Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Raven, a 26-year-old, 14.0hh grade Standardbred-cross mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Raven

This sweet, older black Standardbred-cross mare is a gentle soul with a quiet, steady personality. Raven came to the Houston Humane Society as part of a cruelty case but has shown remarkable resilience. She has been steadily gaining weight and improving in condition, proving that with proper care, she will thrive.

Raven is broke to ride and has a calm, sensible demeanor under saddle, making her an enjoyable partner for relaxed riding. She appreciates a quiet, confident handler and does best with a steady routine. She loves grooming and is beginner-friendly, making her a wonderful choice for someone looking for a kind and forgiving partner.

In the meantime, she enjoys calm handling, consistent routines, and quiet time in turnout.

Raven would do best in a safe, kind home that can continue supporting her recovery and provide a comfortable, consistent environment. With the right care, she promises to be a loving, reliable companion for someone looking for a calm, steady partner to share her golden years.

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Raven!

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Raven appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

Adoptable Horse: Stephan (Real Sly), a 20-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Lollypop Farm, Fairport, N.Y.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Stephan

Stephan (Jockey Club name Real Sly) came to Lollypop Farm with high praises. This sweet boy was loved on by his previous owner for most of his life, but due to unfortunate circumstances in the owner’s life, he is looking for another caring family to call home.

As a non-riding, companion only horse, Stephan gets to enjoy the rest of his life as a pasture pal. But he still deserves praise for how much he has done in his life — he raced, showed, trailered often, and has adjusted well to different homes. He is non-rideable due to conformational issues, including a club foot.

Stephan has been great for grooming, handling, vet, farrier, you name it! He is uitable for a beginner-intermediate handler.

His adoption fee is $300, or he is also eligible for the C.A.R.E Program.

Contact Lollypop Farm today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Stephan!

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Stephan (Real Sly) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Trip Sevens (Ace), a 5-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: February Star Sanctuary, Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Trip Sevens (Ace)

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous gray? Trip Sevens, known around the barn as Ace, is a 5-year-old, off-track Thoroughbred that came to February Star Sanctuary from Aftercare Charles Town.

Ace is as sweet as he is handsome. He loves being around people, is a big fan of getting attention and affection, and is both calm and curious — he’ll probably be the first to greet you at the barn. Being the softy that he is, he can get spooked, so February Star thinks he’ll be best with an experienced, confident adopter who can help him learn groundwork and manners. He’s in the process of healing from an injury that will take about one year to properly heal, so at this time, he’s available as a companion horse. February Star does believe that with patience and correct management, he could eventually be a light trail rider.

Contact February Star Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Trip Sevens (Ace)!

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Trip Sevens (Ace) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“These insects make their appearance in the spring and become sparse in the cold winter months, but generally they remain active year-round, especially in places like Florida, contributing to the chronic causes of allergic skin disease in some horses,” says Caitlyn Henderson, DVM, of Peterson Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, one of Florida’s largest equine clinics.

The condition is often seasonal with chronic relapses, but horses in warmer climates may be affected year-round.

Photo by Bob Langrish

Clinical Signs of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses

Horses suffering from IBH often present with recurrent hives and/or chronic itching (pruritus). Clinical signs of IBH can include:

◆ Circular areas of crusting caused by inflammation (bacterial folliculitis)

◆ Blisters (papules)

◆ Hair loss (alopecia)

◆ Raised, hard, thickened areas of skin

◆ Broken hairs with sores in mane and tail head

◆ Self-trauma from rubbing

◆ Pigmentary alterations

◆ Behavioral changes due to discomfort

“Signs can often start as very subtle, especially when under the mane or at the tail head,” says Henderson. “Broken hairs are easy to miss in the beginning.”

Intense itching can cause allergic horses to rub bald spots and sores into their manes and tails. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Skin lesions develop where insects feed. This is typically along the horse’s ventral chest and abdomen, under the mane, along the withers and back (dorsum), tail base, and inguinal areas (between the hind legs), as well as on the face and ears.

