Figure-8 Pole

The setup for this exercise is fairly simple. You just need four poles—bonus points if they have a center stripe—and two standards (or other jump supports that are safe to use).

Start with one pole on the ground with a standard on either side, and the other poles off to the side out of the way.

After a brief warmup, pick up a trot and begin a figure-8 shape that passes over the center of the ground pole. This figure-8 should be ridden with a straight line in between the circles so that you have an opportunity to change bend, similar to two capital letter D’s back-to-back.

Make the circles medium in size, large enough that your horse isn’t having to overly exert himself, but small enough that it’s easy to feel him driving from the inside hind leg. This is where the phrase “inside leg to outside rein” comes into play, as you must be sure to keep your horse on the same track each time and prevent him from falling in, keeping him correctly between the aids.

Allison demonstrates riding inside leg to outside rein. Photo by Lauren Terrell

As you change the bend, be sure to begin the new bend with your new inside leg asking your horse to bend at the ribcage. This prevents the common mistake of only riding a horse’s head and neck.

If your horse is struggling with one of the circle directions more than the other, take a moment to stay on a circle in the difficult direction until you find the amount of support he needs to keep from falling in or out. It is completely normal for one side to ride easier than the other.

Adding Canter & Cross-Rail

Once this is going well, move to a canter circle over the pole. Stick to tracking in only one direction, as we will add the need for lead changes later. This is another good test of inside leg to outside rein, as your horse will have more momentum and will need to stay balanced and rocked back onto his outside hind to avoid an accidental lead change over the pole.

Allison keeps Oakley straight over the ground pole. Photo by Lauren Terrell

After this has been achieved for two to four continuous circles each direction, put a cross-rail where the pole was, with two poles forming a chute leading to the center of the cross-rail on the takeoff side.

Now take a small break from focusing on turning to focusing on straightness, focusing on how riding so many turns and circles has tuned you in to your horse’s natural drifts and small unbalances.

The pair stays straight and centered over the cross-rail using chute poles on the takeoff side. Photo by Lauren Terrell

Pick up a canter somewhere closer to the landing side of the jump. Canter down the long side of the area, thinking about a balanced, uphill canter. Look over your inside shoulder to find a track that will bring you to the center of the jump and allow you to be straight beforehand for about four or five strides.

Keep your horse straight for approach, takeoff, and landing. After cantering straight for four or five strides on the landing, turn in the direction of the lead your horse landed on. If your horse heavily favors one side, you may need to consciously restart the exercise tracking the other direction—but still try not to influence the landing lead.

Jumping at an Angle

If you’re looking to level up, take out the pole chute on the takeoff side and practice some jumps at an angle. It’s important to remember that when jumping at an angle, you will still be jumping the center of the jump, and that straightness is still very much a factor.

Jumping the jump at an angle will require your horse to shift to a smoother, more traditional figure-8 shape, and to land on the opposite lead from takeoff.

Allison asks Oakley to switch leads over the cross-rail after jumping at an angle without the chute poles. Photo by Lauren Terrell

For example, if riding a right lead canter, you will look for a track that takes off from the left of center and lands to the right of center on the left lead. You will ride slightly past the jump, create a chute with your legs and reins to achieve straightness for approach and takeoff, then look left, pull your left shoulder back, shift your hips right, and gently squeeze the left rein to encourage your horse to land on the left lead.

It’s very important not to pull your horse off balance and cause him to fall on his left shoulder and off of the figure 8-track. If for any reason you or your horse are not ready for landing leads, simply halt on a straight line and then pick up the new lead from the walk or trot.

Mastering these exercises will help your horse become more balanced at the canter and land on the desired lead throughout your jump courses.

This article about exercises to balance your horse’s turns appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Balance Your Horse’s Turns 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 by Christiane Slawik

In-Person Benefits

Chandler, whose experience with off-site instruction comes from virtual, video camera-based lessons, says that one benefit of continuing in-person instruction is that you have a real person standing there who can see more than you can see on a camera. As evidence, Chandler points to an issue with virtual lessons that a former client experienced.

“The instructor was missing some things because she could not see the whole picture all the time,” she says. “She could just see what the camera was focused on. The feedback from that was very limited.”

According to Chandler, safety is another drawback. “What if someone falls off their horse and the only other person present is a virtual riding instructor?”

