Horse Riding Advice

Taking Care of Your Tack

2013-06-14T11:29:00.000+01:00

Though the winter months can often be tougher on our tack than the summer, warm weather can often dry out our leather work so efficient and effective tack care is important all year round. Keeping your tack clean will ensure it remains supple and flexible and will prevent any mould spores developing. Not to mention that the British weather often brings us an impromptu shower during the summer months regardless! So why not bring your tack home today and give your bridle, saddle and breastplates some tender loving care! Regular cleaning and conditioning of saddles, bridles and other leather products will ensure your horse's tack remains comfortable, particularly important when your horse has been sweating in warmer weather. Using "leather food" will nourish your tack and increase the lifetime of your leather work, improving the longevity of your expensive gear. 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 name but a few! So give your tack a really good clean today and check out the range of products to help you available from The Saddlery Shop.

Fleeces; The Perfect Light Layer.

2013-06-07T10:27:00.000+01:00

The spring and summer months have finally been bringing us some lovely sunshine but this has often been accompanied with a cool breeze. For this kind of weather fleeces provide the ideal layering item as the breathable fabric protects you from the wind, whilst the light fabric is comfortable and flexible to wear; perfect for riding. The Tottie Courtney long sleeve fleece from The Saddlery Shop is available in a range of sizes in a stunning Rhubarb colour to make sure you stand out on the yard with style! The gorgeous fleece is embossed with a horse shoe pattern and has a half zip opening at the top of the garment and a Tottie woven label stitched onto the sleeve. To find out more or to see more of the stunning range from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Body Protectors, An Essential Piece of Kit!

2013-05-31T11:29:00.000+01:00

Body protectors for horse riders have come a long way from the days of awkward-looking rigid foam back shields. Today constructed with both comfort and safety in mind and subject to rigorous repeat testing and available in various styles and colours, the Body Protector is a must-have item for any rider, whether a top-flight competitor or happy hacker. Body protectors are an essential piece of equine kit as the important item of equipment can make the difference between a serious injury and a minor one. Body protectors can protect the upper back and torso and are designed to protect the wearer in the event of a fall from a horse,whether jumping, schooling or hacking but also to offer protection from impacts such as being kicked, which can happen at any time. Understanding Body Protectors BETA 2000 and BETA 2009 are general standards to which all body protectors sold in the UK must conform. Having a BETA 2000 and BETA 2009 label confirms that the body protector has met all the requirements of the European standard EN 13158 and is certified to the Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) directive shown by the CE mark. This is important as it can accurately provide piece of mind that this item is safe to use and will protect you. Manufacturers of these products are also required to undertake additional testing on an annual basis to ensure long-term consistency in quality and design so you know that what you are buying will have durability and longevity. Under EN13158:2009 there are three ‘levels’ of protection: Level 1 (black label) denotes a body protector intended for jockeys only, as it is designed to meet the weight restrictions of race riding. Level 2 (brown label) body protectors offer lower protection for low-risk situations only. Level 3 (purple label) body protectors are the ones that are suitable for normal riding conditions, and are designed to prevent minor bruising, reduce soft tissue injuries and bruising and limit the risk of rib fractures. The Saddlery Shop thinks Body Protectors are really important so we stock a wide range of Body Protectors for Men, Women and Children including Racesafe, Harry Hall, Mark Todd and Gallop. For more information visit our website today www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk to view the stock we have available. If you have any questions or queries about which Body Protector would best suit you contact a member of our team on Tel:0844 880 6900

How to Choose a Bit

2013-05-10T13:22:00.000+01:00

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 conformational pointers you can look for that help to suggest what type of bit may suit your horse and narrow the search. Certain breeds of horse can be prone to certain mouth shapes for example cob types often have large tongues which leave little room for a thick bit to sit comfortably in. Thin bits are often considered to be severe, but if a horse has a thick tongue a thinner bit will allow the horse to relax and swallow where a thicker ‘kind’ bit would not, presuming the rider is competent enough not to need the reins for support the thin bit is actually far kinder to the horse! When examining your horses mouth, have a look carefully at the shape and anything that is different or unusual as even little things can potentially make a big difference to the way a horse will react in a bit. These can be such as; parrot mouth, a low palette, the presence of wolf teeth to name but a few! To receive one-to-one bitting advice for your horse contact The Saddlery Shop online and with our huge range of bits available there is sure to be something to suit every horse and rider combination.

