Horse Grooming and Bathing: Items For A Better Grooming Kit

Let's face it we all like to keep a organized and clean grooming tote on hand, especially for those who board or keep their horse at different locations other than home. Remember also to keep the brushes and combs clean and free of sweat and dirt build up, it doesn't do much good if the brushes you use for removing dirt are filled with dust and dirt to begin with. A good tote or box to consider is one that was originally designed for tool boxes, but are great for this purpose too, they have lids to close them up if needed and offer a step stool as well. Another one is the open box type that come in a variety of colors and sizes. It seems a couple of them would be a good idea,just make sure you keep your basic supplies in the one you carry along when you travel to go on trail rides.

First you want three basic types of brushes:

A stiff bristle type for removing the tough dirt and debris collected in your horses hair.
A body brush which is an all purpose type brush to whisk away the finer particles of dirt.
A finishing brush is one of soft bristles for the face and to add shine to the horses coat by bringing the natural oils to the surface of the coat.

I would like to create a list for the rest of the items to consider, keep in mind there is a huge selection of grooming supplies on the market. Try to decide what fits the purpose or function of what you will need.

Curry Combs: Plastic, Metal, or Rubber these are great for removing the excess shedding hair off your horse

Tail Brushes: A wide toothed brush to help detangle the horses mane and tail without a lot of breakage to the hair

Hoof Pic: These come in a variety of designs one to consider is the one with a brush included they are relatively inexpensive so keep a couple on hand

Soft Cloths: Keep a terry cloth towel on hand for general clean up and to use as a rub rag for removing the fine particles of dirt from your horse

Bathing Supplies:
Keep a good cleansing shampoo on hand as well as one that offers anti-fungal ingredients in case of any bacteria growing in your horses coat, also a brightening shampoo for show ring ready coats. A detangling spray or lotion is great for smoothing out those tough hair knots.

Sweat Scraper: always include one of these to get the excess of water and sweat off of your horse.

Fly Spray: In the spring and summer months keep a good quality fly spray with you to help your horse combat those annoying biting flies.

Together with this list of items remember to keep the currying items clean rinse them out when needed and allow them to dry. Try diluting a bleach solution in a bucket to remove any bacteria from your brushes or combs, especially if you own more that one horse and use the same brushes. The same idea goes again for your saddle pads keep them clean and free of dirt and sweat by using a mild soap to wash them in. You will have a better and more useful grooming kit when applying some of the tips I have listed above. Have a healthy, happy, and clean horse.

My Saddle Pad Equestrian Friend

The posts I have written about so far have been written on information I have collected and wanted to share with others. This one however is introducing the Quarter horse that I have owned and loved for the last eight years. I wanted to make this post about Scarlett, a now twenty six year old quarter horse mare and one of the most gentle and kind horses that I have ever owned. I admit she has some age on her but her background in cutting or roping speaks for itself. She could spin and turn on a dime, although she can't be ridden that way anymore Scarlett is a great influence on my younger Tennessee Walking horse, and her calmness sometimes amazes me in certain situations.

Her color looks more like a buckskin in the summer months and a gruela in winter months. I remember taking her out on trails when she could keep up with almost any gaited horse that she was with, her walk was always a quick stepping one. The saddle and pad I use for her is western style however, she has done well with an English saddle just for trail riding, not in any competing equestrian classes.

In the mornings she whinny's at the gate demanding her feeding, I always say she is a very verbal horse she loves to talk, and it is amusing to hear her when we take a trip to the veterinarian clinic. I really appreciate the fact that she is a people horse and Scarlett enjoys being around children, there have been several led around while sitting on her back. I like to brag on her a bit when she loads onto the horse trailer all you have to do is stand her at the rear doors where she needs to load and she steps up into the trailer by herself. Someone spent a lot of hours and days working and teaching this horse properly and I benefit from it every day.

I use a wool and felt type of saddle pad whenever we go for a short trail ride, it helps with the cushioning and moisture functions that you require from a good saddle pad. The saddle is another important factor, you must have proper fit to ensure the comfort of your horse.

