Cox Saddlery

Cox Saddlery We are your one stop shop for all your horse & rider needs with everyday low prices.

Here’s the conclusion to-What Types of Horse Stall Bedding Should You Use?Rubber MatsPlacing rubber mats in your horse’s...
04/09/2026

Here’s the conclusion to-What Types of Horse Stall Bedding Should You Use?

Rubber Mats

Placing rubber mats in your horse’s stall can create a level of cushion that will keep him comfortable when standing or lying down.

Pros

Save waste: Using rubber mats can reduce the need for deep bedding. It’s recommended you still put some sort of bedding over the rubber mats, to minimize the slickness, but you won’t need near as much!

Longevity: Stall mats are often durable and will hold up for years. Although the initial investment and installation might be more involved than other types of bedding, their durability makes up for it.

Cons

Drainage: Whether it’s urine or a spilled water bucket, there must be somewhere for the liquid to go. If the mats are tightly connected, liquid can pool and create undesirable living conditions for your horse. It’s also a good idea to lift the mat and clean under it periodically.

Slip factor: If you don’t use a secondary form of bedding over the mat and liquid pools on the surface, it can become slick for your horse and potentially dangerous.

Pellets

There are many different types of pellets used for horse bedding, made from a variety of wood. These are quickly becoming a popular option for their absorbency and ease of use.

Pros

Absorbent: As mentioned above, pellets are typically incredibly absorbent. This can create less waste, because it’s easy to simply muck out the wet pellets and leave the rest.

Less Dust: Pellets don’t hold the same concerns as fine shavings because they don’t produce dust. Since pellets are compressed and then expand, they won’t create airborne irritants that shavings can, when the horse kicks them up.

Storage: Due to their compaction, pellets are easier to store and take up less space.

Cons

Time: Unlike other bedding options that are ready immediately, pellets must be activated with water. You’ll need to pour water into the bag and wait for the pellets to expand.

Price: Pellets can be a more expensive option than shavings and might be less readily available, depending on your area.

Climate: Depending on your location, it can be difficult to activate the pellets during the coldest part of winter. While you wait for the pellets to expand, you can run the risk of water freezing and derailing the process.

Whichever type of bedding you choose, it’s important to clean out your horse’s stall on a consistent basis and ensure he has a dry and comfortable stall that suits his needs.

Here’s another great grooming tool. Have you tried the popular Tiger’s Tongue? This is a sponge that starts out flat and...
04/09/2026

Here’s another great grooming tool. Have you tried the popular Tiger’s Tongue? This is a sponge that starts out flat and puffs out to a full size sponge. The material it’s made of has the consistency of a cat’s tongue. It’s good for getting into all the nooks and crannies of your horse. Stop by and check them out! Check out the information below for more information on this product.

https://www.coxsaddlery.com/Tigers-Tongue-Horse-Groomer_c_212.html

We are open today until 7:00 p.m. Stop by and see us! Spring is finally here along with the horse shows, trail riding and everything else horse related. Stop by and pick up what you need for you and your horse. We are well stocked with everything you need. 513-867-8699

Click here www.coxsaddlery.com or on our “Shop Now” button on our Cox Saddlery page to shop on our online store 24/7. Online orders can be picked up in store, mailed or shipped to you using our discounted shipping rates.

Thank you for shopping and buying local with us. We appreciate our customers!

Here’s the start of-What Type of Horse Stall Bedding Should You Use?Whether your horse sees a stall often or only when t...
04/08/2026

Here’s the start of-What Type of Horse Stall Bedding Should You Use?

Whether your horse sees a stall often or only when the weather is bad or he needs stall rest, bedding choice is important.

Here’s some of the most popular types of horse bedding and the pros and cons involved with each.

Straw

First up, is the tried and true method of using straw.

Pros

Convenience: Straw is often reading available and easy to find. You can typically find straw in small square bales and even in bigger 3 x 3 bales.

Natural: Straw is a byproduct of different plants and is considered a natural option for bedding.

Cost: We all know that horses are expensive, but straw can often be a cheaper form of bedding, depending on your location.

Cons

Dust and mold: If your straw has been stored outside or gotten wet, there’s a good chance it could be dusty or moldy. Mold is dangerous to horses and dust can irritate airways. If you run across these problems in your straw, you wouldn’t want to use it for bedding.

