10 May 2013 01:22
To conclude our Bitting Blog Feature which saw us feature a three part series of Questions and Answers regarding bitting we present our latest blog explaining how to measure your horse for a bit. Use a piece of smooth round wood, e.g. a wooden spoon handle or piece of doweling, and two rein stops (rubber bands can be used but are slightly less accurate.) Put the wooden rod into your horses mouth, so that it just lifts the corners of his lips into no more than 2 wrinkles, and push the rein stops up to touch his lips on either side. Remove the wood, and measure the gap from the outside of the rein stops to give the correct bit size including the right amount of clearance for the bit. If you are between sizes (e.g. 5 1/4"), it is normally better to choose the smaller of the two sizes (e.g. 5") unless opting for a loose ring bit when it can be advantageous to go slightly large to prevent pinching. So which bit should you buy for you horse? It can be a challenge to find the right bit for your horse however there are some
03 May 2013 12:37
As the final part of the three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question "I have a new 15hh cob Teddy, who is 7 years old, green, and very forward going. At the moment he is in a pelham (5.5 inch although I think he would benefit from a quarter inch wider bit) because he has poor brakes. I'd like to do dressage and showing with him in the long run. Ideally I would have a dressage legal bit for schooling him, but I do need brakes. I would like to use one bit all the time.What would you suggest?" AnswerLucy says "I always advise to have your horses teeth, back and saddle checked and recommend that you have a good progressive schooling plan in place with an instructor. The emphasis needs to be on lightening your horses' forehand using lots of circles and transitions during the session ensuring he responds immediately to the aids. This will get him between hand and leg, giving you
26 April 2013 02:42
As part two of a three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question "I have a 4yo welsh cob mare who will be 5 in May. I have owned her for 18 months since she was backed. At first she had a rubber eggbutt snaffle but was inclined to chew off the rubber which I thought was going to make it uncomfortable for her. I started looking into sweet iron bits and have been trying a sweet iron copper roller D-ring snaffle. She doesn't seem any different in either bit. We have been lightly schooling and had a few hacks over the winter and we are hoping to build up in the summer to doing a couple of pleasure rides and maybe some fun dressage classes and jumping at home. I'd like to keep her in a fairly mild bit as for the moment she doesn't need anything stronger (touch wood!). I'd like some advice on what might be best for my pony rather than buying something standard for
19 April 2013 02:51
As part of a three part series The Saddlery Shop takes a look at bitting and presents a Q & A featuring bitting enquiries and bespoke answers from bitting expert and owner of The Saddlery Shop, Lucy Nicholas. Question Dear The Saddlery Shop, I am desperate to find an answer to my young horses bitting problems! He is a 15.2hh Warmblood gelding who is rising 5 years old.I have owned him since he was a foal and he is a big confident character who does like to be in charge of situations and be the boss! I don't have any huge ambitions for him but he is very correct with a huge jump and fantastic movement and I have a background in Eventing so I probably ought to! His main problem is taking any sort of pressure from the rider, and though he is happy to hack out when schooling after warming up as soon as you ask for more flexion, bend or self carriage he gets his tongue over the bit, pokes his tongue out and evades the contact. He can become quite nappy and I feel like I have hit a brick
12 April 2013 02:40
 At the end of a long, activity-filled day such as a charity fun ride, cross country session or competing in any discipline your horse's sensitive limbs will benefit from some cold therapy. Cold therapy is universally used to minimize damage following injury and in order to help equine athletes heal faster during injury rehabilitation. Cold has a local anesthetic effect which can help to reduce pain and inhibit reflexive muscle spasms. Using cold therapy during the early stages post exercise can reduce primary bleeding through vasoconstrictive effects which involves the constriction and narrowing of blood vessels acting to limit swelling. Cold therapy also reduces tissue temperature, lowering the metabolic rate of the cells in the affected area, in turn reducing their demand for oxygen making the body's task of healing easier. Cold therapy for equines such as the Aerborn Hock Boot can minimise the effects of a soft tissue injury and provides a good maintenance tool for those horses with chronic, recurring or long term problems. The Aerborn Cool Sport Hock boot is ideal to be used on tired and warm legs or to
29 March 2013 11:02
 Equine allergies can be a hugely debilitating problem leading to equines suffering from discomfort and frustration. This often is displayed in what is known as headshaking. There can be a variety of causes which lead to headshaking but nose nets have been found to help a huge amount of horses that are displaying headshaking behaviour as a result of a pollen allergy or irritation from midges and flies. The Net Relief Muzzle can be fitted directly to your bridle to reduce symptoms whilst under saddle. Unlike traditional nets that cover the whole muzzle the contoured, shaped design covers only the top half of the muzzle. Once in place, it is unobtrusive, allowing saliva to escape from the mouth freely and does not interfere with the horses breathing. It can remain on the bridle at all times and places no restriction on the type of bit or noseband used. Permitted by both British Eventing and British Dressage the Net Relief Muzzle is fully adjustable attaching to the noseband via hook and loop straps allowing it to be adjusted up, or down and tailored to every horse. The
