N'hay Gear

29/05/2024

Yes, doggy jacket season.

This year I’m running a black and white edition on the indoor jackets. Wool kersey fabric inside for warmth against the dog’s coat and a cute outer layer to keep off a bit of fluff and everything that sticks to kersey.

It’s for a fleet of mini daschunds and they will all have their own strap colour. Cute little jackets for beautiful little sausages. ☺️

28/05/2024

It’s rugging season in most regions in Australia.

This owner has sent me the following message and photos. Her message read;

“Hi Loretta
The extenders arrived today. I was blown away by the quality!
I have only used 2 so far, but I am 100% confident that the others will be just as good.
I have attached a couple of photos for you.
If it's ok with you, I would like to put a post on my FB page, a I have a few freinds with big horses 🐎 😉
Thank you for making such a high quality product!
You have made my rug nightmare much easier!!
Put a before and after shot of our beautiful Clydesdale cross mare.
She's very grateful 🙏 “

With the large chested horses it’s not a good solution to have to buy a longer rug to get the chest to fit. That often causes drag-back on the chest and rubbing for a different reason.

Chest extenders can be custom made from photos of your rugs on the horse and will be provided with instructions for fitting. If you have multiple rugs with the same closure system, the extender is transferable all year long. A great budget-friendly solution without the compromise. Custom rugs are great, but these extenders are a simple solution to a common problem for rugs bought of the shelf.

Drop me a line at [email protected] if you’d like to organise your own extenders.

15/05/2024

I’ve been a little distracted, but keeping up the workload for sure.

These hay feeders will be heading out today. A reminder to me that winter is coming and the pasture will fade, hay will be fed, and horses might be clipped for showing and stabled.

I have a great experience with my own product. Having a couple of occasions where my horses have needed rehabilitation that involves lock up and long term care in that circumstance over the years, we’ve used these feeders every day, times daily.

The size of the netting is ideal for most regular hay and lucern. There’s a couple of tabs for hanging or otherwise securing if you feed off the ground and don’t want to hike to the furthest reaches of your paddock to retrieve it each day.

You can order them on the online store with all sorts of colour combinations and canvas colours. Makes feeding out easier for those not familiar with the herd if you can colour code.

Always happy to work with custom sizing. Just drop me a line.

06/05/2024

Hey! She won! (I always said they would).

I put the call out in April that I had just enough time and loads of inspiration if anyone wanted a new costume for our local Gatton Heavy Horse Day this year.

These guys answered the call and I created another beautiful costume under a full veil of secrecy and revealed on the day. (That’s another reason I don’t sell off the shelf outfits.)

Maddie knocked it out of the park with presentation of Bodi and herself. No wonder the judges gave them the nod.

Congratulations to a fabulous team.

N'hay Gear is proud to add another costume to the showing world and keep up the winning streak. ❤️

19/04/2024

Finally sat down and created a treat pouch for animal training and positive reinforcement. Toowoomba Canine Academy are putting them to use in the first lessons this weekend. So keep a look out if you’re starting your training with her. Lucky you!

I’m happy to make these for any business with eye catching branding like you can see here. Or for individuals that need it. Just let me know. I’ll get them up on the shop soon.

You could use it for lots of different animals and training methods. Use it for food treats or even for balls, or whistles or clickers. Just another way to keep the best confirmations right at hand so you can issue them when the time is right.

No two days are ever the same with my work, and I love it. Still creating new things each week.

16/04/2024

lol. I guess the dogs have it right in a lot of ways 😂😂

14/04/2024

Ah yes, the old “don’t come near my dog” call out in public. Trying it on people? Never thought of that.

I saw a lady yesterday wearing a plain tee shirt with “annoyed” written across the front…..that worked! Didn’t feel the need to strike up a conversation while waiting for my fish and chips 😂

12/04/2024

Good morning!

I’ve got some plans for the showroom over the next couple of weeks. I need to clear out some stock or - shock horror - store it away while I work.

If you’re after some gear for immediate dispatch, it’s all right here.

I have various other items in stock like hay feeders and hay bags, fly masks, dog beds etc. just drop me a line!

bespoke canvas, design, custom manufactured textiles, leather and canvas, equine or horse gear. Canine or dog gear. Sewing service, Horse rugs, hay bale bags, horse hay feeders, horse hay net, poultice boots, dog jackets, dog beds, dog collars, dog leads, Lockyer valley, Hatton Vale, Queensland, Aus...