What is a Saddle Pad or Blanket

The saddle pad originally was made from animal hides, animal hair, crude felts, linens and woven blankets. Originally the saddle blanket was the only piece
equipment placed on the horses back and was held by a strap or rope, mainly to protect the rider. In older days the felt, hair and blankets were mostly used, and if a saddle didn't fit or the horse became sore they just added another layer and tightened the cinch. The cattle ranchers of that day didn't think about fit for the horse, it wasn't a primary concern, because they were able to changed horses often in the course of a day. It has been about forty to fifty years years ago that the saddle pad or blanket became a bigger issue to help aid in the fit of the saddle, remember that a pad or blanket is not to replace the proper fit of a saddle. The idea of a special designed saddle blanket or pad usually made of wool, cotton, or a synthetic fabric is to compensate for minimum saddle fit problems.

When deciding what kind of blanket or pad to use consider two most important factors compression protection and cooling, and most of the time it is through costly trial and error that you find out which pad meets your expectations of what you are looking for. When a saddle fits correctly on the back of your horse you will ask yourself how can cooling take place with such close contact? That is where the proper saddle pad comes into play you want one that will wick away the sweat which is where the heat builds from.

Consider a couple of things when deciding on a saddle pad, ask the question would I wear plastic or foam for undergarments? No, so you don't want to place these types of materials on your horse which can only cause rubbing and friction when they become sticky and or slick from the sweat. The best materials to stay with are those of wool or cotton, wool being the best because it will wick the moisture away from the horses back and offer compression protection.

Things To Think About:

1. Wool type pads clean up easily
2. All pads will contract germs and diseases if not cleaned properly if infection
exist.
3. Buy for function first then for looks.
4. Adding more padding doesn't help the fit of a unfitting saddle.

Last of points to consider is when you have invested a large sum of money in buying your horse and your saddle, why would you skimp on the quality of your saddle pad. Do the research and then decide what will work best for your horse, think about the comfort of your four legged friend.

Horse Breeds and Markings

Have you ever looked at a horse or pony and wondered exactly what breed that particular horse might be. If you break it into three categories the first would be from purist lines like the Arab, Barb, and Thoroughbred known as "hotbloods", the second are European heavy horses called "coldbloods", and the third are "warmbloods" which are a combination of the first two.

There are a couple of breeds I would like to mention and describe their background and uses. The reason I select the following breeds is based on what I have owned or ridden in the past and present. Also, some of the saddle pad choices I buy are for western pleasure, but I still have my English tack from earlier riding days.

The Quarter Horse

This horse has a muscular physique especially in the hindquarters and has a good conformation. A wide chest, short back, and a short and wide head are more of the characteristics in this horse. The many uses of the quarter horse range from barrel racing, steer roping, cattle cutting, trail and pleasure riding and has been used for showjumping and eventing especially when crossed with the Thoroughbred. The Quarter horse was first breed to develop in the Americas dated back to 1611. The early settlers adopted the these horses for the hobby of racing in the distance of a quarter mile, therefore the name Quarter horse was named.

The Thoroughbred Horse

The Thoroughbred has a fine-lined physique the legs and back are lengthy along with the neck. They have well formed knees and hocks, to be able to withstand pressure at top speed. This horse may take a little longer to mature and generally have a nervous and excitable nature they do not tolerate extreme climates and probably would not survive in the wild. The Thoroughbred is courageous and bold they enjoy galloping and jump very well, also this horse is always of solid colors. The primary use of this horse is flat racing and brings quite a bit of revenue if you are fortunate to have the right horse bases on bloodlines and the "heart" of the horse.

Markings of Horses

Colors and markings list of a bay (light, bright, dappled or dark), brown, black, grey (light, dark, dappled, flea-bitten, or iron gray), chestnut (liver, bright, sorrel), roan (strawberry, red, blue), also cream, dun, palomino, piebald (black and white), and skewbald (any other color and white) or spotted. These cover most of the names but there are more, the markings referred to on the face and or the feet would be a star, stripe, snip, blaze, and white face. The markings are usually white hair in specific places on the horse and are commonly on the feet as well known as stocking, sock, or partial sock.

This article describes only two of the many breeds that are known today, I chose these because I have had the pleasure of riding and owning these specific horses and they have brought me a lot of fun and joy riding them both. There are books that are available if you want to find out more about them be sure to check them out it is very interesting and informative reading.

Happy Riding!