She adds that the experienced eyes of a riding instructor, because they know the horse well, may also be able to detect a slight lameness that an inexperienced rider is not yet able to feel.

Finally, some riding instructors offer valuable insight into more than just riding technique, which Chandler feels may be lacking when taking lessons via an app. Helpful tips, such as changing to a different bit or advising clients to have their saddle fit checked, are just two examples of such feedback that you might get from an instructor versus an app.

Valuable feedback, such as checking saddle fit or changing bits, are an important part of in-person instruction. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Ridely App

But riding apps come with their own set of benefits. Ridely is one of today’s popular riding and education-based apps that seeks to fill the gap between riding lessons, or, in the absence of a regular instructor, provide riders with an opportunity to level up their riding skills from home.

“Ridely is a video-based educational platform app that can be accessed through the app or on your browser,” says Ridely’s U.S. Country Manager, Nicole Graf.

“It’s not master classes,” she says. “With our bite-sized content, you can learn a lot more in a smaller amount of time. Ridely’s approach helps riders learn easily—it’s a mobile-friendly educational app that fits seamlessly into your day.”

Graf says that no matter where you are, you can easily learn in short, two- to 10-minute videos that are designed to be quick and practical, meaning that you don’t need to spend hours in front of a computer to get valuable insights. She adds that the idea is that you can get specific information by watching a section on shoulder-in or on whatever it is you need.

“We’ve got dressage, jumping, hunter/jumper with some equitation, western, western dressage, and eventing,” says Graf. “We also have groundwork, horsemanship in-hand work, horse bodywork, sports psychology, and rider fitness.”

She adds that Ridely now has over 500 videos, which are all self-made by Ridely, and they are continually adding more content. To provide this amount of content, the app has partnered with 10 Olympians and 65+ trainers so far, including such experts as Carl Hester, Henrik von Eckermann, Lillie Keenan, Stacie Madden, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Lendon Gray, William Fox Pitt, Andrew Hoy, and more.

Ridely has partnered with 65+ trainers, including 10 Olympians, to create its video content. Photo courtesy Ridely

Despite their vast offerings, Graf does not feel that riding apps will replace in-person lessons.

“We feel that we complement [your] trainer’s lessons,” she says. “We are not a substitute. But for those people who don’t have access to a trainer, don’t live near one, or can’t afford to take weekly lessons, we can educate people like a trainer.”

Graf says that within the Ridely app, there is also an AI coach. The AI coach helps riders put together a lesson based on what they want to work on. A digital calendar in the app allows riders to track what they do with their horse every day, along with uploading photos, videos, and comments; a beneficial feature that allows riders and trainers alike to track progress.

This information can also be shared with anyone you wish who may be involved with your horse. Trainers can also use the app to assign videos and more as homework between lessons and track their student’s progress.

To address the need for feedback, there is a feature within the app called community groups.

“We have community groups of people with general topics,” says Graf. She says that you can create a private group that could include just you and your trainer, or you and people from your barn, where you can share feedback.

Ride iQ App

While taking a slightly different approach than Ridely, Ride iQ is another popular riding app seeking to fill the gap between in-person and technology-based riding lessons.

“At its core, Ride iQ is listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world’s best coaches,” says Ride iQ Co-Founder Kinsey Lux. “The reason behind building Ride iQ was to give riders all over the world access to quality education and quality coaching during their independent schooling rides. An important clarification that we always make is that Ride iQ is not meant to replace in-person coaching. It is meant to support you when you are riding alone.”

Ride iQ was founded by sisters Kinsey and Jessa Lux. Photo by courtesy Ride iQ

Even as their current offerings continue to grow, Ride iQ has over 500 audio lessons and hundreds of exclusive podcasts through partnerships with 26 coaches, including six Olympians, across the disciplines of eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumper. They also offer rider fitness lessons, sports psychology, conditioning, natural horsemanship, and more. (Rider fitness lessons are video rather than strictly audio-based.)

Like Ridely, students often find their in-person instructors assigning lessons from the app as homework.

“Coaches love it because the riders are making progress,” says Lux. “They are showing up to their lessons more prepared.”

For riders that have little or no access to regular instruction, Lux says that the app can also help riders continue to improve between clinics or even be used independently.

