Letters: 07/03

Correct Phone Number For American Livestock Supply
Thank you for the mention of American Livestock Supply in your May 2003 “For Mosquito Control: It’s Permethrin” article. However, the phone number was incorrect. Our number is 800-356-0700. I have put many catalogs together over the past 15 years myself, so I know how things like this can happen. The website is www.americanlivestock.com.

-Michael J Ripp
Vice President/General Manager
American Livestock Supply, Inc.

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Informed Tack-Store Owner
As a tack-store owner, I’m happy to see you provide information to readers on the sale of the Miller’s names (June 2003). The whole situation is confusing enough for those of us in the trade; imagine the confusion for the customer.

Many of the products we knew by Miller’s names are being made by the original manufacturers, but re-named and marketed by new distributors, and items carrying the familiar Miller’s names are being produced by new, unknown manufacturers. So, I especially appreciate your suggestion that consumers ask some questions before buying.

At my store, we’ve tried to keep up-to-date on every step of the Miller’s saga, and I’m sure most other retailers have as well.

Buying good quality tack and equestrian apparel is daunting enough these days. We shouldn’t expect our customers to have to keep a scorecard on the manufacturers as well.

-Laurie Neely
Tack Up!
Massachusetts

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Don’t Forget A Stethsocope
I think your traveling first-aid kit list (May 2003) was missing an essential item: a stethoscope. I keep one in my barn and one in my trailer and carry one in a bag on my saddle when trail riding. Checking your horse’s heart rate and listening to his gut is primary horse care.

-Sally Parker
California

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Good Feed Companies
I love this journal and save them all, but your June issue really hit me with the letter about a reader not getting the information she needed when she contacted her feed company.

I lost my children’s favorite pony to Cushing’s disease, so I’ve had first- hand experience and maintain a high concern over feeding issues.

I contacted my veterinarian and feed-store representatives for information on feed to insure our other ponies would not suffer the same fate. The manager of the feed store gave me phone numbers of their Blue Seal Feeds representatives. They were great.

The representative gave me all the information I needed to get my hay tested. She then gave me the information I needed to round out all the mineral and supplemental feeds I could use to meet the requirements of my ponies without increasing the sugar. The company also did my analysis for the hay. The Blue Seal representative gave me her home phone number so I could get any questions answered.

-Linda Judd
New York

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Matching Blues
I read your article on white tails and manes (June 2003). It brought back a memory of my youth. I had a little cremello gelding with lovely blue eyes. I was always working hard to keep him sparkling white.

My aunt (a great horsewoman) told me to add Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing to the final rinse of the mane and tail, but several small details were not mentioned, including how long and how much of Mrs. Stewart’s to use.

Coming from the school of “if a little will do a little good and a lot will do a lot better,” I learned a great lesson. For a month or two, I had a white horse with pale blue mane and tail and matching blue eyes. Please advise your readers go gently with the Mrs. Stewart’s.

-G. Von Clark
California

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Happy Subscriber Returns
I subscribed to your journal from 1996 to 1998 and saved every copy. Just today I pulled them out to look for information on bowed tendons. In no time, I found two journals that offered help. I should never have let my subscription lapse. Thank you for an excellent product, and I renewed online at your website right away.

-Janet Sumrall
Mississippi

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