Horse Nutrition: Which One Describes Your Horse

There are many articles discussing the wide range of fundamentals on horse nutrition. It almost becomes a scientific process when trying to decide on what feed type to go with for your horse. Before going through a trial and error process you may want to consult a veterinarian first. The good intentions you have to help your horse may not be enough, I know my intentions haven't solved the problems that I have experienced with my own horse, and you end up investing more money than you originally intended to.

There are about five categories that your horse may be described:

1. Maintenance or Easy Keeper - Those are the ones that primarily graze out in a pasture and maintain a healthy weight if you don't allow them to overeat, which they will do if left to eat all they want. They require the type of diet that is complete control rather than calorie intake. Supplying good nutrition combined with hay should satisfy their hunger

2. Hard Keeper - Unlike the Easy Keeper this horse can eat and eat but not gain the needed weight. Sometimes age and problems with their teeth are the issues, whichever the case may be have a veterinarian check the horse. A high fat and protein feed is recommended along with hay and a grazing pasture. There are a number of quality feeds to choose from be sure to ask and read the labels for protein, vitamins and fat content.

3. Light Performance - A horse that is ridden 3 or 4 times a week, for one to two hours a day. Their workout may consist of light trotting, cantering or some jumping while on the trails. Some trails may be used to condition them for showing or just keeping them in good physical and mental condition.

4. Medium Performance - A horse that is ridden 4 to 5 times a week, and last at least two hours a day. They are being used for distance riding, light jumping, barrel racing, or lessons in a ring. Whichever the event you want the best sources of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins to aid in their support.

5. Heavy Performance - A horse that is ridden 6 to 7 times a week for two hours or more. They are usually used for endurance, 3-day eventing, show jumping, or racing, and require highly concentrated feeds when performing at this level.

Last but not least of all keep clean fresh water on hand for your horse and feed at regular times twice a day. Store the feed in a dry well ventilated area away from insects or rodents, some people use the large plastic containers with lids to store and protect the feed. Research and find the best nutritional products for your horses needs and maintain a well balanced healthy, happy horse.

Finding The Right Horse: 5 Things To Consider

When you consider buying a horse for the first time or getting an additional horse there are a few things to keep in mind. A person should take a little time to ask some questions to keep from buying a horse that just doesn't fit their needs. Some people with the best intentions can steer you wrong, although there are times when you still find a horse that has some negative behavior or bad habits. Those things usually show up after you have had the horse a few days or even a week, speaking from a personal experience. I would like to list some suggestions to ask yourself when shopping around for the right horse to fit your needs.

Type Of Horse:

A riding horse can be categorized from a heavy pulling type to a strong light weight performance or pleasure horse. Decide what type of riding you do, and how experienced you are in that field. Some horses to consider are the Quarter horse, Thoroughbred, Tennessee Walking, Appaloosa, Missouri Foxtrotter, and Welsh Pony.

Age of Horse:

A first time rider should probably stay away from a 2-5 year old horse, unless the horse has been well trained. For a horse over the age of 14 may have a lot more years left, but it may be a good idea to have a veterinarian take a look at him or her. An older horse will usually have more experience if the owners have been riding and working with him on a regular basis. Try to get as much history on the horse as you can.

Temperament of Horse:

A horse that comes off energetic may tend to be nervous and excitable, whereas a quiet one could be lazy or sluggish. Look for a horse that has a kind temperament, look for large eyes, up-right ears, honest expression, and a friendly approach. One that tends to shy away is a bit more of a challenge to gain their trust and confidence.

Soundness of Horse:

Find out if the horse has had any injuries, lameness, or sickness. Check to see if there are any physical defects on the horse that could lead to bone or joint problems. Ask if the horse is easy to shoe and travels well in a trailer, also try your saddle and saddle pad, if you own one, to check the fit on this particular horse.


Vices of Horse:

Most horses have some vices no matter how well trained and quiet they are. For some it's crib biting and wind sucking, others it may be a reluctance to be caught or lay their ears back. Some like my own give trouble when putting the bridle on, whichever the case may be you want to stay away from those that kick, rear up, or buck, that could lead to serious injuries for the rider.


I hope the suggestions listed can help you in your search for the right horse. Remember to ask specific questions and try the horse out for a few days or a week before purchasing. most owners should welcome the idea if the horse is what they say it is. Plus it will give you a chance to try out your saddle and saddle pad to see if you need to make adjustments in fit.

