Equine Winter Care

During the winter time maintaining optimum equine welfare can be more of a challenge. Here at The Saddlery Shop we thought we would share our top tips for protecting your equines from the elements including rain, wind and snow! The majority of horses actually cope well in cold weather providing they have a shelter from the rain and wind. Providing ample amounts of hay and haylage in the field can go a long way to keeping our equines warm as the digestion of fibre generates heat, keeping them warm from the inside out. Top Tips for Coping with the Winter Elements! 1.)If your horse is living out or turned out during the day in winter time ensure there is either a constructed shelter or run-in or a naturally occurring hedge line which can help equines find protection from the rain and wind. 2.)For horses in regularly work that need to be clipped a rug is essential. If your horse is rugged during the winter always make sure you have a spare one so if it rains heavily you are able to change rugs. A wide range of stable and turnout rugs are available from The Saddlery Shop. 3.)Always readjust rugs! Whether your horse is stabled or turned out the heavy weight of winter rugs can cause them to slip back and potentially rub. Always remove and readjust your horse’s rugs daily to ensure they are not rubbing, chafing or causing sore spots.Investing in an anti rub vest or neck cover can prevent issues such as this developing as well as limiting hair loss. A wide range is available from The Saddlery including brands such as Mark Todd, Shires and Roma. 4.)If your grazing is sparse or snow covered provide ample hay or haylage to compensate for the discrepancy. Always check your equines water both in the stable and the field to ensure automatic drinkers are functioning and any ice is broken and removed from the water.It can also be wise to add a vitamin and mineral supplement to the diet to promote equine health all year round. Visit The Saddlery Shop website to see the range of equine supplements we have on offer! 5.)Don't forget to wear plenty of warm and protective clothing yourself! Keeping warm and healthy is vital for rider's too so layer your clothing with thin layers, fleeces and a warm waterproof coat and a sensible pair of boots- all available from The Saddlery Shop. For more information about The Saddlery Shop and the wide range of equestrian products for horse and rider available visit our website at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or Tel: 0844 880 6900

Christmas Saddlery Shop Delivery and Returns Information for Customers

To make sure you and your loved ones received every you want for Christmas we thought we would share our last despatch dates for pre-christmas delivery. UK Standard Delivery: Orders must be made by Tuesday 17th December before 12pm UK Express Delivery: Monday 23rd December before 12pm Overseas delivery (all countries other than UK): Thursday 12th December Remember Scottish highlands, Islands, and Northern Ireland and some more remote mainland Scottish areas can take an extra working day at least to deliver so please order at least one working day earlier than stated above if this is your location! Please note: The items must show ‘in stock’ at the time of ordering and must not have a dispatch estimate showing against the item when viewing your basket. We will be processing internet orders on the working days between Christmas and the new year as usual in the warehouse, but the office will be closed for telephone and routine email enquiries from 24th December 2013 to 1st January 2014 inclusive. We are also offering an extended returns policy; perfect for buying Christmas presents! Goods purchased directly through www.TheSaddleryShop.co.uk (not through Amazon or Ebay) from 1st November 2013 - 24th December 2013 may be returned (in addition to our standard returns policy) until 15th January 2014 for a store credit or exchange. To purchase all your equestrian Christmas gifts visit The Saddlery Shop www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots- Christmas Deal!

The gorgeous Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are the ultimate in horsey chic for the discerning rider! These Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots include the RCS tough tec durable rubber sole which offers lightweight flexibility and a traction control grip. The Eskimo River boots are completely lined with synthetic fleece for a fashionable edge, warmth and comfort providing a snuggly, yet stylish look! Treated waterproof redskin leather to keep the boots breathable and the elements out. The Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are currently part of one of The Saddlery Shop's fabulous Christmas Deal's priced at just £114.99 reduced from RRP of £149.99! Snap up your perfect pair of winter boots today by visiting www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The Saddlery Shop Have Christmas All Wrapped Up!

Online retailer The Saddlery Shop has it all wrapped up this Christmas, with an exclusive personal shopping service. “Our team is on hand to advise customers via phone or email about the perfect gift for their loved ones, whether it be for ladies, men, young riders or equines,” co-proprietor Lucy Nicholas says. In addition, the website is clearly structured into these categories for easy shopping, with customer searches being sorted by popularity, latest products, or price. Vouchers are available for those ‘hard-to-buy-for’ friends or relatives - just give The Saddlery Shop a call, or drop them an email. Plus, there’s FREE standard delivery for orders over £75, and reduced-price standard delivery for items under £75, at just £4.99. Express delivery is also available upon request, from £3.99. To see a wide range of equestrian goods, gifts and equipment at below RRP prices, visit the website: www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or call 0844 8806900 - email customerServices@TheSaddleryShop.co.uk

Beat the Box Rest Blues with Proper Preparation

Sometimes unfortunately box rest can be part and parcel of horse ownership. Whilst we try and protect our beloved horses and ponies wherever possible occasionally acute injuries or an illness can mean that a period of enforced box rest is occasionally necessary. The term box-rest often fills horse owners with dread but with proper preparation is is plausible to make box rest as painless as possible. The key to good box rest care is to provide the best environment possible, meeting our equines needs, and minimising any stress caused by the process. Beat the Box Rest Blues with The Saddlery Shop 1.) Select a bedding which is comfortable and highly absorbent to avoid a build up of ammonia in the stable. Always ensure you muck out your horse at least twice per day to keep his stable clean and fresh. 2.) Provide ample forage, alongside fresh, clean drinking water in order to keep his digestive system functional and mobile. Prevent him from bolting his hay or haylage by supplying it in a small-holed hay net available from The Saddlery Shop in order to slow down the eating process, mirroring the natural trickle feeding pattern of the horse and keeping your horse occupied. Offering stable toys can also be useful and a radio can be a welcome distraction but make sure you give your box resting horse plenty of your attention and groom him regularly with the range of grooming brushes and products available from The Saddlery Shop in order to keep him clean, comfortable and content.

Beat the Box Rest Blues!

