Category Archives: For the Rider

Dover Saddlery Celebrates 50 Years in the Saddle for The Ride of a Lifetime…

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A timeline of Dover Saddlery's history: 1975: Dover founded by USET Equestrians Jim and David Powers and the first store is opened in Wellesley, MA 1982: Catalog operations began 1998: Stephen Day, lifelong equestrian and entrepreneur becomes the President and CEO of Dover Saddlery 2000: Dover launched DoverSaddlery.com 2005: Dover opened flagship store in Plaistow, NH 2013: Dover hired its 500th employee 2014: Dover opened flagship store in Wellington, FL 2017: Dover Saddlery partnered with US Equestrian 2024: Dover hit 100,000 followers on social media 2025: Dover Saddlery celebrates 50 years of supporting riders across the nation!

This year marks Dover Saddlery’s 50th Anniversary supporting riders and the equestrian community. We welcome you to ride along and learn about our journey from our founding year to the present day.

Dover Saddlery was founded in 1975 by brothers Jim and David Powers, both top-ranked riders on the U.S. Equestrian Team. Raised by two equine veterinarians, always with horses, the Powers brothers were no strangers to working with the off-the-track Thoroughbreds and enjoyed riding in multiple disciplines. Riding became a daily family activity, ultimately leading Jim, and David to become top-ranked riders on the U.S. Equestrian Team, traveling the world to train with some of the greatest hunter/jumper coaches in history.

During their travels, Jim and David saw a need for high-quality, innovative products for the equestrian community. They realized they could develop these products directly from inception to the consumer collaborating with top riders, industry partners and craftsmen all over the world. With this vision, they built Dover Saddlery, focusing on quality products designed by real riders. Their commitment to excellence quickly earned Dover Saddlery its reputation as a premier, upscale brand in the English riding industry.

The front window and entrance of the Dover Saddlery Wellesley, MA store

In 1975, they opened the first Dover Saddlery store in Wellesley, MA, with a mission to provide expert guidance from knowledgeable riders. Their philosophy was simple: Dover is your one source to get the quality products you need at the right price, supported by knowledgeable equestrian service. Fifty years later, this mission remains the same and is the pillar of Dover’s core values.

In 1982, the Powers brothers launched the first Dover Saddlery catalog, which would soon become an equestrian icon. Over the decades, meticulous attention has been paid to each and every product contained within the pages as well as the catalog cover, featuring Olympians, industry pioneers, and horses and athletes who hold a special place in our hearts. These covers have graced the walls of countless tack rooms, barns, and homes, each one more picturesque than the last.

The front catalog cover of the Dover Saddlery 2000-2001 Annual Catalog. It is a picture of a man wearing a red show coat and a brown horse jumping over a white fence with blue and white poles.

After another a decade of growth, lifelong equestrian and entrepreneur Stephen Day became President & CEO of Dover Saddlery, ushering in a new era of expansion. Under his leadership, Dover grew its retail presence and launched its first website in the year 2000. Throughout these advancements, the company remained dedicated to its founding principles: prioritizing the needs of riders and horses while developing the most innovative equestrian products backed by knowledgeable equestrian service.

In 2005, Dover Saddlery opened its flagship store in Plaistow, NH. and another in 2014, located in Wellington, FL, further reinforcing Dover’s commitment to equestrians nationwide. Today, Dover operates thirty-seven stores, with plans for continued expansion. In 2017, a partnership with USEF solidified Dover’s dedication to the safety and well-being of riders and horses in the sport.

The outside of the Dover Saddlery Plaistow, NH store. It is a 4 story large green barn.

As Dover continues to grow, the mission remains steadfast: to serve equestrians and their horses by offering over 10,000 products online and in stores. With over 100,000 social media followers, Dover has embraced brand collaborations to showcase products, highlight partnerships, and remain at the forefront of the sport.

The lobby of the Dover Saddlery Littleton, MA headquarters.

Today, Dover’s reins are held by a team of passionate riders who continue to uphold the original 1975 mission. Our commitment to provide world-class products and service to riders and their horses is at the core of every decision made and will remain so. We take pride in supporting equestrian sport and the local riding community by partnering with hundreds of riding clubs each year.

Jim Powers recently stated, “I love Dover Saddlery” and “We’re here only because of horses” and after 50 years, we couldn’t agree more.

A picture of David Powers in a red show coat and black helmet.
David Powers
A picture of Jim Powers in a blue team USA Olympics jacket.
Jim Powers

How to Balance a Career and Riding as an Adult Amateur

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A woman with long, curly red hair is smiling at the camera. In front of her is an open silver apple laptop. She is wearing a tan straw hat and a black and white top with buttons down the front.