Trail Riding Experiences: Some Helpful Tips on using the Proper Saddle Pad and Tack

I grew up being around horses since I was eight or nine years old, you will excuse me if I don't reveal my age let's just say it has been a few decades, and now I have really enjoyed having them on my own property rather than boarding them. My dreams of taking caring of them at my home have come true, I am blessed. With that said I have been able to bond with my horse now more than ever.

I remember one day in early spring a friend and myself loaded the horses and took off to our state park, it was a good day for riding. We discussed the colors we would coordinate with the saddle pads and bridles but most important the correct type to use on the horses. Speaking of the type of bridles, often times your horse will already be trained with a certain bit, but be sure to check with an experienced horseman or horsewoman to provide your horse with the correct one. We got our horses and tack unloaded, sprayed them down with a good fly spray, which I think is a good idea, bees and fly's are usually out this time of year in the southeast. We saddled up and away we went, both of our saddles were western pleasure and the pads were of fleece materials and of course matched our shirt colors, I think mine was a lime green saddle pad and you could spot me quite easily. This is a good idea from a safety stand point if you are riding beside a main road or crossing one. Keep in mind the right saddle pad doesn't always come in bright colors so be sure to put the health and comfort for your horse first. Always choose one that offers the best fit for your horse and saddle.

We stopped and spoke to some other riders, this is good for your horse too, he or she will learn to stand still, although this does take time for some horses to learn. In the two hours that we rode, we were able to ride the horses across a bridge, through some creeks and mud, mine really hates walking through mud, but with time and a some coaxing she finally trusted what I asked her to do. I have heard people say putting miles on a horse is one of the best training tools for your horse, and a confidence builder to the rider, my horse is proof that it works.

This is just one of the many trail rides that my horse and I have experienced plus they have been good for creating a better relationship between the both of us. With the time and effort you spend working with your horse you will find that challenges become a little easier for the horse when introduced to different surroundings. Consistency definitely plays a major role in any form of riding, especially when your horse begins to trust what you are asking him or her to do. Always remember to ride safely using common sense and good judgment. Happy Trails.






Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Bonnay

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Fly Sprays, Wormers, Treats & Vitamins

Keeping your horse healthy is a number one priority with any rider, without good care your horse is open to all kinds of problems and no one wants that. A few things that I have listed below will give you a little information. For more detailed and specific issues you want to consult your veterinarian, but here are some things that you may already use.

HORSE WORMING

Most of these come in a paste form and is given to the horse by mouth, sometimes that is easier said than done, depending how well your horse cooperates with you. I noticed that it comes in a gel, it melts quickly for less waste. The purpose of worming is to prevent the different parasites that can form, personally I rotate the brands every six or seven weeks.

HORSE TREATS

Any horse should enjoy some form of treats, they are a great training tool. I notice they have all different varieties, one for instance is a apple flavored nugget my horses love these. Another is the peppermint flavored, this one really smells good even to humans. The carrot flavor is a good choice too, they all have essential vitamins mixed in for added nutrition. I think the better ones have whole grains, alfalfa and molasses added to them, either way your horse will follow you anywhere to get one.

FLY SPRAYS

When spring comes look out for those annoying flys they are definitely going to show up, but there are some things you can use to keep them from constantly irritating your horse. Some horse owners use fly mask for the head and face, fly sheets for the body, and fly sprays. If all you use are the sprays, I find the more expensive fly sprays do work better and last longer if your budget will allow you to try it. Try spraying your saddle pad with it when you ride, it may help keep them off of you as well.

VITAMINS

Usually your vitamins and minerals come mixed in with a good horse feed. I suggest asking your veterinarian or an experienced horseman or horsewoman what is the best feed for your horse. I have heard that some horse owners don't use feed except when they are showing and performing, again it depends on the horse and style of riding you do.

Healthy horses are happy horses.

Let's talk about Bits

The first category I will mention is the western bits, a person can get confused looking at all of these designs. Some are quite severe, others are for starting your horse, whichever the case may be, check with a trainer or someone who has experience in working with horses to determine the right bit.

