Equestrian Camp Options

Happily, hundreds of camps across the country offer riding as a main activity:  At least 130 camps make it a primary focus, with nearly 450 camps offering English riding alone.  Now, these are just sleep-away camps; keep in mind that many stables offer week-long camp sessions that are geared to riders of any level, and can be a wonderful experience for youngsters of any age.

Core Components of Camp

In both cases, riding time will be a core part of the camp experience, but what is so exciting about “horse camp” is that most camps are designed to allow youngsters the chance to care extensively for their horses.  Grooming, stall cleaning, equestrian riding apparel care, and learning all about equine anatomy and culture are all part of the experience.  In addition, campers have the opportunity to ride twice a day.  For the horse-crazy youngster, horse camp is just short of heaven.

Immersed in Nature

In addition to the hands-on, summer camp, especially those with a strong equestrian component, gives youngsters a key chance to be immersed in Nature.  They learn about the life of another living being, how to be responsible for its well-being, and an important chance to experience interacting with a large animal safely and with respect.

Camp Counselor Opportunities

If parents are wondering if camp can provide future opportunities, many youngsters return year after year to their camp, and as they mature, they often have the chance to return as a camp counselor.  For those with the horse bug, this is an excellent chance to learn how to be truly responsible with horses, to acquire senior barn management skills, learn advanced riding, and to learn teaching skills, all without the expense of personal horse ownership!

What to Pack

What sort of equestrian equipment and equestrian riding apparel should a child take with him or her to camp?  It usually is the same as it would be for your child’s riding lessons.  In most cases, the child should be equipped with the following:

• ASTM/SEI-approved horse riding helmet
• Proper riding boots (paddock-style are the most versatile)
• Riding pants, such as jodhpurs or any pull-on style of riding pant, or plain ole blue jeans
• Half-chaps, to protect the calf of the leg while riding, are a very useful and functional addition, and should be included on the shopping list if possible
• Riding gloves are also excellent, as they can provide protection from the sun while out of doors

Clothes will get dirty, so any extra pairs of riding pants and socks can be helpful!  Shirts should be tidy and well-fitted, not loose-fitting; long hair will need to fasten back into a pony tail or braids for barn work and riding time.

Summer camp, youngsters (girls and boys) and horses are a natural mix, and with the wide variety of horse camps available, there is no shortage of opportunity.  So, get ready for a summer filled with excitement for your child … and maybe, at the end of summer, a clamoring of “Mom, can we bring Red home with us?  Please?”

Amigo by Horseware Mio Fly Sheet

Horses can be the greatest of adventures, yet the stipulations in which we deal with them can sometimes be tough: the heat, the cold, checking and double checking their horse clothing … and worrying about flies.  We can’t do much about the weather or maintaining the same exact horse tack for a lifetime, but when it comes to flies — which annoy and can even injure the most stoic of horses and humans — there are some safe, real-time steps we can take to push down their presence.

Facts About Flies

As adults (their nuisance stage) flies live two weeks to two months. They hatch and mature fastest in warm weather; cooler temperatures extend their life span.  Some flies prefer a sunny environment, some prefer the shadows; some flies source nourishment by drawing the blood of living creatures and others do not bite but sustain themselves on mucous fluids of eyes, nose, and injury sites, as well as plain ole garbage and waste material.  Flies and other biting insects are often drawn by color, by carbon dioxide, and by movement.  Their flying range can be from a mile up to 70 miles.

The best approach to getting gone these seasonal pests?  By far, it’s:  Get unattractive!  Start with the obvious:

1. Really cleaning does the trick, as any waste littered about is nirvana to the fly.
2. Rake daily, sweep daily, especially in corners, behind doors, and under feed tubs.
3. Keep dry the damp areas, such as under water buckets and water spigots.
4. In fly season, provide deep shelters in the pasture, which will block out sun and heat and the flies that require them, like the bad-boy stable fly (resembles house fly) and the grim horsefly.  Other flies, like the forest-centric deer fly, prefer low light.
5. Pastures need tending too, not just the barn.  Run-in shelters need daily mucking, and areas in which horses are grained will need sweeping up (consider feed bags so that flies won’t swarm dropped grain).
6. Riding with a fly whisk, fly spray, or other horse tack and riding on overcast days can mean less fly interference.
7. Marigold, mint, and eucalyptus, among other herbs, are natural repellants.
8. Parasitic wasps; fly hutches; fly masks and other horse clothing that tolerates them; and fly-repellent creams are all excellent approaches.
9. Welcome natural predators like birds and bats to inhabit your barn area (build houses for both!).
10. An oldtimer’s secret: keep a pile of manure situated off to the side of where horses congregate.  Flies are seeking manure (waste) to both lay eggs and to feed, and they will naturally congregate to the manure instead of the herd.
11. Hang a clear plastic bag full of water.  The water magnifies the fly’s own image, causing it to leave the vicinity.

