While treeless saddle manufacturers state that their saddles fit all horses, that’s not quite true.
Treeless saddles DO fit a broader range of horse sizes and shapes than saddles with a fixed tree but it is still important that the saddle distributes the rider’s weight over a large area and does not concentrate pressure on [...]
Continue Reading →English and Western saddles come in different seat sizes. Of course, they aren’t measured the same way (that would be too easy). However, understanding seat size is critical to getting a saddle that fits!
Here’s how you measure the seat size on an English saddle. Start measuring from the nail, or “button”, that is [...]
Continue Reading →Winter riding is exhilarating and fun — but to start your ride of right, you should always warm your horse’s bit before you put it in his mouth. Think about how uncomfortable it is for them to have an ice cold bit in their mouths! When your barn is 20 degrees, so is your metal [...]
Continue Reading →The standing martingale is a piece of tack that first gained prominence in the hunt field. It’s sole purpose is to keep a horse from flinging its head back and hitting the rider in the face. A standing martingale therefore should only come into play when a horse raises its head well above the normal [...]
Continue Reading →Some horses have beautiful long tails naturally. Others need some help. And no, I’m not talking about tail extensions.
Taking proper care of your horse’s tail can make a big difference.
Instructions: Make sure your horse’s nutritional needs are covered. Feeding a complete feed, or adding a multivitamin, can help ensure that your horse has [...]
Continue Reading →Spanish, or running, braids are used on horse breeds where the manes are left long. This includes Baroque horses like Andalusians and Fresians, and breeds such as Arabians and Morgans who need to keep their manes long for breed shows but might also compete in hunters or dressage.
Whatever the reason, it is a lovely [...]
Continue Reading →Stretches help keep your horse supple, can prevent injuries and improve performance. “Carrot stretches” are an excellent way to encourage your horse to stretch. After all, most horses can be bribed by food!
Carrot Stretches are easy ways to stretch your horse’s neck and top line. They are something that you can incorporate into your [...]
Continue Reading →Horse hair jewelry is a great gift for equestrians and a fun way to honor your horse.
Bracelets and necklaces are not easy to make but with some practice you can make gifts for your friends and yourself.
So, how do you start?
Instructions: Collect tail hair from the horse(s) you want to use. If [...]
Continue Reading →There’s nothing like a stock tie to make an accomplished equestrian feel like they are all thumbs.
After years of cheating by using pre-tied stock ties, I took the plunge and bought one that required the ability to tie a square knot in a mirror and have it come out looking elegant.
The process gets [...]
Continue Reading →Quarter marks are the patterns that are back combed into your horse’s hair, generally placed over the hind quarters. They are an elegant addition to your show preparations.
Traditional patterns are checkerboards, diamonds and sharks teeth but there are stencils available that allow a host of different shapes.
Instructions Start with a clean horse. Spray [...]
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