Tips for saving gas anyone?

[Stephanie Land]

Gas has been reaching record heights and its safe to say its been hitting the equine industry pretty hard. From the rising cost of hay and grain, to shoers and vets raising their rates to cover their fuel costs horse owners are feeling the pinch. In a recent blog post I told you all about how the AQHA is changing the number of points needed to get to worlds in order to help save competitors fuel. What are some ways you have been dealing with fuel costs?

I am lucky that my barn is close enough that I can ride my bike which saves a lot of gas (althogh it takes me a hour to get there)

Has anyone resorted to riding their horses to work or to run errands?

[Cindy Land]

I cannot wait to see a horse and buggy parked at Albertson's to bring home groceries!
Dealing with fuel costs when you drive a Surburban is a harsh reality. It has a 30 gallon tank, at $4.34/gal. and $130. to fill up. I will not buy a new vehicle, so the only option is to simply drive smarter & drive less. I work at home which saves alot. I plan my errands in a circle of right-hand turns, eastside/Springfield and then westside/Willamette St/W.11th area. I avoid downtown Eugene where the lights are not sync'ed and the bikes are irresponsible. I make at least 3 to 5 stops when I have to go, and unless it is something really urgent, everything waits for the route. I coast down the hills and drive on the freeway at 60mph instead of 70. (The computer in the Surburban calculates fuel consumption every second, and 60mph, I get 18 to 22mpg, at 70 I get 12mpg. When traffic passes me, I get 21mpg to 23mpg. Not bad for a full-size Chevy with heavy mud/snow tires on.) My average mpg is 15. I have worked up to go 2weeks on 3/4 of a tank. Not bad for the safety & security of the Suburban.