Having said all of the above, remember that flies and other insects are a beneficial presence in our environment.  They are food for birds, balance the populations of other insects, accelerate the breakdown of that waste material you just moved farther from the barn, and lend a wing in pollination.  They are important and necessary, so plan to reduce, not remove, flies from the stable!

To ensure you purchase the proper size for tall boots, follow these steps:

1. Wear the breeches and socks you use most often.
2. Measure the length and width of your foot; the circumference of the widest portion of your calf; and the height of your leg from the ground to the point where your knee bends. Add an extra inch to this last result.
3. Compare your measurements to manufacturer sizing charts to determine your boot size.

If you are not committed to a particular event or riding style yet, here is a quick overview of the kinds of boots available:

• Dress: Tall, black leather boots (with or without zippers) that are appropriate for all dressage events.
• Field: Tall boots with laces at the ankle for the greater flexibility required when jumping or hunting.
• Paddock & Jodhpurs: Low-cut boots for pleasure riding, barn work and horse equipment maintenance, or casual wear.
• Winter: Tall and short boots featuring waterproof shells and fleece lining for cold or inclement weather.

No matter what kind of boots you need, TheEquestrianCorner.com has the right style and fit for you. Once you determine your size, come to our site to browse our complete lineup of footwear and matching equestrian riding apparel for the upcoming season.

1. Position your hand with the thumb on top.
2. Grab hold of the rein, ensuring that it passes between your ring finger and pinky before exiting from the top of your hand.
3. Press your thumb down firmly on the portion of the rein protruding from the top of your hand.
4. Use the same grip with your other hand.
5. At this point, both thumbs should be uppermost and you should be able to imagine a straight line from your elbows to the horse’s mouth.
6. The reins should be neither too slack nor too tight, and the length from your hands to the horse’s bit should be even on both sides.
7. To adjust the rein length, maintain your grip with your thumb and simply slide your hands up or down.
8. Try not to jerk or yank the reins unnecessarily, as this can cause discomfort or even injury to your animal.

Although different instructors might have slightly different approaches or preferences, most beginners are taught to hold their reins according to the above guidelines. Be sure to try these steps the next time you ride, and always remember to wear high-quality leather gloves and other appropriate equestrian riding apparel for protection whenever engaging with your horse.

Although there are probably countless chores you could perform in there, these are the ones that deserve the most attention:

• Unplug and wash your heated water buckets, and then wrap the cords neatly around the handles prior to storing them upside down for next winter.
• Remove the stock-tank heater and clean with vinegar or a calcium, lime, and rust (CLR) solution to eliminate any scaly buildup that might be present.
• Roll up and store any extra extension cords that are no longer needed for winter heating implements.
• Wash the windows and brush away all visible cobwebs.
• Sort through your hay bales to determine which ones are suitable for your horses and which ones are ready for the burn pile. Sweep out the hay storage area to get rid of excess dirt and chaff.
• Decide how much of the manure pile (if any) you will use or give away as fertilizer, and then call a disposal company to haul away the rest.
• Launder and mend blankets, turnout sheets, and similar winter horse equipment before putting them away until next year.

As you go through each of the above steps, take advantage of all opportunities to remove clutter by getting rid of old or damaged tack, grooming supplies, equestrian riding apparel, and other miscellany. That way, by the time you’re finished sweeping, stowing, organizing, washing, or discarding everything in sight, the barn will be in fantastic shape!

To avoid extended downtime and sky-high vet bills, it’s imperative to administer the following vaccinations before spring riding commences.

• Tetanus: Required annually to protect against the fatal consequences of bacterial infection.
• Equine Encephalomyelitis: Administered in the spring to ward off EEE, WEE, and VEE, which are mosquito-borne diseases. Sometimes bundled with the tetanus vaccination as “EWT”.
• Rabies: Rabies is fatal to horses and can be transmitted to humans, so an annual vaccination is required to prevent this viral infection.
• Influenza: Flu shots can be administered up to four times per year to guard against this very common and contagious illness.
• Rhinopneumonitis: Inoculations are given one to four times per year to help prevent this contagious and potentially fatal disease. Often bundled with the flu vaccine as “flu/rhino”.

Depending on risk factors specific to your animal or geographical location, additional spring vaccinations to consider include:

• West Nile virus
• Potomac Horse Fever
• Strangles
• Botulism

Taking proper care of your horses extends far beyond feeding them, watering them, and outfitting them with good equestrian equipment. It also means looking after their well-being by administering necessary vaccinations in a timely manner according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. Now that spring is here, make sure your animals get the inoculations they need to stay healthy all year long.

Grooming

Getting back into a regular grooming routine with a curry comb and shedding blade will help your horse shed its winter coat. After several weeks, the silky summer coat should start to emerge. Be sure to also examine your horse’s hooves and use a hoof pick if necessary to remove mud and other debris.

