Horse Sports

THERE IS SO MUCH RESTING ON YOUR STALL FLOOR DECISION! How do you know if your horse is getting enough rest. What goes in your stall floor is important if your horse spend any time in there at...

Horse owners and stable hands are masters of restoring used and antique equipment. The treatment is much the same as for new tack, but, you will need to double up treatments until the leather is...

Many trainers prefer harnesses with full collars, or hames collars, over breast collar harnesses. Collars allow the horse to support his load with his whole body while keeping his shoulders free....

A properly fitting harness is essential for any equine driving discipline, from harness racing to competitive pulling. A harness a little too small or a little too large can cause sores, strains...

Spurs are used by intermediate and advanced riders to increase the pressure of the leg aids when a horse is not willing to move. Only riders capable of controlling their legs so that leg aids and...

The addition of spurs can make a rider more effective and in better control of the horse. Whether riding English or western, spurs can be used for many of the same reasons. Some horses are so well...

Polo is a team sport in which riders on horseback use long mallets to pass and shoot a ball into a goal to score points. Polo requires equipment significantly different from most riding equipment....

On an English saddle, the girth is the part that holds the saddle to the horse; it's the English equivalent of the Western saddle cinch. According to Audrey Pavia and Janice M. Posnikoff, authors...

A girth is the part of a saddle used to keep it in place. The girth goes under the horse from one side of the saddle to another. It's attached by two or three straps called billets; according to...

Riding Western style is a tradition that dates back to the cowboys of the Old West and beyond. A Western saddle is identifiable by a horn that rises up in the front, and a high back called a...

Lunging is a good exercise for the horse. Not only does it allow the horse to move its limbs in an active fashion, it helps you teach the horse how to move in a controlled fashion--even on the end...

Unlike paddock boots or regular shoes, tall boot laces don't tie at the opening of the boot. Someone, probably hundreds of years ago, decided tall boots should tie in the middle of the row of...

Wintec saddles were among the first synthetic-material saddles made and are known for their lightweight, easy-to-care-for tack. According to the manufacturer, Wintec saddles are offered with two...

The fit of the saddle is an important aspect of equipping your pony properly. Because they often have low withers and wide backs, ponies are sometimes harder to fit for saddles than horses. While...

Domesticated horses depend on us for everything to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. There is nothing more important than obtaining an accurate weight for each and every horse in our care,...

Learn to safely approach and mount a horse from the ground or step stool

A horse halter fits around a horse's head, reaching around his muzzle and behind his ears. A lead rope is generally clipped to the halter and used to lead the horse or tie him to a hitching post....

Millions of people engage in horse back riding activities of some sort every year in the USA. From the weekend trail rider, over the serious amateur competitor to the professional horse trainer,...

How are you supposed to get onto that huge beast? Tips for the beginner on how to gracefully get on, or "mount", your horse.

Often an after thought to a new saddle purchase, stirrup leather selection is just as important. Buying the right stirrup leathers will help you shine in the show ring, prevent damage to your...

Horseback riding is a popular activity for all ages. Like any other hobby, you will learn as you progress. Whether you have access to a stable that rents horses or you are thinking of buying your...

If you ride horses, it is absolutely imperative that you wear a riding helmet as they have saved countless lives. Your equestrian riding helmet should fit properly. An improperly fitting helmet...

Riding is a wonderful way to connect with a horse. Whether you seek a relaxing trail ride or are ready to compete in the show ring, there are many riding options in Maryland. Read on to discover...

In order for a riding helmet to keep you safe during your ride, it needs to fit properly. A properly fitted helmet is snug but comfortable. It should also be level when seated on your head, with...

Like other sports, riding horses is easier and safer when the rider wears apparel and gear designed to protect him from injuries. A fall from a horse can occur at a speed of 20 to 30 miles per...

The use of spurs is highly controversial. Only well schooled riders should attempt to use them. When used by an unskilled rider, the horse could easily retaliate causing a potentially serious...

Warming up before any sport is important, not only for people but for animals as well. Here are some ways you can warm up before any horse event you may be attending.

Visiting the stables of your local racetrack is a way to get a close look at how the thoroughbreds are cared for and handled when out of the public view. Most race tracks offer either a standard...

Condition scoring a horse can be useful in assessing feeding needs and overall health where there is no access to scales. Employ a few basic principles to make a somewhat subjective process more...

Horses need boots for protection against themselves or outside factors. With 4 legs, horses have a tendency to interfere with themselves. Generally a horse will just bump or trip themselves, but...

For those wanting to get started in Natural Horsemanship, or just wondering if it is the right style for you....

For those who are wondering if a bitless bridle might be right for them, or those who have purchased a bitless and would like to get started teaching the horse how to go in it....

The Belmont Stakes is not named after the horse, rather it is named after August Belmont. Mr. Belmont was a financier who was popular in New York City politics. He loved and was involved so much...

Horse shows are very competitive, especially in the hunter discipline. Appearance is half the package when you show, while performance compensates the other half. The adage "if you can’t act the...

Tall boots are very expensive, and a bad thing to buy and then find out they do not properly fit. Unfortunately, tall boots are one of the mistakes many make when first buying hunt attire. ...

Cleaning a bridle can be a difficult project even for veteran equestrians because of the many different parts that make up the bridle. To properly clean this piece of tack you have to dismantle...

If you're serious about horseback riding, you're going to need a good pair of English riding boots. You can get one of several different kinds and spend a little or a lot of money on them. These...

Going to the horse races can be a fun outing with family and friends. Understanding the flow of racing can make the experience that much more fun. Read on to learn more.

You can store your saddle on a saddle stand whenever you're not using it. This lightweight, durable stand is made with PVC pipe and takes only about 30 minutes to put together.

Joining a Hunter Jumper Association offers numerous benefits to riders of all ages and experience levels. In addition to receiving better rates at shows, you will also be able to track your...

Nestled in the south west peninsula of England, the beautiful region of Cornwall offers the kind of stunning landscapes and isolated beaches that make it a perfect holiday destination. Exploring...

If you like to bet on horses, using horseracing software can help you do everything from finding a hot horse to keeping track of your bets. Follow these steps to find the software that suits your...

Horse racing is a fun sport to watch and can also be enjoyable to wager on. For a beginner, it may seem difficult to choose the winners of a race. With a few simple tips, you can increase your...