22 March 2013 01:47
 The Horseware Newmarket Adela is the perfect jacket for the coming spring months. The ladies jacket is made from super lightweight 180g fleece material which through it's microfibre design is breathable and flexible providing warmth, without the risk of overheating. Equipped with a hood to keep cosy on the colder days or to protect you from sudden showers. Not to mention the fact that the classic Newmarket design is utterly timeless for every equestrian! The fully machine washable Newmarket Adela is jacket is highly practical with a full zip and zip side pockets; perfect for your phone and other essentials when riding or dog walking. Available in sizes XS-XL and available now from The Saddlery Shop!
15 March 2013 01:01
 We think these caps from Horseware Ireland are a fantastic idea. Incorporated within the 100% cotton Horseware Ireland Cap is a simple switch which activates five LED lights within the centre peak of the cap producing instant light! Ideal for walking the dog, early starts out competing or completing late checks, the Horseware LED Light Up Cap is an absolute bestseller! The intense 12 hour beam allows you to light up the dark hands free and complete your tasks easily. Equipped with 3 spare batteries the Horseware Ireland LED Light Up Cap is a long term solution! Available in Navy or Green in classic Horseware style and priced at just £8.99! Snap up this useful bargain today at The Saddlery Shop!
08 March 2013 01:10
Laminitis is condition which can affect many horses and ponies in the UK. The disease causes pain and discomfort as a result of inflammation of the internal laminae tissues which in some severe cases can result in the epidermal and dermal tissue bonds being torn and damaged causing the pedal bone to drop and rotate. Laminitis is more common during the Spring and Autumn months, often linked to obesity and also associated with mechanical trauma, stress, hormone problems, toxaemia and sometimes with steroid treatment. Lucy Nicolas shares her advice in preventing and managing laminitis. "We know that stressed grass is usually high in sugar. Spring is the time when the grass tends to start growing – sunny days and cool nights especially are said to ‘hold on’ to the non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), e.g. the sugars in the grass. So research pasture management and get to know your own horse’s pasture. It is a good idea to lower the dietary sugar in your horse’s diet in any way you can following a low starch, low sugar diet year-round, but spring is an especially good time to assess this. It can be advisable to have
26 February 2013 01:09
 The start of the Eventing season is beckoning with the first events just around the corner. When eventing, in order to ensure your attire fits the bill, a long pair of boots is a must-have with a functional, practical and chic pair of boots that are equally at home in the Dressage or Show Jumping ring or on the Cross Country course providing an essential piece of kit. The fantastic Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots are beautifully crafted unisex riding boots made of high quality Italian leather with an aniline leather lining. These stunning boots provide a shaped leg design following the contours of the leg for an elegant look and are equipped with a slightly higher cut on the outer of the boot to provide an exceptionally fashionable look. Neatly shaped around the ankle the Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots ensure a smart, sleek look with a subtle kick-back to give a close but comfortable fit. The boots feature a rubber injected sole for good grip whilst in the stirrups, full length zip
15 February 2013 02:12
 Exciting news for all of us here at The Saddlery Shop as we are thrilled to announce that our saddlery business has reached the finals of the national retail awards. British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) holds national, annual Business Awards and The Saddlery Shop is proud to be one of the national finalists in the ‘Retailer of the Year Award: Mail Order/Internet retailer category’. The Saddlery Shop is the UK’s fastest growing online equestrian retailer is run by co-proprietor Lucy Nicholas, who set up the business seven years ago. Together with her family, Lucy sold their bricks and mortar shop, ‘The Riding Habit’ saddlery in Kent in 2006, to concentrate on the rapidly-growing internet business, The Saddlery Shop. Today The Saddlery Shop holds one of the largest ranges of horse bits held in stock in the UK, along with a wide range of other equestrian goods. Here is what Lucy had to say about the nomination “We’re delighted to have reached the finals of such a prestigious award, particularly
06 February 2013 02:14
 With Spring not that far away on the horizon it is time to consider protective measures against Laminitis. The common, yet debilitating condition is caused by the inflammation, weakening or tearing of the laminae tissues which bond the hoof wall to the pedal bone. Typically thought of to be induced by obesity Laminitis can be particularly prone to occuring during the spring months as a result of prolonged consumption of lush grass. Many people choose to keep their laminitic horse or pony stabled and though this may be necessary during an acute period every owner hopes to get their horse or pony back out at pasture upon reaching a significant level of recovery. A grazing muzzle restricts the quantity of grass which can be consumed by limiting the depth and weight of each bite but without preventing the horse from eating all together. A grazing muzzle can be incredibly beneficial in order to both prevent the risk of a greedy equine developing laminitis and to ensure a recovering laminitic can spend a period of time outside safely.
