, Equine Laundry
Lach, who organized the Barn Bazaar, also gave a seminar on horse blanket care, selection, and repair; and yes, you really do need the good stuff when it comes to horse blankets.
The problem with products that aren't designed for horse blankets, Lach says, is that the cleansers can strip the weatherproofing. If you try to reapply weatherproofing with the wrong product, you may end up trapping moisture on the horse's body if he gets hot and sweats. Weatherproofing still needs to be breathable, Lach says.
