Part of what makes Dover Saddlery great is the amazing people that work here. With that in mind, we are beginning a new Meet the Staff series so you can get to know about the people who work to bring you the best equestrian products! This week: our Search Marketing Manager, Ashly Snell.
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
Cooler weather usually brings horse blanketing for many equestrians. While some horses do just fine without being blanketed, many horses benefit from wearing a sheet or blanket for a variety of reasons. (See our post on Why You Need a Turnout Sheet to understand the different benefits.) Many varieties of horse sheets and blankets are available, each with its own materials, design and features, but the two main categories of cool weather horse clothing are stable sheets and blankets and turnout sheets and blankets. Continue reading
The right accessory can do a lot for your overall appearance. When competing at a show or schooling at home, attention to detail can mean the difference between looking polished and professional versus rushed and disheveled. Accessories such as stock ties, hair nets and equestrian belts can bring together an entire horse show outfit just the right way. A riding belt does more than just look good, it ensures your breeches and tucked-in shirt stay in place to allow you to ride to the best of your ability. From traditional, classic designs for the show ring to fun, colorful styles for schooling, these are our favorite equestrian belts: Continue reading
English bridles are composed of a variety of pieces, some of which are generally consistent, such as cheek pieces, and others that vary in appearance and purpose, such as nosebands. Nosebands are also known as cavesons and serve a few purposes. By keeping your horse’s mouth closed, nosebands encourage contact with the bit for better control, as well as reduce evasive behaviors in the horse, such as crossing his jaw or putting his tongue over the bit. Nosebands also can be used to attach a standing martingale and generally help keep the bridle in place. Learning the most common types of nosebands can help you make a selection for your horse. Continue reading
Whitney Weston recently set up her farm in Southern Pines, North Carolina where she rides, trains, teaches lessons, sells horses and competes in upper level eventing. Whitney was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about what events she enjoys, her horses’ special personalities, how she ensures their comfort and catching the horse bug at an early age. Continue reading
A proper cool down is always important, but with summer rides taking place in hot and often humid weather, your horse is more likely to become overheated while working. Make sure to keep an eye on the heat index (combination of temperature and humidity) and tailor your rides accordingly so both you and horse exercise without overdoing it. After a ride, follow these general guidelines on how to cool down a horse to ensure your horse is comfortable when you put him back in his stall or pasture this summer. Continue reading
With plush, green pastures, bright sunny skies and warm temperatures, summer can easily be your horse’s favorite time of the year for turnout. While chilly temperatures are gone, and winter blankets have been sent off for washing or storage until next season, your horse may still benefit from being covered with a fly sheet. A fly sheet does more than just ward off flies, so before you decide your horse is fine sheet-free, consider these reasons he might need one: Continue reading
Kerrits® has been creating equestrian clothing that is a favorite among many riders for 28 years. While show clothing is important for the competitive rider, high-quality casual riding apparel is just as crucial. Kerrits focuses on technical clothing for the equestrian athlete, which allows the rider to perform optimally while in the saddle regardless of weather and season. Wearing these casual riding apparel items from Kerrits this summer will help you stay cool and comfortable as you enjoy your horses. Continue reading