04/04/2024

Shout out to all the customers that have taken the time to send their appreciation for my work and shared their joy at the effectiveness of the products. It’s been at least one a day for a couple of weeks now. Something in the air!

This is today’s offering from a little team that ordered a mat and got it in the mail the next day! I received this gorgeous photo of Archie (nailing the assignment!) and a message from his Hoomum saying

“One very happy customer!
Thank you for such quick fulfilment of order. “

I do love what I do and the station mats are just full-on at the moment. That tells me lots of you are getting out there and learning how to communicate with your doggo and getting the gear to make it work so much easier.

I appreciate you all.

30/03/2024

Yes, yes it’s probably all true 😂😂😂

27/03/2024

The long weekend is finally here! Nearly.

I hope you have something amazing planned and that the weather cooperates for you.

If you need to send info or enquiry for a job over the closure - I know, you need to do it before you forget - it’s best to email [email protected] so I can respond quickly when I reopen on Tuesday.

The online shop has loads of product info and will help you out with orders. Remember you can leave me notes in each order too.

Enjoy your weekend all!

21/03/2024

After some time away at the beach with mates, I’m back on deck catching up.

Station mats have been heading out the door in droves and I just wanted to let folks know that the option to add an embroidered name or contact details to your mat is an option on the shop now.

A great security feature and even to tell the difference between multiple matching mats. Plus, it’s just cute.

Simply check the box and enter the details to add this feature to your station mat while shopping.

13/03/2024

With a bench FULL of new station mats for a lot of customers greeting me at the workshop early to get finished today it was nice yesterday for be reminded of the durability of the product. I’m not just punching out something that will be landfill next week.

This photo is of some customers using some mats I made for them nearly 10 years ago. Yes, 10 years ago. Both the dogs are now passed naturally, but their mats outlived them and are still working well.

N’hay Gear’s big policies are “Unique, Affordable, Durable.” and that’s only proven with time. With 15 years under my belt this year, I’ve had time to prove it.

The owner of these dogs is back for more gear for new dogs and I’m thrilled to have a return customer. Even if it takes 10 years before they need me again ☺️

12/03/2024

Chester just got a new flag rug. The weather has cooled just enough to have him wear a rug for the flies. Good timing because he had just had a swim and was happy to have it on. I hope the RAAF don’t get blinded by its whiteness while it lasts.

08/03/2024

If you’re an equestrian, you may be aware, if not fully, of the unspoken “one trip rule”.

Thats the rule that dictates that One should carry as much as possible to ensure things are returned to the barn, car, tack room, shed in ONE TRIP. Giving every equestrian the drive to carry bags, buckets, horse gear and misshapen items all at once in incredible quantities with only two hands where at least four would normally be required.

If you’re not an equestrian, but into people watching, knowing this is a thing, you can spot an equestrian in the grocery shop car park in a flash! They’re not nuts, it’s habit for them at this point.

WELL, since that’s a thing, and there’s nothing in the rule book about being prepared, I’m a big fan of the N’hay Gear Hay Sling. Yes, we’ll call it a hay sling because it’s great for carrying hay to your horse without wearing so much of it. But, my favourite use for it is to carry storm or winter rugs back to the shed to avoid being covered in the dirt and grass (even 💩) that they have on them. I love using a hay sling to carry my sushi roll of saddle blanket, bridle and halter and lead to the paddock. It’s even handy around the garden and for firewood.

You’ll find loads of uses.

By all reports this lot are off to a very busy stables and I’m sure will be tried and tested, making the impossible a little more possible ☺️

05/03/2024

Ooohhh, this is funny, unless it’s not. So for those that it’s not, sorry if this doesn’t quite get you in the funny bone today. I hope it was at least a good outcome.

19/02/2024

These are some very good points. I often speak to owners about their pets and the names are so varied and interesting! There’s usually a really good story too.

We have short haired border collies and a collie kelpie x.

The eldest is Buttons not named by me. She has a “button” dot on her head and it’s very appropriate for that reason. She’s also been really easy to train and has all the buttons functioning. The fact that she came to live at the home of a seamstress is just a happy coincidence.

The young brothers are Shoto and Tailor. Tailor is named as an ode to the seamstress theme. Shoto has is named from the character (Shoto Toderoki) whom he resembles with his two coloured eyes and pie patterned face. Apparently his nature and personality is similar too.