Absorbency: Straw typically does not absorb urine very well and can quickly become soiled and hold odors.

Ingestion: Some horses might munch on their straw bedding. Although it won’t hurt them to nibble on a few pieces of straw, doing this in excess can potentially cause impaction. Also, if there’s mold or dust in the straw this could be detrimental to your horse’s health.

Shavings

Many horse owners use shavings to bed their stalls and they’re often a popular choice when bedding horse stalls on the road or at horse shows.

Pros

Absorbency: Shavings are typically absorbent and in turn are easier to clean. You can just scoop up the wet shavings and put in more fresh, dry shavings on top.

Portable: When you’re headed to a horse show, it’s very handy to be able to throw in a couple bags of shavings to put down in your horse’s stall.

Biodegradable: You can take your shavings straight to a compost pile and know that with the proper management, they will compost nicely.

Cons

Chemicals: You’ll want to source your shavings responsibly and ensure that they aren’t treated with chemicals that will be dangerous to your horse.

Dust: Fine shavings can create dust and irritating conditions when it’s windy. Choose a shaving size that works for your location.

Slow to dry: Once they’re wet, shavings will remain wet! It’s imperative to clean out your horse’s stall and remove the wet bedding to keep him comfortable.

Stop back tomorrow for the conclusion to this topic.

Are you competing in speed classes? Did you know we stock a variety of hackamores to use in speed classes? We can also o...
04/08/2026

Are you competing in speed classes? Did you know we stock a variety of hackamores to use in speed classes? We can also order different ones if you’re looking for something we don’t stock. Just let me know! We stock a lot of other bits you can use, too. Check out the link below for more information on the hackamores.

https://www.coxsaddlery.com/Hackamores_c_56.html

We are closed on Wednesdays. Stop by and shop local with us on Thursday. That’s our late night. We are open on until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays. 513-867-8699

Thank you for shopping and buying local with us. We appreciate our customers.

Here’s the conclusion to-Spring Grazing: The Risks of Fresh Grass for HorsesIs My Horse at Risk?Horses with compromised ...
04/07/2026

Here’s the conclusion to-Spring Grazing: The Risks of Fresh Grass for Horses

Is My Horse at Risk?

Horses with compromised metabolic function top the list of at-risk animals when it comes to fresh grass. Vulnerable individuals include:

Overweight equines. Obesity is the #1 risk for both equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and laminitis. Research tells us more than 90% of horses with laminitis have developed it as a consequence of endocrine disease, most commonly EMS. Similar to human diabetes, equine metabolic syndrome stems from insulin resistance (IR), which can be caused by excessive sugar in the diet.

Many ponies and miniature horse breeds are genetically predisposed to obesity, EMS and laminitis.

Horses with a history of laminitis.

Horses with the endocrine disorder pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, aka Cushing’s disease).

Managing At-Risk Horses With Safe Spring Grazing Practices

Protecting your horse from colic and pasture-associated laminitis is an important job that requires diligent management and creative solutions. For example:

Use grazing muzzles to allow vulnerable horses to be out in the field with their friends, even on grass. Muzzles fit over the horse’s nose and mouth. The holes are big enough to allow ventilation and just of a little bit of grass intake.

Increase grass intake slowly by gradually extending turnout time of grass pasture.

Be mindful of turnout schedules. Spring grass mostly comprises cool-season grasses, which are naturally higher in NSC that warm-season grasses. Time of day matters: NSC content in cool-season grasses is lowest in the early morning and highest through the afternoon and evening. Also pay attention to temperature variations. When nights are cool (below 40 degrees) and days are warm (above 60 degrees), sugar levels in grasses are at their highest. Don’t allow at-risk horses to graze on these days.

Turn to rotational grazing, which involves putting at-risk horses in fields that other animals have already grazed down. Much like hay nets restrict hay consumption by slowing intake, these fields limit horses’ grass consumption.

Place horses in dry (dirt) lots. This might be the only viable option for animals that cannot have any grass. Finding alternative turnout options is important so these animals still receive the movement and companionship they need.

Provide plenty of hay. If you need to restrict your horse’s grass intake for health reasons, don’t forget he still needs near-constant access to forage for his digestive and mental health. Hay, the dried form of grass, is a much safer alternative for at-risk horses because the drying process reduces its NSC content from an average of 15% to an average of 11%.

