Torn Gaiters on Easyboots

When using any kind of hoof boots, the most common thing The Saddlery Shop tell customers is that fit is paramount to the success of the boot. If the customer finds the gaiter on their Easyboot Epic, Bare, Grip, Edge or Easyboot Glove Hoof Boot rips or comes apart after use in the first month, this is almost certainly due to the boot not fitting the hoof correctly. If the boot is too long or wide, the hoof will move up and down in the boot which puts pressure on the gaiter causing it to fail. A hoof boot that is too long for the hoof will also slow the horses natural breakover which can lead to overreaching and damaging the boot with a hind foot. The boot below was not a snug fit, which caused the hoof to move up and down in the boot putting pressure on the gaiter which caused it to tear.

Easy ways to achieve a better fit with your Easyboots
If your Epic, Bare or Edge is a little too big in either the width or length a quick solution is to put a pair of of 12mm comfort pads in the bottom of the boots to help size it up. Another easy fix if your boot is a little too big in the length if it is a Bare or Epic is to change out the backstrap to a size smaller. With the Easyboot gloves, the addition of a power strap will often help keep a boot firm that is a fraction loose.

Laminitic Ponies and Grazing Muzzles

When you have a horse or pony diagnosed or predisposed with Laminitis, one of the first things the vet will tell you to do is restrict the intake of grass. Most grazing muzzles will allow your horse to drink but not graze at all. One of the best designed muzzles, that will allow your horse or pony to have some grass, is the Greenguard grazing muzzle . Unlike other grass muzzles, the green guard grazing muzzle will still allow small pieces of grass through its slotted base thus allowing you to keep the horse or pony in a large field or with companions. Exercise is paramount to laminitis too, so being able to keep the laminitic pony in a large field still is extremely beneficial both physically and mentally. A matching greenguard headcollar is also available to keep the grazing muzzle in the optimum position. The greenguard grass muzzle is made in two sizes, pony to fit most horses upto 13.2hh and cob/full for ponies and horses over 13.2hh.

Wintec Saddles from only £189!

The new style Wintec 250 is on a limited special offer of only £189.99! The NEW Wintec 250 all purpose saddle is an ideal GP saddle for those wanting Wintec quality and performance, at a lower price. The Wintec 250 combines the look of a traditional leather saddle with the durability of a synthetic saddle by using the latest synthetic leather look materials and synthetic equisuedes. Wintec 250 general purpose saddles are hard wearing, lightweight and easy to keep clean, the ideal saddle for everyday use in all weathers as they don't require the cleaning involved in a traditional leather saddle.

New range, unbeatable prices!

We have just taken delivery of a fantastic new range of jods and accessories by Sherwood Forest. This range is such amazingly good quality but at a really brilliant price! They are a little different from the usual black beige and navy's, giving a very practical and comfortable ladies jodhpur that not only look good but won't break the bank! Ladies jodhpurs start at just £17.99, these fun polka dot jods are only £28.99!

All the jodhpurs in the range are soft, strechy and comfortable to wear, but also very durable making them outstanding value for money. There are some fabulous childrens jodhpurs too, some with embroidery and others with fun printed seats.

Comfort pads a must in Hoof Boots?

The following a very interesting post from Trelawne Equine's blog (Trelawne Equine are the UK distributor of the Easycare range of hoof boots)

A barefoot horses hoof differs in many ways from a shod horses foot, but one noticeable and very important feature is the way the hoof loads when it hits the ground. A naturally bare hoof will support the weight and shock accross the whole foot, unlike a shod horse that loads peripherally (on the wall of the hoof alone). The hoof wall was never designed to take the whole load, and unless the shod horse is working in a fairly deep surface it will miss out on this important additional support. Other than on a totally flat surface such as a road (which it is advisable to only walk or gentle trotting uphill due to the shock involved, although this is obviously substantially less bare hooved than shod!).

When using a hoof boot, you are creating a flat surface for the hoof to walk on, no matter what the terrain. In order to counteract the potential for peripheral loading, it is advisable to always use a pad, and replace them when they become too flat to support the sole. A 6mm medium or soft comfort pad is ideal for horses that have no preexisting problems, and can be used in any of the boots including the Easyboot Glove.

If the horse is sore or has limb problems including minor things such as windgalls or sore shins as 12mm pad would be beneficial. All riding hoof boots other than the glove will take a 12mm pad without the need to alter the sizing.

Taka Rugs only £99, hurry!

A quick 'heads up' that we are selling off our Weatherbeeta Taka rugs complete with a FREE fleece at over 45% off, only £99.99! We are anticipating our stock will only last this week, so don't miss out, grab a top end rug for an unbeatable price before we sell out- once they are gone they are gone! The Weatherbeeta Taka freestyle detach a neck combo combines the successful contour design with the exclusive Freestyle System. The Weatherbeeta Taka provides unparalleled fit, protection and freedom of movement. The outer of the Taka turnout is extra heavy duty and breathable premium strength 1260 Denier material, and delivers fully waterproof and breathable comfort for your horse. The detach-a-neck feature of the Taka offers greater versatility, allowing your horse to be with or without a neck cover as required.

Peewee Bit £15 Off - 1 week only!

For one week only, The Saddlery Shop are offering the Peewee bit cheaper than ever before, just £29.99! You will probably never see this again, so hurry and buy one before the price goes back up on the 23rd February. The Peewee bit is a revolutionary new bit imported exclusively by The Saddlery Shop for sale in the UK. The Pee Wee bit is constructed with stainless steel bit rings and side bars, but the mouthpiece is made from "sweet iron" which oxidises to produce a sweet taste that horses enjoy. The Peewee bit is very unobtrusive, and most horse prefer the feel and action of the bit to an ordinary thick snaffle. The mullen mouth prevents the palate from being jabbed, and there is no nutcracker action. The sweet iron mouthpiece tastes sweet and keeps the mouth soft. This is a one of kind bit, every good horseman should have one in their collection, and now is certainly the time to buy one!