Saddling a horse might seem like a straightforward task, but its implications run deep. Safety for the rider is paramount and an incorrectly saddled horse is a hazard. If the saddle slides, tips, or even falls off during a ride, the consequences can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to …
Everything you need to know about mounting your horse correctly and humanely
Mounting a horse refers to the process of getting onto the back of a horse in a safe and controlled manner. It’s an essential skill to know for riders as well as horses. Today, we typically mount horses from the left. Mounting a horse from the left side is a …
What is a dressage saddle and how is it different than other saddles?
A dressage saddle is a specialized type of equestrian tack designed to meet the precise requirements of dressage riders. Its distinctive features set it apart from other saddles, making it ideal for the discipline’s unique demands. A quick history of the dressage saddle. The history of the dressage saddle is …
What is a baroque saddle?
A Baroque saddle is a style of equestrian saddle with a unique design and features, primarily associated with the Baroque period in art and history, which spanned from the late 16th century to the early 18th century in Europe. Baroque saddles were specifically designed for riding horses in a manner …
The stirrup: a small piece of tack that revolutionised horseback riding
The stirrup is a small but essential component of horse riding equipment that has been in use for over 2,000 years. It is a piece of equipment that has had a profound impact on the history of horsemanship, from the development of cavalry warfare to modern-day horseback riding. So, when …
Have a squeaky leather saddle? Don’t put baby powder on it!
Imagine going to mount your horse and as soon as you put your foot in the stirrup, the saddle gives a great big squeak. You settle into the saddle, thinking, “Phew! Glad that’s done!” and pick up your reins. But as soon as your horse takes a step, that bloody …
Horse riding saddle care 101: how to store it, take great care of it & when to replace it
Your saddle is an essential piece of equipment used to provide support, stability, and comfort to both you and your horse. The saddle serves as a platform for you to sit on and helps distribute your weight evenly across your horse’s back, allowing for better balance and communication. A broken …
How to find the right horse riding helmet for you
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for horse riders is the helmet. The right helmet helps protect against head injuries in the event of a fall or other accident. However, finding the right horse riding helmet can be a daunting task. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand …
Everything you need to know about horse halters: their uses and types explained
Horse halters are an essential piece of equipment for horse owners and handlers. They are used for a variety of purposes, including leading, tying, and grooming horses. Horse halters have been used for centuries. They were originally made of leather, rope, or other natural materials, and were used to control …
Why dress up your horse like a zebra? Research shows the zebra pattern is the most effective in deterring biting flies
People aren’t just dressing up their horses as zebras for fun, there’s actually some science behind it! And it all starts with one simple question: why do zebras have stripes? There has been scientific interest in the function of zebra stripes for over 150 years. There have been many theories …
Never store a dirty saddle: a step-by-step guide to cleaning & storing your saddle so you save money
Your saddle is most likely going to be the most expensive piece of horse tack you’re going to buy. A good saddle will run you anywhere from hundreds to thousands (depending on the type of saddle you need) – and because of that, it’s worth the time and effort to …
What are the most basic products & supplies every horse owner needs to have?
Your horse is a large animal whose care is a big responsibility. There’s a lot of horse stuff on the market, and though you don’t need half of what’s marketed to you, you will need some of the basic supplies to be able to take care of your horse. Here …