Tack & Gear

Salute to Saddle Makers

Updated:

May 5, 2020

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Creators of Functional Art - Two of the most intriguing questions about our relationship with horses are when were they first domesticated, and when were they first ridden. We will never know for sure, but some of the most fascinating evidence comes from the ancient Botai culture in northern Kazakhstan. Almost 6,000 years ago, the people living in a community of villages were foragers and hunter/gatherers. While the abundant wild horses were a staple part of their diet, the Botai came to see the horses as valuable working stock.

When Horses Behave Badly

Updated:

April 17, 2020

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Unwanted behaviour may be caused by a poorly fitting saddle. Often rider error is perceived to be the cause, addressed by suggesting ways to change rider behaviour. In some cases, consulting a veterinarian is suggested.

Fit For a Horse: Can Your Tack Pass a Fitness Test?

Updated:

March 21, 2020

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Many people consider tack fit in terms of the rider: the saddle gives us support and comfort on the horse’s back and the bridle reins to guide the horse’s front. But tack fit is also extremely important to your horse. Ill fitting tack can impede your horse’s performance as well as be a detriment to both his physical and mental health.

Saddle Comfort and Trail Riding - Between You and Your Horse

Updated:

March 21, 2020

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When it comes to personal gear for the trail rider, there is nothing more personal than the saddle. You probably have opinions about what you like to see in a saddle, and if you have been riding for several years, your experience has likely shifted those opinions somewhat.

9 Blanket Tips for the Well Dressed Horse

Updated:

March 21, 2020

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The sheer number of horse blankets on the market can make choosing the right one rather overwhelming. Modern blankets offer many options in fit, style, fabric, and accessories, with innovations made every year.

Are Horses Stressed when Bitted for the First Time?

Updated:

February 18, 2020

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New research has found that introducing the bit to a young horse for the first time can be a stressful process for them. However, this stress could be difficult for most people to identify, as the horse may not show visible stress behaviours.

Rider Safety is Always in Fashion

Updated:

November 16, 2019

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You could be dressed to kill if your riding boots do not sport a wedge heel. A moment of imbalance is all it takes for a foot to slide through the stirrup creating the potential for a nasty accident. Being dragged by the ankle rarely ends well for the rider. Wearing a boot with a low wedge heel and ankle support significantly reduces your chances of dangling upside down from an animal that flees danger first and asks questions later. Types of sole and tread also require consideration.

Do Inflatable Air Jackets for Equestrians Reduce Injury?

Updated:

August 11, 2019

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Inflatable air jackets (vests) for horse riders have been available for several years. A gas canister, connected by a cord to the horse’s saddle, is discharged when the cord is pulled during a fall, inflating the jacket in a fraction of a second.

Saddle Fit for the Rider - Male vs. Female

Updated:

August 6, 2019

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Aches in the hip and lower back areas are very common in women equestrians because they are often riding in saddles that have been built for men. Because a woman’s pelvis is different from a man’s, women riding in a “male” saddle may face back, knee, hip, and pelvic pain and experience difficulty maintaining proper position and posture in the saddle.

Trail Tips: Accessorizing the Trail Rider

Updated:

March 21, 2019

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In this article we will consider ideas for rider accessories that can make your ride smoother, safer, and more comfortable. Let’s begin with comfortable.