LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Saddle Pads: The Unsung Hero of Pads

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Dover Saddlery

While most horses can wear any saddle pad their rider places on their backs, some horses aren’t so lucky. They experience the agonies of extra-sensitive skin, seasonal hives, allergies to manmade textiles, seasonal or year-round hair rubs, abrasions from friction, thin hair, excessive sweating under a saddle or a host of other challenges, including collagen bumps and fungal issues in follicles.

If you ride one of these horses, a Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square or Close Contact Square could be the solution to your horse’s troubles. Merino+ pads have proven so beneficial to horses that we’ve come to think of them as the Unsung Hero of pads.

A Thoughtful Approach to Wool Fleece
Across disciplines, natural wool is known to be the best option for a horse’s back. It offers softness and cushioning, superior breathability, helps maintain temperature and regulates moisture. It also naturally controls the breeding of bacteria and viruses and helps prevent bruising, scarring, chaffing and pressure sores.

The problem with traditional wool fleece pads is the hide hidden inside them. Even with the best care, the hide eventually becomes warped, misshapen or brittle. LeMieux took a thoughtful approach to solving longevity issues experienced with traditional sheepskin fleece pads; with the Merino+ line, no hides are involved. The pads use top-quality WoolMark accredited Australian merino wool and beautifully engineered fabrics. The resulting saddle pads remain soft and withstand daily wear and machine washing.

With Merino+ pads, lambswool is removed from skin and integrated with a unique backing fabric that expands and contracts while retaining its inherent stretch. This fabric aids wicking and moisture control, with each fiber holding up to 30% its weight. The effect of this fabric alone helps keep a horse’s back cooler and drier, and temperature variations are minimized. Add to this all the natural benefits of merino wool, and you’ve got an amazing saddle pad.

Cushioning & Shock Absorption

The consistent density of springy Merino+ wool fleece provides a perfect fit against a horse’s back in every ride. Its soft surface and resilient nature let the fleece mold to a horse’s contours without adding bulk. The fibers help absorb impact, distribute pressure and provide cushioning.

Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Skin
The lambswool, dyes and fabrics used in Merino+ pads are tested to human medical standards by a Swiss laboratory, so they work in harmony with even sensitive skin and are far more stable. The fluffy fibers free the horse from saddle-pad friction, naturally resist static and naturally resist odors.

Thermoregulating & Moisture-Wicking
Some folks look at the wool panels and think, “That’s going to be hot against my horse.” Nothing is further from the truth. Merino wool naturally wicks moisture and promotes airflow. Whether the weather is hot or cold, the wool helps maintain a comfortable climate under the saddle. (Try wearing merino wool socks in summer to prove this point. Your feet won’t sweat, and they won’t stink at the end of a long day.)

Close Contact Feel
Merino+ fleece is placed in panels only under the saddle. The flaps of the pad aren’t lined with fleece, so they feel to a rider just like a “standard” quilted saddle pad. With the fleece panels at the top, most riders with an appropriately fitting saddle have no need to use a half pad.

Quick Drying
The fleece panels dry quickly between rides and after washing. Dirt, hair and dried sweat brushes away. Usually, a freshly laundered pad is ready to use next day.

Other Points to Note

Now that we’ve covered all the irresistible problem-solving benefits of Merino+ Half-Lined Saddle Pads, we must point out a few more must-have features.

Finer and shorter wool lines the pathway of the spine, providing comfort for spinal processes and allowing airflow. A swept-up wither cut relieves pressure over the shoulders and base of the neck.
LeMieux’s signature layered girth-loop system ensures a perfect fit adjustment with every girth on every horse. The top layer acts as a normal girth loop. The inter-locking layer underneath can be used to secure either or both saddle billets in an ideal position.
Timeless style, a classic quilted top, conservative colors and fleece-trimmed withers mean this pad is always appropriate in any ring.
The pads generally require less laundering when used on a groomed horse. Simply brush hair away from the fleece fibers!