Fitness

To slowly work your animal back into shape, first walk it in all its horse tack for a couple of weeks. Begin with 15 minutes of exercise under saddle, and gradually increase the time to an hour or more. You can then move on to trot sets and cantering until the horse’s fitness level is up to the challenge of rigorous training.

Clothing

Protective boots might be in order if your animal initially lacks full coordination or is learning new maneuvers. Splint boots, pastern boots, bell boots, and polo wraps are all options to consider. You can also use a quarter sheet to prevent the chilling and cramping that occur when muscles cool down too quickly.

As anxious as you are to get out there and ride, it’s important to first condition your horse for spring. Follow the above tips and order any necessary equestrian equipment from TheEquestrianCorner.com to ensure a safe and productive riding season.

Ladies Tailored Sportsman Barnaby Show Coat

With winter on its way to becoming a distant memory, the show circuit is beginning to rev up in earnest. If you’re like most other equestrians out there, then you’re likely very anxious to get back into action and start earning points for the 2012 season. But before you submit that first entry form, it might be a good idea to make sure you have the right equestrian apparel for the year’s upcoming events.

Looking the part of a polished rider is every bit as important as actually executing maneuvers with your horse. Towards that end, we offer our customers the following selection of show-quality equestrian riding apparel from The Tailored Sportsman that will allow you to put together a stylish yet affordable habit.

• Show shirts: Available in solids, stripes, and plaids, many of the fitted shirts in this collection have snap-to collars instead of chokers for your convenience.
• Show coats: Made of fine Italian wool blends, these tailored three-button coats come in the dark colors required for dressage events.
• Breeches: Whether you prefer low-rise, mid-rise, regular rise, or slim-fit, you’ll be able to find breeches that suit your taste.
• Accessories: We have several different styles and colors of Italian leather belts to match your breeches, coat, or boots, and also carry “A” rated gloves to round out your look.

Show season is an exciting time for horse enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. If you plan on competing this year, be sure to come to TheEquestrianCorner.com first to purchase quality equestrian apparel from The Tailored Sportsman and other top brands.

Kerrits - Performance Equestrian Apparel

When it’s time to ride, the last thing you want is for your clothing to be a source of irritation or distraction. Proper equestrian riding apparel is critical to both performance and comfort, which is why you must choose each piece of your habit carefully.

This is not as easy as it sounds in a month like March, where temperatures are liable to fluctuate between cold and mild within hours. Dressing in layers is a good strategy for these uncertain conditions because it allows you to remove or add clothing as needed.

We carry many Kerrits products that are perfect for layering, so let’s take a look at some of them now.

• Geo Thermal Capri and Scoopneck Top: These undergarments act as a second skin to retain warmth without any extra bulk that would prevent you from gripping or manipulating your horse equipment.
• Waterproof Knickers: These hit just below the knee and can be used to cover your breeches during warm-ups before events or as a second layer during a ride.
• Breathe Tech Top: This short-sleeved top is light and breathable, making it perfect to use as base layer on cold days or on its own in warm weather.
• Everywhere Sweater: Lined with ultra-soft fleece, this full-zip sweater slips easily on or off to give you even more layering options.
• Softshell Vest: This classic piece helps you maintain just the right amount of core warmth for in-between spring weather.

Having comfortable, season-appropriate equestrian riding apparel can mean the difference between getting in a full day of exercise and calling it quits after only an hour or so. Don’t let the wrong clothing slow you down; visit TheEquestrianCorner.com today to check out the Kerrits performance and layering options listed above.

Ladies Goode Rider Quilted Vest

If you took our advice from last week’s post, then by now you probably have several new show shirts and coats en route from our store to your home. That’s a good way to begin outfitting yourself for the riding season, but you’re not done yet. This time around, we recommend going through your remaining equestrian apparel to see how your everyday horsewear is holding up.

Everyday horsewear is designed to be casual and comfortable, making it perfect for schooling, fun rides, or even lunch with a friend. Our Goode Rider collection is filled with attractive clothing that will look great whether you’re on the saddle or not, so check out the following picks featured at TheEquestrianCorner.com:

• Riding Jeans – low-rise; stretch ultra-suede knee patch to grip equestrian equipment while riding; five pockets
• Turtleneck Sweater – soft cotton/nylon/lycra blend; elbow patches; embroidered horse logo
• Perfect Shirt – rolled sleeves; sleeve panels; embroidered crest on sleeve; mother of pearl buttons; front pockets; back vent
• Iconic Polo Shirt – classically styled; contrast collar/placket; embroidered crest logo; button front; anti-pill finish
• Favorite Shirt – cotton lawn with rib knit side; rolled sleeves; front patch pockets; embroidered crest on sleeve

One of the benefits of everyday equestrian apparel is the versatility this type of clothing brings to your wardrobe. You not only get functional riding attire for outings with your horse, but also stylishly casual outfits that can be worn away from the barn as well. Be sure to stop by today to enjoy big savings on the Goode Rider items listed above.