Tell me about yours!

40 terrible life hacks whose only purpose is to make others laugh:
https://www.boredpanda.com/awful-life-hacks/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=linkshare_bored-panda

17/02/2024

I’m going to cheer these guys on! Big congratulations to Heidi Stevens and her gorgeous boy winning the concourse de elegance class at Sydney today ❤️

We worked together to create the outfit some years ago and it’s not only still working great, it’s still pulling ribbons - blue ones!

They look stunning in a classic way. Not everything is frills and bling!

It really warms my heart to put time into making special creations that work as they should and put beauty into the world and bring such joy.

11/02/2024

New week, new day, new benchtop!

I love to make the change to a new benchtop at the start of the year. But circumstances and time have made me wait until last weekend to get the change over done.

It’s going to be great to get cracking on the new surface. It’s kind of like new sheets on your bed sort of feel. Not that there’s any sleeping on the job going on here. Promise.

02/02/2024

Finished a beautiful crate cover for an XL dog crate. Mesh outer with curtains for extra shade or warmth. It’s a versatile design that can be built to your specifications. Another product I need to load onto the shop again!

Let me know if you need one and we can get planning to suit your needs.

01/02/2024

Finished pattern making and knocking up the first big Go-bag!

Fits a iPad easy and all the other gear you need for the day without being a monster bag.

Detection Dog School will be sporting this one at the weekend.

31/01/2024

I’m a whizz with this stuff now. It was really just a little play and a quick, edit. Promise 😋

30/01/2024

Just a friendly reminder that these exist. ☺️

With the change of season and particularly this current season in Qld there’s lots of reasons to reassess rug fit;

🐴 lots of around-the-clock rug wear happening because of the bugs, so comfort is even more important!
🐴 young horses grow so strangely as they age and it may be a first rug or last year’s rug for a young one who is changing shape before your eyes. Make sure their out of proportion stages are catered for.
🐴 with the great run of rain out of Spring and into Summer, we have a lot of grass and some festively plump equines that might have a little weight around the collar as a result. Until you can get them on the treadmill, make sure their rug still sits comfortably - no one likes to feel like their jeans don’t fit anymore!

Chest extenders are a simple design that can give you up to two sizes in chest and adds a little to body length of the rug too. Perfect for growing equines or horses that are large chested but not long. No more rug hanging below the dock just to get a chest to fit. This causes more trouble than it solves.

If you have doubts about if a chest extender is for you, drop me a line. Or if you have a rug with a different fastening system, I can cater for that too. I just need some details.

28/01/2024

For those that were following along on Scarlett’s school bag. I thought I’d share another little piece of kit we upgraded for her. A phone case.

Her other one was well and truly past it, but it did the job for a really long time. She didn’t do anymore damage to her phone while it was on and still has the same phone. So bonus, I just need to make a new cover. This one was an embossed leather on the outside that she loved and the same fabric lining as her bag features. It’s got a clip strap to keep it closed. Theres a lovely little olive green stitch detail too. She loves it. I’ll be interested to see how the fabric lining goes. I took all possible steps to counter fraying at the edges but time will tell.

24/01/2024

Another day and more roaming doggos! This time in my street. Three much-loved dogs I’m sure. They’re just finding themselves unrestrained and are out on an adventure.

It’s common place out this way though. We have the space, and lots of people have dogs for companionship and security. But dogs scared of fireworks, storms, visitors let them out, pet sitters forget to shut a gate or newly adopted dogs who haven’t found a way to settle in yet - they end up in the streets.

The only thing we all want is for them to get home safe.

The dogs in our street this morning are three of a very large breed. A pack like that is not something I want to take to the vet to get scanned. But with no ID we might have to work out a way to do that. It’s clear that separating them will cause distress to them so taking one isn’t an option.

So I urge owners again - get ID Collars!!

N’hay Gear collars are lightweight and comfortable for every day wear. They have rust proof fittings, quality craftsmanship and you get to choose your colour! I offer embroidery for quick easy identification. Strangers don’t need to go get some glasses to read a tiny engraved tag (if it hasn’t been ripped off in the process of escape) and no need to get the dog to the vet for a scan. Let them wear your best contact number and get home faster.

I really wish these dogs this morning had their ID with them. It would make things so much easier. I will keep you posted. Hopefully they get home soon.