LeMieux’s Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square fits most dressage saddles perfectly and creates an elegant look worthy of competition. The Half-Lined Close Contact Square suits most jump saddles and includes the iconic, swept-up back to avoid interference with the rider’s legs over fences.

Shop the LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Close Contact Square

Shop the LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square

LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Close Contact Square

LeMieux Merino+ Half-Lined Dressage Square

Already have a LeMieux Merino+ Pad? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

All Wrapped Up: An Overview of Exercise Wraps for Horses

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Dover Saddlery

In March we provided an overview of two common types of wraps: standing wraps and shipping wraps. This month let’s discuss the use and benefits of exercise wraps.

An exercise wrap is made of a polo bandage or polo wrap, most correctly applied over an exercise liner. Exercise wraps help protect a horse’s lower front and hind legs from interference during work—when a horse’s own hoof strikes an opposing leg, causing a cut, bruise or splint.

The material of a polo bandage (generally 9 to 11 feet long and 4 to 4½ inches wide for horses) is synthetic fleece that is inherently cushiony, slightly stretchy and easily conforms to the horse’s lower limbs. Polo bandages secure with hook-and-loop fasteners.

While a polo bandage can be applied directly against a horse’s leg, a proper exercise wrap has an exercise liner applied to the leg first. This low-profile layer offers added protection from knocks without adding bulk. It also provides just enough padding to help protect against pressure points from the polo bandage. As an added benefit, most exercise liners are made of materials that wick moisture and promote airflow, which in turn helps keep tendons, skin and hair cool. Exercise wraps are used only while a horse is being ridden or lunged—never in turnout or in place of standing or shipping wraps.

Polo bandages are primarily sold in sets of four wraps. They are a traditional, inexpensive and long-lasting alternative to horse boots, easily machine washable and extremely quick to dry. White is the most traditional color, followed by black, but polo wraps can be found in every color of the rainbow and in the trendiest seasonal hues. Exercise liners also commonly come in sets of four.

Tips:

If you have a new set of polo wraps, consider washing them once before you use them. Washing makes the wraps slightly easier to handle.
Also, be sure your wraps are rolled tightly before you begin to wrap your horse’s legs. The tighter you roll your wrap, the easier it will be to apply to your horse.

Cautionary Notes:

New to wrapping? Hands-on training from a knowledgeable instructor is a must for your horse’s safety. Wrapping of any kind must be done correctly to avoid common bandaging mistakes that can cause both temporary and irreparable damage.
Exercise wraps should always be applied over dry, clean skin and hair, and they should be removed promptly after work.
Stable bandages are not safe substitutions for fleece polo bandages and vice versa.
Consult your horse’s veterinarian in the presence of any lower leg injury or unprecedented or chronic swelling/edema.

Shop our wide selection of horse leg wraps here.

Are you a leg wrapping pro? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

All Wrapped Up: An Overview of Wraps & Bandages for Horses

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Dover Saddlery

A picture of a white roll of fleece against a white background.

One of our Product Advisors mentioned recently that a customer was confused about wrapping terminologies. New to horses, this customer wanted to know what constitutes a wrap and what constitutes a bandage. What should she have on hand, and why?

We realized that the equestrian industry, Dover Saddlery included, tends to use the terms “bandage” and “wrap” interchangeably when referring to both the “ingredients” of wraps and the types of wraps. No wonder this customer was confused! So this month we will cover two of the three types of wraps we commonly find in active performance horse barns regardless of discipline: standing wraps and shipping wraps. Next month, we’ll cover exercise wraps.

Two human hands are shown wrapping a horse's leg with a white pillow wrap and green standing wrap. The horses legs are white with black hooves.

Standing Wraps
Undoubtedly the most important type of wrap any horse owner can have the materials to create, standing wraps are a significant tool in treating leg issues and concerns. Standing wraps are worn by a horse when it is stabled (standing). They can be used to help protect an injury or add support, hold wound dressings in place, reduce or prevent “stocking up” (edema) after a strenuous workout or a long haul, and they can be used to cover a poultice while it draws heat and inflammation.