WESTERN BITS

The western bit comes in several shapes and designs, sometimes you have to try out a few before finding the right fit, that goes for any horse and style of riding. Here are just a few to consider:
Loose Ring Bit
Tom Thumb Bit
Port Bit
Egg Butt Bit ( some come flavored )
Hackamore

ENGLISH BITS

I have notice that a majority of these bits are a snaffle type with different designs added to them. Each design has a specific purpose in what you hope your horse will accomplish. Again I will list a few of them, keep in mind there are many many more:

Loose Ring Snaffle
Full Cheek Snaffle
Dee Ring Bit
English Egg Butt
O Ring Snaffle

When choosing any of the bits out there decide with the help of an experienced horseman or horsewoman what works best for your horse and style of riding. Ask yourself what do you want to accomplish in your riding style and gives you better control in what you are asking your horse to do. I personally don't like the severe types of bits but I realize sometimes they become necessary, but make sure you do NOT use them for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately there are many riders that think this is the only way to control a horse. It takes a lot of time and ground work to achieve the well manured quiet horse that we all want. Always have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Barn Supplies & Stable Stuff

Whether you need things for your barn or just want to organize what you have already collected, there are a lot of choices out there to pick from. I think there is more out there than ever because companies are coming up with new ideas every day to make things work better or look more appealing. In this article I mention just a few things I have run across that looks functional and helpful.

WALL MOUNT SADDLE RACKS

These are great if you have the wall space in your barn or tack room. This particular one caught my eye, it comes in bright colors like your saddle pads. These are made to fit the western saddles and are constructed out of PVC so I figure they wont rust and are easy to wipe off and keep clean.

4-TIER SADDLE RACKS

A great space saver for whichever type of saddle you own, I personally have one of these, they are portable when you need to re-arrange for optimum space. They are constructed out of metal and come in a black finish and are about five to six feet high.

UTILITY TACK HOOKS

Another good idea for holding your bridles, halters, or leadlines. You have choices now in different colors, that adds personality to your barn or tack room. Plus these vinyl coated ones can be used outdoors for buckets or whatever and won't rust.
You can mix match different colors some might come in the same colors you find in your saddle pads.

WATER TUBS

Most of us have some form of extra large buckets or tubs for your horses source of water. I like the ones that are designed to add a heater in the bottom so water won't freeze when temperatures fall below 30 degrees. You will find that your horse will drink more in the colder months if their water is warmer, mine do.

BUCKETS AND SCOOPS

I really like having different sizes and types of buckets on hand, I use them for anything from feeding to bathing my horses. The type that hook over a fence rail are handy, of course your horse will probably play with it unless you secure it or remove it each day. Keep a couple size scoops on hand too, they are useful when adding herbal supplements to your horses feed, like I do.


I could write a book on all the different supplies you need or like to add for your barn and tack room, these are a few ideas that get you started. Once you start shopping for what's out there you will find that there is more to choose from than you would think.

Girths & Cinches

WESTERN GIRTHS

I think a good quality girth for your horse is essential, not only for function but especially for comfort. You don't want any of them to pinch and rub, a comfortable horse may be a happy horse, so with that said here are a few suggestions on what to pick from.

FLEECE

The fleece girth is probably the most popular seller among western riders, it adds cushioning on the nylon shell that it wraps over. With a fleece girth there are different colors to choose from like the fleece saddle pads.

NEOPRENE

This girth is great for comfort to your horse it works more with the motion of the horse to prevent chafing that many of the girths can create. These girths are easy to clean and don't hold bacteria like some of the others do.

GEL

This is another new age girth that also gives shock absorption and comfort to your horse, it comes with elastic inserts for more flexibility. Many of the saddles today come with a gel seat to add comfort to the rider, so maybe the gel girth will do the same for your horse.

ENGLISH FLEECE CINCHES

Just like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the fleece girth also comes in an English version. They have a rainbow of colors to select from and they are machine washable, which is important to many riders that want clean and bacteria free tack. These bright colors also come in a fleece saddle pad.

LEATHER CINCHES

This cinche is a classic choice among the english riding group it is one of the popular ones used. Most of these cinches match the leather color of the saddle and the sizes for all types of cinches usually come 42 inches to 56 inches, depending on the girth size of your horse.

ELASTIC CINCHES

This cinche is a neoprene material with a waffle design again it is non-chafing and comes with the elastic in the middle. This one is also easy to clean and maintain.