“We also have a number of coaches who are members,” she says. “They use Ride iQ not only when they are riding their horses and training client horses, but also to inspire their training. It gives them a different vocabulary and different ways of teaching concepts.”

Lux explains that some of the podcasts available within the app are particularly complementary of the riding lessons. One of these podcasts is Riders Unscripted.

“It’s all adult amateurs,” she says. “You don’t know who the adult amateur is, but these are one-on-one sessions with sports psychology coach Natalie Hummel. You get to hear [the adult amateur’s] full, raw story, and it’s really powerful.”

Ride iQ also hosts weekly question-and-answer sessions with experts in the equine community.

“When you’re trailering out to a competition for the first time, we want to be there so you can go into the Ride iQ app and search for trailering,” says Lux. “You have a whole wealth of options of things to learn, safety tips, and more. We’re trying to support every level of rider and every aspect of the journey.”

Currently, the app is adding e-book content and launching a beta for a coach’s program within the app.

How to Try a Riding App

Training via app can be a great supplement between in-person lessons. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Both apps offer affordable subscription fees, access to coaches that you may not otherwise be able to schedule a lesson with, and—should you seek to change up your daily routine—easy access to experiment with a new discipline.

The trial periods offered by both apps can help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Chandler says that despite the growing popularity and appeal of riding apps, she has seen no decrease in the number of in-person riding lessons being scheduled at Heatherfield Horse Park.

“My phone rings a lot,” she says. “The area where we live is growing and there is still a demand for them.”

This article about riding apps appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Are Riding Apps the Future? 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.

Others believe these are rare instances of misuse, and that most horse owners are doing what’s best without the need for regulations or laws.

Flash Nosebands

Flash nosebands have a second attachment coming off the center of the cavesson or regular noseband that circles around the lower part of the horse’s face in front of the bit and around the mouth. The purpose is to keep the horse from opening his mouth—gaping—and possibly getting his tongue over the bit. Proponents say it encourages the horse to chew on the bit and stabilizes the bit in the horse’s mouth while not allowing the horse to evade it, thus giving more control.

Due to questions raised about overtight nosebands at the recent Paris Olympics and other events, The FEI has introduced a measurement tool to ensure all nosebands, not just flashes, are not overtightened at competitions.

“Currently, there is not a rule change proposal banning flash nosebands, but the FEI has introduced a measurement tool to ensure the appropriate tightness of the noseband at competitions,” says Danielle Henson, sport communications manager for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The FEI started checking noseband tightness with a measuring device May 1, 2025. Photo by Shawn Hamilton/CLiX/Adobe Stock

“We are not aware of discussions regarding flash straps or any initiatives to ban them,” shares Malina Gueorguiev, manager, governance communications, stakeholder & media relations communications department for the FEI.

There are those who believe this is not enough, however, and that flash nosebands should be banned to avoid people misusing them at home as well as in the show ring. Those against them claim that training can overcome issues including bit evasion and opening their mouth, which can also be signs of discomfort that owners and trainers should not dismiss.

“Flash nosebands don’t solve anything other than masking improper training, in which the horse shows proof of that by opening the mouth to escape pain and pressure of harshly handled bits,” says Josepha Guillaume, a horse welfare consultant, trainer, and author of Dressage in Hand: What horses want you to know. “Tight nosebands, whether flash or otherwise, prevent the horse from relaxing and mobilizing the jaw, which is in turn needed to mobilize and relax the shoulders and back. Having to brace against harsh bit action and a too-tight noseband prevents the horse from using the correct and natural muscles, and therefore prevents correct movement and the much-sought-after collection in any form. No one would expect a human athlete to perform his best with someone forcing a head and neck shape, or tight belts along the face, or the mouth strapped shut. Yet, it is expected from horses.”

Mary Kautz, founder of Equine Harmony Connection in Oregon, explains that flash nosebands restrict licking, chewing and swallowing, all of which are ways horses release tension.

“Banning flash and drop nosebands in competitive events will result in more relaxed horses, increased harmony between horse and rider, and higher standards for ethical training practices,” she says. Both trainers agree that the issues flash and other nosebands mask could be fixed with humane training, rendering the need for the nosebands moot.

