Metal and synthetic bits are long-established cornerstones of control, but they aren’t for every horse or rider. Some see bitless riding as the perfect expression of unity between horse and human.That doesn’t mean bits are inherently harmful; in...
I love a Rambo sheet. Stylish, functional and I feel like I’m outfitting them in some of the best gear available. But my field-boarded horse needs something versatile that can go from the Midatlantic’s cool rain to sunny and...
Need help with Western saddle fit? Follow these five tips to ensure your horse's Western saddle fits perfectly.
1. Tree Spread and Angle
When viewed from the front, the spread and slope of the skirts should be an exact match to...
Good saddle fit can help your horse do his job comfortably and well. Fit is crucial for any type of saddle, but English saddles distribute the rider’s weight over a smaller panel area than western saddles, so a precise...
So-called "riding boots," those tall boots inspired by the dress or field boots worn by English riders, are always in fashion. But when it comes to authentic equestrian style, there's nothing like a pair of functional, comfortable country boots.Country...
Ask marine biologist Jen Dushane how she keeps her horses warm during Alaskan winters and she’ll tell you about the "insulation value” of a horse’s coat and the importance of keeping them dry. When a horse grows a long...
By the middle of summer, your tack trunk or tack locker has probably become a bit of a mess—or, if you’re like most of us with lots to do and not enough time, a HUGE mess! It may seem...
Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing tack that was once nice lying in a dirty heap on the bottom of the tack room floor, piled high with dust and bits caked with dried hay and slobber. So, to...
Choosing stirrups for your English saddle isn’t as straightforward as it seems, as there are actually quite a few categories and sub-categories out there. Here’s a quick rundown on some popular stirrup varieties and why you might want to...
Spicy Little Number is a chestnut Thoroughbred gelding whose owner enjoys trail riding, as well as occasional dressage
and jumping. Although he’s usually happy and easy to get along with, on a recent long trail ride, Spicy got very fidgety...