"Box rest" the dreaded terms to any horse owner but sometimes this process is part and parcel of horse ownership. Whilst we try and protect our beloved horses and ponies wherever possible occasionally acute injuries or an illness can mean that a period of enforced box rest is necessary. If the worst does occur then horse owners should consider how to provide optimum care for their equines in the stable whilst they rehabilitate. There are many ways to make the necessary process as painless as possible. Remember that if your horse or pony is subject to spending a period of time in his stall or stable it is our responsibility to provide an environment which compliments their needs as much as possible. Top Tips from The Saddlery Shop to Beat the Box Rest Blues! Select a bedding which is soft, comfortable and highly absorbent to avoid a build up of ammonia in the stable. Always ensure you muck out your horse at least twice per day to keep his stable clean and fresh. The handy Equine Manure Scoop with handy rake available from The Saddlery Shop can offer a quick and easy way to skip out your horse several times per day. Provide ample forage to your equine in order to keep his digestive system functional and mobile. Prevent him from bolting his hay or haylage by supplying it in a small holed haynet in order to slow down the eating process, mirroring the natural trickle feeding pattern of the horse and keeping him occupied. Always carefully monitor your horse’s water intake and always provide fresh, clean drinking water. If your horse isn’t drinking enough during his stabled time why not consider soaking his haynet to boost the hydration levels of the diet? Offering stable toys and mirrors can also be useful and a radio can be a welcome distraction but make sure you give your box resting horse plenty of your attention and groom him regularly in order to keep him clean, comfortable and content. A huge range of grooming products are available from The Saddlery Shop including brushes, combs, sprays and shampoos and much, much more! It is often necessary to reduce the levels of concentrate feed provided to your equine whilst they are on box rest so make sure you choose a feed which is low in energy or cut the quantity supplied down. However always remember that sufficient forage is vital to health.

The Transition; available to Pre-order from The Saddlery Shop!

Exciting news the Transition Hoof Boot is now available for Pre-order from The Saddlery Shop! The technologically advanced hoof boot offers unrivaled support and grip when riding barefoot horses so we thought as hoof boot experts here at The Saddlery Shop we would give you a bit more information about the revolutionary, new hoofboot! Many UK horse owners recognise the health benefits of maintaining a horse with bare feet. However, some horses take longer than others to progress from wearing shoes to going ‘bare’, and benefit from wearing hoofboots during the transitional process. Some bare horses will always need further protection when working on certain surfaces, or for certain durations, in order to remain comfortable – this is where hoofboots come in! The brand new Easyboot Transition uses a similar sole production process to human running shoes. It takes the best attributes of the most popular hoof boots, plus new technology, producing a hoof boot that will fit many shapes and sizes of hoof, including round, slightly longer than wide, and even slightly wider than long. The Transition will cope far batter with hooves that are flared, upright or asymmetric than any other hoofboot. The Transition is a hoofboot designed not just for the transitioning horse however! It offers a combination of shock absorption and support never seen before in a hoofboot. The sole of the Transition uses three layers of material to produce a resilient shock absorbing sole that gives support and stimulation to the hoof structures. A lightweight upper protects the hoof and pastern, while reversible, industrial strength Velcro straps at the front and back secure the boot, allowing for precise fit adjustments. At the boot’s core, a polyurethane ‘bumper’ offers pliability and resilience. The hoof stands on a supportive midsole; depressions within the outer sole structure are filled with the softer midsole material, to create an integrated cushion. Comfort pads may be used inside, for additional support in therapeutic applications, or transitioning after de-shoeing. This is the ideal hoofboot to provide shock absorption to the equine hoof structures and limbs. The transition hoof boot is available from The Saddlery Shop in eight different sizes. If you have a question about these hoof boots don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you on how to measure your barefoot horse's feet, the size of boots you need and how to fit the boots! For more information about the transition boots or any of the wide range of equine hoof boots available from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Autumn Equine Care

The colder weather has set in and with the nights beginning to draw in, autumn is now officially here. There is always a lot to think about in order to effectively care for your equine so The Saddlery Shop thought that in our latest blog we would share some top tips and advice for autumn seasonal care for your horses and ponies! 1.) Watch out for Laminitis Laminitis is most commonly associated with spring grass, but during the autumn time the cool nights and warm days can lead to an increased accumulation of sugars in grass. In order to minimise the risk of laminitis avoid turning your horse out on frosty grass or allowing them excessive grazing on lush pasture. Always maintain a regular exercise routine and ensure your equine’s diet supplies adequate levels of vitamins and minerals by using a supplement such as Clop, Equivite or Benevit available from The Saddlery Shop. 2.) Always Change your horse’s routine slowly If your horse has enjoyed being turned out at pasture 24/7 during the summer months, ensure the transition to stabling is completed gradually in order to allow him to physically and mentally get used to the change. Always provide ample fresh forage to your horse when stabled and build any concentrate feed offered to him slowly. If your horse is inclined to bolt his hay or haylage offer it to him in a small holed haynet available from The Saddlery Shop ensuring his forage lasts for longer keeping his digestive system active throughout the night. 3.) Protect your horse from Chills! Many of us will, if we haven’t already, clip our equines during the autumn season. Make sure your horse is adequately rugged with the wide range of stable rugs and turnout rugs from The Saddlery Shop in order to protect him from chills once he is clipped and after exercise if he has become sweaty place a fleece rug or cooler on him so he can reduce temperature slowly. So Happy autumn everyone and enjoy the season with your horses and ponies! For more information about the wide range of products available from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Country Boots are just the Ticket for Autumn!

A countryside long boot is a must-have item for any avid equestrian or dog walker. Thats why here at The Saddlery Shop we love these gorgeous Dublin Pinnacle boots and think they provide a unique, fashionable look which will be unrivaled in style on the high street, when walking the dog and at the yard, not to mention - they are suitable to ride in too! The Dublin Pinnacle long leather riding boots feature the RCS tough tec lightweight and durable rubber riding sole with heel and arch supports and double cushioning layer for great comfort, combined with an attractive lace design. Treated waterproof redskin leather and a fully waterproof inner lining make these boots not only fashionable but very practical for the coming autumn and winter weather! Available in chocolate brown only in sizes 3-9 from The Saddlery Shop today! And with a price of £134.99 they are a bargain too!

Equine Hoof Boots!

Did you know alongside an amazing range of rugs, equestrian attire, equipment and tack The Saddlery Shop offers a huge range of equine hoof boots? The Saddlery Shop has built up a reputation for being the country’s leading authority on booting barefoot horses and in fact holds the largest stocks of hoof boots and accessories in the UK! The Saddlery Shop aim to have all the information you as a barefoot horse owner would need in order to choose the best hoof boot for your horse. Within this department, we offer free specialist hoof boot advice by email from one of our booting experts, including Lucy Nicholas one of our directors and author of 'The Barefoot Horse'. We aim to provide optimum customer service to our barefoot horse owners so our hoof boot enquiries are treated as priority and usually answered within 4 working hours! To see the huge range of equine hoof boots, books, cushioning pads and inserts and equine barefoot maintenance tools such as rasps visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk.

Keeping Equine's Waistline in Check this Autumn!

