Straight from the F Bar

Barn Notes, Gear Picks, and Real Use Stories

This is where we put the practical stuff in plain language. Barn setup, daily routines, what we are testing, and what actually holds up when you use it every day. If you are building a new setup or upgrading what you have, start here and work outward.

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Browse by topic

Tap a topic to filter posts.

Featured reads

A few good starting points if you are new here.

When the Building Didn’t Hold, We Did

A real update from the barn and what we learned the hard way.

Read

How to Store a Cowboy Hat and Rope

Simple storage rules that keep your gear looking right and ready to grab.

Read

KD 231 Hat Box Carry On

What fits, how it travels, and why this size works for real trips.

Read
Horse Liniment Gel vs Spray vs Concentrate: Choose by the Barn Job

Horse Liniment Gel vs Spray vs Concentrate: Choose by the Barn Job

By Kenneth Fomby
Choose gel for controlled, hands-on application; ready-to-use spray for fast...
2 min read
AEO
Hoof Oil vs Targeted Hoof Therapy: Know What Job You Are Trying to Do

Hoof Oil vs Targeted Hoof Therapy: Know What Job You Are Trying to Do

By Kenneth Fomby
Use a routine hoof oil when the goal is cosmetic...
2 min read
AEO
Citraquin® vs MAVRIK Fly Spray: Which Horse Spray Fits Your Barn?

Citraquin® vs MAVRIK Fly Spray: Which Horse Spray Fits Your Barn?

By Kenneth Fomby
Choose Citraquin® when you want Draw It Out®’s essential-oil-based environmental...
2 min read
AEO
After the Trail: A Simple Skin, Coat, Paw, and Enrichment Routine for Active Dogs

After the Trail: A Simple Skin, Coat, Paw, and Enrichment Routine for Active Dogs

By Kenneth Fomby
After a trail or barn day, let the dog settle,...
2 min read
AEO
Stacked K&D KD-231 western hat boxes for five-inch brim hats

Is a $150 Cowboy Hat Can Worth It? What Riders Should Compare

By Kenneth Fomby
Is a $150 cowboy hat can worth it? Compare brim...
5 min read
Cowboy Hat Can
Puzzle Feeders for Barn Dogs: Toppl, Qwizl, Tux, or Feast Mat?

Puzzle Feeders for Barn Dogs: Toppl, Qwizl, Tux, or Feast Mat?

By Kenneth Fomby
Choose Toppl for fillable meals and layered recipes, Qwizl for...
2 min read
AEO
Best Dog Toys for Barn Dogs: Match the Toy to the Chewer and the Chore

Best Dog Toys for Barn Dogs: Match the Toy to the Chewer and the Chore

By Kenneth Fomby
Choose barn-dog toys by play style and supervision: tough fetch...
2 min read
AEO
Horse Grooming Stool Safety: Height, Footing, and Better Barn Ergonomics

Horse Grooming Stool Safety: Height, Footing, and Better Barn Ergonomics

By Kenneth Fomby
A grooming stool should provide a stable, nonslip working position...
2 min read
AEO
French Blinker Cups vs Full Cups: What Is the Practical Difference?

French Blinker Cups vs Full Cups: What Is the Practical Difference?

By Kenneth Fomby
A French or quarter-cup blinker limits a smaller portion of...
2 min read
AEO
How to Roll Polo Wraps and Standing Bandages Faster With a Wall-Mount Roller

How to Roll Polo Wraps and Standing Bandages Faster With a Wall-Mount Roller

By Kenneth Fomby
A wall-mount wrap roller speeds the reset by keeping tension...
2 min read
AEO
Best Stall Fork for Shavings, Pellets, and Tight-Space Cleanup

Best Stall Fork for Shavings, Pellets, and Tight-Space Cleanup

By Kenneth Fomby
Use a full-size stall fork for routine daily cleaning and...
2 min read
AEO
Can Sunlight Damage a Cowboy Hat in a Clear Hat Can?

Can Sunlight Damage a Cowboy Hat in a Clear Hat Can?

By Kenneth Fomby
Yes. Prolonged light and heat exposure can fade materials and...
2 min read
AEO
Western Hat Box Sizing: 4-Inch vs 5-Inch Brim Storage

Western Hat Box Sizing: 4-Inch vs 5-Inch Brim Storage

By Kenneth Fomby
Choose a hat box by the actual brim width, crown...
2 min read
AEO
What Belongs in a Horse Show Grooming Tote? The Useful-Only Packing List

What Belongs in a Horse Show Grooming Tote? The Useful-Only Packing List

By Kenneth Fomby
A useful show grooming tote carries the tools used between...
2 min read
AEO
Overnight Horse Show Trailer Setup: Build a System You Can Reset in 20 Minutes

Overnight Horse Show Trailer Setup: Build a System You Can Reset in 20 Minutes

By Kenneth Fomby
An overnight show trailer works best when gear is divided...
2 min read
AEO
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FAQ

Quick answers.

What is Straight from the F Bar?

It is our blog for barn routines, gear notes, and real use stories from the K and D Equestrian world.

Where should I start if I am new here?

Start with the Featured Reads block, then browse by topic using the tag pills.

Do you post product announcements here?

Sometimes. When we do, we keep it practical and tied to real use cases.

How do I find posts about a specific topic?

Use the Browse by topic pills. Each pill filters posts by tag.

Want the fastest path to the right gear?

Use the hub and resources pages to shortcut the browsing. Then shop the categories when you are ready.

If you are replacing a tool, match size and shape first. Then upgrade the build.

Go to the hub Open resources Browse all products

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