During the last decade a revolution of sorts has occurred in the design of English stirrups. Riders are no longer restricted to the rigid stainless steel “fillis” style of irons. Many of today’s English riders, especially those who ride...
Occasionally it’s necessary to use a specific type of pad to augment the fit of an English saddle. A riser pad (sometimes also called a lift-back or wedge pad) may be necessary if a horse, due to age or...
The hinged port curb is popular among riders and trainers of western pleasure horses. The additional joint in the center of the bit, usually hidden under a sleeve or roller, provides a great deal of flexibility in the mouthpiece....
Similar in function to the English standing martingale, the western tie-down prevents a horse from raising its head above a pre-determined level. When adjusted properly, the tie-down allows a horse to carry its head freely in a natural position....
Peacock Stirrups: Young English riders are encouraged to use peacock stirrups. Because of their design, a little rider is less likely to get a foot stuck in a stirrup in case of a fall or accident. A large, thick...
Running Martingale: The English running martingale is similar in form and function to the training fork popular with western riding. The running martingale attaches to the girth and then runs up between the horse’s front legs, where it splits...
Q: My wife and I would like to start up a breeding and boarding operation. What do we need to know before starting our farm?A:Combining a love for horses with a family-run business venture sounds like an appealing...
A properly fitted bridle will be comfortable and look good on your horse. Photo: Leslie PotterEdited Press ReleaseProperly fitting a bridle may not be as difficult as fitting a saddle, but there are some key tips you should keep...
Q: I’ve been riding with my current trainer for many years, ever since I was a little kid. I feel like I’ve outgrown her and want to move to another barn where all my friends ride. The lessons are...
Are you an English rider who’s learning to jump a course? Sooner or later you’ll face the challenge of getting the right number of strides in a line. But before you can finesse your horse’s performance to that point,...
