Beat the Boredom!

Horses love to explore their environment, so when they are stabled it’s only natural that boredom can become an issue as a result of confinement. Though the general consensus is that horses should be turned out as much as possible, sometimes this isn't possible and as boredom may lead to destructive or habitual behaviour patterns we take a look at prevention of tedium in the stable. Some horses experience abnormal behaviours known as ‘behavioural sterotypies’, which are thought by some experts to be coping mechanisms that allow the horse to deal with its environment. Signs of equine boredom include; • Weaving • Box walking • Biting • Wind sucking It is important to remember that boredom and stereotypies – traditionally referred to as vices – may be a health issue so always refer to your veterinarian's advice first! If this is not the case supplementary calming products, if equine anxiety is an issue, such as products including Magnesium can be helpful and alongside providing ample forage to maintain a healthy digestive tract and limit the risk of gastric ulcers. In addition providing toys in the stable can also help! If your horse is stabled for a long time, such as over the winter-if your turn out is restricted or during a period of box rest, the best thing to do is vary the toys available in its stable; that way they always have something new and fun to challenge themselves with! Offer a chewable or lick-able snack such as the time consuming Tongue Twister Lickit - or if you are worried about excess calories, you could provide the nuts from the horse’s feed, that they will receive anyway, in a toy that can be kicked or nudged around the stable. Don't forget to regularly groom your horse whilst he is stabled- not only will this remove excess dirt and dust from his coat it will provide companionship, attention and stimulate the circulatory system! To see a range of articles, videos and reviews concerning equestrian and countryside matters visit http://www.horseandcountryside.com/

Carriage Driving and Minimising Concussion through Barefoot Hoof Care.

As retailers of a range of barefoot products including hoof boots, we often get asked - can driving horses work without shoes? Here’s our response: All working horses can experience the effects of concussive forces that are driven into the limbs and feet from the ground. The heavier the horse, the greater the vertical hoof force distribution; one reason why ponies are notoriously popular driving animals! Barefoot advocates believe the healthy, bare equine foot horse experiences dramatically less concussion on hard ground than the shod horse, and has improved hoof mechanism; e.g. the hoof naturally contracts and expands with more functionality. But can driving horses work without shoes, and avoid concussive injury? The answer, according to many hoofcare experts, is yes. Concussion frequently linked to foot shape Concussion is frequently linked to the horse’s foot shape. According to CEO of hoof boot company Easy Care, Garrett Ford, hereditary defects and poor trimming or shoeing can create a foot shape with a low heel, which puts strain on the deep flexor tendon and navicular bone. If blood supply and nourishment do not reach the bones of the foot, there could be serious implications. Ford believes that iron shoes increase concussion. “They hold the frog off the ground, thus reducing blood circulation through the hoof. Shoeing can cause contracted heels, corns, contribute to navicular disease, sidebones, ringbones, and so on,” he states. Barefoot horses enjoy dramatically reduced concussion American natural hoof care specialist and driving trainer, Heike Bean, says a barefoot horse with healthy hooves enjoys dramatically reduced concussion on hard ground. “They are also more sure-footed, usually move more freely, and have better traction on most surfaces,” Bean states. What type of boot would suit my horse? The acclimatisation process from having shoes to going barefoot takes time to achieve. A successful barefoot programme involves the correct diet to aid the horse holistically, the right type of exercise to strengthen and stimulate the hooves and internal structures of the limbs, and of course a suitable trim, to ensure the feet stay balanced. There are various types of hoof boots that suit driving horses, depending on the foot’s shape, and the resulting fit of the boot; visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to see our range of hoof boots - many driving customers like the Easyboot Epic and Easyboot Bare. Can I boot just the fronts or hinds of my horse? It is perfectly acceptable to boot just a pair of feet (but never one hoof of a pair, or one front foot and one back). It is common in approximately 75% of cases that only the front (weight bearing) hooves need protection, although with driving horses, it is often the reverse, as the hinds may need more protection.

The Shires Pessoa Style Training Aid Reduced for One-Week-Only; Click on the Link to Find out More about the Pessoa!

The Pessoa is one of the many lunging aids and gadgets on the market today but the useful tool is highly acclaimed as it aims to help strengthen the horse’s back, stretch the top line and gently encourage the horse to work correctly. It utilises the holistic philosophies of the great Nelson Pessoa, and importantly, does not create a rigidly fixed contact between the horse's mouth and girth. The Pessoa employs a sympathetic system of ropes and pulleys that can be formatted differently by the handler to give different levels of adjustment. The Saddlery Shop stocks the Genuine Pessoa for £104.99, as well as the Shires Lunging Aid, developed in the style of a Pessoa but in a budget friendly form! For one week only The Saddlery Shop is offering The Shires Lunging Aid at a discounted price of just £34.99! The Shires Lunging Aid is a training aid that gently encourages the horse to work correctly. This is achieved in several ways by strengthening the back, stretching the top line, maintaining muscle tone and building muscle in youngsters. With 4 levels of adjustment by means of a simple rope and pulley system, which allows the aid to be modified as the training progresses. Purchase yours today and snap up a bargain by visiting The Saddlery Shop's website today at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk! Remember! All training aids should be used carefully and skilfully. If you are in any doubt about whether your horse could benefit, or need help using and introducing them, seek expert advice.

Top Tips for Spring Clothing from The Saddlery Shop!

During early spring, wet weather can often dominate the UK forecasts, and on-going rain and mud can really get us down in the dumps; yet many of us still want to look fabulous in the saddle and at the yard! So whether you are searching for a lightweight, rainproof jacket or getting excited for warmer weather and trying to find that ultimate colour co-ordinated, goes-with-everything polo shirt, here are The Saddlery Shop's Top Tips for your Spring wardrobe- as featured in the fabulous Local Rider Magazine out now! Top Tips 1.) These months are still changeable, weather-wise – so it is sensible to sport breathable, technical fabrics that work to keep you warm, if layering, and also cool you down. 2.) For juniors, look out for soft fabrics that won’t irritate gentle skin, and garments that have a good shape. 100% cotton is a good choice for staying cool when it heats up. 3.) Choose hard-wearing garments - we obviously wash our equestrian apparel extensively, so good quality items will last many washes. 4.) It’s not finished raining yet! So waterproof and wind-proof gear that can withstand the elements is a good investment purchase. Lightweight jackets are useful as they can roll up into a small space and be popped into a small rucksack or saddle bag when riding. 5.) Don’t be afraid to show off your socks - there are some striking designs available. 6.) There are many bargains to be had in March, as spring arrives and the stores stock their summer ranges; especially online, where good quality winter items may be reduced in price. The internet is the ideal place to shop for the family wardrobe so why not visit The Saddlery Shop today at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to see the wide range of clothing for men, women and children for the spring months! To read the full article on spring clothing from The Saddlery Shop pick up your copy of Local Rider Magazine today!