**UPDATE : OWNERS FOUND! YAY! **

If you’re a local to me, no postage, just select the pick up option. Check out www.nhaygear.com if you want to order for you or a friend.

23/01/2024

There’s not much rug use around here until the storms start, but by George, you can be sure that all the other gear is tested and used by our farm.

Tiny is a lamanitic pony and she’s confined for her own good for prevention or if I miss a queue and she has a flare up. She’s been doing pretty well this year. The heatwave has set her off recently though. Stress is a big thing for her. She’s in the coolest yards we have under the fig trees now. As long as she can see the herd (they’re in the background) she’s happy and actually loves the solitude combined with regular pampering with hay from me. That makes the confinement seem less of a sacrifice in the quality-of-life stakes.

Feeding out hay to her this morning I realised that that her hay feeder is getting pretty old now. I’m just used to reaching for it and it’s there. But I’ve been reaching for it for a while. Probably 5 or 6 years! It has a partner too but they do three to four feeds per day some seasons when she’s in full confinement and sometimes I just chuck them on the ground and sometimes I hang. Sometimes I need to soak the hay in them first, sometimes I don’t. Thats reliability right there!

Hay feeders get used for all sorts of situations. Not just when it’s dry and there’s no grass. They’re great for travel to keep hygiene up during feeding in strange yards. For when a horse is injured or even just locked up waiting for a therapist. I’ve used them when the horses are confined during aerial fire ant baiting with the helicopters. So many reasons and seasons.

What I love most about this style is they can’t eat out of a top opening, and the net is secure and safe for teeth. Plus, the solid back means I can throw it on the ground so they can eat at proper posture with their head low. They learn to stand on the net when pulling out the hay or you can secure it to a post so they learn to pull against it. Great for enrichment too.

Hay nets and feeders can be made in a range of colours and sizes to suit your needs. I’m happy to help with recommending something to suit.

🐴❤️

23/01/2024

These are too adorable not to share 🐶❤️😍🥰

When it comes to loving dogs and caring for dogs, there are some things in life that all dog owners can relate to. Seeing those "dog truths" presented through the lens of humorous comics is always something worth celebrating and sharing."Hey Buddy Comics" are a series of cartoons devoted to relation...

22/01/2024

I did a bit of a run around last week and resupplied a lot of materials for manufacturing before the Brisbane traffic went to the birds with the return of school.

The dog beds have a couple of each size of foam in stock ready to go. This means the usual wait time from order is reduced by about 3-5 working days. Make the most of it and order a quality bed for your dog. Beds can be posted to you.

Reasons to go with this design:

🐶 Heavy duty canvas top is waterproof, weather proof and designed for outdoor use.
🐶 Tough canvas survives regular scratching, longer claws and rough play.
🐶 Removable cover allows for cleaning, repair and replacement without having to throw away the whole bed and add to land fill problems.
🐶 Durable quality foam is supportive, keeps shape and prevents removal from kennels with its strong lay-flat attitude.
🐶 Supportive without being “pillowy” making it better for aging dogs or dogs with other mobility impairment to get on and off of. Ask me about adding the extra soft support layer.
🐶 Beds can be used inside, in a crate (standard sizing aligns with many brands of standard crate), in a kennel or ute dog box.
🐶 Dogs love consistency and routine. They love a bed that’s there every day to give them comfort. Get them something that will last!

Check them out here!

N’hay Gear dog beds are made in enough sizes to ensure you have the right size for your dog. They also fit into most crates well and give the versatility of a go anywhere bed. Using the same quality canvas as many other N’hay Gear products ensures years of performance in or outdoors for many yea...

21/01/2024

It’s a humid 40 degrees celcius today in the Lockyer Valley. Yesterday was a roaster and “only” 35 degrees.

Remember to plan for the heat for your animals.

Our horses and cows all have access to bodies of water in their paddocks and they do go for a swim which is better than a hose because they cool their underside without wetting the top and holding heat against their coat. If you do hose off your animals remember to towel dry the coat to get evaporation working right away. There isn’t a single horse rug on the market that suits this weather - take them off.

The dogs all know what air conditioning is and their excellent behaviour inside means they get plenty of time to chill on their indoor beds.

Our Alley cat lives in my workshop and is in aircon all the time, even when I’m not. She’s fluffy and getting older.

You can leave out extra water for wild birds too.

I hope you and your pets all get through it well.