Spurs aren’t just cowboy gear. You’ll see them on western riders, dressage riders, jumpers, eventers, and people training racehorses. If you’ve ever wondered why spurs are used in horseback riding, or whether they hurt the horse, it helps to know what they’re actually meant to do. Quick answer: Spurs are used to reinforce a rider’s …
Not every horse needs a bit to be ridden, but deciding whether bitless is right for yours takes more than a yes-or-no answer. When I choose tack for different horses, I look at their training, comfort, the job I am asking them to do, and the rider’s hands—not simply whether there is metal in the …
I do most of my riding in Western tack, but a good saddle pad has the same basic job in any discipline: it must fit the saddle, stay clear of the withers and spine, and be easy on the horse’s back. Dressage adds one extra consideration for riders headed to recognized shows—your pad should be …
Shopping for a new saddle pad for your Western saddle can get expensive fast. Every brand promises more comfort, better airflow, extra shock absorption, or a tougher pad that will last for years—but the features that matter most are usually material, thickness, shape, and whether the pad works with the saddle you already own. For …
If your child is starting to ride horses, competing, or getting involved in rodeo, it is worth taking a few minutes to understand body protectors. They don’t replace a properly fitted helmet, good instruction, or sensible horse handling, but the right vest adds another layer of protection when things don’t go as planned. Quick Answer: …
Are you considering hobbles for your horse, or have you seen someone use them and wondered what they’re for – or whether they’re cruel? Used the right way, horse hobbles are a practical piece of equipment. Used carelessly or on an unprepared horse, they can create a dangerous situation. Horse hobbles are restraints that connect …
If you’re buying a riding helmet for a child, I wouldn’t start with color or price. I’d start with certification, fit, and whether the helmet is actually sized to suit your child’s head. Look for ASTM/SEI certification and a helmet that fits your child’s actual head measurement – not simply the smallest version of an …
When my daughter finally got her own horse after six years of asking, she wanted to know whether saddles are actually bad for horses. It’s a fair question – plenty of people saddle up because that’s what horse people do, without stopping to ask what the horse feels underneath it. A well-fitted saddle isn’t bad …