Even if your horse has healthy metabolic and endocrine function, you should implement some safe spring grazing practices as your horse is reintroduced to grass. Like all feed changes, make this transition slowly and progressively. Grass is a favorite food of many horses and ponies. Learning how to let them enjoy this tasty treat safely and responsibly, whenever possible, is well worth the effort.

Do you need a lightweight sheet for your horse with all the up and down temperatures we have been experiencing? We’ve go...
04/07/2026

Do you need a lightweight sheet for your horse with all the up and down temperatures we have been experiencing? We’ve got you covered! Check out the link below for more information on this product along with size availability. Perfect weight for keeping the chill off until the warmer temperatures are here to stay. Hopefully that will be soon!

https://www.coxsaddlery.com/sheet.html

We are open today until 5:00 p.m. Stop by and shop local with us! 513-867-8699 We hope to see you soon!

Click here www.coxsaddlery.com or on our “Shop Now” button on our Cox Saddlery page to shop on our online store 24/7. Online orders can be picked up in store, mailed or shipped to you using our discounted shipping rates.

Thank you for shopping and buying local with us. We appreciate your business. Our customers are our livelihood.

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉Lisa L. Crowther, Paul Huesing, Toni Newk...
04/07/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Lisa L. Crowther, Paul Huesing, Toni Newkirk Hill, Shelly Lynn, Bob AnnaMarie Roach

Here’s the start of-Spring Grazing: The Risks of Fresh Grass for HorsesDid you know green grass can be dangerous for som...
04/06/2026

Here’s the start of-Spring Grazing: The Risks of Fresh Grass for Horses

Did you know green grass can be dangerous for some horses? Learn about safe spring grazing practices toward off the risks.

Lush green pastures are the most natural place for a horse to live, right? For some horse owners, providing free-choice grazing in a field is a wonderful, practical and cost-effective way to feed their animals while providing them with much-needed exercise. But you might be surprised to learn that a field full of rich grass is not a natural or safe choice for many of our domestic horses and ponies.

Know the Risks

Over the past 55 million years, equines have evolved to graze mainly low-calorie, coarse roughage with sugar contents more like those of hay than grass. Grass, which is especially rich in the spring, can pose two serious health risks to our equine friends: colic and laminitis.

Colic is an umbrella term for abdominal pain, with diet believed to be the main risk factor. Different types of colic can be very serious, some requiring hospitalization and surgery. Laminitis is a painful, debilitating and sometimes fatal hoof disease in which the connective tissue that attaches the coffin bone to the hoof wall-called the laminae-becomes inflamed and tears. Colic and laminitis are two of the most common causes of death in horses, so learning how to prevent them is one of the best things you can do for your equine companion.

NSCs Are to Blame

The delicious spring grass your horse loves to devour is packed with the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) starch, sugar and fructans. Consumption of grass high in NSCs can inflame the laminae. Excessive inflammation of the laminae can lead to laminitis and even rotation of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule, a form of laminitis referred to as founder.

We know if a horse eats a lot of rich grass and his NCS intake is too high, these nutrients pass through the small intestine undigested, causing excessive gas-producing fermentation in the hindgut. This fermentation affects the balance of bacteria in the GI tract, which can potentially trigger both colic and laminitis.

What’s Special About Spring Grass?

Spring is one of the most dangerous times in horse pastures. Spring grass naturally contains higher NSC levels than the grass that sprouts later in the year and spring weather can be a roller coasters-when grass freezes overnight, it gets stressed and stops growing, a preservation process that leads to the accumulation of NSCs.

Tall grass isn’t necessarily more dangerous than young, short grass, as it’s the base of the plant stem that serves as carbohydrates “storage” for many grass species.

Stop back tomorrow for the conclusion to this topic.

Do you ride a gaited horse? Do you need a new bit? Have you seen the interchangeable bits that we stock? These popular b...
04/06/2026

Do you ride a gaited horse? Do you need a new bit? Have you seen the interchangeable bits that we stock? These popular bits have 3 different shank lengths to choose from-6”, 8” and 10”. There are also a variety of mouthpieces to choose from. You can pick your shank length and your mouthpiece. If later on you need to try a different mouthpiece, you can still use your shanks and just purchase a new mouthpiece. So convenient! Saves you money, too. Check out the link below for more information on this product.

https://www.coxsaddlery.com/Gaited_c_55.html

We are open to day until 5:00 p.m. 513-867-8699 We hope to see you soon! We also have 3 gaited saddles on consignment. Stop by and check them out! (Consignment saddles are NOT pictured on our online store).