With the weather on the turn and autumn weather heightening the risk of laminitis The Saddlery Shop takes a look at keeping our equine's waistlines in check! Feeding horses and ponies that are prone to gaining weight can be a real puzzle for lots equine owners so how do we keep their waistline in check whilst providing all nutrients they need to live a healthy lifestyle? Some breeds, particularly native types are sensitive to grass which is high in starchy and sugary calories sometimes resulting in an expanding waistline. If you own a “good doer” and forage is the main part of their diet, for health reasons it may be wise to restrict their access to excessive grazing when it is especially lush. This can be achieved either by using restrictive fencing or a grazing muzzle available from The Saddlery Shop so that you don't have to limit your horse's turnout time. Your horse needs access to plenty of low calorie forage but some equines, if they are carrying a few unnecessary pounds, may need their concentrate feed to be reduced. However it is essential to remember when reducing calories in our equine’s diet that they may require supplementation of vitamins and minerals in their diet to maintain optimum health and wellbeing. This is because in order to be healthy our horses and ponies require a balanced diet which incorporates all the vital vitamins and minerals they need. Vitamins and minerals play a multitude of roles within the body including supporting the immune system, bone and teeth structure, benefitting eyesight and assisting nerve and muscle function. The Saddlery Shop offers a range of vitamin and mineral supplements in health and well being including brands such as; Clop, Equivite or Benevit. Don’t forget a healthy lifestyle should also include regular exercise too and any dietary changes should be implemented gradually.

The Rain is Back!

It is that time of year again and the weather is starting to feel distinctly more autumnal. The rain showers are back so why not invest in a waterproof exercise sheet to keep your horse or pony warm and dry whilst riding? The are a range of Waterproof exercise sheets available from The Saddlery Shop including brands such as; Horseware, Weatherbeeta, Luna, Rambo and Shires. The specially designed rugs are cut to cover just the loins and hindquarters of the horse which is perfect for ridden work and preventing your horse, particularly once he has been clipped, from catching a chill. The range available from The Saddlery Shop also includes a range of high visibility, reflective waterproof rugs keeping you safe on the roads during darker, foggy or low light weather conditions. Visit the website wwww.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to find out more and to purchase your waterproof exercise sheet today!

Equine Insulin Resistance

Many of us will have heard the term insulin resistance, but some remain unaware this harmful condition can affect our horses o her at The Saddlery Shop we thought we would tell you a little more about it. Insulin Resistance in horses is becoming more common an research has indicated that the condition results from an improper lifestyle, feeding and exercise regimes. Studies have found that 51% of horses are overweight or obese from a lack of exercise and an improper diet contributing to the risk of our equines suffering Insulin Resistance. So what is Insulin Resistance? Insulin is a hormone that is produced by cells that are present within the pancreas. The action of insulin in the body is widespread targeting the metabolism of sugar, starches, fats, and protein and is required by most cells in the body to transport glucose across the cell membrane providing fuel and energy at a cellular level. The body’s natural response to the release of insulin is elevated blood glucose. When the food source is high in starch a higher proportion of glucose is required in order to complete the digestion of the starchy substance. When a horse or pony has the condition known as Insulin Resistance (IR) this means that their body does not process glucose properly not only depleting their energy stores but causing the delivery of glucose to the cells to not occur, instead storing the glucose in fat and muscle instead of in the cells. Insulin resistance can lead to the equine having fatty deposits around the body, an increased level of inflammation, body and hoof pain, lack of energy and a higher risk of laminitis. What can horse owners do to prevent Insulin Resistance? Regular exercise and low levels of concentrated feed are essential alongside maintaining a forage based diet. Forage provides natural fibre for our horses, giving a low carbohydrate and low sugar food source. In addition feeding a supplement such as the range of vitamin and mineral supplements available from The Saddlery Shop will help boost the levels of nutrients in the diet, ensure the horse receives optimum nutrients which promote health but without increasing the calorific quantity of the diet. In addition, reducing excessive access to lush pasture and maintaining regular, correct hoof care plays a crucial part in preventing Insulin Resistance. Reducing stress levels has also been beneficial in reducing the instances of the condition so your horse’s environment should offer calm, solstice and meet your equine’s needs. Studies have shown that including Magnesium in the diet can help to reduce stress and highlighted it’s involved in the secretion of insulin so the inclusion of Magnesium in the diet can be helpful. To see the range of equine supplements available from The Saddlery Shop including vitamin and mineral and magnesium supplements visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

How Has The Heatwave Affected Our Equine's Feet?

This summer has brought warmth and sunshine quashing any British complaints of a lack of summer but it is well worth considering how the recent heat wave may have affected our horse's hooves. We are all familiar with the old proverb "no foot, no horse" and this sentiment still couldn't be truer today. In actual fact the dry weather is not quite as detrimental as extremely wet weather for our equine's feet, as it is in fact the wet weather causes the bonds within the horse's hooves to weaken on a molecular level. Nonetheless the hot weather can result in the following; Inactivity; A lack of exercise during the summer months as a result of the summer holidays, hard ground or simply when it is too hot to ride can cause the the amount of circulation to the hoof to decrease which can compromise hoof integrity. To prevent issues like this affecting your horse provide regular turnout and exercise where possible. Imbalance or Lack of Vitamins and Minerals Dry, overgrazed or parched grazing is common during the hot weather and this can cause there to be a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Offer your horse a vitamin and mineral supplement which is specific to his needs will help to balance the diet. Poor Shoeing or Trimming. During the summer your horse's hoof growth can sometimes reduce when this is paired with poor shoeing or trimming it can be a recipe for disaster. Always provide the best hoofcare in order to allow the hoof to function as effectively as possible and limit the negative effect of any environmental factors. Provide optimum hoof care is paramount to equine health and wellbeing. For a range of products to compliment our horse's lifestyle visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk.

Equine Travel

The summer months bring plenty of fun activities, with lots to do with your horses and ponies. So whether you are competing or taking part in Pony Club Camp or Riding Club activities it normally means that your equine will have to travel. Travelling in a trailer or lorry can sometimes induce stress which can lead to weight loss, tiredness and a bad, upset temperament. However simple management techniques can help make travelling easier and more enjoyable for your horse or pony and so you can enjoy your event or competition. Top Tips From The Saddlery Shop for Stress-free Travel 1. ) Loading can provide a challenge for some equines so when loading your horse remember to provide a calm, positive environment for your horse to load into his trailer or transport in a quiet, stress free setting. 2.) Always ensure that sufficient forage is supplied on board so your horse does not become hungry, restless and frustrated whilst travelling. The Saddlery Shop offers a range of hay nets, including an extra large smalled holed haynet; perfect for travelling. 3.) Where necessary incorporate a calming supplement into the diet to help keep your equine relaxed. Supplements including magnesium and B vitamins can be beneficial such as Equus Mag-Need and Feedmark Steady Up available from The Saddlery Shop. 4.) Keep your horse protected whilst travelling to negate the risk of accidents and injuries. Boots, bandages, rugs and a poll guard can keep your horse safe, and stop you worrying too! Check out The Saddlery Shop for everything you need for your equine to travel safely. 5.) Always ensure your horse is sufficiently hydrated during and after travelling, on a long journey make several stops to offer your horse water and make sure you remember to give your horse a drink as soon as you arrive at your destination to maintain optimum health and wellbeing, not to mention performance! Following these tips and advice can help to minimise the stress associated with travelling so your horse can arrive at the show fit to perform at his best!

