As the temperature drops and winter sets in, many horse riders begin to think about cold-weather riding tights to keep them warm. While various options are available, finding the best winter horse riding tights and breeches can be difficult. I found this out when I began looking for the perfect pair of winter riding tights …
In our tack room, we have a wide variety of saddle pads. Some are made with neoprene, or traditional felt to absorb impact. However, my favorite is still the old-fashioned standard: fleece, but which is the best? If you typically ride your horse for hours at a stretch, natural wool felt saddle pads are likely …
If you are a horse owner, then you know that having a saddle that fits correctly is essential for your horse’s comfort. However, it can be difficult to tell if a saddle is the right size for you and your horse, especially if you are new to riding. Before buying a saddle, you need to …
My grandfather was a man who never walked outside without wearing his cowboy hat. He wore two types, straw and felt; looking back on those days; I often wonder how he chose which one to wear. Of course, there were rules for this sort of thing – and I wonder if they are still followed …
My neighbor walked into my barn carrying a saddle and said, “My daughter’s saddle is in desperate need of care. Can you help me?” I offered him some advice about maintaining it to last longer and discussed using oil on saddles. Leather saddles lose moisture over time. This is what causes them to crack and …
When it comes to saddles, form and function are intertwined. Different saddles are designed to help equestrians meet the goals of various disciplines. But what about English saddles? They all look alike. Is there a difference between Jumping and dressage saddles? A jumping saddle is designed with a shallow seat, short stirrups, and forward-pointing flaps …
While watching dressage training, my grandson asked me about the riders’ short paddock boots. He’s used to seeing equestrians in long English or cowboy boots and wanted to know why paddock boots were so popular at training facilities. Paddock boots are the perfect footwear for horse riders. They have sturdy toes that protect you from …
Chelsea boots have become a go-to style for many people looking to add some edge while staying stylish and comfortable. An equestrian friend purchased a pair but isn’t sure they’re appropriate to wear with jeans, so we decided to check the latest trends. Chelsea boots are an excellent option to wear with your favorite jeans. …
Stirrups are an essential piece of horse riding equipment and in an article last year, I wrote about the types and history of stirrups. However, this time around, I’m focusing exclusively on English stirrups. English stirrups are thinner and narrower than Western stirrups. They may be made of steel, aluminum, polymer, or nylon. They are …
No one can deny the allure of riding tights and leggings. They are a wardrobe staple among equestrian women, who wear them for practicality and style points. The modern iteration is designed with unique fabrics perfect for those who want to look good and be comfortable in the saddle – which means you’ll never regret …