“These lesions all come with a degree of itching, which feeds the cycle of lesion development, eventually causing severe scarring, permanent hair loss, and depigmentation,” says Henderson.

Why It Happens 

With IBH, a half-ton horse can’t hold his own against tiny insects.

The horse’s immune system is triggered by proteins and enzymes in the insects’ saliva as they feed. The horse’s body identifies those salivary enzymes and proteins as foreign, which causes the allergic response.

“The immune system releases antibodies, specific immune cells, and inflammatory mediators that drive inflammation and cell migration to peripheral tissues near the bite site, which then drives itching and swelling,” says Henderson. “Histamine is also released from mast cells sent by the immune system at the bite site, and they release more enzymes that irritate nerves nearby, further driving the urge to itch.”

It’s a nasty cycle that will only continue unless the horse is treated and the cause addressed.

Diagnosing Insect Bite Hypersensitivity

Because IBH is often bundled with other environmental allergies, there isn’t a single test to definitively diagnose the condition.

 Veterinarians base their diagnosis on the horse’s history (including travel, exposure, housing, and environment), clinical signs, duration, severity, and frequency of those signs, previous treatment, and diagnostics. The goal is to rule out other skin diseases and determine the best response to treatment.

“Many practitioners will still reach for intradermal allergen testing to support their diagnosis, which is helpful if clients are looking for a more direct approach,” says Henderson. “Serum allergy testing has proven to be of little benefit for horses with their broad range of allergen exposure. It’s like sending your kiddo to daycare for the first time and then testing them to see what germs they picked up while they were there.”

Treatment Protocol 

There is no one-size-fits-all protocol. Medical treatment can soothe the irritated skin and provide relief, but fly control or insect avoidance is considered the mainstay of both treatment and prevention.

“No amount of bathing, fish oil, and cetirizine in the world will help a horse with IBH if we aren’t trying everything we can to reduce the insect population in their environment,” says Henderson. “It doesn’t matter how much Benadryl you give your child after playing in an ant pile if you don’t get them out of the ant pile first.”

Limiting places where flies can make contact with a horse through use of fly sheets, masks, and boots helps sensitive horses enjoy outdoor time. Photo by Christiane Slawik

She advises horse owners to prioritize reducing the insect population and limiting insect-horse contact. This includes:

◆ On-horse insect repellent containing 2% permethrin

◆ Fly masks with ear covers

◆ Fly sheet

◆ Fly boots

◆ Automatic fly spray systems in barns

◆ Fly traps (including sticky traps)

◆ Bug zappers

◆ Strong indoor fans

◆ Keeping horses stabled during peak insect feeding times

◆ Eliminating standing water in paddocks and barn area

◆ Diligent manure management and removal 

Strong indoor fans discourage flies from landing on horses. Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe Stock

Bathing the horse with medicated shampoo is recommended. Look for products that contain ingredients that support healthy coats and reduce dryness, as well as ketoconazole and chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial and fungal growth in the skin that can contribute to itching.

“Many veterinarians want to reach for systemic glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone or prednisolone, and antihistamines,” says Henderson. “There is little research that supports the efficacy of these drugs for horses with IBH, but anecdotally they show promise in limiting the itch-inflammation cycle. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), another antihistamine, also has little research supporting efficacy against itching and clinical signs associated with IBH, but it is considered safer for horses than systemic glucocorticoids. Regardless, your veterinarian should consider your horse’s general health, risk factors, and clinical signs when starting therapy.”

If you want to try an oral supplement, omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to improve skin lesions, but don’t help with itching.

Diligent manure removal takes away fly breeding grounds. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Secondary Infections 

IBH lesions disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and the population of healthy microbiota. When this happens, opportunistic bacteria and pathogens sometimes infect deeper tissues, causing secondary infections.

“Now, instead of just controlling the itch and giving the skin time to heal, you have to eliminate the bacterial infection before the itching resolves and the healing can finally begin,” says Henderson.

Skin lesions develop where insects feed, such as under the mane, and may not be noticed until the hair is rubbed out. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Immunotherapy

People get allergy shots, but do they work on horses?