29 January 2013 12:47
Every horse can benefit from Equine Sports Massage ranging from the treasured family pony to those on box rest, or horses which are competing regularly. Equine Massage helps to keep muscles healthy, builds up muscles which may have wasted and maintains strength and suppleness within the muscle. Equine massage is ideal for reducing stiffness post exercise and helping to accelerate repair to damaged tissue. The Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad allows your equines to regularly enjoy the benefits of massage. The Pad is soft and pliable and able to cover the back of your horse or pony from withers to loins. Each massage session lasts for 30 minutes providing a stroking, vibrating and oscillating motion which stimulates the muscles. With three different settings the Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad has been shown to relieve stiffness, promote relaxation and improve back flexibility. Available from The Saddlery Shop today The Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad is priced at £249.99 and comes equipped with a lightweight and sturdy nylon bag, battery and charger.
23 January 2013 01:12
Did you know that The Saddlery Shop has built up a reputation for being the country’s leading authority on booting barefoot horses, holding the largest stocks of hoof boots and accessories in the UK? Not only can we sell you your hoofboots, hoofcare products and educational books and DVDs, our in-house expert Lucy Nicholas, author of The Barefoot Horse, can offer you free specialist advice! So to view our range of hoofboots and accessories visit The Saddlery Shop today and see what we have to offer! Our collection includes the leading brands; Easycare, Old Mac, Boa, Cavallo and Hoofeeze alongside care and management products such as comfort pads, trimming equipment and boot bags. Alongside the wide range of products available we offer a unique service where we hope to have all the information you need to choose the best hoof boot for your barefoot horse. So if you have a question or enquiry have a look at our FAQs and Measuring Guide on the website or to speak to Lucy Nicholas, our expert, use our email service. If
18 January 2013 12:37
As the winter weather sets in the cold, icy and wet weather can wreak havoc on your horse's tack, especially if bad weather dictates that your tack remains unused for a period of weeks. Moisture and mould spores are leather’s worse enemies, often causing significant damage. So even if you are riding your horse or pony less during the winter months or during the bad weather period your tack still needs plenty of attention. So don't leave your tack out in the cold; bring it home today and give it some tender loving care! Regular cleaning and conditioning of saddles, bridles and other leather products allows your expensive leather products to stay soft and supple. This will not only benefit your horse ensuring their tack is clean and comfortable but also increase the durability and lifetime of the product. The Saddlery Shop offers a wide range of leather products including; dirt removing lotions and sprays, saddle soap and leather conditioning products. Brands include Belvoir, Carr & Day & Martin, Horsemans, Effax, Ko-Cho-Line to
11 January 2013 01:53
 During the winter months the wind, rain and cold temperatures can often increase soil dampness which creates a breeding ground for a host of bacteria and fungi which can affect your horse's health and wellbeing causing problems such as Mud fever. Mud fever can be caused by bacterial and fungal organisms and results in painful sores and scabs most commonly affecting the pastern and heel area. When the skin becomes damaged, broken or scratched the organisms are provided a point of entry and if left untreated the broken skin can weep causing a crust to form over sore areas enclosing it and allowing an infection to take hold. Horses that are kept in muddy, wet environments are the most at risk but good management of a case of mud fever is essential to minimise the condition and ensure a quick recovery. Stabling horses on clean, dry bedding and clipping around the lesions can help and using a medicated spray or wash to cleanse the wounds is vital. Hypocare available from The Saddlery Shop provides a
02 January 2013 04:04