The new Radius Rasp for Barefoot Equines Hits The Saddlery Shop's Shelves!

The Saddlery Shop adds a new, innovative product to their leading range of products for barefoot horses; the Radius Rasp! The evolutionary rasp is a brand new, pioneering product which allows horse owners to maintain their equine's hooves between traditional, professional trims. The Radius Rasp is designed for barefoot or unshod horses but can also be used on those horses that have lost a shoe. The handy tool can be used safely by horse owners in order to control flare of the hoof and to round or roll the edge of the hoof, known as the mustang roll. Regular rasping of the feet between professional trims allows our equines to maintain correct hoof shape, keep the hoof in balance and maintain a correct break-over; the process of the heel leaving the ground and rotating the toe. The Radius Rasp is compact and lightweight yet a solid, durable design which allows one-handed efficient rasping. The blade is curved in its design ideal for creating the "mustang roll" (bevelling the hoof wall) with a finger friendly, fast and easy cheese grater like action. There is even a conveniently hidden magnet in the handle for attaching the Radius Rasp to your hoof stand! The Radius Rasp offered by The Saddlery Shop is the ideal hoof wall maintenance tool and when used in conjunction with the Radius Rasp Pro and the Hoof Buffer, provide the perfect kit to prevent chips or splits, promoting perfect hoof condition all year round alongside professional trimming. For more information about the Radius Rasp or the wide range products available for barefoot horses visit the website: www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

The Perfect Autumn Jacket!

The Horseware Corrib Sport Riding and Casual Jacket is the perfect jacket for autumn weather when the rain showers begin to set in but the weather remains fairly mild. The classic Corrib jacket has had a stylish update to become the new "sports" model. The Horseware Corrib Sport Riding Jacket boasts a waterproof, yet breathable outer with an elasticated hem and warm polyester quilted lining, and a rib collar with jacquards. Alongside this the inner rear zip allows easy access for customisation embroidery suitable for all teams and clubs and you can keep your phone and other items secure in an inner, zipped pocket. The Horseware Corrib Sport offers the classic look with great performance and fashionable blouson style. 100% Nylon. Machine washable. Available from The Saddlery Shop in Navy XXS-XXL For more information or to see the wide range of clothing and riding jackets available visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Keep Your Horse Fly Free!

During the late summer months our fields and pastures are often riddled with pesky flies, midges and bugs. We regularly see our equines tossing and flicking their heads and tails and twitching their skin to rid themselves of these pests but what can we do as dedicated horse owners to assist our equines in keeping the flies at bay? There are many forms of fly repellent that you can use, such as sprays, lotions, washes and gels. The Saddlery Shop stock a huge range of brands including Dermoline, Superplus, Defleqt, Lincoln and Mark Todd, to name just a few! These products are effective and help to give your horse or pony welcome relief and fly free. Here are some useful tips for Keeping your Horse Fly Free from The Saddlery Shop 1.) If your horse is regularly turned out purchase a fly rug and fly mask available from The Saddlery Shop to keep flies away from your horse’s sensitive eyes and ears and body. Make sure the fly mask is properly fitted and wash the item regularly to prevent dirt from building up and affecting your horse’s vision. Also don’t forget to remove it regularly, even if you are not riding to check your horse’s eyes are healthy. 2.)Never spray fly spray directly onto your horse’s face, use a soft towel or cloth to wipe it under his eyes and on his ears paying special attention not to get the product in his eyes. 3.) If you are still struggling to keep your horse fly free why not consider turning him out overnight to avoid the worst of the midges? Remember peak times are first thing in the morning and early evening so if you are going to try this make sure it has cooled down before you turn out your equine. For a huge range of equestrian products including fly rugs, fly masks and fly repellents visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or Tel: 0844 880 6900

Vitamins and Minerals for the Grass Kept Equine

Is your horse enjoying 24/7 turnout during the summer months? That is great because the most important aspect of the equine diet it forage, including such as grass, hay and haylage. This forage helps to maintain a healthy, mobile gut keeping your equine’s digestive system mobile and functioning correctly and efficiently. However recent hot weather has left much of the grazing bleached, dry and lacking in nutrients which can cause problems if our horses and ponies become deficient in vitamins and minerals.When this is paired with many of us expecting to ride and regularly exercise our equines they sometimes require something a little bit extra in their diet. For those equines based predominately on a grass diet may require vital vitamins and minerals to be incorporated in the diet sought through an equine supplement. This addition is important because vitamins and minerals play many roles within the body including supporting the immune system, bone and teeth structure, benefitting eyesight and assisting nerve and muscle functioning. The Saddlery Shop offer a range of equine supplements in order to help you, help your horse maintain optimum health. The huge supplement range from The Saddlery Shop includes general health vitamin and mineral supplements; perfect for those horses on a grass diet, alongside specific supplements for hoof condition, the immune system, digestive problems and much, much more! For more information visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Get Prepared for Pony Club Camp with The Saddlery Shop

With schools out for the summer it is almost time for Pony Club Camp! So if you have got a little one preparing for Pony Club Camp here are our Five Top Tips exclusively from The Saddlery Shop to help you and them get organised and enjoy summer camp. 1.) We all know that preparation is the key to success so why not encourage your child to make an overall list of all the essential items they will require to take with them. This should include; clothing for riding and leisure, tack, grooming equipment and rugs and horse feed and yard equipment. 2.) Check the rule book. The Pony Club has many rules and regulations so make sure you are in the know and up to date with your knowledge! 3.) Make sure the horse or pony going to camp alongside your son or daughter is fit enough to cope with the workload. Pony Club Camp can be a busy, fun filled week for our equines but it generally involves horses and ponies working harder than they do at home. In order to maintain optimum health and performance make sure your equine is sufficiently fit before attending and that their diet compliments their workload. 4.) Before you set off check the stitching on all your leatherwork, including the stirrup leathers to ensure safety and your horse or pony's shoes. You can so easily miss out on training and riding if your horse or pony loses a shoe! 5.)Remember the aim of Pony Club Camp is to have fun! The week can bring lots of learning and new experiences but in addition new friends and an enjoyable experience for both your child and their equine! The Wickedly Wild Grooming Kit Bag is the perfect companion for your child to take to Pony Club Camp as it allows them to keep all their equine grooming equipment clean and organised. The Wickedly Wild Grooming Kit with Bag contains; sponge, curry Comb, mane comb, lead rope, hoof pick, body brush, dandy brush and in the blue a mini plastic curry comb. Helping your little equestrian keep their horses and ponies spic and span at Pony Club Camp the Wickedly Wild Grooming Kit Bag is available from The Saddlery Shop , visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk or Tel: 0844 880 6900

Fight the Flies with The Saddlery Shop!

