At one time or another, every rider is confronted with a saddle pad that slips. Saddle pads that shift sideways, slide forward or back, or bunch up can lead to discomfort or worse for the horse. Let’s look at some practical solutions to your saddle pad slippage problem.  Understanding the Causes of Saddle Pad Slippage … Read more

Holding western reins correctly is important for effective communication with your horse and ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience, whether on the trail, working, or in competition. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider looking to refine your technique, understanding the nuances of western rein handling can significantly enhance your control and connection … Read more

Have you ever wanted to ride your horse bareback? For those who might not know, bareback riding means riding a horse without a saddle. While challenging, this type of riding has numerous benefits, including improved balance and feel, resulting in a closer connection with your horse. And you don’t have to clean a saddle after … Read more

Horse riding is enjoyable and rewarding for many, but it’s not without challenges. For regular horseback riders, pain and discomfort are often concerns that accompany the sport, with back pain being a common complaint. The following article provides insights into the anatomy, biomechanics, and common causes of back pain in riders. We’ll also offer prevention … Read more

Have you ever wondered whether thickness matters when selecting a saddle pad?  You may equate saddle pad thickness with extreme cushioning that provides greater comfort and protection for the horse and rider or as a quick fix to a poorly fitting saddle, but in actuality, that’s not always true. In fact, sometimes, a thicker saddle … Read more

Choosing the best treeless saddle pad requires understanding how treeless saddles differ from saddles with a tree. For comparison, a saddle with a tree, or treed saddle, is constructed with a rigid “tree” made of wood, carbon, or synthetic material. The tree sits on the horse’s back, straddling the spine, and distributes the rider’s weight … Read more

For riders with arthritis, horseback riding is a challenge that requires adjustments in practice and mindset. This guide provides insights into how riders with arthritis can manage pain by modifying how they ride for a more comfortable experience. Below, we look at key strategies, such as adapting your riding technique and choosing specialized equipment and … Read more

Can a horse drink with a grazing muzzle? Absolutely. Surprisingly, this is a question that horse owners regularly ask. The purpose of a grazing muzzle is to restrict a horse’s ability to graze while still allowing it to drink water freely. Grazing muzzles can reduce a horse’s forage intake from 30 – 80%, making them … Read more

Dr. David Marlin’s article, published on April 14, 2023, presents the results of a comprehensive survey on the use of grazing muzzles for horses and ponies. Horse owners often use grazing muzzles to manage weight and reduce the risk of laminitis, a condition affecting horses. The survey aimed to gather insights from horse owners on … Read more