When choosing a girth or cinche decide which one may work best for your style of riding and gives your horse the most comfort. A horse will indicate discomfort thru his actions most of the time, keep that in mind if your not sure why your horse is not performing like he or she should.

Riding Gear

BOOTS

There are many colors and styles to choose from with boots, first I mention the western or cowboy style. When you find a really comfortable pair of these you end up wearing them all the time, well maybe just every chance you get you will have them on. The leather colors and styles are a lot to choose from. The other type of boot is the English riding boot these are more custom fit and you may have to look at a sizing chart before you purchase a pair. For winter months they are available in a thinsulate tall boot. There is also a great rubber boot that is great for barn work or when its rainy and wet outside. With whichever boot you like to wear make sure they are a comfortable fit you want them to do more than just look good you want them to feel good too.

CHAPS

Chaps are essential for English riders, you know what I mean if the leather straps have ever pinched your legs, ouch! They are available in half and full sizes, and for the young riders they have great colors to pick from so you can match your saddle pad. I won't forget the Western riders out there they have a western show chap that is very functional. Also, I think they help hold you in the saddle, a better seat you might say, but that's my opinion. Oh yea, they're good for the winter for an extra layer.

HATS

Safety when riding is important especially for the young ones, and the adults, so you will probably need a riding helment. The most popular ones seem to be the bright colored ones again you can match that saddle pad. The western hat comes in straw and felt styles, they are good for keeping that hot sun out of your eyes and off your head. So be sure to check out the colors and styles out there and have fun choosing one or two.

GLOVES

I personally like to wear a riding glove it gives me better grip on my reins when I ride, again it's a personal preference. They have a crochet style that I like for the summer but is available in thinsulate for winter. The leather ones are a classic I wear these all year round, plus your hands get a little protection. The children's gloves come in great colors, imagine that you can match something else, oh yea your saddle pad. Oh well have fun deciding on what gear you want to include when you ride and remember ride safe.

Grooming Aids

In this area of caring for your horse there is a ton of stuff to shop for , almost anything in colors and design is available. I wanted to list a few things that would be a good to have on hand and then you may want to add to the collection of items depending on the number of horses you care for. If you're like me, its hard to buy one of what you need.

BODY & CURRY BRUSHES

These are essential to have whatever type of horse you may own, the body brushes come in a stiff or soft bristle. The shapes and colors are endless, they also have smaller ones to fit young riders hands out there. The curry brushes are made out of a flexible rubber and also come in great colors other than the standard black that you usually see. They are great for getting rid of the shedding hair from your horse, also the metal shedding blades are great for that to.

HOOF PICS & SCRAPES

The care for your horses feet is a must, so one step in keeping them clean from mud and debris is buy some hoof pics. A popular one I think is the pic and brush combination and also there are the metal ones. The sweat scrapes are needed to wipe off excess water and sweat from your horse, mostly after giving one a bath. With a variety of colors they come in you can even pick one to match your saddle pad.

CLIPPERS, TOTES & BAGS

If you put pride in the appearance of your horse then you should own electric clippers, they are great for cutting a bridle path in your horses mane, it gives a much smoother and cleaner look than scissors. They have some great bags to store all of your grooming supplies in so you can have them when you're on the go. The plastic totes are another option to keep everything organized and at you fingertips, so pick your favorite color like your saddle pad and start collecting them today.

Headstalls & Reins

Lets talk about headstalls, they are definitely used when riding, although some riders have the talent to ride without them, to the others out there like myself let me make some suggestions.
These are just a fraction of what is available out there.

BROW BANDS

There are an array of colors and designs to choose from with these, I've seen the ones that look like a patent leather, usually in the show rings, but you can use them for every day riding if you want to invest the money. They come in all different colors and color combination's. Most of the time a rider will coordinate their brown bands along with the saddle pad and dress attire.

SILVER TRIM

Again these are dressier kind of head stall, you can go as fancy as your pocket book allows you to or keep it to a subtle addition here and there. When using this style you definitely call attention to your horse and its rider.

HEADSTALL SETS

If your looking for your headstall and reins to match this is the way to go that way you have the matched colors with the leathers. To name a few you have braided with horsehair, twisted leather, basket weave, and don't forget the nylon headstalls, they match your saddle pad.


With these few selections listed take time to look at the many choices you have. Splurge a little if you can afford the fancier ones. Sometimes an onlooker will take another look at you and your horse.

