Bitting Advice from The Saddlery Shop

Bits can be a confusing subject - as you will see from the wide selection available at The Saddlery Shop, there are many available on the market; but how do you know which is the right one for your horse; and could you be using the wrong bit for your horse or pony? In this blog post, we offer some simple advice! The mouthpiece of the bit is an aid for communication between rider and horse, and in very simplified terms, is used to regulate speed and direction. The bit rings or cheek pieces are designed to aid rider communication. So how do bits actually work? Bits are just part of the communication process between rider and horse, and exert pressure on some or all of the following parts of a horse’s mouth, internally: The bars (the gummy sections between the incisor and molar teeth) Roof of the mouth Tongue – especially the sensitive edges Lips and corners of the mouth Externally, bits put pressure on the following parts of the horse’s mouth: Poll areas beneath the headpiece of the bridle The curb groove which is the ‘hollow’ just above the chin Dressage ‘legal’ bits Under British Dressage affiliated rules, there is a relatively small selection of bits that is permitted to be used when competing. They include: Loose ring snaffle Eggbutt snaffle Snaffle with jointed mouthpiece Racing snaffle D-ring Eggbutt snaffle with cheeks Loose ring snaffle with cheeks Snaffle with upper cheeks only Hanging cheek snaffle Straight bar snaffle (also permitted with mullen mouth and eggbutt rings) Snaffle with rotating mouthpiece Double jointed snaffle with a roller in the centre Rubber, nylon and other synthetic materials are permitted are some of the specialist ranges such as Myler and Sprenger It is advisable to remember that when competing in dressage, we should ideally select the ‘kindest’ dressage-legal bit your horse is most comfortable with. If you enjoy other disciplines such as showjumping, you may require a bit with a more decisive action, so gags or Pelham bits are popular choices. Always make sure you maintain regular equine dental checks, to prevent any issues in your horse’s mouth that will make him sore and resistant to working and accepting his bit. Click here for advice on Dressage >

Get the perfect show jumping position

First of all for show jumping, your stirrups will need to be shorter than usual so that you can raise comfortably out of the saddle, allowing your horse to use his neck and create a bascule shape. Keep your heels down and have a slight bend in your knee while keeping your lower leg position still and not allowing it to drift backwards. Fold forwards, keep looking ahead between your horses ears and move your hands a little up the horse’s neck to allow him freedom to stretch over the fence. If you hinder your horse by not giving enough with your hands he will find it very difficult to jump correctly and will also get out of balance over a fence. As soon as you land, resume your normal riding position straight away. Top tips for accomplishing a secure lower leg position when show jumping: 1. Keep the weight right down into your stirrups and your heels down – this will prevent your lower leg from swinging back too far which can encourage your horse to speed up and also make your seat very insecure 2. Practise your jumping position without your stirrups – firstly in halt and then progress to walk, trot and canter. 3. Learn to develop an eye for a stride by counting into each fence – this will help you to avoid taking up your forward jumping position too early or too late both of which will make your seat insecure and give you an uncomfortable ride. 4. Practise with bounce fences, designed so that your horse will not put any strides between each jump ensuring that you maintain your jumping position throughout the grid. 5. Set up some grids and doubles (two fences with one or two non jumping strides between them) to help you to develop adjustability with your upper body position. 6. There are stirrups available which incorporate a special shock absorbing system to help achieve better balance and provide greater comfort for the rider. For example, the Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrup available from The Saddlery Shop have a wider stirrup pad made from a dual density rubber stirrup tread. The patented stirrup irons feature a four-link mechanism which adapt perfectly to the riders movements which therefore softens the impact on cartilage and ligaments of the rider’s limbs. To see a range of Equine Tack, including the Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrup and a range of equestrian equipment visit the website at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk Browse the latest show jumpers for sale here >

The Saddlery Shop Showcases The Floating Hoof Boot!

The floating boots available from The Saddlery Shop are a revolutionary new hoof boot, designed to be able to be form fitted to the horses hoof where required, and the only hoof boot made to fit a front or hind foot shape! This said, with fit being paramount with boots, there are occasions when a front boot may be more suited to your horses hind feet and vice versa, so if in doubt please contact The Saddlery Shop or use our hoof boot enquiry form and we can advise which size and style would be best. Floating boots are one of the most modern performance hoof boots, designed in Spain in conjunction with a vet and have been used for top level endurance. Floating boots are particularly suited to barefoot horse owners who are more confident with hoof boots, have at least a partly transitioned horse (at least some concavity) and are looking for a very lightweight, high performance hoof boot. They are not designed to be used with pads (but do have a rubberised inner sole), so are not suited to transitioning hooves, they are designed as ongoing hoof protection being ideal for endurance riders or situations where the horse needs work at speed over varying terrain for long periods. The centre of the boot has an innovative lattice which allows the boot to naturally flex with the hoof as the horse takes a step, and the design of the boot ensures that water is expelled as the horse moves out of the body of water. The shell is very tough, and can be heat fitted and 'slotted' at the front (in a similar way to the 'Swiss' horse boots) to obtain a customer fit and breakover where required. The gaiter of the boot offers a very secure fit, and are a combination of a rubber outer (with spaces for the heel bulbs) and a neoprene 'sock' liner than helps to prevent any rubs. This new design has been shown to eliminate rubbing for most horses, the gaiter design fits higher at the front of the boot allowing for a very secure fit over all terrains. And did we mention that the weight per boot is only around 300g! Available from The Saddlery Shop today alongside a range of Hoof Boots including brands such as Renagade, Equine Fusion, Easycare and much more The Floating Boots are sold in pairs and offered in Black only, priced at £169.99 per pair.