A picture of a white roll of quilted cotton and fabric against a white background.

A standing wrap consists of padding topped by a stable bandage. The padding may be called a leg quilt, leg wrap, combo wrap, pillow wrap or No Bow wrap, or it can be comprised of layers of cotton sheeting. The padding is intended to cover a horse’s leg from just below the knee or hock to the bottom of the fetlock joint. As such, leg quilts and leg wraps are offered in widths from 10 to 18 inches. They are usually sold in pairs because most ponies and horses require shorter wraps on their front legs and longer wraps on their hind legs.

A plastic bag is shown filled with white cotton sheets. The packaging says BB Satin Star 12's in large red font. There is also a black silhouette of a person petting a horse above the letters.

The type of padding used depends on personal preference for the materials and thickness. The person applying the wrap must feel confident and skilled in its feel, because seams, bindings, wrinkles and bunching can cause serious damage to a horse’s legs. If cotton sheeting is chosen for padding, it requires multiple sheets (6 to 10) stacked neatly for sufficient thickness. It will need to be folded lengthwise or widthwise to achieve an appropriate height. When applied correctly, any kind of padding helps distribute pressure and conforms to the horse’s legs.

Four royal blue standing wraps are shown against a white background. The standing wraps have blue Velcro on the ends.

Stable bandages are applied over the padding. Most commonly, stable bandages (sold in sets of four) are made of tightly knit synthetic fabric that offers little stretch and is designed to support. These bandages are generally about 12 feet long by 5½ inches wide for horses and about 6 feet long by 5 inches wide for ponies. Hook-and-loop closures keep them in place. The fun part about stable bandages is they come in all sorts of colors, and you can make yours unique easily with embroidered monogramming.

Two rolls of white standing wraps are shown against a white background. The wraps are made of fleece and have white Velro at the ends.

Traditionally, stable bandages are made of cotton flannel. This type is still favored by some people. Flannel bandages can be a good choice for use when a young horse or one unfamiliar with wearing wraps needs to become accustomed to their feel. Cotton flannel is more apt to tear and release the wrap rather than bind and tighten if a horse chews or pulls on it.

To prepare for a wound or injury, every horse owner should have the materials for standing wraps on hand. Even if the owner is not skilled at wrapping, a veterinarian may request the materials in an emergency. Standing wraps are usually applied in pairs (both front or both hind legs, if not all around) so the horse will not favor one leg and thereby stress the opposite leg.

Shipping Wraps

Shipping wraps are the tried-and-true method of protecting a horse’s legs during travel. Like standing wraps, shipping wraps are comprised of padding and stable bandages. They simply cover more of the horse’s lower legs, right down to the hooves so that the pasterns and coronary bands are protected. Commonly, shipping wraps are used with bell boots to further protect the horse’s hooves. Typically, shipping wraps require wider leg quilts than a horse needs for standing wraps.

Shipping boots are the easiest, quickest way to cover a horse’s legs during transport. However, for long trips, many professionals prefer the security, support and stability provided by shipping wraps.

The four legs of a light brown horse are shown wearing navy blue plaid shipping boots. The boots extend from the horse's knees and hock joints and cover their hooves.

Cautionary Notes:

New to wrapping? Hands-on training from a knowledgeable instructor is a must for your horse’s safety. Wrapping of any kind must be done correctly to avoid common bandaging mistakes that can cause both temporary and irreparable damage.
Consult your horse’s veterinarian in the presence of any lower leg injury or unprecedented or chronic swelling/edema.
Fleece polo bandages are not safe substitutions for stable bandages and vice versa.
Standing wraps should be checked periodically for shifting and for swelling in surrounding areas of the leg. They should be removed after twelve hours maximum unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
Wraps should always be applied over clean, dry skin and hair.

Shop our wide selection of horse leg wraps here.

Are you a leg wrapping pro? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Thinking About Clipping Your Horse This Winter?

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Dover Saddlery

A right hand with a gold ring on the ring finger is holding a pair of wired black clippers. The clippers are clipping the side of a brown horse.