We at The Saddlery Shop have plenty of sympathy for our horses during the summer months when the fields are riddled with pesky flies, midges and bugs. It is a regular site to see our equines tossing and flicking their heads and tails and twitching their skin to rid themselves of these pests but what can we do to help keep the flies at bay? At The Saddlery Shop we have a range of products to fight flies, including the The Gallop Combo Fly Rug which is currently on special offer! The Gallop Combo Fly Rug is a superb value for money fly rug and is currently available from The Saddlery Shop with a FREE fly mask! The breathable and washable mesh fly rug with a combined nylon lined neck cover helps to prevent rubs and the elasticated surcingles, fillet string and a large tail flap and comes in steel blue or dapple grey to help keep your horse cool on hot summer days. If the Gallop Combo Fly Rug is not your bag, fear not there are plenty to choose from at The Saddlery Shop including fly rug brands such as; Horseware, JHL, Mark Todd and Weatherbeea. In addition The Saddlery Shop offers a huge range of fly sprays, gels and roll on repellents so you can protect your horse from getting "bugged out" this summer!

Fitting Equine Hoof Boots!

Do you keep your horse barefoot or are you interested in equine hoof boots? The Saddlery Shop is the country’s leading authority on booting barefoot horses, holding the largest stocks of hoof boots and accessories in the UK! So how do you find the right boots for your horse? There are many factors that should be taken into account when fitting boots,particularly the accuracy of the measurements. Fit is easily the most important factor in selecting boots and should not be taken lightly, a bad fit can cause a variety of issues such as rubbing, boot loss, and product failure. Follow these Top Tips to have Hoof Boot Success! 1.) Measure after a fresh trim 2.) Measure to the heel buttress line, not the heel bulbs 3.) If possible, use a metric ruler since millimeters are more precise than inches. 4.) Do NOT trace for an accurate view after the event; take pictures 5.) It also may be helpful to have someone else take measurements and compare them to your measurements. For more advice or to find the answers to your hoof booting queries why not contact the team at The Saddlery Shop? Our expert team are happy to help! To find out more visit the website and enter your details into one of our Hoof Boot Enquiry Forms.

Summer Hoof Care

Hoof care throughout the year is a crucial part of care for our equines and it is particularly vital during the summer months. This is because the summer weather can cause the equine feet to dry out which can lead to problems such as cracks, heat and bruises. Also any horse which already suffers with poor feet will often fare worse during the drier months when there’s less moisture in the grass and the ground and can in severe cases cause the horse to suffer with lameness. Summer weather also often leads to the ground becoming hard and this can lead to concussive forces to the equine hoof and the limb. Various hoof supplements can assist the equine during the summer months providing much needed essential nutrients protecting and supporting the equine health and their hooves. Providing nutritious compounds with ingredients such as Choline, Lysine, Lecithin, DL- methionine, Ascorbic acid, Copper, Zinc, Biotin to name but a few, these nutrients can boost and support the health of our equines. These hoof specific ingredients alongside other nutrients allow horse's liver and the hoof corium to build and assemble a highly crosslinked hoof wall that is denser and more resistant to cracking or drying out. Including brands such as; Farriers Formula, Feedmark Hardy Hoof and Equus Health. Alongside including a hoof supplement in the diet, hoof management is vitally important. Here are some tips from The Saddlery Shop for keeping healthy hooves all summer long! 1. ) Always ensure you provide a healthy diet which is full of nutrients which help to support both hoof and general health all year round. When the grass becomes dry, bleached or overgrazed consider adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to the diet. 2.) Regularly pick your horse’s feet out and look out for any changes, e.g. cracks, heat in the horse’s feet, or an increase in the digital pulse. This is particularly important when your horse is spending a lot of time out at pasture. 3. ) Use a fly spray during warmer weather as your horse often will stomp and kick the ground, potentially damaging his hoof health and if shod, his shoes, when getting irritated by flies and midges. A huge range of fly sprays are available from The Saddlery Shop. 4. ) Include a hoof supplement in the diet which contains high quality, relevant nutrients such as the products offered by The Saddlery Shop. 5. ) Avoid applying heavy, cosmetic, topical products that do not allow the hoof to breathe such as some hoof oils and polishes. For more information about the products available from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk!

Taking Care of Your Tack

Though the winter months can often be tougher on our tack than the summer, warm weather can often dry out our leather work so efficient and effective tack care is important all year round. Keeping your tack clean will ensure it remains supple and flexible and will prevent any mould spores developing. Not to mention that the British weather often brings us an impromptu shower during the summer months regardless! So why not bring your tack home today and give your bridle, saddle and breastplates some tender loving care! Regular cleaning and conditioning of saddles, bridles and other leather products will ensure your horse's tack remains comfortable, particularly important when your horse has been sweating in warmer weather. Using "leather food" will nourish your tack and increase the lifetime of your leather work, improving the longevity of your expensive gear. The Saddlery Shop offers a wide range of leather products including; dirt removing lotions and sprays, saddle soap and leather conditioning products. Brands include Belvoir, Carr & Day & Martin, Horsemans, Effax, Ko-Cho-Line to name but a few! So give your tack a really good clean today and check out the range of products to help you available from The Saddlery Shop.

Fleeces; The Perfect Light Layer.

The spring and summer months have finally been bringing us some lovely sunshine but this has often been accompanied with a cool breeze. For this kind of weather fleeces provide the ideal layering item as the breathable fabric protects you from the wind, whilst the light fabric is comfortable and flexible to wear; perfect for riding. The Tottie Courtney long sleeve fleece from The Saddlery Shop is available in a range of sizes in a stunning Rhubarb colour to make sure you stand out on the yard with style! The gorgeous fleece is embossed with a horse shoe pattern and has a half zip opening at the top of the garment and a Tottie woven label stitched onto the sleeve. To find out more or to see more of the stunning range from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Body Protectors, An Essential Piece of Kit!