Henderson says allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has shown promise in horses when administered over a period of two years, but so far treatment protocols have not been standardized, so results vary.

“ASIT is especially beneficial for horses who cannot avoid their allergens or who are exposed to their allergens for extended periods, often resulting in further hypersensitization of the allergic response,” says Henderson. “Horses in Florida, for example, are exposed to mosquitoes and biting insects nearly year-round, so those horses that have moderate to severe IBH even in our peak ‘winter’ are good candidates for ASIT.”

It typically takes three to six months to see if the horse will have a positive response to treatment. In some cases, immunotherapy has resulted in remission of the allergy. Your veterinarian can determine if your horse is a good candidate for immunotherapy.

“Immune-modulating therapies, such as Cytopoint (lokivetmab), Apoquel (oclacitnib), and allergy shots are still undergoing safety and efficacy studies in horses,” says Henderson.

Finally, don’t subject your horse to the questionable suggestions you may find when searching for home remedies for IBH. Applying used motor oil, bacon grease, or similar concoctions to your horse’s mane, tail, or coat won’t cure the condition, and can end up increasing skin irritation. 

This article about insect bite hypersensitivity in horses appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Mochi, an 8-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Mochi

It’s time for Mochi to shine!

He’s a classic, distinguished-looking young Thoroughbred gelding who enjoys the process of learning new things, whether that is a new groundwork exercise or picking up a new trick.

He is the happiest when he is hanging out with his people receiving words of affirmation, snuggles and scratches.

Mochi was a part of a large seizure in Jefferson County, W.Va. in 2024. He had a body condition score of 1 — what a glow-up and transformation he went through both physically and mentally!

Upon further investigation with DEFHR’s vet, it was recommended that Mochi be adopted out as a non-riding horse due to some mild neurologic deficits. It is hard to even tell as he is a lovely mover and enjoys doing roundpen work (walk/trot/canter), as well as in-hand work. It is most noticeable during farrier visits where he is anxious about his hind feet being handled for long periods of time. DEFHR staff and trainer have put a lot of time into helping him be more prepared for the farrier and he has come a long way but he will need a farrier that understands that he may need more frequent breaks.

Mochi is a lovebug who loves being the center of attention — come meet him today!

Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Mochi!

@daysendfarmhorserescue

Check out Mochi’s GLOW UP Learn more about Mochi and equine adoption at DEFHR.org #horserescue #transformation #glowup #beforeandafter #adoptable

♬ scott street – ☆

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Mochi appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Algae blooms are the bane of summer, turning your horse’s drinking water into an unappealing green slime. Photo by Richard/Adobe Stock

How to Reduce Water Trough Algae

While unsightly, many types of algae don’t pose a direct health concern. However, certain types of blue-green algae release toxins that can lead to colic and diarrhea in horses. In humans, it can mean skin irritation, stomach upset, and nervous system problems.

Water sources that have a lot of algae can be less desirable to horses and lead to reduced water intake. For all these reasons, it’s good horse-keeping practice to keep algal blooms to a minimum in your troughs with a regular plan of attack.

Algae are plant-like organisms that are photosynthetic. This means they need nutrients and sunlight to grow. When we can reduce or eliminate these, we have a better chance of slowing algae growth and keeping the slime at bay.

Here are a few ways:

◆ Seek shade. Ideally, place the water trough or tank in a shady or covered area. Moving it out of the sun reduces the water temperature and makes the environment less attractive to algae.

◆ Reduce contaminants. If you can, keep the water container away from feeding areas and manure piles. This will help (but not eliminate) pieces of hay, dirt, manure and insects from getting into the water.

◆ Skim daily. Using an aquarium net or pool skimmer, make a daily habit of skimming off anything floating on the surface and scooping up what you can near the bottom of the tank before these particles start to decompose and feed the green monster.

Additives to Try

To help keep water troughs clean, here are a few ideas that might be worth a try, including a couple important caveats.