We can help you decide whether body clipping is a good choice for your horse, and if so, how much hair you want to remove. The decision comes down to how much your horse works in cold weather and your willingness to manage blanketing to compensate for loss of natural protection.

Thick coats and the additional grease produced in horses’ skin in winter combine to protect them against wet, cold weather. These assets become detriments, however, when a horse is worked regularly to the point of sweating. Perspiration mixes with grease in the coat, creating a film that mats the hair and clogs the skin. As the hair dries painfully slowly, the horse is vulnerable to chills, muscle soreness and illness. Skin issues such as fungal infections can also result. Some amount of body clipping becomes wise if you and your horse are in a steady program of regular work.

Here’s a list of our favorite, traditional body clips. The one you choose depends on the type of work you’ll do, how much your horse perspires, and what is acceptable for your riding discipline. Some people find it helpful to mark an outline of their desired body clip using chalk or using a small set of clippers.

Strip Clip

This minimal clip is perfect for a horse in light work only and for a horse owner wishing to avoid blanketing except in the coldest temperatures. The clip pattern removes a strip of hair on the front of the horse’s neck along the jugular, through the front of the chest and under the belly.

Trace Clip

Named after its original use on harness horses, the trace clip removes a swath of hair from areas horses perspire most—classically along the areas where the harness traces would touch the horse. This clip may be your choice if your horse typically runs cold or doesn’t grow a thick coat. Hair is removed from the underside and sides of the neck, shoulders and belly and is left intact on the legs and body. Some people clip a narrow swath of hair, while others prefer to clip hair about halfway up the horse. Managing comfort and warmth will necessitate the use of blankets.

Blanket Clip

You may want to use this clip if your horse gets regular, heavy work in winter. A horse will most likely need to wear a blanket with this clip, and possibly a neck cover. This clip removes hair in a pattern that leaves the horse looking as though it is wearing an exercise rug made of hair. Hair is removed from the head, neck and flanks, but is left intact on the back, hind end and legs.

Hunter Clip

Named for its traditional use on field hunters, a hunter clip is helpful for horses in hard work. The clip removes most of the hair on the body, leaving only a patch of hair on the horse’s back in the shape of a saddle (to provide some protection from friction of the saddle). Hair is left on the legs for both warmth and protection. Depending on the temperatures in your horse’s climate, a hunter clip will require the use of a blanket and a neck cover.

Full Body Clip

For those horses that perspire a great deal or are in hard work, the full body clip may be best. The entire horse is clipped, including legs and face, but whiskers are left intact for sensory perception and ear hair is excluded as it is protection from frostbite. Riders who wear spurs will often leave a patch of hair in the spur area to protect against spur rubs. Depending on the temperatures in your horse’s climate, a full body clip may necessitate a heavier, warmer blanket and neck cover.

Have tips to share about body clipping? Share your thoughts and photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Shop horse clippers, blades and accessories here.

WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec Makes Lives Better for Horses & Dogs

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Dover Saddlery

A YellowLabrador is facing forwards and lying on top of a black dog bed with red trim. The dog and bed are set against a white background.

At Dover Saddlery, we always look for ways to make our animals comfortable, healthy, and happy. When we discovered WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs, we had to add them to our product lineup!

Therapy-Tec involves powerful ceramic powder blended into technical fabrics that are then applied to a variety of products for horses and dogs. The ceramic fabrics in these products reflect the animal’s body heat through infrared waves, creating a soothing thermal heat. These infrared waves produce multiple beneficial effects on the animal’s body.

Increases circulation: By boosting blood flow, it promotes efficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Used before exercise, increased circulation helps warm muscles and prepare them to function well during exertion. It may help reduce the risk of muscle injury during warmup.

Supports muscle function: It eases muscle strain, stiffness and soreness. It also supports the body’s natural abilities to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Speeds recovery: By reducing lactic acid buildup in muscles after exercise, it decreases the time it takes for muscles to recover from exertion. It also helps support speedier healing of prior injuries.
Enhances relaxation: The gentle thermal heat soothes the body’s tissues and eases pain associated with arthritis. The reduction in discomfort and tension promotes well-being and calmness.

