As winter progresses and the air gets even colder, it can become difficult to keep your hands and fingers warm while riding, mucking stalls, filling water buckets, changing blankets and taking care of everything else at the barn. The right pair of winter riding gloves can go a long way in keeping your hands warm, but if you struggle with cold fingers here are some tips to help you stay warm so you can enjoy the time at the barn regardless of temperature. Continue reading
Ringing in the New Year with Riding Resolutions
Every New Year’s many of us make resolutions to improve areas of ourselves and our lives that will help us be happier and live better in the new year. As equestrians, so much of our life is about the time we spend with our horses, so this year we came up with some resolutions just for riders. Not sure what to commit to doing this year? Here are some of our favorite New Year’s resolutions for horseback riders: Continue reading
Favorite Horse Holiday Memories from the Dover Staff
This time of year is full of special holiday memories that will stay with you forever, such as loving time spent with family, the recollection of a warm, delicious meal or a particularly memorable gift that made a dream come true. As you make your own memories today, we wanted to share some of ours from over the years. These are our favorite holiday memories of equestrian gifts we received that still hold a special place in our hearts. Continue reading
High-End Horse Gifts for the Holidays
With just a little over a week until the holidays arrive, you may still be looking for that perfect gift for the special equestrian in your life. Stocking stuffers and smaller horse gifts can be quick to think of and pick up, but that one, bigger, special gift can sometimes be tricky to get just right. Not to worry! We have compiled a list of some of our favorite, high-end items that are commonly on wish-lists and make great horse gifts for the equestrian in your life. Choose the one you think is perfect for your loved one and make the holiday something to remember this year! Continue reading
How to Keep Your Barn Dogs Warm – Dog Blankets & Other Tips
For many equestrians, horses are not their only four-legged friend, and a barn dog is not usually very far away. With the weather turning colder, you may be leaving your dog home more often when you go to the barn or even shortening your walks for fear that your pup is cold. While it’s true that time spent outdoors may be limited in low temperatures, you can take some key steps to help your dog stay warm and happy so he can continue to enjoy time with you on walks and at the barn this winter. Continue reading
In the Saddle with Brigitte Schulte: Herm. Sprenger Bit Innovation
The bit is one of the most direct methods of communication between the horse and rider, allowing the signals delivered by the rider’s hands to travel directly to the sensitive mouth of the horse. Selecting a bit with the right fit and features to allow the best, most effective communication is important. Herm. Sprenger has a long history of researching and developing lines of bits in the best shapes and materials to suit whatever you and your horse need. We were lucky to get to speak recently with Brigitte Schulte, Global Sales Manager at Herm. Sprenger, about the history of their brand and how their bits are designed. Continue reading
How to Keep Your Hands & Feet Warm – Winter Gloves & Winter Riding Boots
Freezing feet and fingers are a common struggle around the barn in the cold winter months. While layering up your core for the cold is easy with the many available options in thermal shirts, vests and fleeces, keeping hands and feet warm can be more challenging. Start layering gloves and it quickly becomes cumbersome and impossible to unhook a halter or latch a paddock gate. Too many socks and you’ve accidentally hindered circulation or caused your feet to sweat and then freeze. Layering doesn’t work so well for the extremities, so keep them warm with the right pairs of winter gloves, winter riding boots and winter socks. Continue reading
Perfect Winter Horse Blankets for Every Horse’s Personality
Guest Post by Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore, Marketing Communications Manager, Weatherbeeta USA
We’ve all been there: standing in front of racks of winter horse blankets in a sea of colors and styles wondering which winter turnout is going to meet your horse’s needs as well as yours. WeatherBeeta has taken the pain out of blanket shopping by suggesting turnouts based on your horse’s personality. Continue reading
Brand Spotlight: Kerrits® Fall and Winter Wardrobe
Getting dressed for the barn in the cold weather becomes a process of layering clothing to be comfortable working around the barn and on horseback. For the past 28 years, Kerrits has worked to create clothing that allows you to look your best and perform at top level, while being comfortable no matter what time of year it is. This fall and winter season is no exception. Here are a few of our favorite pieces from Kerrits this year. Continue reading
In the Saddle with William Micklem: Building a Better Bridle
The Micklem bridle has seen large success since its introduction, appearing on horses more and more frequently. Designed to fit the shape of the horse’s skull, the Micklem bridle is intended to be the most comfortable bridle for the horse, making it very effective. We were thrilled to be able to talk with William Micklem recently about the development of his bridle, what makes it unique, and what’s to come. Continue reading