Whisker Trimming

Many continue to trim their horse’s whiskers for breed and other shows. Go to any Arabian or Miniature Horse show in the United States, and you won’t find a single hairy face. Owners and trainers feel the clean look accentuates the horse’s facial features.

“At this time, USEF is not pursuing a ban on whisker trimming,” says Henson. “We recognize that discussions surrounding the topics of nosebands and whisker trimming are ongoing. USEF is committed to ensuring that our rules and regulations reflect the best interest of horses and the sport, and we will continue to monitor developments both nationally and internationally.”

Like your cat and dog, a horse’s whiskers are not just facial hair, like a man’s beard, but are sensory tools the animal uses to interact with his environment.

“The horse’s whiskers are sensory hairs, and horses use them like ‘feelers’; trimming them therefore reduces the horse’s sensory ability,” says Gueorguiev when asked why the FEI banned whisker trimming.

Article 1004.1.i of the FEI Veterinary Regulations specifies: Horses are not permitted to compete in FEI Events: if the Horse’s sensory hairs have been clipped and/or shaven or in any other way removed unless individual sensory hairs have been removed by a veterinarian to prevent pain or discomfort for the Horse.

The FEI banned whisker trimming at its competitions in 2021. Photo by Nigel Baker/Adobe Stock

“The sensory hairs around a horse’s eyes and muzzle serve many functions, including helping them locate food and avoid injury,” explains Kautz. “These whisker hairs allow the horse to compensate for the blind spot in front of their nose and detect electric fences. In low-light conditions, the whiskers help the horse detect objects in their environment. Horses whose whiskers are trimmed suffer many disadvantages. These horses are unable to navigate as effectively or gather details about their environment. Without their eye whiskers, they are also more likely to injure their eyes.”

With articles like “Why it Might be Time to Stop Riding Horses” in the mainstream media, the equestrian world will continue to face issues like these—and more—in the coming years. The hope is that, at the end of the day, regardless of what side of the fence you graze on, we will all come together for the benefit of the horse.

This article about the issues of whisker trimming and flash nosebands appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post At Issue: Whisker Trimming and Flash Nosebands 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.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 44, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise celebrate the magazine’s 50th anniversary by chatting with former Horse Illustrated editor, Liz Moyer, about her 20 years with the magazine.

During the episode’s banter, Susan and Holly discuss Holly’s ride in the Goodyear Blimp on Kentucky Derby Weekend and Horse Illustrated‘s big success at the 2026 American Horse Publication Equine Media Awards.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Marleen Bosch Hopkins, director of resources at Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, about Barbie and Buggs, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horses.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Barn Banter Episode 44 Sponsor

The CareCredit credit card is a friendly, flexible way to pay over time for veterinary care for your horse, dog, cat and other animals in your family. It’s your card for a Lifetime of Care. Subject to credit approval. To learn more visit here.

Liz Moyer, Former Horse Illustrated Editor

Barn Banter episode 44 guest, Liz Moyer. Photo by Rachel Milewski

Liz Moyer spent 20 years with the Horse Illustrated team as an editor, working up from Associate Editor to becoming Horse Illustrated‘s Editor in Chief for 13 years. After her two decades of dedication to the publication, Liz joined the United States Pony Club team as the Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator, a role she has held since 2019.

Adoptable Horse of the Months, Barbie and Buggs

Both Barbie and Buggs came to Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in Colorado a year ago as part of a law enforcement seizure case, and are the final two from the original group of six yet to find their forever homes. 

Barbie

Barbie. Photo courtesy Mountain Valley Horse Rescue

Barbie is a cute gray mare who likes to just make a quick check to see who is in charge, and loves clear expectations and direction. Being restarted under saddle, this loving mare is looking for a partner to build a bond with and get out to do some exploring. Are you looking for a tune up project who thanks you for every training session? Barbie is your gal.

Learn more about Barbie here.

Buggs

Buggs. Photo courtesy Mountain Valley Horse Rescue

Buggs is in her late teens and must have some Tennessee Walking Horse in her. She is in overall good health, but can no longer be ridden due to hind end issues. She is a sweet mare, loves grooming and to be doted on. She is gentle on the ground, great with her feet and would make a wonderful pasture pet and companion horse.

Learn more about Buggs here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 44, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 44 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!

The post Fly Season Gear appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.