Body protectors for horse riders have come a long way from the days of awkward-looking rigid foam back shields. Today constructed with both comfort and safety in mind and subject to rigorous repeat testing and available in various styles and colours, the Body Protector is a must-have item for any rider, whether a top-flight competitor or happy hacker. Body protectors are an essential piece of equine kit as the important item of equipment can make the difference between a serious injury and a minor one. Body protectors can protect the upper back and torso and are designed to protect the wearer in the event of a fall from a horse,whether jumping, schooling or hacking but also to offer protection from impacts such as being kicked, which can happen at any time. Understanding Body Protectors BETA 2000 and BETA 2009 are general standards to which all body protectors sold in the UK must conform. Having a BETA 2000 and BETA 2009 label confirms that the body protector has met all the requirements of the European standard EN 13158 and is certified to the Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) directive shown by the CE mark. This is important as it can accurately provide piece of mind that this item is safe to use and will protect you. Manufacturers of these products are also required to undertake additional testing on an annual basis to ensure long-term consistency in quality and design so you know that what you are buying will have durability and longevity. Under EN13158:2009 there are three ‘levels’ of protection: Level 1 (black label) denotes a body protector intended for jockeys only, as it is designed to meet the weight restrictions of race riding. Level 2 (brown label) body protectors offer lower protection for low-risk situations only. Level 3 (purple label) body protectors are the ones that are suitable for normal riding conditions, and are designed to prevent minor bruising, reduce soft tissue injuries and bruising and limit the risk of rib fractures. The Saddlery Shop thinks Body Protectors are really important so we stock a wide range of Body Protectors for Men, Women and Children including Racesafe, Harry Hall, Mark Todd and Gallop. For more information visit our website today www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to view the stock we have available. If you have any questions or queries about which Body Protector would best suit you contact a member of our team on Tel:0844 880 6900

How to Choose a Bit

To conclude our Bitting Blog Feature which saw us feature a three part series of Questions and Answers regarding bitting we present our latest blog explaining how to measure your horse for a bit. Use a piece of smooth round wood, e.g. a wooden spoon handle or piece of doweling, and two rein stops (rubber bands can be used but are slightly less accurate.) Put the wooden rod into your horses mouth, so that it just lifts the corners of his lips into no more than 2 wrinkles, and push the rein stops up to touch his lips on either side. Remove the wood, and measure the gap from the outside of the rein stops to give the correct bit size including the right amount of clearance for the bit. If you are between sizes (e.g. 5 1/4"), it is normally better to choose the smaller of the two sizes (e.g. 5") unless opting for a loose ring bit when it can be advantageous to go slightly large to prevent pinching. So which bit should you buy for you horse? It can be a challenge to find the right bit for your horse however there are some conformational pointers you can look for that help to suggest what type of bit may suit your horse and narrow the search. Certain breeds of horse can be prone to certain mouth shapes for example cob types often have large tongues which leave little room for a thick bit to sit comfortably in. Thin bits are often considered to be severe, but if a horse has a thick tongue a thinner bit will allow the horse to relax and swallow where a thicker ‘kind’ bit would not, presuming the rider is competent enough not to need the reins for support the thin bit is actually far kinder to the horse! When examining your horses mouth, have a look carefully at the shape and anything that is different or unusual as even little things can potentially make a big difference to the way a horse will react in a bit. These can be such as; parrot mouth, a low palette, the presence of wolf teeth to name but a few! To receive one-to-one bitting advice for your horse contact The Saddlery Shop online and with our huge range of bits available there is sure to be something to suit every horse and rider combination.

Bitting Edition Part 3

As the final part of the three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question "I have a new 15hh cob Teddy, who is 7 years old, green, and very forward going. At the moment he is in a pelham (5.5 inch although I think he would benefit from a quarter inch wider bit) because he has poor brakes. I'd like to do dressage and showing with him in the long run. Ideally I would have a dressage legal bit for schooling him, but I do need brakes. I would like to use one bit all the time.What would you suggest?" Answer Lucy says "I always advise to have your horses teeth, back and saddle checked and recommend that you have a good progressive schooling plan in place with an instructor. The emphasis needs to be on lightening your horses' forehand using lots of circles and transitions during the session ensuring he responds immediately to the aids. This will get him between hand and leg, giving you far more control in a snaffle. Very few horses only need one bit, working in an arena or doing a dressage test is not as exciting as cantering accross open coutryside in company and even the best schooled horse will usually need something different for the extra control needed. Pelhams can make a horse feel very 'dead' in the hand and do sometimes encouraging leaning on the bit unless you ride with double reins to enable you to push the horse up into the bit without the use of the curb. I would really recommend a bit that will help with schooling like this Myler Low Port Eggbut Snaffle. This bit will enable you to give very clear instructions to your horse, and will be comfortable in his mouth as it is not too thick and has space for the tongue. You also have the option of adding a curb if you needed extra brakes out hacking in the immediate future. Kind Regards, Lucy

Bitting Advice Edition Part 2

As part two of a three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question "I have a 4yo welsh cob mare who will be 5 in May. I have owned her for 18 months since she was backed. At first she had a rubber eggbutt snaffle but was inclined to chew off the rubber which I thought was going to make it uncomfortable for her. I started looking into sweet iron bits and have been trying a sweet iron copper roller D-ring snaffle. She doesn't seem any different in either bit. We have been lightly schooling and had a few hacks over the winter and we are hoping to build up in the summer to doing a couple of pleasure rides and maybe some fun dressage classes and jumping at home. I'd like to keep her in a fairly mild bit as for the moment she doesn't need anything stronger (touch wood!). I'd like some advice on what might be best for my pony rather than buying something standard for the sake of it. I was thinking she might be best off in a sweet iron snaffle with a lozenge? I'd like her to stay in a D-ring or eggbutt. Would be grateful for help, Thanks Aimee Marsh" Answer "It is important to have a good progressive schooling plan in place, ideally with the help of a good instructor, and keep taking it slowly as you are doing. Young horses will tend to get tired easily and thats when problems become apparent, so you sound like you are taking it nice and slowly as your horse is not objecting at the moment! The copper roller is actually a fairly harsh bit, so I wouldn't suggest that it is an ideal bit to use. A double jointed bit, with a lozenge and a sweet metal would be ideal. The sweet iron copper lozenge snaffle would be a good bit to try, the ideal being a Sprenger Dynamic as they are anatomically designed and are one of the nicest bits you can bit a youngster in. Steer away from anything too thick, and do consider a loose ring if you have steady hands- they are very nice for communication, but an eggbutt is better if you are worried you may send too many comflicting signals as they deaden the feeling to the horse. A D cheek bit is actually quite a strong cheek and if you don't need help with steering consider an eggbutt bit or a loose ring. Kind Regards, Lucy www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk"