◆ Barley straw. Prepackaged in small bundles or bales, barley straw is thought to produce a chemical that impacts the pH of the water and reduces the potential for new algae growth (but doesn’t reduce existing algae). Submerge the bundle on the bottom of a clean tank using a brick or other horse-safe weight and replace as indicated on the package.

◆ Copper. The chemical properties of copper inhibit photosynthesis in algae and can help to control it.

Important note! Copper is safe for horses, cattle and dogs, but it is toxic to sheep. Avoid using copper if your horses share water sources with sheep.

Small pieces of copper pipe are one option. Another form of copper is copper sulfate crystals, which, along with zinc sulfate crystals, have been used for years by livestock producers to help reduce algae. Ask your veterinarian for application rates and follow label directions carefully, including dissolving in warm water before thoroughly mixing into the water trough.

◆ Aeration. Algae thrives in still water, so an aerator keeps the water moving. This can discourage both algae formation and mosquito larvae, but be warned that curious horses may see the aerator as a toy. Attach it to the tank or put it in the center of a large stock tank where they can’t reach it.

◆ Commercial additives. A variety of equine water trough products are available, some containing enzymes and other ingredients. Always check with your veterinarian and follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for use.

Important note! Horses are highly sensitive to the slightest change in the taste or smell of their water, and they may refuse to drink if it changes. This can lead to significant health effects, including dehydration and colic. If you do choose to use additives, work with your veterinarian to implement the change slowly and safely.

Maximize Elbow Grease

While additives and biological treatments can help with algae, the tried-and-true method of keeping buckets and tanks clean is elbow grease: regular dumping and scrubbing. However, this can waste a lot of water and create a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes in the process.

Here are tips to address both:

◆ Use right-sized troughs. If you have just one or two horses in separate pens, opting for smaller troughs or buckets means they can be refilled daily and dumped and scrubbed daily or every few days. Timed well, this can reduce the amount of wasted water. If you have multiple horses or don’t want the daily water bucket chore, opt for a larger trough or stock tank. You still will need to dump and scrub—likely at least once a week, depending on the temperature and other factors—so be sure the tank is small enough to work with.

◆ Pro-Tip: Create an exit ramp. There’s nothing like the horror of heading to the barn in the morning and seeing a drowned animal floating in your stock tank. Build an exit ramp out of clean wood that attaches to the top of your tank, or drill a hole in each end of a clean 2×4. Tie a brick to one end and submerge it in the tank, and tie the other end to the fence or wall behind the tank.

◆ Dump with care. Experiment with keeping troughs and tanks filled only partway and letting your horse drink down the water before you need to dump and scrub. When it’s time to drain, clean and refill, see if you can route the water away—maybe even watering a lawn area or landscape plants. This also prevents creating a mud hole that’s a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes.

If your tank has a drain plug, attach a hose and let the water drain elsewhere. If your tank doesn’t have a drain plug, use a syphon hose attached to a longer garden hose. Simple syphons use a marble in a copper fitting that you shake up and down to start the flow of water. When nearly all the water has been syphoned out, then move the tank away from the area and dump the rest.

The right size trough, not overfilling, and scrubbing with bleach between refills will help keep the algae at bay. Photo by pimmimemom/Adobe Stock

Clean a Water Trough the Right Way

Starting with a sparkly clean water trough, rather than topping it off, will help the water stay clean longer. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. Empty the tank completely and remove all debris.

2. Scrub it clean with a stiff brush.

3. Rinse the tank with a 1:10 diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), or about 1.5 cups bleach in 1 gallon of water. Be sure to use unscented and regular bleach, not the “splashless” versions. Swirl the scrub brush around the bottom and up the sides.

4. Let the bleach solution sit for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse the tank twice with clean water.

6. Refill the tank. The horses can safely drink from it right away.

While summer brings the potential for water trough algae, with a little planning and the right approach, your horse can enjoy clean, fresh water and you can win the battle of the slime.

This article about water trough algae appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Win the Battle Against Water Trough Algae appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Mystic, an 18-year-old, 15.1hh Standardbred mare
Organization: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, Ohio

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Mystic

Meet Mystic!

