Charles Owen is thrilled to be a part of International Helmet Awareness Day again this year to help retailers around the world share safety information and celebrate the importance of safe riding. Continue reading
You’ve consulted your coach, read the USEF rules for your discipline—even asked for advice from a Dover associate—to create a list of items for proper show attire. From hairnets to socks, you’ve dutifully gathered your ensemble. But have you put together a show outfit that will help or harm your score? Here’s some information about show coats and show breeches that can help you create a polished presentation that can support earning a great score. Remember, for any article of show clothing, fit matters and brand does not. Continue reading
Do you know how to choose a shirt that keeps you cool rather than one that makes you feel like a wet sponge? A wardrobe of summer shirts is a must for any rider, but not all tops are equal. Choosing one with the right fabric properties can make a difference in your comfort level. Let us uncover the secrets to fabric terms that can help you make good choices. Continue reading
It’s Helmet Week here at Dover! A helmet is perhaps the most important piece of equipment a rider will purchase. Choosing the right helmet requires a rider to find a model that is aesthetically pleasing, appropriate for use in his or her riding discipline—and most critically—well fitting. A helmet purchase can represent a significant investment once all these factors are met, so proper helmet care is also critical. We’ve put together some helpful resources about riding helmets so that you can arm yourself with the knowledge to get the most out of your riding helmet. Continue reading
Many English bridles come with reins. But are the reins you have best suited to your needs and riding discipline? English bridles typically use a buckled version of closed reins, which means the reins connect on either side of the bridle to the bit and then to one another over the horse’s withers to form one continuous loop. English reins come in a range of types and materials. Here is an overview of the different types of reins available: Continue reading
If you’re stuck in a cold climate for the winter, you’ve probably invested in a really warm jacket, insulated boots, wool socks and the protective gloves so you can keep riding comfortably. But have you picked out winter breeches or tights yet? When you ride, your legs are exposed to the elements, with knees and thighs taking a blast of cold air as you trot and canter around the ring or through the trails. Here are our favorite winter riding pants to help your lower body stay cozy during your time outside at the barn: Continue reading
Whether you are picking up your first winter riding jacket or replacing an old one with a new style, you’ll find a range of options to suit your taste and meet your needs. Just like horse blankets, winter riding jackets come in different weights to ensure comfort in varying temperatures. To prepare for the cold chill of winter, here are some of our warmest jackets to keep you toasty in even the most arctic cold: Continue reading
The holiday shopping season is in full swing! While we typically know what our loved ones wish to see under the tree, sometimes filling their stockings can be a little more challenging. We’d love to help you come up with some horse stocking stuffers that any equestrian would be thrilled to find on Christmas morning. Here are some of our favorite suggestions: Continue reading
When it comes time to select a new horse blanket, there are many features to consider. If you’re new to blanketing, you may be wondering what some of the horse blanket terms mean. By understanding all the horse blanket vocab, you can make an educated choice for your horse this season. Here is the most common horse blanket terminology and what it should mean to you: Continue reading
The perfect paddock boot is a staple piece of riding apparel for many horseback riders. As temperatures drop, however, a regular paddock boot may not provide enough warmth. Insulated paddock boots can take the place of your regular pair during the late fall and winter months, keeping your feet warm while you ride and work around the barn. Here are a few of our favorite options for insulated paddock boots this year: Continue reading