Before we begin, let’s be honest, balance is challenging, in fact it could be a myth. It is very hard to achieve true balance and chasing it can become very frustrating. Instead of trying to juggle everything perfectly, the key to success is learning how to prioritize, pivot, and commit to what matters most to you in your life.

A woman is leading a horse and walking outside. The picture is black and white. The woman is wearing a straw hat, sunglasses and riding clothes.

As a competitive amateur, equestrian business consultant and a chronic over-committer, I’ve lived the early mornings, the late nights, the long days at the barn sandwiched between meetings. And through it all, I’ve learned an undeniable truth: balance could very well be, a myth.

If you’re reading this, you probably love horses. You love them even more than vacations, sleeping in, or a traditional 9-to-5 routine. You’re also working incredibly hard to afford this lifestyle—because let’s be real, our four-legged best friends have a knack for draining bank accounts.

So instead of chasing an impossible work-life balance, let’s talk about what actually can help make it all work. Here’s how I’ve learned to prioritize my career and my riding—without burning out.

1. Know Your Values (And Use Them to Make Decisions)

Understanding what is important to you means you can make better decisions about how to spend your time. As someone who is always running out of time, I have spent years refining my framework for what’s important, what needs to get done now, and what can wait. Prioritization is everything.

If riding is a core part of your identity, then try to not treat it like an afterthought. Put it on the same priority level as your career and other major commitments. That might mean saying no to things that don’t serve you.

2. Instead of Trying to Find Balance—Start Prioritizing

Work-life balance is challenging. However, you can develop a clear set of priorities that shift when necessary and work in your favor.

Some weeks, your career takes the lead. Other weeks, your horse may take priority. That’s normal. The key is to be intentional about what gets your full focus at any given time.

Think about it like running a company—you don’t try to work on every department at once. Instead, you focus on the most pressing priorities and trust that other areas will get attention when needed.

3. Make a Budget (Yes, Even for Your Riding Life)

This is probably one of the least fun parts of being an adult, but having a budget gives you guardrails around what makes sense for you, your horse, your schedule, and your wallet.

It’s SO tempting to want the latest gear or to squeeze in another show. But if you make mistakes here, it can be a hard hole to climb out of.

Pro tip: Treat your career like your biggest sponsor. Set financial goals that tie directly to your riding lifestyle. Bonuses? That’s horse show money. Extra work or hours? That’s a clinic with a top trainer. Thinking like this shifts your mindset from scarcity to strategy.

4. Turn Your Horse into Your Business Mentor

A woman is pressing her chin and lips to the nose of a horse in an affectionate gesture. The picture is in black and white.

Your horse is actually one of the best leadership coaches you’ve ever had.

  • Horses demand clear communication. If your riding is inconsistent, they get confused—just like a team at work with no direction.
  • They respond to energy. If you show up stressed, rushed, and distracted, they mirror that. Same goes for how you show up at work.
  • When in doubt, ask for less, reward more. Works for employees. Works for horses. So why not make this work for your life as well?

5. Build a Support System—At Work & At the Barn

You can’t do this alone—so don’t try. Surround yourself with people who support your goals and make your life easier.

  • At work: Be clear about your commitments. Sometimes, being an equestrian actually helps your career—riding shows discipline, focus, and resilience.
  • At the barn: Find a trainer and barn friends who get your schedule and support you in the process.
  • In your personal life: Set boundaries with people who don’t respect your riding time. You deserve time to follow your passions—you should feel confident doing so!

6. Mistakes are Feedback

Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the game—both in riding and in business. Instead of fearing setbacks, use them as opportunities to learn from and grow.

  • If something doesn’t work, ask yourself: What can I learn from this?
  • Every challenge is a chance to refine your approach. Adjust, pivot, and keep going—just keep riding.
  • The most successful people—riders and professionals alike—aren’t the ones who never fall. They’re the ones who always get back on.

Final Thought: You Can Do Both.

The secret to balancing career and riding? It’s OK to want both.

Some people will judge you for prioritizing your horses. Others will question your career ambitions. Don’t let that noise bring you down! While they’re talking, you’ll be out riding.

The reality is as we all know, this lifestyle takes work. It takes planning, commitment, and a lot of self-awareness. But if you structure your life with intention, you can have the career, the riding goals, and the life you love.

Now Get to the Barn and Enjoy Your Horse – Happy Riding!

A woman with long, curly red hair is seated on a large green hay bale inside of a horse barn. The woman is smiling at the camera and is wearing a black and white riding shirt, dark breeches and black tall boots. Resting in her lap is a closed silver laptop.