This beautiful lady has nothing holding her back. She is already becoming so friendly, is full of spunk, and an all-around excellent equine friend. She gets along with anyone she’s in the pasture with and enjoys spending her time getting loved on or eating with said friends.

Mystic has a history of being Amish. Under saddle, Mystic will tack up quietly, but can be wiggly if things move too fast. This gal does have a little more pep to her step. She enjoys having a light job and something to do throughout the day.

If you’re looking for an occasional ride or two around the pasture per week, Mystic may just be the right fit.

Contact Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Mystic!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Mystic appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Mary Cage

Riding horses is euphoric, energizing, and exhilarating—soaring over a jump, galloping across an open field, performing a dressage freestyle, or savoring the sweetness of a trail ride on a sunny afternoon. Riding horses is also a heart-stopping, hair-raising, risky endeavor.

The Inherent Dangers of Equestrian Sports

As much as we don’t like to think about the potential consequences of strapping ourselves onto the back of a 1,200-pound flight animal that spooks at things real (that menacing butterfly that appeared out of nowhere or the mud puddle that clearly contains a shark) or things imagined (literally nothing… but it sure was scary!), here’s the truth: If we ride a horse, we will at some point fall off a horse. Or be thrown into a wall. Tossed over a fence. Bucked so high we reach the sky only to come back down to earth in a painful thud. 

According to the article “Equestrian Related Injuries: A National Database Study” in Journal of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), between 2018 and 2022 “there were 4,760 reported equestrian-related emergency room visits. These incidents predominantly involved females (73.11%) with a median age of 31.” Of note, equestrian-related injuries “are predominantly related to sports events (i.e., eventing, hunting, and jumping)… The most common mechanism of injury was a horse-level event, such as a buck, fall, or being thrown.”   

Of course, an injury can happen at any time when working with horses—whether in the saddle or from the ground. But having a deeper understanding of the inherent dangers and risks associated with active riding should influence a rider’s decision about wearing protective gear. Most barns and trainers will not even let a rider into the arena without a helmet. But what about safety vests?  

Safety vests are advanced protective gear that are designed to shield the torso and upper body (chest, neck, spine, ribcage, and vital organs) from injuries when a rider falls off their horse. A safety vest is made from dense foam, tactical materials, ballistic nylon, or some combination of these elements. Safety vests are serious business; they have very specific testing regulations and are governed by three international safety standards. Airbag vests (AV) are a subcategory of safety vests and differ in a few ways. An airbag vest is attached to the saddle by a lanyard (after mounting). It is used in conjunction with a removable CO2 air cartridge which allows the entire vest to inflate in 0.2 seconds after a fall (the lanyard connecting the horse and rider is forcefully separated).   

The choice to wear a safety vest may rest squarely on the rider, depending on where you live and which discipline you ride. If you currently wear a vest or are thinking of purchasing one, keep this in mind: A safety vest can’t do its job unless it fits you correctly.  

Meet the Safety Vest Fitter 

Kimberly Chick, a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) certified helmet and professional safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery, is passionate about the use and proper fit of safety vests. “Everyone can and should wear a safety vest,” says Chick.

Kimberly Chick, a BETA-certified helmet and professional safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery, offers professional vest fittings at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Photo by Julie Maddock

What should a first-time buyer consider when choosing a safety vest? 

“When a customer comes into our store for a safety vest, I ask a lot of questions,” says Chick. “There’s a big difference between a 65-year-old trail rider and a 30-year-old eventer. We take all of that into consideration. There are body protection products to match every rider. Tell me what type of riding you do, and I can help you find the right vest, at the right budget, in the right size.”  

As safety becomes more paramount in equestrian sport, more riders are considering safety vests.

“I think the old-school stigma of wearing a safety vest is changing,” says Chick. “You see more and more people wearing a vest or airbag vest, especially in certain disciplines. Just like we get in a car and put our seatbelt on, we should get on a horse with a helmet and vest on.”  