A brown horse with a white stripe on it's face is shown wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim, it also covers the horse's neck. There are four key features pointed out on the sheet:

Ceramic Fabric Technology: A ceramic powder with long lasting properties blended within the fabric lining that will not wash out. This technology reflects the horse's own body heat via infrared waves (thermal heat). Fleece outer fabric wicks away moisture.

Increases Circulation:
Boosts the horse's blood circulation and encourages oxygen supply to the tissues assisting to warm up the muscles and improve muscle function.

Muscle Function:
Eases muscle strain and soreness enhancing the horse's own ability to reduce swelling and heat.

Recovery:
Speeds up recovery and enhances relaxation.

Because ceramic powder is integrated into WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec material, it provides ongoing therapy when the product is used, and it never washes away. Each product in the Therapy-Tec collection comes with specific care instructions; we recommend you follow the instructions carefully to ensure the longevity of your item.

Note: As wonderful as Therapy-Tec products are, they are NOT recommended for use with pregnant mares or pregnant dogs.

Therapy-Tec for Horses

Horses of any age or performance level, including retirees, benefit from Therapy-Tec horse clothing at home or during travel. Choose from:

Therapy-Tec Standard Neck Sheet, which has a cozy shawl collar, to target your horse’s chest, shoulders, barrel and hindquarters.

Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet with non-removable neck cover to target your horse’s neck and entire body.

Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet to target your horse’s hindquarters during warmups, cool-downs or hacks in cool or cold weather.

A dapple grey horse is shown standing in the hallway of a barn with it's face turned to the right. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim. — **Therapy-Tec Standard Neck Sheet**

A dapple grey horse is shown standing on a paved road against a background of green trees. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet that covers it's body and neck. The sheet is black with red and white trim. — **Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet**

A dapple grey horse is shown facing away from the camera, standing on a paved road against a background of green trees and a stone wall. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet that covers it's hindquarters. The sheet is black with red and white trim. The horse is also wearing a black bridle and saddle with a white saddle pad. — **Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet**

All these items deliver Therapy-Tec benefits while also providing breathability and moisture wicking for an optimal inner climate.

Due to the profound effects of Therapy-Tec horse clothing, we advise gradually introducing these products to your horse. Increase wearing time from an initial two hours on the first day over the course of subsequent days to allow your horse to become accustomed to its effects.

Therapy-Tec for Dogs

Whether your dog is young, active or senior, Therapy-Tec assists with pain management, inflammation and muscle recovery post-exercise.

The Therapy-Tec Dog Bed is shown. It is a square black bed with four sides and red trim. It is shown against a white background.

Choose the Therapy-Tec Dog Bed if your dog suffers from pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia, especially over cold winter months. This bed is also ideal for active dogs to warm up or relax and recover before or after they play. It features an all-around ceramic fleece lining inside a durable, washable outer, with plenty of plump cushioning for comfort.

A Yellow Labrador is shown standing in a grass field with a background of trees. The dog is wearing a black Therapy-Tec Dog Coat with red and white trim. The blanket has a single belly strap and a grey chest strap that fastens in the front.

When your dog is out and about, the Therapy-Tec Dog Coat makes the soothing thermal heat portable. It works to help reduce lactic acid buildup, aids with pain management and inflammation associated with arthritis, and can also be used to simply keep your companion warm and comfortable. It’s cozy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, too!

Browse our selection of WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs here.

Already enjoying the effects of Therapy-Tec? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Our New Year’s Resolution: Clean Brushes, Shiny Horse

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Dover Saddlery

Five brushes are in a metal basket that is hung on a wooden wall. The grooming brushes all have wooden handles with different colored bristles.