Bitting Edition Part 3

2013-05-03T12:37:00.000+01:00

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 far more control in a snaffle. Very few horses only need one bit, working in an arena or doing a dressage test is not as exciting as cantering accross open coutryside in company and even the best schooled horse will usually need something different for the extra control needed. Pelhams can make a horse feel very 'dead' in the hand and do sometimes encouraging leaning on the bit unless you ride with double reins to enable you to push the horse up into the bit without the use of the curb. I would really recommend a bit that will help with schooling like this Myler Low Port Eggbut Snaffle. This bit will enable you to give very clear instructions to your horse, and will be comfortable in his mouth as it is not too thick and has space for the tongue. You also have the option of adding a curb if you needed extra brakes out hacking in the immediate future. Kind Regards, Lucy

Bitting Advice Edition Part 2

2013-04-26T14:42:00.000+01:00

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 the sake of it. I was thinking she might be best off in a sweet iron snaffle with a lozenge? I'd like her to stay in a D-ring or eggbutt. Would be grateful for help, Thanks Aimee Marsh" Answer "It is important to have a good progressive schooling plan in place, ideally with the help of a good instructor, and keep taking it slowly as you are doing. Young horses will tend to get tired easily and thats when problems become apparent, so you sound like you are taking it nice and slowly as your horse is not objecting at the moment! The copper roller is actually a fairly harsh bit, so I wouldn't suggest that it is an ideal bit to use. A double jointed bit, with a lozenge and a sweet metal would be ideal. The sweet iron copper lozenge snaffle would be a good bit to try, the ideal being a Sprenger Dynamic as they are anatomically designed and are one of the nicest bits you can bit a youngster in. Steer away from anything too thick, and do consider a loose ring if you have steady hands- they are very nice for communication, but an eggbutt is better if you are worried you may send too many comflicting signals as they deaden the feeling to the horse. A D cheek bit is actually quite a strong cheek and if you don't need help with steering consider an eggbutt bit or a loose ring. Kind Regards, Lucy www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk"

Bitting Advice Edition Part 1

2013-04-19T14:51:00.001+01:00

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 wall having tried half moon bits; both happy mouth and snaffle, a french link, a shaped snaffle and a hanging cheek. His teeth are checked regularly and he has had his wolf teeth removed and has no trouble eating. Answer Lucy says "This is a difficult problem, and horses that put their tongue out can not always be cured- even in a bitless bridle the tension caused by just being ridden can be enough for it to manifest itself! There are two main ways to approach the sitaution. Firstly using a high ported bit to help prevent him doing it or hopefully finding a bit (or lack of bit) that he feels happy and confident in. The problem is, he may not feel happy in anything, and if you try to prevent him doing it, it could cause more problems as you have found. My suggestion would be the Short Shank Combination. The theory behind it being it will take the pressure away from his mouth, but still give you good control. It has a small port to allow tongue room, but will not make him feel uncomfortable as the bit is anatomically designed to follow the contours of the horses mouth."

Cool Therapy for Equines!

2013-04-12T14:40:00.000+01:00

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 help reduce swelling. Moulded to the shape of the equine hock the Aerborn Cool Sport Hock boot is easy to apply with simple to fasten velcro tabs providing a great addition to the first aid kit of any horse. Available from The Saddlery Shop in priced at £20.49. Aerborn Cool Sport Knee Boots are also available!

Give Your Horse Some Relief!

2013-03-29T11:02:00.001Z

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 Net Relief Muzzle was found to improve headshaking in 79% of equine sufferers during a clinical trial conducted at De Montfort University. So give your horse some relief and purchase him a Net Relief Muzzle today from The Saddlery Shop. Available now in a range of colours and sizes, just click on the link!

Perfect for Spring; The Horseware Newmarket Adela Ladies Jacket

2013-03-22T13:47:00.001Z

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!

Light Up the Darkness!

2013-03-15T13:01:00.000Z

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!