Because body shapes vary, “it’s not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to safety vests,” explains Chick. Therefore, a vest should be properly fitted by a professional to ensure the ultimate return on your investment—protecting your body. “It’s not one simple measurement; I look at the proportion of where the person’s ribs end and where their pelvis starts. I think about their motion in the saddle. I want the vest to be long enough to protect the ribcage but not impede the pelvis from moving. A vest fitter must understand anatomy.”  

And just like a helmet, if your safety vest is involved in a hard impact, it will need to be replaced. “Even if no fall is involved, a vest should be replaced every five years,” advises Chick. “Heat from our body, the sun, humidity, and the environment all contribute to the breakdown of the vest’s materials.”  

Like all personal protective equipment, safety vests need to be maintained to prevent damage or failure. “A vest should never be submerged in water. Some vests have removable parts that can be washed, but generally, a vest should be spot-cleaned. Store your vest in a climate-controlled environment year-round. Heat is the biggest enemy of our safety equipment,” says Chick.   

A safety vest is an investment, so you’ll want to spend your money wisely. “I will never recommend an uncertified vest. Check the label. You can find inexpensive equestrian vests online for $50, but they are not certified. There is no guarantee of what materials it contains or that it will protect you… Your body is worth the investment. And a good helmet and vest are still cheaper than a trip to the ER.”

Chick explains that the pricing for vests ranges from the least expensive certified vests in the $200 to $300 range up to over $1,000, depending on the brand and features, such as whether it is a back protector (offering spine protection only), body protector/safety vest, airbag vest, or combination vest.  

“I get asked, ‘Is a vest comfortable to wear?’ The biggest thing to remember is that yes, there is some bulk, but that bulk equals safety—the space between your body and the object you are impacting. The thickness grabs the energy and disperses it,” explains Chick. “Over time, your body heat and the sun’s heat will soften the foam, settling the vest, and it will shape to your body. They become like a second skin.” 

Chick recommends that you don’t share your vest or body protector with others because it will mold to your bustline, ribs, and body. Like slipping into a new pair of boots, wearing a vest takes a few rides before you become accustomed to the feeling of it.  

How a Professional Safety Vest Fitter Measures a Rider

Proper fit begins with wearing the undergarments you would normally wear while riding, and then have an experienced fitter obtain three measurements: bust, back length, and over the shoulder. In addition, the type of saddle you ride in will factor into a precise fitting. For example, a dressage rider will need the back length measurement to be a bit shorter to ensure the vest doesn’t hit the saddle.

The back length measurement will need to be adjusted up or down depending upon the type of saddle you ride in. For example, when fitting a vest to a Western or dressage rider, Chick will adjust the back length up a bit higher so that the vest back does not interfere with the saddle. “A rider needs to be able to sit in the saddle comfortably and have freedom of movement in the pelvis, so the vest must be high enough so as not to interfere,” Chick explains. “I want people to feel one hundred percent confident in their purchase, so I put them in a saddle or have them bring in their current saddle during a safety vest fitting.”

Chick ensures the vest falls about an inch past the lowest rib, measuring on either side of the belly button. “Generally, when we fall, we tend to raise our arms. If the safety vest isn’t properly fitted, it can rise too high and not be able to protect the ribs,” Chick explains. “We don’t want the vest to uncover our ribcage; the ribs are the protective armor of our lungs, diaphragm, and heart.”

At the end of a fitting, a rider may question if the body-hugging vest is too tight. “Try taking a deep breath. You want the vest as snug as you can tolerate, but not so tight that you can’t breathe deeply,” says Chick.  

Most vests are unisex; there is one brand designed specifically for a woman’s body with contoured lines that help accommodate a bust. And every vest feels a bit different. Rather than choosing a vest based on how it looks or the price, “the most important consideration should be if the vest fits you correctly and provides the highest level of safety,” explains Chick.  

 Is Wearing One Right for You?

“I wear a vest on every ride,” says Chick. “My horse is 17.1, and he loves to play… and that’s a long way to fall off.”