The Impact of Rider Fitness on Horse Performance and Welfare

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A woman with a long dark brown ponytail, wearing a black tank top and teal yoga leggings is performing a yoga stretch on a yoga mat in a grassy field with a horse in the background.

As riders, we put so much effort into keeping our horses happy and healthy (as we should)! We track their nutrition, manage their exercise routines, make sure that they get their bodywork sessions in, and so much more. But have you ever thought about how your mental and physical fitness affects your horse? It turns out that your physical and mental well-being can have a huge impact on your horse’s performance and overall welfare!

A recent study, “Relationships between the Rider’s Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare,” (Uldahl et al., 2021) shows just how connected we are to our horses in the saddle. The research found that riders with better pelvic mobility and balance—skills you can work on off the horse—were more in tune with their horse’s movements. This improved synchronization not only made the ride smoother but also reduced unnecessary tension and discomfort for the horse. Essentially, when you are balanced and have adequate body control, your horse can perform at their best more comfortably.

A woman with a long dark brown ponytail, wearing a black tank top and teal yoga leggings is performing a yoga stretch on a yoga mat in a well-lit indoor riding arena.

But rider fitness isn’t just about physical strength, flexibility or cardiovascular endurance—it’s about mental well-being, too. Let’s be real: riding can be stressful. Whether it’s competition nerves, frustration over a tough training session, or the daily struggle of balancing barn time with life, it’s easy for stress and anxiety to sneak in. That’s where an out-of-the-saddle fitness routine can work wonders. Strength training, mobility exercises, mindfulness stretching, and cardio routines that elevate your heart rate can help you manage stress, feel more grounded, and bring a calm, confident energy into your rides.

We all know this about our horses, they are incredibly intuitive. They pick up on our emotions and often mirror them. If you’re feeling tense or anxious, your horse is more likely to become reactive or unsettled. On the flip side, when you show up relaxed and focused with a good mindset, your horse will feel that, too. Over time, this positive and calm energy can boost your horse’s confidence, improve their performance, and even support their overall mental wellness and happiness!

The great part is, the benefits don’t stop at mental well-being. A good fitness routine outside the saddle can make a noticeable difference in how you ride. Working on your core strength, balance, mobility and overall strength and stability helps you maintain a solid seat and can help give your horse clearer cues. Not to mention, staying strong and mobile can reduce your risk of injury and help you feel stronger in every aspect of your life outside the barn.

At the end of the day, improving your fitness isn’t just about you—it’s about your horse, too. A strong, balanced, and relaxed rider creates a calm, confident horse. It’s a win-win. So as we head into the new year, why not set a goal to prioritize your mental and physical fitness, both for yourself and your equine partner? Trust me, your horse will thank you with every stride!

Written By: Jamie Graham, MS, CPT, STRS, YES Haybales & Barbells

A woman with a long dark brown ponytail, wearing a black tank top and teal yoga leggings is facing the camera holding the lead line to a chestnut colored horse wearing a brown leather halter.
A woman with a long dark brown ponytail, wearing a black tank top and gray yoga leggings is performing a squat in a grassy field next to a horse.

Uldahl, M., Christensen, J. W., & Clayton, H. M. (2021). Relationships between the Rider’s Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 11(2), 453. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020453

A Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Horseback Riding Camp Preparation

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A young girl with brown hair braided into two braids is riding a chestnut pony. The girl is wearing a black helmet, white riding shirt and grey riding tights.

Your young rider is about to have a dream come true: the submersion in horses and ponies with other horse loving friends at an upcoming riding camp! Most horse camps include topics on horsemanship, grooming, horse handling, tack cleaning and riding lessons. Truly an experience of a lifetime for horse crazed kids. We’ve created a guide of all the essentials your young rider will need to ensure they are equipped to have a successful experience.

Camp days are packed with activities, education and opportunities to make new friends both two- and four-legged. At Dover Saddlery, we’ve outfitted thousands of riders for horse camps. The guide includes essential pieces of equipment, and some fun add on items to help prepare for this exciting experience.

Horse Camp Equipment and Essentials

A black Ovation Riding Helmet

Riding Helmet: Your camp may offer the use of an equestrian helmet, or you may wish to purchase your child’s own. Either one should meet the current safety standard and should be labeled ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified. The helmet should fit snugly, fasten securely, allow a clear line of vision and stay in place as your child moves. Helmets made for bike riding do not offer enough protection for horseback riding and should not be substituted for a well-fitting equestrian helmet.  Visit a Dover Saddlery store or refer to our equestrian library for fit guide information.