Choosing a Turnout Rug

For many horse owners, it is now time to start rugging our horses and ponies. But before you go shopping for turnout rugs decided what you require the rug to offer. Most of us require our equine's rugs to provide warmth and protection, but you may also need a turnout rug to keep the horse clean, or the rug itself may need a tough outer shell or specific fastenings to suit your horse’s foibles! In addition consider environmental factors, e.g. whether your horse is stabled at night, and whether his field provides protection in the form of a wind-breaking hedge or shelter. If you are not going to be doing much riding over the winter and your horse doesn’t need an extensive clip, you can of course let his natural coat grow, and can therefore avoid over-rugging. Different breeds and types of horses may require heavier or lighter types of rugs; for example a sensitive, thin skinned Thoroughbred is likely to require a thicker rug than a hardy, native breed; some horses manage without rugs at all, as long as they have adequate shelter. The first task when selecting a turnout rug is to measure your horse, so you can choose a rug which will offer comfort and protection. Sizes for rugs are presented in feet and inches, for example a 5' 9" or 6’ 3". Tie your horse up safely and using a tape measure, measure your horse from the centre of his chest, horizontally along his side, finishing at the point of his tail. Remember if your horse is between sizes, you’re usually better to go up a size than down, as rugs that are too small can rub. Innovative manufacturers stocked by The Saddlery Shop offer a huge range of autumn and winter rugs, including a variety of different materials and styles. A basic rug shape that stops at the horse’s withers, covering the body with no neck cover, is usually described as Standard. A rug that covers the horse’s neck is often referred to as a Combo Rug or Integrated Neck. It is also possible to purchase turnout and stable rugs with Detachable Neck Covers. If you are only looking for something to keep your horse clean and dry whilst he turned out and you are not too concerned about your horse laying down a thick coat, a lightweight rug with no filling, or a light filling up to around 150g, would suffice. Many people find that a medium weight rug, which usually has a filling of between150 - 250g, is useful to start the winter off with; however some horses can manage with a medium weight rug right through winter-time. If you have a fully clipped horse, or one that feels the cold, then you are probably going to need a heavyweight rug, which will have 250g-400g filling. For more information about the wide range of equine rugs, suitable for all different budgets why not visit The Saddlery Shop? With brands such as Horseware, Mark Todd, Weatherbeeta and Rambo all available at discounted prices The Saddlery Shop should be your first stop for all your rugging needs!

New to The Saddlery Shop; the Highly Acclaimed Renegade Hoof Boots!

The Saddlery Shop has built up a reputation for being the country’s leading authority on booting barefoot horses, holding the largest stocks of hoof boots and accessories in the UK. Brand new to the extensive range are the Renegade Hoof Boots! Extremely popular in the USA these striking boots are available in a wide selection of sizes with an extensive fitting guide provided on the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk. Kirt Lander the inventor of the innovative Renegade Boots has been heavily involved in the field of "Natural Hoof Care" for many years prior to his design project of the Renegade Hoof Boots which took over three years to develop and underwent rigorous testing. Featuring unique pivoting heel captivator technology; if properly sized, fitted, adjusted and installed, the Renegade Hoof Boot will not rub, not even for distances of 100 miles (Tevis proven) and requires no accessories whatsoever to accomplish this feat. The Renegade Hoof Boot may have been a long time coming but its arrival represents the unleashing of the inherent performance potential of the barefoot performance horse, providing them with the extra protection they need to achieve unprecedented levels of performance over the toughest of terrain. Renegades are supplied in pairs of the same size, one left, one right hoof boot in Black only from The Saddlery Shop. Priced at £169.99; pick up your pair today!

Save £40 on the NEW Dublin River Boots and Look Great this Autumn!

The NEW waterproof Dublin River Boot is the latest addition to the Highly popular Dublin River Boot range offered by The Saddlery Shop. The classically styled, waterproof, leather country boot is made from Redskin leather with an HBR waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet cool and dry. The River Boots include a RCS footbed system for all day comfort support and cushioning and sweat control lining. The new waterproof Dublin River Boot is ideal for Autumn and perfect both at the yard and on the high street! So whether you need a functional pair of boots for completing yard chores, walking the dog or looking country chic on days out, these are the perfect boots for you. Available from The Saddlery Shop in Black, Dark Brown or Chocolate styles, in a wide variety of sizes. Snap up your pair today- offered at just £109.99 until Monday at Midnight saving you a massive £40!

Get Ready for Autumn with Gorgeous Sale Clothing from The Saddlery Shop

With Autumn on the near horizon The Saddlery Shop are celebrating the start of a new season by adding a selection of our fabulous clothing range to the Deals of the Week section of our website! Layer up for the autumn months with a host of short sleeved and long sleeved polo shirts and gorgeous, fashionable hoodies and rugby shirts including brands such as Horseware, Dublin, Harry Hall, Puffa and Townend! Colours include perrenial favourite pink, as well as winter hues such as purples, plums and berry blue tones! To find out more visit the website today at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk and get ready for autumn and winter in style!