2012 February | Equestrian Apparel Blog

How to Prepare Your Horse for Spring

springtime-prep Warmer weather is right around the bend, and our horses are probably just as anxious to get out for some much-needed exercise as we are. But before bringing your horse equipment out of winter storage and tacking up for that first ride of spring, here are some steps you should take to prepare your animal for the season.

Administer vaccines. Tetanus, rabies, influenza, equine encephalomyelitis (EEE, WEE, VEE), and rhinopneumonitis vaccines are usually given at this time of year. Additional shots may be needed depending on geography, risk, or your horse’s individual vaccination schedule.
Change horse equipment. Heavyweight turnout blankets and stable sheets may be too much protection for the warmer weather, so changing to lighter materials would be a good idea if local temperatures warrant such a move.
Examine horse tack. If you haven’t ridden all winter, then you should take this opportunity to examine your horse tack for any degradation or damage that might have occurred during the layoff.
Check horseshoes and hooves. Before riding, be sure to check all horseshoes and hooves so you can replace missing nails or do any necessary filing. You should also look for abscesses, cracks, or signs of thrush and provide immediate treatment when applicable.

Though you might be tempted to head right out for a ride on the next warm day that comes along, we recommend performing the above preparatory actions first. That way you can be confident that your equine companion and your horse equipment are completely fit for all the rigors of spring riding.

Easy Ways to Take Care of Horse Tack

Belvoir Leather Balsam Intensive Conditioner

Regular maintenance is essential not only for ensuring proper performance of your equestrian equipment, but also for extending its useful life. A preventative approach is often best, so spending a few minutes cleaning your saddle and other leather goods after each ride is preferable to tackling the job only once a month. This allows you to nip emerging problems in the bud before they develop into major issues.

To help you complete this task more effectively, we’ve put together a few tips on easy ways to take care of horse tack.

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe off all dirt and dust after each ride to stop debris from degrading the leather.
For deeper cleaning, use Castile soap or a similar product once or twice a week. Follow with Belvoir single-use conditioner wipes if needed.
Treat your horse tack with Belvoir Leather Balsam Intensive Conditioner once every couple of weeks (or more frequently depending on how much you ride) to feed and nourish the leather.
Only use products that are compatible with your equestrian equipment. Cleaning solutions for western saddles contain different chemicals than cleaning solutions for English saddles, so using the wrong product might actually harm your gear.
Cover your saddle prior to storage and keep all your gear in a cool, dry place—never a hot, humid one—to inhibit mold growth.

By following these tips, you can slow down wear and keep your horse tack looking like new for years to come. Purchase Belvoir conditioners and other care products at TheEquestrianCorner.com today so you can begin this maintenance regimen as soon as possible.

Tips on new Horse Ownership

new-horse If you’re a novice rider and have not yet spent a lot of time around horses, then you have to be extra careful when you set out to buy one for yourself. There is a lot more to the process than simply selecting the best-looking animal you can find and purchasing all the equestrian equipment needed for riding and stabling. You must also consider the horse’s level of training, as well as its temperament and other characteristics before finalizing the deal.

To help ensure you make a sound decision, try to keep these commonsense tips in mind:

Buy a trained horse. Novice riders that buy young, untrained horses are just asking for a serious injury. Since you don’t have much experience, you need to make sure your animal does.
Consider older animals. Older horses are often more gentle and docile than younger ones, and are therefore a great match for novice riders or children.
Stay within your skill level. You’re still new to riding, so you don’t need the biggest, most powerful animal out there. Stick to a horse that matches your skill level.
Lease instead of buy. When you lease, you pay for boarding, grooming, health care, and horse tack, but can end the arrangement anytime in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Ask for a trial period. Though not customary, some sellers are willing to grant a trial period so you can confirm that a horse fits in with your lifestyle.

In addition to the above tips, getting advice from an experienced trainer can help you make a more informed decision. Then once you purchase that perfect horse, be sure to visit TheEquestrianCorner.com for all your current and future equestrian equipment, riding apparel, and grooming supply needs.

What To Look For When Purchasing End Of Winter Horse Riding Equipment

With the end of winter creeping closer every day, this is a great time to buy new equestrian riding apparel and horse equipment. Many stores, including TheEquestrianCorner.com, are now holding big sales to clear out leftover inventory and make way for spring arrivals. This gives you the opportunity to replenish your wardrobe or tack room while taking advantage of huge discounts.

As you shop the end of winter sales, be on the lookout for deals on the following products:

Winter equestrian riding apparel. From turtleneck tops and fleece-lined breeches to insulated boots and weatherproof gloves, you can score fantastic deals on all the gear you need to stay warm and toasty on winter rides.
Turnout blankets and stable sheets. Medium- and heavyweight turnout blankets and stable sheets usually go on sale at this time of year, so if your current ones are worn out, this is your chance to replace them.
General horse equipment. Although not specifically related to winter riding, you might find saddles, bridles, halters, leads, grooming supplies, and similar products included in storewide sales. If you need any of these items and come across an irresistible bargain, be sure to snap it up.

Winter sales are your reward for having to suffer through months of bleak days and subzero temperatures. Whether you want to purchase new equestrian riding apparel for the last few outings of the season or if you simply want to stock up for next year, now is the time to do so. Visit TheEquestrianCorner.com today to view our selection and save big on winter horse equipment, gear, and accessories.