Click here www.coxsaddlery.com or on our “Shop Now” button on our Cox Saddlery page to shop on our online store 24/7. Online orders can be picked up in store, mailed or shipped to you using our discounted shipping rates.

Thank you for shopping and buying local with us. We appreciate our customers.

We have consignment spots open for American made western saddles. What do you have? We have a very low commission rate. Let me know! Spring time is a good time to sell saddles.

He is risen! Happy Resurrection Sunday! We hope you are spending time with your family and enjoying this joyous holiday.
04/05/2026

He is risen! Happy Resurrection Sunday! We hope you are spending time with your family and enjoying this joyous holiday.

Big thanks toToni Newkirk Hill, Paul Huesingfor all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!
04/05/2026

Big thanks to

Toni Newkirk Hill, Paul Huesing

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

What Does it Mean When a Horse Nickers?Nickering generally occurs in one of three contexts, each of which conveys a “com...
04/04/2026

What Does it Mean When a Horse Nickers?

Nickering generally occurs in one of three contexts, each of which conveys a “come closer” message.

Why and How Do Horses Vocalize?

Horses make a few sounds using their mouths, respiratory systems and larynx. These vocalizations can communicate messages between animals or convey a horse’s state of being. Horses make fewer vocalizations than other species, perhaps because, as prey animals, drawing attention to oneself while communicating can also attract the attention of predators.

Horses make sounds in one of two ways: as a result of air pushed purposely through the larynx or as a byproduct when air is forcibly expelled through the upper respiratory passages. The former vocalization is what horses most often use to communicate with others.

Different vocalizations require the horse’s mouth to be open or closed to generate sound. When horses want their vocalization to travel far, they can also use their large sinus cavities to help the message carry. Common vocalization that convey messages include the squeal, whinny (neigh), snort and blow. Others such as groans or grunts, tend to occur because of factors such as pain, physical exertion, or in the case of the snore, during deep sleep.

The Nicker

The nicker conveys meaning. When horses nicker, their mouth is usually closed, their nostrils flares and the sound has a “throaty” quality. It is a soft, low-to-medium pulsing sound lasting less than two seconds. As a vocalization, the nicker is affiliative, meaning its effect is that of building and enhancing relationships between individuals. Researchers have identified three types of nickers that vary depending on who is doing it and who is the intended receiver.

Nickers generally occur in one of three contexts:

By mares to their foals.

By stallions to mares that might be receptive to courtship.

By a horse that views the arrival of a friend as desirable.

Each nicker conveys a slightly different “come closer” message.

What Does it Mean When a Horse Nickers?

Recognizing and responding to the nicker is an innate behavior. Immediately after birth, a foal will orient toward and even follow a nicker sound-even when imitated by a person. Within the first few weeks of life, the foal needs to actively learn how to recognize its dam through smell, sight and sound. But understanding what a nicker means is inborn. A mare will nicker to her foal when she wants him to come to her side or when she is slightly concerned about him.

Stallions or geldings will nicker to mares with whom they are interested in entering into courtship. This nicker is often very low, longer and more powerful than other nickers.

The third type, a “come closer, friend” message, occurs when a horse welcomes another horse it views favorably back to its location. It can also occur when a preferred human appears-particularly one who’s bringing food.

By about 3 weeks of age, a foal can tell the difference between his dam’s vocalizations and those of other horses. Mares can also differentiate the nickers of individual stallions.

Horses are always communicating with others and with us. By paying attention to how they communicate, we not only become better horse people, but we also gain a greater appreciation for the depth of their relationships and the ways they express connection.

Address

1421 Boyle Road
Hamilton, OH
45013

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+15138678699

Website

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James Cox Saddlery

We are you one stop shop for all your horse & rider needs with every day low prices. Established in 1963. The current owner, Debbie Cox-Earls, is the third generation owner. Providing great customer service & quality products is our main goal. We are always happy to special order items that we do not stock. Supporting 4-H is a passion of ours. The children/young people are our future. 4-H is an awesome program that teaches so much and is very important for children/young people to be involved in. Visit our website at www.coxsaddlery.com. Items can be ordered for in store pickup or shipout from your computer, phone or other mobile device. Thank you.