Our Blog
INTRODUCING HOUGHTON COUNTRY RIDING GLOVES
17 Nov 2023
We are super excited to be launching our very own brand of riding gloves this winter! We are all keen horse riders here and know how important the right pair of gloves for horse riding is, whether you’re out hacking, schooling or competing. From thin second-skin riding gloves to thicker insulated designs, touch-screen compatible gloves to mesh designs for summer riding, there are lots of different riding gloves on the market.
HOW TO SEE THE PERFECT STRIDE WHILE SHOWJUMPING YOUR HORSE
07 Sep 2023
‘Seeing a stride’ is a term related to showjumping a horse and describes being able to judge where the horse is going to take off for the jump — and consequentially adjust the canter to make this take off point one that gives the horse the best chance of making a good shape and clearing the fence. The elusive perfect stride for showjumping can feel very difficult to get every time you come to a jump, and ending up on a less than perfect stride could be due to a number of reasons.
THE BEST PLACES TO GO HACKING WITH YOUR HORSE IN THE NORTHEAST
23 Aug 2023
There’s nothing better than exploring new land from behind the ears of your best friend, and if you’re looking for some inspiration of scenic and safe hacking spots to share with your horse, you’ve come to the right place. With members of our team based across different parts of Northumberland and Durham, we have between us enjoyed many a hack across beauty spots of the northeast. Here is a list of our favourites!
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HORSE IS FAT? BODY CONDITION SCORING YOUR HORSE
01 Aug 2023
As horses move further away from their natural way of living, we see higher numbers of horses that are classed as overweight or even obese. Equine obesity comes with a multitude of health risks that compromise the horse’s welfare, and so part of being a responsible horse owner is monitoring your horse’s condition and implementing preventative and reactive management of their condition to maintain good health.
POLEWORK EXERCISES FOR HORSES PART 1
13 Jul 2023
Riding over poles on the floor, or poles raised on cavaletti, can help your horse with their proprioception, i.e. co-ordination of the movement of their own body, help them to lift their core, engage their hocks and work ‘through’ their back, as well as livening up a flatwork session. In terms of the scales of training, polework can make it easier to establish a consistent and correct rhythm, develop confidence in collection and extension, improve straightness and suppleness, and test the rider’s accuracy and control.
DRESSAGE LEVELS EXPLAINED… FROM INTRO TO GRAND PRIX
23 Jun 2023
Dressage is a chance to showcase harmonious communication from rider to horse, where a series of movements are performed exemplifying the horse’s physical suppleness, strength and desire to work. Every rider employs the principles of dressage to at least a basic level, as every rider needs to communicate with their horse effectively to work towards their goals and the best way of going for what they are trying to achieve.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAGNETIC THERAPY FOR HORSES?
27 Apr 2023
There’s a reason magnets have been used to promote healing in humans for thousands of years, with lots of anecdotal evidence stating a magnetic bracelet, for example, relieves pain and stiffness. In the last couple of decades, magnetic therapy has been introduced into the equestrian market, in the form of rugs, wraps, bands and boots. These products are proving an invaluable addition to injured horses’ recovery programmes, endorsed by many vets and bodyworkers.
SHOULD I BUY A SAMSHIELD RIDING HAT? TRIED & TESTED REVIEW
20 Apr 2023
French brand Samshield combines safety with elegance with their range of fully up to standard, flattering fixed peak horse riding hats.
WHICH LIVERY IS RIGHT FOR MY HORSE?: THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HORSE LIVERY
12 Apr 2023
Many horse owners are lucky enough to be able to keep their horses at home, but most of us pay rent to a livery yard for use of their facilities and land. There are several different types of livery available, and which one is right for you and your horse depends on your budget, horse’s needs and time.
INTRODUCING THE HORSEWARE DRY LINER!
03 Mar 2023
Designed to eliminate the need for a cooler and that long wait between untacking and being able to rug, the Horseware Dry Liner is a very handy rug to have in your horse’s wardrobe! No more looking for jobs to do while you wait for your horse to dry – simply brush or wash any sweat away and attach the liner to your horse’s Horseware liner-compatible rug to allow him to enjoy time in the field or be tucked up into bed whilst he is still cooling.
END OF SEASON NEWS FROM XANTHE DE WESSELOW
29 Nov 2021
Hi all, I hope everyone is well, especially as we approach December with increasingly shorter and darker days! I have actually been living and working in Spain for the past two months which is very different to my normal autumn/winter of hacking and schooling the horses wearing endless layers and two pairs of gloves. I will be home in three weeks time ready to crack on with some winter training.
SHIRES ZEB TEK FLY RUG REVIEW
17 Jun 2021
Choosing the right fly rug for your horse can be an incredibly hard decision! There are so many styles available and lots to think about when it comes to choosing which fly sheet is ideal for your horse (or the weather!). Our fly protection range offers the best fly products to see you through the summer months, as well as product reviews from our customers with honest advice on the products they love.