Halters & Leadlines

PERSONALIZED HALTERS

Most riders like myself probably own a couple of halters with their horses name engraved and mounted on the side of it. The leather ones are a really nice choice, they go with most of the leathers that match your saddle. They also have the leather lead lines you can purchase to make it look more like a matched set. This is one of many selections out there, some people use these when showing their horse in the halter division of the show ring.

COLORED HALTERS

They make so many fun colors and designs with these nylon halters, you just have to have more than one or two. For the young riders they really like the neon colors and the leadlines to match, plus the colors often match the saddle pad you have for your saddles.

ROPE HALTERS

I would recommend these to a horse that has a habit of pulling backwards when they are being taught to stand or simply tied to the horse trailer. Many times they pull on the standard leadlines and break the snaps on them. When this happens you have to buy a new leadline snap, so that is just one suggestion for using the nylon rope halters.

HALTER SIZES

Make sure you know the size of the halter or halters you will need. For instance don't pick up a yearling halter to go on a full grown horse, or one for a pony to fit a full size horse. I have made that mistake myself in purchasing one that really caught my eye and then discovered it was to small for my horse. Some halters have sizes on them so just look for the size if it is listed on the item.

Saddle Selection

WESTERN SADDLES

There are so many selections to choose from when shopping for a new saddle. The western style has in one selection what is called tooling design embossed in the leather of the saddle. This style is widely used in show ring riding, it is a dressier look for the horse and rider and presents itself very well to onlookers. Many times colors for saddle pads and the dress attire of the rider work well when matched in some way.

ENGLISH SADDLES

For a closer contact of riding with your horse, many people prefer the English saddle. Here are a couple of choices you have, the dressage and jumpers when performing in show rings or you may want one for trail and pleasure, there are several styles and uses out there. This may give an idea in variety that an individual can choose from. Make sure you have the proper saddle pad in whichever style that you ride either performing or pleasure.


SYNTHETIC SADDLES

For a much lighter weight in saddles your choice might be the synthetic style, it is definitely easier to pick up if you are unable to lift heavier objects. The plus for this saddle is it wont hurt the materials if it gets wet. Some riders have one on hand as well as their primary saddle.


When purchasing your saddle decide what style suits you and your horse plus go with a good saddle pad as well. There are a huge number of selections out there so shop around and choose the one that makes you and your horse feel good.

It Takes All Kinds

There are so many different kinds of saddle pads for so may different styles of riding, but personally I use the western style. I enjoy trying to pick out different saddle pad colors and styles to fit my personal taste and to compliment my horse.

When choosing the right size and style of saddle pad consider a couple of things, you don't want a large bulky style saddle pad under a small saddle and you want comfort for your horse as well. So, with that in mind look and shop at several different styles and options before buying. Personally I have several saddle pads to be able to switch them around depending on the saddle I use and the horse.

ENGLISH SADDLE PADS

These particular saddle pads come, to name a few in a white, black, or brown fleece or a quilted color style. I have had horses that I rode with english riding gear, and it really helps you to learn balance and centered riding, although I never had the chance to put my horses in the show ring the style for riding this way always struck me to be very streamline and elegant. Some of these saddle pads are much easier to wash and dry, therefore you are able to keep your saddle pads cleaner from the sweat of your horse.

CUSHIONED SADDLE PADS

I really think these pads are great for the comfort of your horse, with these saddle pads you are able to give cushioning where it is needed to eliminate stress points to your horse. I have noticed with these saddle pads your saddle may have a better fit and therefore be of more comfort to your horse especially horses with bone and joint problems.

WESTERN SADDLE PADS

The saddle pads for western riders are, I think, the most fun, there are a ton of colors and designs. I would personally match saddle pad colors with breast collars and headstalls, as well as the colors I would wear. The women and young girls might have fun co-ordinating their attire and their horse. Suggestions for the men and young guys you might try matching your saddle pad colors with your shirt sometime it catches the ladies eye ( personally speaking ).

When shopping for the style and price of saddle pad you prefer, cheaper is not always better sometimes as they say you get what you pay for and when you spend a little bit more chances are it will last you a bit longer if properly taken care of. Take the time to browse and look for what suits your taste and pocket book and I hope you enjoy the ride. Happy Trails