What better time of year than January to take a good hard look at your horse’s grooming tools? Do your brushes have dented bristles or are they clumped with sebum and grime? Are your curries dull or clogged with dirt and hair? You can maximize the health benefits of grooming your horse—and create an experience more enjoyable for both of you—by using clean brushes and replacing items that are worn out. Hygienic grooming tools care for your horse’s skin best and bring out your horse’s shine.

We recommend cleaning brushes and curries once monthly to remove buildup. If at some point you encounter a skin disease in your horse, be sure to isolate the brushes and curries used on the affected areas and clean them more frequently.

We love this economical and effective way of cleaning grooming tools: fill a bucket or sink with hot water and mix in Dawn® Dish Washing Liquid, which will lift out grease and rinse well. If the brushes are all synthetic with plastic handles, a splash of bleach can be added to the mix. Bleach is drying to natural-bristled brushes with wooden handles, so it should only be used on this type of brush when suspicion of skin disease or other equine illness is present. Another way to sanitize brushes is to add a moderate amount of Listerine® Mouthwash to the wash water—it smells fresh and can help kill bacteria.

Soak the brushes for several minutes, agitating them to loosen dirt. Rinse and repeat the process until the water is no longer discolored and you don’t see any soap suds. Rinsing thoroughly is important to prevent a buildup of soap residue in the brush bristles. Spread your clean horse brushes on a towel in a warm location or in the sun where they can drain and dry thoroughly before returning them to their storage tote.

A grooming tote made from black canvas is hanging from a metal pole. There are piles of hay bales in the background and the tote is filled with brushes, curry combs, hoof picks, and spray bottles.

As an added tip to get the most out of your brushes, always store them in a way that protects the bristles from being crimped or smashed. Many types of grooming totes are available, but no matter which you use, stand your brushes on end so that each is balanced on the tip of the handle. Alternatively, you can gently nestle the bristles of two brushes together so that they interlock for storage.

To browse our entire selection of grooming tools and other horse care items, click here.

We want to know how you love to spend time at the barn grooming your horse; share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Coolers for Cold Weather: How to Cool Your Horse Properly

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Dover Saddlery

A dark bay horse is standing in front of a barn wearing a black fleece cooler.

As the month of October ushers in lower temperatures, we horse owners and riders dig out the coolers we packed away last spring—or consider shopping for a fresh one! Coolers are a time-tested means of caring for our hot or sweaty horses properly after a workout in cool or brisk weather.

A cooler keeps a horse’s warm muscles and wet skin protected from uncomfortable chills that could otherwise cause muscle stiffness or overall make a horse susceptible to illness. Covered, the freshly worked muscles can recover gradually from exertion while the cooler wicks moisture away from the horse and helps hair and skin dry most efficiently. A cooler can also be helpful in warming and drying a horse after a bath or a rain shower when temperatures turn a bit brisk.

Commonly made of wool or synthetic fleece fabrics, coolers come at a variety of price points and in a variety of styles and colors from the most basic to those with prints, plaids, contrast trims, embroidery, or brand decorations. Some models feature advanced technical fabrics to increase efficiency and provide rapid cooling—perfect for riders on a tight timeline. A simple cooler can become an amazing one when you add your own personal monogram with your horse’s name, stable name, or your initials.

A bay horse is shown wearing a black American style cooler with blue trim.

The original American Cooler style is a large rectangular piece of wool with colored bindings and that may have ties at the neck or brow and tail straps. This type of cooler drapes over the horse entirely, from jawline to tail. American style coolers can still be seen today, usually as a treasured vintage item prized by its owner for ease of use and efficiency. It should be worn by a horse that is being walked, handled or very closely monitored, as it can slide and entangle a stabled horse if it rolls in the cooler.

A horse is standing in front of barn doors wearing a black and blue fleece plaid cooler.

Most commonly, coolers today are more fitted styles cut like a stable sheet, leaving the neck exposed. Others fit right up the neck to the jawline and secure along the under-neck with hook-and-loop fastenings. This type of cooler can be left on a horse that is stalled and unattended if it secures at the front, belly and has a tail cord. A fitted cooler can also be used in cold weather as a base layer under a blanket.

