While your child may not be able to own a real horse, he or she can play with toy horses. Playing with toy horses is not only fun, but educational. Your child can learn how to “care” for his or her toy horses and give them a foundation for if and when they can care for a real horse.
Providing excellent care is paramount to being an excellent horseman, and staying organized is key, all the way down to your grooming supplies. Here are four top-notch grooming bags designed to meet the needs of you and your horses.
Experienced equestrians and trainers know the benefit of a quality aid, whether it’s used from in the saddle or on the ground. Here are our top picks to assist with your training goals, whether your horse is just being started or is locking down your leg cues.
When you’re working a horse over obstacles, it goes without saying that a dedicated jumping saddle is usually your best bet. Cut differently than basic English saddles, they’re designed to better accommodate shorter stirrups and a more forward position over jumps. This is where features that enhance rider security and stability come in handy. Check out our recommendations.
When your horse comes up with a cut, gash, or abrasion—or a sore, rub, or rash—you’re actually dealing with several problems at once: potential infection and/or inflammation, soreness, and, as the wound starts to heal, itching. A good wound cream should address all of these. The trick is to find a formula that works best for your horses and your situation without being too difficult to apply, too harsh on the skin, or too tough to keep in place. For our top suggestions, read on.
Working your horse on the ground is an essential part of developing your communication skills. Whether you’re training him to pull a cart or finessing your cues, including driving lines in your groundwork routine will help develop your horse’s understanding of communication without someone in the saddle. Finding a pair of driving lines that fit your needs makes the process easier.
Keeping your horse hydrated will help keep him healthy. Offering fresh, clean water options will encourage him to drink and take in an adequate amount of water. Watering from a water trough—rather than from a natural water source—will also allow you to see how much water your horse is actually drinking.
Whether you’re seeking joint or tendon support, an added layer of protection over a dressing or a bandage for a sprained or injured limb, self-adherent veterinary wrap is a must-have for your barn. Look for different widths for different uses (tails, legs, wounds) and make sure the material is sturdy enough to prevent loss of elasticity without being too thick, which can cause binding. (Also, if your horse has skin allergies, try a product that is latex-free.)
When is a fly mask more than a fly mask? When it also boasts built-in coverage for the ears or nose, protection against sunburn, and more. The array of styles and colors can be mind-boggling. However, you should always look for a fine, see-through mesh, good eye clearance and features that minimize rubbing. Here’s a roundup of some noteworthy fly masks.
