Make sure you have the opportunity to test ride a saddle on your horse before committing to a purchase. Follow these basic steps when checking saddle fit: Set the saddle on your horse’s back without a saddle pad or...
The great thing about trail riding is that it’s truly a universal pleasure—all kinds of riders can enjoy it. It doesn’t demand a horse with a fancy pedigree, flashy tack or a special dress code, and you can take...
At first glance the saddle of cowboys doesn’t appear to be a precision instrument. But despite its rustic appearance there is intrinsic refinement behind its functionality. Even slight flaws in fit can impact the comfort and effectiveness of a...
No piece of equipment is a substitute for training, rider experience, and time, but the right bit in your horse’s mouth will make the journey smoother along the way. Confusion and discomfort create distress, negatively impacting your horse’s comfort...
Breaking in tall boots can be a pain—literally. The backs of rider’s knees and ankles are especially susceptible to blisters and abrasions until the leather "drops” and breaks in, conforming to the leg.Keep in mind that not all...
The hackamore is a viable alternative to the bit that can be particularly beneficial when riding a young horse with a sensitive and developing mouth. It’s also useful on any horse that has had a mouth injury or has...
Dexter Ring Bit: This bit is a combination of a chifney with a snaffle bit and is most often seen on race horses. It adds some steering and stopping power to especially strong horses.The...
A gag bit contains a rope or rolled leather cheek piece that
slides through the bit ring when the rein is used. This pulley effect is
designed to increase the lifting action of the snaffle bit upward against the
corners of the...
Selecting the correct bit is one of the most important parts of training your horse and bringing out his best performance. Here, Gina Miles, the 2008 Olympic individual silver medalist in three-day eventing, shares advice to help you navigate...
Baby pads aren’t for baby horses. They’re thin rectangles of
cotton (about 32” x 28”) that fit between your horse’s back and whichever other
saddle pad you’d like to keep clean and neat. Not to be confused with traditional
square saddle pads,...
