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In many disciplines, riders use long and low as a way to encourage their horses to stretch down and engage their backs. When done properly, this helps relax the horse, encourage more “swing” to its stride, and improves suppleness. The problem is, too many riders focus on head position and not enough think about [...]
Continue Reading →Choosing a riding instructor to teach you how to ride (as opposed to a trainer who trains your horse) can be tricky. Here in the U.S., instructors do not need any third-party certifications (in the U.K. the British Horse Society, or BHS, offers trainer certification), anyone can hang out their shingle and proclaim themselves a [...]
Continue Reading →When tack gets neglected and dried out, it can be daunting. I hate to throw away useable stuff, but how can you restore dried tack and old leather?
I know that many people like to oil tack. In fact, I’m amazed by the different types of oil that people put on their tack: olive oil, [...]
Continue Reading →This article provides tips on how to minimize the risk of colic in horses.
Colic isn’t a specific disease, but rather a term to describe abdominal pain that can be caused by several sources. Colic can present itself as a mild discomfort, or it can be extremely serious: Major intestinal disruptions, including blockages, twists [...]
Continue Reading →Head protection is a critical element of rider safety. According to the Equestrian Medical Safety Association, 60% of equestrian fatalities are caused by head injuries! While equestrian helmets are far safer than they used to be, if your helmet doesn’t fit, it can compromise your safety.
I see far too many people [...]
Continue Reading →The curb chain is an essential part of leverage bits like pelhams and Kimberwickes or double bridles. Adjusting them properly is key to having the bit work the way it is intended. Curb chain fit into the groove under a horse’s chin. When the rider pulls on the curb rein, it causes the shanks to [...]
Continue Reading →The Cavallo Simple Boot is aptly named because it is very simple to put on.
Open the velcro straps and pull the boot fully open. Slide it on your horse’s hoof Close the large flap over the tongue (there’s velcro there, too, to keep it secure) Bring the second flap over the first and [...]
Continue Reading →If your horse has an abscess or a hoof injury that requires soaking, using a soaking boot like the Davis Boot, can make the experience far less painful for you and easier on your horse.
With a soaking boot you don’t have to convince your horse to stand with his hoof in a bucket [...]
Continue Reading →Snaffle bits come with several different mouthpiece options — a mullen mouth, which is straight, and either a single or double jointed mouthpiece.
It’s important that the mouthpiece be configured in the proper way for the bit to work properly. Since many bits are made with ring cheek pieces, it can be inadvertently attached to [...]
Continue Reading →Wintec’s EASY-CHANGE™ Gullet System makes it easy for horse owners to adjust their saddle fit as their horse matures and changes shape. I’ve used them on my own horses, especially when I buy a horse that is young or under muscled — by changing the gullet I can accommodate my horse’s changing shape without buying [...]
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