Help your horse beat the heat and the bugs this summer! Dover has plenty of protective fly gear for all your equine friends. You may be wondering which brand is the best, what fabric is the most practical, and what sorts of accessories are necessary–neck and belly guards, for instance. Put simply, there’s more than one correct answer. When picking out a fly sheet, identify your main concerns and consider the functional purposes that it needs to serve.
There are many good reasons for using horseshoe studs: They provide extra traction and gripping on slippery surfaces like grass or mud, and, because of these benefits, they can make all the difference when a rider is accelerating through sharp turns or high jumps. Horseshoe studs must be used properly, however — and that requires a thorough understanding of what to do and what not to do. So with that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top do’s and don’ts of using horseshoe studs:
Where there are horses, there are bound to be flies. Aside from being a nuisance to your horse, these pesky flies can lead to physical discomfort or illness. Every year, your horse will likely come into contact with a variety of fly types, including midges, house, stable, bot, deer, horse, and horn flies. These pests can cause frustration and illness as they land on and sometimes bite your horse. They are infamous for depositing the bacteria they’re carrying, leading to irritation, open sores, and disease.
Grooming is an important part of caring for a horse and maintaining horse health. A daily maintenance regiment can help prevent nagging skin and hoof conditions from occurring and escalating down the road—scratches, thrush, etc. After a tough winter for horses and riders alike, your grooming kit may be in need of resupply. Here are seven horse grooming supplies you shouldn’t be without this spring!
The advent of spring in the equestrian community has been affirmed! Horses and riders are returning from their winter hideouts in Ocala, Wellington, Aiken and Thermal. Outdoor riding rings across the country are becoming serviceable, and the spring horse shows in Culpepper, Saratoga, and Parker are on the horizon.
With the arrival of spring, barns, paddocks, and horse show grounds will inevitably become ankle deep with mud. Whether you’re a trainer, rider, groom, or spectator, a reliable pair of waterproof muck boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable in any wet or muddy venue.
There are a ton of options to choose from when shopping for a muck boot. After testing some of the boots myself and surveying my fellow horse savvy co-workers, I am able to offer a few thoughts that will help you choose the muck boot that’s right for your feet!
For nearly 25 years, Ariat boots, riding apparel and accessories have been favorites of English riders. Ariat riding breeches are some of the most popular products with Dover customers, yet there’s so much to the Ariat brand. Here are a few of our favorite Ariat items.
Spring has arrived (at last!) in many regions of the country. If you’re like most riders, you’re enjoying the fresh air and sunshine and the warmth of the sun as you ride. Spring is also a time for organizing your barn. Tack and riding equipment have a funny way or piling up and getting disheveled during long, cold winter months, and the thaw of Spring is a perfect reason to tidy up the barn.
Here are a few tips to help you organize your barn for Spring:
Marcel Toulouse is known for their ability to blend old world quality with the latest advances in saddle making at a remarkable value. Featuring classic French designs, every M. Toulouse saddle is made of the finest materials available, with high-end craftsmanship. It’s one reason the brand is incredibly popular with riders who shop at Dover Saddlery.
Toulouse saddles combine classic lines with modern technology to make a truly unique product that can be easily customized to fit horses and riders of all shapes and sizes. Toulouse offers a wide range of saddle models to suit the needs of Dressage Riders as well as close contact saddle models that work for a variety of horse jumping sports. The easiest way to find a saddle you love is to visit a Dover store to see and feel the saddle for yourself. Looking for suggestions? Here are a few Toulouse saddles we are proud to offer.
Discussions at Dover: My Horse Moves Well, But Why Don’t I?
Thursday, April 24; 6:30 to 7:30 pm
We will discuss:
• Is it you or your horse that is imbalanced?
• What to stretch or strengthen to optimize performance.
• How to correct imbalances through stretching, foam roll and core
Free admission and refreshments, door prizes, $5 gift certificate for every attendee.
Discussions at Dover
Equi-Tape: The First Elastic Kinesiology Athletic Training Tape for the Equine Athlete
Thursday, April 17; 6:30-7:30pm
We will discuss how it works and application techniques.
Free admission and refreshments, door prizes, $5 gift certificate for every attendee.
