I pride myself on giving my pony the best of everything: a relaxed barn with ample turnout, regular bodywork, and exercises based on his needs and conditioning. He wants for nothing. As a certified equine sports massage therapist, I...
Preventing injuries and managing chronic conditions are top priorities when making care decisions for your equine partner. You may have considered adding therapeutic products to your management strategy after talking to your vet and shopping around. Here are some...
Trail riding is a favorite among many riders. Don't go out unprepared. Have the right trail riding tack and gear before you set out on the trail with some of the below items from Horse Illustrated's tack and gear column.
Resistol Ridesafe...
The number of bits available are almost limitless. Most of us have a pretty hefty collection, and even then it’s just the tip of the iceberg. It can be a challenge to make a quick decision and pluck just...
Here are some tips on how to choose a western bit suitable for your horse:
Western horses are ridden in both snaffle bits and curb bits. Snaffle bits work via direct pressure while curb bits employ leverage.
Young or...
Polo wraps are an alternative to protective boots. They can provide light protection for horses with sensitive skin who might get rubs from other types of boot.
Tap here to read about other types of leg protection for horses.
First you...
You can ride western in a snaffle or curb bit, depending on what your horse goes best in.
Your saddle should fit your horse comfortably, not rubbing on his withers.
Western saddles typically have a simple cinch, but...
Protective boots are a must-have for your horse or pony if you do athletic events like jumping and barrel racing, or if your horse’s conformation makes him interfere (bump his legs together) as he moves.
Before putting any type of...
Most riders know how important it is to protect their head with a helmet. Equestrian safety vests provide extra protection from many types of injuries. A safety vest, also called a body protector, is a useful item to add...
There are so many things to think about when you’re riding. Is my position correct? Is my horse moving right? But one big factor influencing your horse’s way of going that you may never have thought about is saddle...