Chick wishes every rider would consider wearing a safety vest, have it professionally fitted, and ultimately enjoy a safer ride. In addition to in-person fittings at Fair Hill Saddlery in Elkton, Md., Chick also offers fitting consultations via Zoom or at major equestrian events throughout the year, including Equine Affaire, Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, Horse World Expo, and more. “It makes me happy to be a resource to help riders properly fit a vest and helmet.”   

This article about safety vest fitting is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How a Professional Safety Vest Fitter Can Help You Find the Right Vest appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Windsor, a 30-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Windsor

Windsor is the very definition of a kind-hearted gentleman. With a quiet grace and a soft spirit, this senior Thoroughbred is looking for one last, loving home where he can enjoy his golden years surrounded by care and comfort.

Once upon a time, Windsor was a racehorse, his career hinted at only by the faint trace of a lip tattoo, now unreadable—a subtle reminder of a past life long before microchipping OTTB’s became standard. Whatever his early days held, they’re far behind him now. His story with Days End Farm Horse Rescue began in 2017, when he arrived at DEFHR as part of a severe neglect case. Despite the odds, Windsor made a remarkable recovery. His resilience and gentle demeanor won hearts, and he eventually went on to be adopted and cherished as a children’s horse.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen life changes, Windsor’s adopter had to make the difficult decision to return him to DEFHR last year. True to his nature, Windsor has adjusted with quiet dignity, slipping back into the daily rhythm of life at the farm. But while he’s content there, DEFHR knows that what he truly deserves is a peaceful forever home of his own.

Windsor is estimated to be close to 30 years old. At his age, he is no longer able to eat long-stemmed hay or grass. As a result, he thrives on an all-palatable (mash) diet, fed four times daily—something his future family will need to be mindful of, but management can look a little different at each facility dependent on the barn set-up. Windsor is currently living out 24/7 with a large herd of geldings.

Windsor is full of quiet life and affection. He is often found playing around with the young horses in his field and running around! He’s sound, barefoot, easy to handle, and incredibly well-mannered on the ground. His presence is calm and reassuring, and he truly loves human connection. There’s a peaceful wisdom in his eyes, and time spent with him is time spent in good company.

Windsor has given his all throughout his life—to people, to children, to recovery. Now it’s his turn to receive. If you have the space in your heart and home to offer him the loving retirement he so deeply deserves, please fill out a Horse Interest Form and help DEFHR write the next (and best) chapter of Windsor’s story.

Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Windsor!

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Windsor appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ultrashield Gold

Developed with the breakthrough Absorbine FlyShield® technology, this water-based formula works differently from traditional fly sprays by disrupting the insects’ homing systems stopping bugs before they bite. Defends against over 100 different insects—even when they’re at their worst.

Shop for $37.87 at absorbine.com.

Stretch Bug Eye Saver With Ears

A pull-on mask made to protect horses’ eyes and ears in summer. Made from lightweight, soft and flexible nylon stretch outer that forms to your horse’s face with raised, see-through mesh screen over each eye for unobstructed vision and mesh ears for extra protection.

Shop for $24.99 at weatherbeeta.com.

Fly-Bye Boots

Designed to stay in place with a unique design that combines stiff binding and an ergonomic shape tapered to fit your horse’s legs. The bottom of the boots are finished with a soft binding that makes for a comfortable experience for your horse. Easy to quickly put on and off with full velcro strip.   

Shop for $49.99 (set of 4) at majykequipe.com.

Horseware Fly Boots

Innovative 3D-constructed polyester air mesh outer with a soft fleece edging is comfortable and helps prevent flies from getting underneath the boots. Ideal for horses in warm weather given the cooling nature of their excellent air flow. Slim-fitting design and four strong adjustable straps keep boots securely in place.

Shop for $39.95 at horseware.com.

Professional’s Choice Fly Sheet

One of the most durable fly sheets on the market due to polyester rip-stop technology. Made from an ultra-strong, uniquely breathable and UV-protective nylon mesh that resists stains and wrinkles. The open-front design with double buckle closure ensures a perfect fit.

Shop for $231.95 at profchoice.com.

This article about fly season gear appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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