Remove & Replace

Just as important as getting a cooler onto a horse promptly is removing it promptly when you see a dew-like coating formed along the top surface of the cooler. A saturated cooler can no longer wick moisture and prevent drafts. Sometimes, a very wet or sweaty horse will require one or two changes of coolers during the cooling and drying process, so it is always good to have an extra, dry cooler on hand.

Browse our entire selection of horse coolers and anti-sweat sheets here.

Do you have a favorite cooler? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Liniments & Braces: Go “Old School” When It’s Hot

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Dover Saddlery

It’s August, the dog days of summer are here, and temperatures are high everywhere. You and your horse just finished a great ride—and now both of you are hot, sweaty and a bit tired.

As you head for the wash rack to rinse your horse with cool water (perhaps looking forward to a bit of the overspray yourself) consider using a brace to refresh, revive and relax your horse. Concerned about minor swelling or soreness in your horse post-workout? A liniment might be just the preventative measure to take.

At Dover, we’ve noticed many of our more senior staff members grew up using horse liniments and braces regularly, while the younger generation of staff members isn’t always as familiar with this great grooming aid.

Applying a liniment wash to a horse's front leg.

For years, horse owners and trainers have used horse liniments to temporarily soothe tired, sore or stiff muscles, ease minor aches, pains and swelling, help lessen arthritic pain, and even to act as a topical antiseptic. Applied to legs or other specific areas after a workout, a liniment can help support tissue recovery, relieve post-exertion fatigue or help prevent stocking up (edema) in the legs, especially when topped with standing wraps.

Added to a bucket of water, a liniment becomes a brace that can be sponged onto a wet horse. It is left without rinsing to provide a cooling sensation and to relieve minor muscle soreness as the horse relaxes after a workout. Use of a liniment or brace in helping a horse recover from exercise can in turn help keep the horse comfortable and better prepared to perform the next day.

Liniments are available in liquid and gel forms, and they come in a range of formulas and scents ranging from brisk or medicinal, to lighter or natural. Most contain alcohol, which evaporates quickly. As a main ingredient in a liniment, alcohol’s rapid evaporation can help cool a horse quickly. Essential oils, herbs or medicines added to the liniment lend their supportive, beneficial or aromatic properties.

Read Liniment Labels

With all this said, liniments (and braces) are not all the same. Take these tips into consideration as you choose a new liniment for your horse, and always read manufacturer’s labels carefully.

Some liniments contain substances on the USEF banned substance list and should not be used if you plan to compete in recognized shows.
Some liniments are mild enough to be used under bandages or coverings or on broken skin, but some can cause blistering or tissue damage if covered.
Not all liniments can be diluted in water to make a brace.

Test a small spot on your horse prior to full application to look for signs of an allergic or adverse reaction.

As a final note: While we love our liniments, they are not the remedy for a major soreness or lameness. Always contact your veterinarian with questions and concerns about your horse’s comfort, soundness, and managing exercise in high heat.

Browse our entire selection of horse liniments here.

Does your horse enjoy a liniment bath? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Guest Blog: EquiOtic™ – The “Real” Approach to Equine Probiotics

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Dover Saddlery

Equiotic Logo

Curious about introducing probiotics into your horse’s nutrition plan? Hear from EquiOtic themselves to answer all of your questions about the difference between EquiOtic and other probiotics available— and how you can help support your horse’s gastrointestinal health to the fullest!

Continue reading →

How to Dress the “Super-Sensitive” Horse for Fly Season

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Dover Saddlery

Most of us know a horse that absolutely hates bugs. Even the sight of a bug has him stomping, flinching, and swishing his tail all day long. Some horses, such as Thoroughbreds, have very sensitive skin and get easily irritated by flies and other insects in turnout. A susceptible horse like this may need the complete coverage of a fly sheet, fly mask, fly boots and fly spray, or any combination of these, to stay comfortable. Does this sound like your horse? Check out a few of our suggestions for products that go beyond your everyday fly spray and can help you and your horse beat the bugs this summer.