Grab a bargain from the Winter Sale at The Saddlery Shop. For a limited time only a wide range of items have been included in the sale section, including: jodhpurs, riding jackets, waistcoats, polo shirts and equine products such as hoofboots, neck covers and rugs! With top of the range brands including Mark Todd, Weatherbeeta, Tottie and Dublin to name but a few; visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to grab yourself a January bargain without even leaving the house! The Saddlery Shop is the UK's fastest growing internet tack shop and with over 13 years experience in the industry we are able to offer you the best products at the lowest possible prices. Our website has a host of features including stock control, parcel tracking and a quick and easy returns process to make shopping for you and your horse as easy and as hassle free as possible. Make a perfect purchase and find whatever you need by checking out the sale range today, not to mention what is listed under
27 December 2012 03:19
Perfect for cold, wet and wintery days the Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots epitomise equestrian style. These super snug boots provide all the benefits of the River Boot but with the additional feature of fleece lining. The completely lined inner adds a fashionable edge to the boot, whilst providing warmth and comfort; ideal for winter. The treated waterproof redskin leather outer of the boot is paired with a RCS tough tec durable rubber sole providing a stylish yet practical boot whilst the new improved membrane system and waterproof insole to keep the boots breathable and the elements out. With an RRP of £139.99 the Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are offered for a limited time for £119.99 as part of Deal of the Week from The Saddlery Shop. For more details or to purchase today visit the website or contact a member of the team on 0844 880 6900
27 November 2012 10:30
Dublin Hipsta Full Seat Jodhpurs Was - £44.99 Now - £29.99 These pull on jodhpurs for ladies are the ideal jodhpurs for competitions or everyday riding. Full seat hipster jods are ideal when you need a little extra help to keep your seat in the saddle. A cotton/elastane blend on top makes these jodhpurs very soft and stretchy, they have a fashionable and comfortable low-rise with a 5cm thick waistband. They also feature a high cut back, tailored to the riding position. A full faux suede seat for enhanced grip and security in the saddle also offers improved durability for regular riders. The low hipster waist offers extra comfort, so no more having to roll the tops of your jodhpurs over! www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
23 November 2012 04:30
Was - £69.99 Now - £62.99 The Horseware Babel ladies padded gilet is a beautiful slim fit fashion waistcoat, making it the perfect practical and stylish winter warmer. It has been created with Horseware Nano Tech Fabric, and the design of the Babel gilet is enhanced by beautiful contrast colours and trims with adjustable tabs on the waist. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
20 November 2012 11:00
Carrots riding hat covers £13.99 The riding hat covers are supreme and ideal to jazz up any jockey skull cap! These superb quality riding hat covers are part of the Carrots range of modern, unique riding designs. Pony princesses and girly girls will love the Carrots Bow Hat Cover! The beautiful pastel pinks and purples show off a pretty side, whilst still retaining an element of equestrian style. This season's fashionable polka dots bring an extra dimension to the pretty silver and pink embroidery detailing making it the perfect equestrian accessory for trend-setting horse riders. Make an equestrian statement in this eye catching and fun stretch hat cover, which fits over any size of brand of skullcap to funk up horsey fashion! Made from 90% nylon and 10% elastane. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
18 November 2012 05:30
The Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad £249.99 This massage pad has been designed to help relieve stiffness, promote relaxation and improve back flexibility. Soft and pliable, the equilibrium back massage pad covers the horse's back comfortably, from withers to loins. Outstanding clinical trials demonstrate this horse saddle area massaging pad improves back flexibility, stride length and relaxation. The massage pad comes complete with a lightweight sturdy nylon bag to store massage pad, battery and charger. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
09 November 2012 01:30
Saddlecraft Yard Boots Was - £39.99 Now - £35.25 The Saddlecraft Velcro yard boots are a practical and sturdy everyday yard boot with suede upper. They feature a snug fleece lining for comfort and help the air to circulate to keep feet dry and comfortable. Order yours today! www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
07 November 2012 04:30
£44.99 The Dublin Madison Vest is a padded waistcoat with plenty of polyfil for extra warmth and has concealed riding vents for freedom of movement. Order yours today while stocks last! www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
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