Have you ever felt your western saddle shifting beneath your seat? It could be due to an improperly fitted cinch. The wrong sized cinch could also cause your horse to develop a sore or gal due to pinching or rubbing....
It can be a bit nippy in the morning when you head out on a trail ride, but by midday things often warm up and you need to shed your sweatshirt. Rather than tie it around your waist,...
Q. I’m just getting started in the lower levels of eventing and am wondering about the best saddle to buy for the sport. Do I really need two or three different saddles, or can I get by with one...
Did the gift-giving season land you a new western saddle? Or perhaps you purchased one at your local tack shop’s end-of-the-year sale. Regardless of how it was received, if you’ve recently come to own a new western saddle, you...
One of the most important things you can do for your horse is to make sure his tack fits properly. Poor fitting tack is comparable to you wearing poorly fitted shoes: too tight and you’ve got squished toes and...
Polo wraps are a popular product used for protection and light support on your horse's lower legs during exercise. Here's how to apply them correctly.Make sure your horse is standing square before you begin, then start the polo wrap...
Have you been caught riding in the rain? Before you panic, there are ways to save your leather bridle and saddle even if they’re dotted with rain drops or soaked from a downpour.First, take a soft, dry cloth...
If riding in wet or muddy conditions, deep sand, foxtails or burrs, Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science recommends leaving your horse’s boots behind. Debris-filled boots can rub and scrape, leaving your horse’s legs vulnerable to bacterial and...
Winter blankets harbor bacteria and fungi that can lead to skin irritation. Keep winter blankets dry, and clean them regularly. On sunny days, remove blankets, turn them inside out, remove loose hair and dirt with a stiff brush and...
Fly masks offer protection from annoying insects, so horses across the country are outfitted in them during summer’s winged onslaught. But fly masks can sometimes harm your horse if basic application guidelines aren’t followed.We asked equine veterinarian Jim Brendemuehl...