Example: Ovation® Deluxe Schooler Helmet

Black paddock boots with zippers on the front.

Boots/Closed-Toe Shoes: Your child’s footwear should feature a hard toe and one-inch heel. The heel is a safety measure that helps prevent a foot from sliding through a stirrup. The boot or riding shoe should preferably be made of leather or synthetic leather (as opposed rubber) for overall foot protection. Zip- or lace-front paddock boots are a perfect choice for camp because they can carry your rider through all the activities of the day.

Example: Riding Sport™ Kids’ Provenance Zip Paddock Boots

Tan riding tights

Breeches, Jodhpurs or Tights: Riding pants give kids a comfort and performance advantage over jeans for riding. Breeches, jodhpurs and tights are made of smooth, stretchy and snug-fitting fabrics that resist bunching and let riders move freely. Seams are generally minimal or strategically placed to avoid chafing skin. Reinforced or grippy areas at the knees, called knee patches, offer added stability and support in the saddle.

Example: Kerrits® Kids’ Coolcore® Full Leg Grip Tech Tight

Optional Horse Camp Equipment

Black riding gloves

Riding Gloves: Thin and stretchy, riding gloves protect hands from friction caused by reins. Areas in contact with reins are reinforced to add durability and coverage. Children, especially beginning riders, can be fussy at first about the feel of riding gloves but they are worth considering for safety.

Example: SSG® Youth Soft Touch™ Glove

a light blue short sleeve shirt with a coral pink inside collar.

Riding Tops and Tees: Any comfortable shirt that lets a rider move freely will work well. Riding shirts, however, are made of performance fabrics loaded with benefits. The lightweight fabrics wick sweat, provide breathability and stretch freely. Some shirts are made of cooling fabrics or have cooling mesh inserts. Many riding shirts offer amazing UV protection, shielding skin from sunburn.    

Example: CoolBlast® 100 Kids’ Olivia Short Sleeve Shirt

A black square grooming tote filled with an assortment of horse grooming tools.

Grooming Tote: Your camp will most likely supply grooming tools and totes to campers. However, supplying your camper with their own groom tote with brushes may make them feel extra motivated and excited for their day! A personal grooming tote keeps essential tools like brushes, hoof picks, and mane combs easily accessible and clean and may help provide campers with a sense of pride and ownership. It also encourages independence and teaches young riders the importance of proper grooming for a horse’s health and comfort.

Example:  Rider’s International™ Essential Small Grooming Tote

A pink bag of horse treats that are peppermint flavored

Horse Treats: Bringing horse treats to pony camp is a fun and effective way for your child to build a positive connection with the camp horses and ponies. Horse treats can be used to reward good behavior, encourage bonding during grooming, and make training sessions more enjoyable. They’re also a great tool for teaching young riders about responsible horse care and feeding. Choose nutritious horse treats and always ask before feeding new treats to new horses and ponies.

Example: Uckele® by SmartPak® Equi Treats™ Bite Sized Pellets – 12 oz

A maroon red water bottle with a black top

Water Bottle: Bringing a water bottle to pony camp is essential for staying hydrated during long, active days in the sun. Riding, grooming, and caring for the horses can be physically demanding, especially in warm weather. Making sure your camper stays hydrated also promotes healthy habits and helps ensure a safe, enjoyable day at the barn.

Example: LeMieux® Water Bottle

A black backpack with a water bottle in the side holder and a helmet in the front pocket.

Backpack or Ringside Bag: Bringing a riding-specific backpack or ringside bag to camp is a great way to keep all your campers riding gear clean, organized, and easier for them to carry. These bags are designed to hold everything from gloves and spurs to water bottles and snacks—and many even feature a dedicated compartment for helmets. A backpack helps campers transport their equipment safely to and from the barn.

Example: Riding Sport™ Backpack | Dover Saddlery

Black leather half chaps

Half Chaps: If your child will wear paddock boots, they can be topped with half chaps. This lower legwear creates the look and feel of a tall riding boot. Half chaps go on and off easily and provide comfortable, extra protection and support to the rider’s lower legs.

Example: Ariat® Children’s Scout Half Chap

You can also shop our entire selection of Kids’ apparel and equipment here.

If you have any questions on fitting your child with riding apparel, we’re here to help. We’re particularly careful about helmet fit. We also take pride in offering starter items at budget-friendly prices, perfect for growing riders or those just getting introduced to equestrian sports. Stop by any of our Dover Saddlery retail locations or give us a call! On our website, our Equestrian Library is also a great free resource.

Is your summer riding camp checklist complete? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!