Most professional trainers and riders will agree that without buying a custom made saddle for every horse you ride, the correct pad is your only salvation. Knowing that saddles are made for the average back we are faced with the frustrating task of accommodating it to the horse. The perfect saddle fit will reduce stress by putting uniform pressure on the horse’s back. The spine and withers, of course, should bear no weight at all. As simple as it may sound, it’s not. Horses come in different shapes and sizes just as people. The Pro-Tech closed cell perforated inserts in the Cush-N-Air pad act as shims, redistributing the weight over a large area, thereby reducing the pressure per square inch.

• Cush-N-Air: The greatest possible PROTECTION from soring & abrasion.
• Completely WASHABLE – Rinse off with hose.
• LIGHTWEIGHT
• Firm cushion SHAPES NATURALLY.
• This pad keeps a COOLER BACK using less energy in perspiration – will increase endurance.
• Contoured to fit the horse’s back for a more comfortable fit, keeping a CLOSE CONTACT.
• The Cush-N-Air Pad is a TOTAL PADDING SYSTEM, designed to be used without an over or under pad.

Find out more about the Cush-N-Air Pad

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

I came across this site today – Dressage Not Stressage

It’s a simple one page website which I would recommend you take a look at – it is a well presented site on various aspects of dressage.  The writer obviously knows her subject and writes with wit and humour as well.  It will only take you a few minutes – go visit.  It is an excellent introduction to one of the premier Equestrian Sports

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Dressage Site – Take a Look

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Dressage Site – Take a Look

This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to pleasant rides in the countryside to enjoy all the beauties of spring.  Many horses feel cooped up after the winter and it is so good to be out on a soft warm spring day, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom.  Riding out like this almost inevitably involves roads and if your horse is traffic shy you can have some problems.

Some horses are just nervous round traffic and if you don’t have good control of your mount that exacerbates the problems and can lead to some nasty accidents.  A lot of the problems with nerves are just lack of familiarity.  If you can, take your horse out with friends whose mounts are quiet and relaxed with traffic.  If they are reasonably experienced riders they and their horses will help to protect you until he settles down a little.

If you try to go out at quieter times of the day when there isn’t so much traffic around that helps.  Try and pick a route where drivers are aware of horses and more sensitive to the needs of equestrians too.  Alternatively you can ask one of your more experienced friends to ride him on the roads for a little while as your worry and concern about his behaviour will make his fears even worse.  He will certainly sense any tension you are feeling through your seat, knees and hands.

In terms of general acclimatisation to road noise and traffic, if you can arrange for your horse to be turned out in a field close to a road this may help, especially if there are other horses or animals who are not bothered by traffic to keep him company.

Generally speaking with patience, care and good horse management most horses will acclimatise to road conditions and you can ride out safely and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Management – Is Your Horse Traffic Shy?

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Management – Is Your Horse Traffic Shy?

I came across an excellent ebook the other day which was drawn to my attention by a fellow rider when discussing training methods to help deal with some of the behavior problems you can encounter with your horse. When you first buy your horse you have to spend some time getting to know each other and it is during this time that you may discover problems that have not been addressed by the previous owner.

Horse Training Success is full of very practical information on how to train your horse into good behavior patterns presented in a step by step fashion that is easy to find your way around. The book is based around real problems presented by real riders of real horses rather than just a theoretical, airy fairy approach which does nothing for you or your horse. Problems such as biting, bolting, kicking and bucking which can cause nasty injuries are dealt with in a no nonsense fashion which will help both you and the horse to get rid of those unpleasant habits. There are a number of practical approaches to the things that make your horse skittish and jumpy like cars, blowing rubbish and other animals, not to mention getting him into a trailer without a fuss. Feeding time can often cause issues, especially if you have a strong willed horse that likes to take control and I was impressed with some of the solutions presented in the book.

The manual doesn’t only deal with horse behavior problems but also with basic training and riding techniques in plain English with no jargon or waffle – invaluable! Phil Tragear has put together an enormous amount of information and shared the benefit of years of experience both in basic horse training as well as problem management. Horse Training Success is one of the best all round manuals I have come across in a very long time.

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Training Success

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Training Success