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Discussion on "Scratching pads"?
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Member:
Aannk
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Posted on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 12:27 pm:
I saw an add for itching mats. Has anyone used them? Here is the link.
Look under brushes (the list to the left), then item 07-0295. The itching mats.
https://www.saddleshop.com/barn/barnset.htm
It seems like a neat idea, as my horses like to rub their faces and necks on the stall walls to scratch. How would you teach them how to use it, though?
Alicia
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 3:26 pm:
Looks like you could find rubber car floor mats that would be very similar--and possibly a little cheaper if you only wanted one and didn't want to pay shipping (these appear to be sold in pairs). As for teaching them how....I know that my two horses are extremely curious and I suspect they'd figure it out on their own in time...it seems like a neat idea, doesn't it?
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Member:
Aannk
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Posted on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 3:31 pm:
I tend to shy away from home made solutions when it comes to my horses. I figure whoever designed it had horses in mind, and I know car people didn't when they designed rubber floor mats!! What if there is something toxic in the car mats? Anyway, my two are not too curious when it comes to "things" just people and animals. It does seem like a neat idea, especially to keep splinters out of skin and maybe they could even clean themselves (fat chance  )
Alicia
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Member:
Mwebster
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Posted on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 4:03 pm:
Equus had a great article on home-made scratching posts a few months ago. Some objects recycled included street sweeper brushes.
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 4:03 pm:
In my humble opinion, the people who designed it (and the myriad accessories, supplements, implements, tools, and toys of the horse world) designed it to make money. Rubber is rubber. As long as I know it is safe, I always look for a less expensive and creative alternative to more expensive products. If you get these, let me know how they work for you. I'd be interested in finding out if they are used by your horses....and I may just stop at the auto parts store on the way home tonight!
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Member:
Lilo
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Posted on Saturday, May 24, 2003 - 9:16 pm:
My husband and I bought an entrance mat at the hardware store. It was one of those that looked like artificial turf, but stiffer and nice and scratchy. Well, his horse is "the itchiest horse in the west". We wrapped it around the top rail of his fence (which he had been using as a scratching post anyway) and fastened it with hose clamps. We thought we would just watch and if it started to get loose, we would find a better way to secure it. It did not take long and I found Jose's hair in the mat, and his chest and the underside of his neck are nice and smooth. So far, the mat has stayed securely on the rail.
Some years back I fastened some scrub brushes on a 2x4, vertically on a fence post, for my mare to "clean herself, please". However, she ate the bristles of the brushes instead.
Regarding the street sweeper brushes, I do know that the breeder of our gelding had those. They need to be mounted on a very sturdy post. They were meant for the cattle, but I am sure the horses used them too.
Lilo
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Member:
Aannk
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Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 - 8:40 am:
I still am not sure I can "teach" my horses to use the matts I asked about, or any of the alternatives suggested. Neither of them play with any of the toys I have put up, even when they have food in them. I may still buy them, but right now I'm not in any hurry. If I do buy them, I'll let everyone know how they work, if they do!
Thanks,
Alicia
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