Bitting Advice Edition Part 1

As part of a three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question Dear The Saddlery Shop, I am desperate to find an answer to my young horses bitting problems! He is a 15.2hh Warmblood gelding who is rising 5 years old.I have owned him since he was a foal and he is a big confident character who does like to be in charge of situations and be the boss! I don't have any huge ambitions for him but he is very correct with a huge jump and fantastic movement and I have a background in Eventing so I probably ought to! His main problem is taking any sort of pressure from the rider, and though he is happy to hack out when schooling after warming up as soon as you ask for more flexion, bend or self carriage he gets his tongue over the bit, pokes his tongue out and evades the contact. He can become quite nappy and I feel like I have hit a brick wall having tried half moon bits; both happy mouth and snaffle, a french link, a shaped snaffle and a hanging cheek. His teeth are checked regularly and he has had his wolf teeth removed and has no trouble eating. Answer Lucy says "This is a difficult problem, and horses that put their tongue out can not always be cured- even in a bitless bridle the tension caused by just being ridden can be enough for it to manifest itself! There are two main ways to approach the sitaution. Firstly using a high ported bit to help prevent him doing it or hopefully finding a bit (or lack of bit) that he feels happy and confident in. The problem is, he may not feel happy in anything, and if you try to prevent him doing it, it could cause more problems as you have found. My suggestion would be the Short Shank Combination. The theory behind it being it will take the pressure away from his mouth, but still give you good control. It has a small port to allow tongue room, but will not make him feel uncomfortable as the bit is anatomically designed to follow the contours of the horses mouth."

Cool Therapy for Equines!

At the end of a long, activity-filled day such as a charity fun ride, cross country session or competing in any discipline your horse's sensitive limbs will benefit from some cold therapy. Cold therapy is universally used to minimize damage following injury and in order to help equine athletes heal faster during injury rehabilitation. Cold has a local anesthetic effect which can help to reduce pain and inhibit reflexive muscle spasms. Using cold therapy during the early stages post exercise can reduce primary bleeding through vasoconstrictive effects which involves the constriction and narrowing of blood vessels acting to limit swelling. Cold therapy also reduces tissue temperature, lowering the metabolic rate of the cells in the affected area, in turn reducing their demand for oxygen making the body's task of healing easier. Cold therapy for equines such as the Aerborn Hock Boot can minimise the effects of a soft tissue injury and provides a good maintenance tool for those horses with chronic, recurring or long term problems. The Aerborn Cool Sport Hock boot is ideal to be used on tired and warm legs or to help reduce swelling. Moulded to the shape of the equine hock the Aerborn Cool Sport Hock boot is easy to apply with simple to fasten velcro tabs providing a great addition to the first aid kit of any horse. Available from The Saddlery Shop in priced at £20.49. Aerborn Cool Sport Knee Boots are also available!

Give Your Horse Some Relief!

Equine allergies can be a hugely debilitating problem leading to equines suffering from discomfort and frustration. This often is displayed in what is known as headshaking. There can be a variety of causes which lead to headshaking but nose nets have been found to help a huge amount of horses that are displaying headshaking behaviour as a result of a pollen allergy or irritation from midges and flies. The Net Relief Muzzle can be fitted directly to your bridle to reduce symptoms whilst under saddle. Unlike traditional nets that cover the whole muzzle the contoured, shaped design covers only the top half of the muzzle. Once in place, it is unobtrusive, allowing saliva to escape from the mouth freely and does not interfere with the horses breathing. It can remain on the bridle at all times and places no restriction on the type of bit or noseband used. Permitted by both British Eventing and British Dressage the Net Relief Muzzle is fully adjustable attaching to the noseband via hook and loop straps allowing it to be adjusted up, or down and tailored to every horse. The Net Relief Muzzle was found to improve headshaking in 79% of equine sufferers during a clinical trial conducted at De Montfort University. So give your horse some relief and purchase him a Net Relief Muzzle today from The Saddlery Shop. Available now in a range of colours and sizes, just click on the link!

Perfect for Spring; The Horseware Newmarket Adela Ladies Jacket

The Horseware Newmarket Adela is the perfect jacket for the coming spring months. The ladies jacket is made from super lightweight 180g fleece material which through it's microfibre design is breathable and flexible providing warmth, without the risk of overheating. Equipped with a hood to keep cosy on the colder days or to protect you from sudden showers. Not to mention the fact that the classic Newmarket design is utterly timeless for every equestrian! The fully machine washable Newmarket Adela is jacket is highly practical with a full zip and zip side pockets; perfect for your phone and other essentials when riding or dog walking. Available in sizes XS-XL and available now from The Saddlery Shop!

Light Up the Darkness!

We think these caps from Horseware Ireland are a fantastic idea. Incorporated within the 100% cotton Horseware Ireland Cap is a simple switch which activates five LED lights within the centre peak of the cap producing instant light! Ideal for walking the dog, early starts out competing or completing late checks, the Horseware LED Light Up Cap is an absolute bestseller! The intense 12 hour beam allows you to light up the dark hands free and complete your tasks easily. Equipped with 3 spare batteries the Horseware Ireland LED Light Up Cap is a long term solution! Available in Navy or Green in classic Horseware style and priced at just £8.99! Snap up this useful bargain today at The Saddlery Shop!

Advice from Lucy Nicolas in Preventing and Managing Laminitis

Laminitis is condition which can affect many horses and ponies in the UK. The disease causes pain and discomfort as a result of inflammation of the internal laminae tissues which in some severe cases can result in the epidermal and dermal tissue bonds being torn and damaged causing the pedal bone to drop and rotate. Laminitis is more common during the Spring and Autumn months, often linked to obesity and also associated with mechanical trauma, stress, hormone problems, toxaemia and sometimes with steroid treatment. Lucy Nicolas shares her advice in preventing and managing laminitis. "We know that stressed grass is usually high in sugar. Spring is the time when the grass tends to start growing – sunny days and cool nights especially are said to ‘hold on’ to the non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), e.g. the sugars in the grass. So research pasture management and get to know your own horse’s pasture. It is a good idea to lower the dietary sugar in your horse’s diet in any way you can following a low starch, low sugar diet year-round, but spring is an especially good time to assess this. It can be advisable to have your hay analysed to assess its sugar content and soaking it can reduce the sugar content. Where possible maintain or increase your horse's exercise to maintain good circulation, overall health and combat excess weight. Do not allow your horse to become overweight, as this is a trigger factor for laminitis. If likely to over indulge you can use a grazing muzzle to limit the intake of fresh grass intake your horse or pony can consume. If you can reduce the amount of time your horse grazes – bringing him in early, especially on sunnier days but do ensure he has enough dietary fibre to offset reduced grazing, whether through restricted turn out, or a muzzle." If your horse or pony has unfortunately succumbed to laminitis the RX hoof boot can be an incredibly useful addition to your equine kit. The RX hoof boot provides the ideal therapy hoof boot for equine laminitis sufferers. Sole support, essential for the laminitic horse, is achieved through using the RX boot on a bare (non shod) hoof as the boot is equipped with shock absorbing Easycare comfort pads inside. The supportive and stabilising boot allows the horse to benefit from increased circulation and when sufficiently recovered undertake controlled exercise or turnout once the hoof has stabilised which can aid healing. RRP from £62.50. Size guide and stockist info available at www.trelawneequine.co.uk or call 0844 2578585.

Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots; Perfect for Eventing!

The start of the Eventing season is beckoning with the first events just around the corner. When eventing, in order to ensure your attire fits the bill, a long pair of boots is a must-have with a functional, practical and chic pair of boots that are equally at home in the Dressage or Show Jumping ring or on the Cross Country course providing an essential piece of kit. The fantastic Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots are beautifully crafted unisex riding boots made of high quality Italian leather with an aniline leather lining. These stunning boots provide a shaped leg design following the contours of the leg for an elegant look and are equipped with a slightly higher cut on the outer of the boot to provide an exceptionally fashionable look. Neatly shaped around the ankle the Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots ensure a smart, sleek look with a subtle kick-back to give a close but comfortable fit. The boots feature a rubber injected sole for good grip whilst in the stirrups, full length zip at the back with a leather pull tab and a elastic fastening tab at the top. The water resistant boots also feature double spur rests and an embossed Mark Todd signature on the outside of the heel. Available in Black only in Unisex sizes 4-10 from www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk. Priced at £104.00.

Spring Clean Your Equine!

So you have spring cleaned the house and now it is time to start at the yard. With your equine shedding their winter coat and the sun breaking through, this is the perfect time to get your horse or pony back to looking their best. So where to begin? Well the basis of a beautiful summer coat is to effectively getting rid of the winter one so first use a rubber curry comb in a circular motion to bring up all the dead hair out from the coat. Once the loose hair is removed brush your horse all over with a good quality body brush such as the pictured Roma Pattern Body Brush to get rid of any left-over dust and grease. Choose a warm day when the sun is out to give your equine a bath. Choose a skin friendly shampoo such as the Dermoline Tea Tree Oil Shampoo. The soothing anti-bacterial shampoo is conditioning containing natural Tea Tree oil which cleanses and conditions the coat and skin. Make sure you wrap your horse or pony up warm and keep him stabled after his bath. Once your horse is brushed and bathed don't forget the feet! Give your horse's feet a good pick out and scrub and then apply a moisturising hoof grease such as Effol Hoof Ointment in order to strengthen horn development and prevent hooves from drying up and softening. To finish off why not give your equine a spritz with the fantastic Canter Mane and Tail Conditioner from Carr, Day & Martin. This can be used all over to give the coat a great shine but is particularly useful for detangling stubborn knots in manes and tails. So give your horse a spruce up; he will certainly appreciated it and both of you will be able to enjoy him looking and feeling fantastic. All of the grooming products described are available from www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk along with a huge range of other of other items.

The Saddlery Shop Reaches Finals of National Retail Awards

Exciting news for all of us here at The Saddlery Shop as we are thrilled to announce that our saddlery business has reached the finals of the national retail awards. British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) holds national, annual Business Awards and The Saddlery Shop is proud to be one of the national finalists in the ‘Retailer of the Year Award: Mail Order/Internet retailer category’. The Saddlery Shop is the UK’s fastest growing online equestrian retailer is run by co-proprietor Lucy Nicholas, who set up the business seven years ago. Together with her family, Lucy sold their bricks and mortar shop, ‘The Riding Habit’ saddlery in Kent in 2006, to concentrate on the rapidly-growing internet business, The Saddlery Shop. Today The Saddlery Shop holds one of the largest ranges of horse bits held in stock in the UK, along with a wide range of other equestrian goods. Here is what Lucy had to say about the nomination “We’re delighted to have reached the finals of such a prestigious award, particularly as we were nominated by our customers,” said Lucy. “In the best traditions of a specialist retailer, we always endeavour to offer a personal yet professional service – and it’s satisfying to know that our efforts have been rewarded.” Our fingers are firmly crossed as the final aspects of voting takes place with our trade suppliers casting their votes to add to the votes already cast by our customers and BETA organises a series of mystery shops and incognito telephone calls. The winners will be announced later in February.

Limit the Risk of Laminitis with a Comfort Grazing Muzzle

With Spring not that far away on the horizon it is time to consider protective measures against Laminitis. The common, yet debilitating condition is caused by the inflammation, weakening or tearing of the laminae tissues which bond the hoof wall to the pedal bone. Typically thought of to be induced by obesity Laminitis can be particularly prone to occuring during the spring months as a result of prolonged consumption of lush grass. Many people choose to keep their laminitic horse or pony stabled and though this may be necessary during an acute period every owner hopes to get their horse or pony back out at pasture upon reaching a significant level of recovery. A grazing muzzle restricts the quantity of grass which can be consumed by limiting the depth and weight of each bite but without preventing the horse from eating all together. A grazing muzzle can be incredibly beneficial in order to both prevent the risk of a greedy equine developing laminitis and to ensure a recovering laminitic can spend a period of time outside safely. The comfort grazing muzzle offered by The Saddlery Shop is composed of soft webbing and equipped with padded nose, padded cheek and padded poll areas for extra comfort. The colourful nylon woven fabric grazing muzzle is adjustable and fitted with stainless steel fastenings and a D-ring, perfect for leading.

An Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad can benefit every Equine!

Every horse can benefit from Equine Sports Massage ranging from the treasured family pony to those on box rest, or horses which are competing regularly. Equine Massage helps to keep muscles healthy, builds up muscles which may have wasted and maintains strength and suppleness within the muscle. Equine massage is ideal for reducing stiffness post exercise and helping to accelerate repair to damaged tissue. The Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad allows your equines to regularly enjoy the benefits of massage. The Pad is soft and pliable and able to cover the back of your horse or pony from withers to loins. Each massage session lasts for 30 minutes providing a stroking, vibrating and oscillating motion which stimulates the muscles. With three different settings the Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad has been shown to relieve stiffness, promote relaxation and improve back flexibility. Available from The Saddlery Shop today The Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad is priced at £249.99 and comes equipped with a lightweight and sturdy nylon bag, battery and charger.

Meeting all of your Barefoot Horse's needs

Did you know that 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? Not only can we sell you your hoofboots, hoofcare products and educational books and DVDs, our in-house expert Lucy Nicholas, author of The Barefoot Horse, can offer you free specialist advice! So to view our range of hoofboots and accessories visit The Saddlery Shop today and see what we have to offer! Our collection includes the leading brands; Easycare, Old Mac, Boa, Cavallo and Hoofeeze alongside care and management products such as comfort pads, trimming equipment and boot bags. Alongside the wide range of products available we offer a unique service where we hope to have all the information you need to choose the best hoof boot for your barefoot horse. So if you have a question or enquiry have a look at our FAQs and Measuring Guide on the website or to speak to Lucy Nicholas, our expert, use our email service. If you get in touch with us we aim to get back to you within 4 working hours!