Advice from Lucy Nicolas in Preventing and Managing Laminitis

2013-03-08T13:10:00.002Z

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 your hay analysed to assess its sugar content and soaking it can reduce the sugar content. Where possible maintain or increase your horse's exercise to maintain good circulation, overall health and combat excess weight. Do not allow your horse to become overweight, as this is a trigger factor for laminitis. If likely to over indulge you can use a grazing muzzle to limit the intake of fresh grass intake your horse or pony can consume. If you can reduce the amount of time your horse grazes – bringing him in early, especially on sunnier days but do ensure he has enough dietary fibre to offset reduced grazing, whether through restricted turn out, or a muzzle." If your horse or pony has unfortunately succumbed to laminitis the RX hoof boot can be an incredibly useful addition to your equine kit. The RX hoof boot provides the ideal therapy hoof boot for equine laminitis sufferers. Sole support, essential for the laminitic horse, is achieved through using the RX boot on a bare (non shod) hoof as the boot is equipped with shock absorbing Easycare comfort pads inside. The supportive and stabilising boot allows the horse to benefit from increased circulation and when sufficiently recovered undertake controlled exercise or turnout once the hoof has stabilised which can aid healing. RRP from £62.50. Size guide and stockist info available at www.trelawneequine.co.uk or call 0844 2578585.

Mark Todd Long Leather Riding Boots; Perfect for Eventing!

2013-02-26T13:09:00.000Z

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 at the back with a leather pull tab and a elastic fastening tab at the top. The water resistant boots also feature double spur rests and an embossed Mark Todd signature on the outside of the heel. Available in Black only in Unisex sizes 4-10 from www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk. Priced at £104.00.

Spring Clean Your Equine!

2013-02-20T12:05:00.000Z

So you have spring cleaned the house and now it is time to start at the yard. With your equine shedding their winter coat and the sun breaking through, this is the perfect time to get your horse or pony back to looking their best. So where to begin? Well the basis of a beautiful summer coat is to effectively getting rid of the winter one so first use a rubber curry comb in a circular motion to bring up all the dead hair out from the coat. Once the loose hair is removed brush your horse all over with a good quality body brush such as the pictured Roma Pattern Body Brush to get rid of any left-over dust and grease. Choose a warm day when the sun is out to give your equine a bath. Choose a skin friendly shampoo such as the Dermoline Tea Tree Oil Shampoo. The soothing anti-bacterial shampoo is conditioning containing natural Tea Tree oil which cleanses and conditions the coat and skin. Make sure you wrap your horse or pony up warm and keep him stabled after his bath. Once your horse is brushed and bathed don't forget the feet! Give your horse's feet a good pick out and scrub and then apply a moisturising hoof grease such as Effol Hoof Ointment in order to strengthen horn development and prevent hooves from drying up and softening. To finish off why not give your equine a spritz with the fantastic Canter Mane and Tail Conditioner from Carr, Day & Martin. This can be used all over to give the coat a great shine but is particularly useful for detangling stubborn knots in manes and tails. So give your horse a spruce up; he will certainly appreciated it and both of you will be able to enjoy him looking and feeling fantastic. All of the grooming products described are available from www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk along with a huge range of other of other items.

The Saddlery Shop Reaches Finals of National Retail Awards

2013-02-15T14:12:00.000Z

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 as we were nominated by our customers,” said Lucy. “In the best traditions of a specialist retailer, we always endeavour to offer a personal yet professional service – and it’s satisfying to know that our efforts have been rewarded.” Our fingers are firmly crossed as the final aspects of voting takes place with our trade suppliers casting their votes to add to the votes already cast by our customers and BETA organises a series of mystery shops and incognito telephone calls. The winners will be announced later in February.

Limit the Risk of Laminitis with a Comfort Grazing Muzzle

2013-02-06T14:14:00.001Z

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. The comfort grazing muzzle offered by The Saddlery Shop is composed of soft webbing and equipped with padded nose, padded cheek and padded poll areas for extra comfort. The colourful nylon woven fabric grazing muzzle is adjustable and fitted with stainless steel fastenings and a D-ring, perfect for leading.

An Equilibrium Therapy Horse Massage Pad can benefit every Equine!

2013-01-29T12:47:00.001Z

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.

Meeting all of your Barefoot Horse's needs

2013-01-23T13:12:00.000Z

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 you get in touch with us we aim to get back to you within 4 working hours!

Winter Tack Care

2013-01-18T12:37:00.000Z

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 name but a few! So give your tack a really good clean today and check out the range of products to help you available from The Saddlery Shop

Managing Mud Fever

2013-01-11T13:53:00.001Z

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 revolution in infection control as the topical application mirrors the body’s own immune system, naturally working with the body as the active ingredient in Hypocare is Hypochlorous acid, which is naturally produced by the body’s own immune system. Ideal for flushing out infected wounds or lesions Hypocare developed by Horseware will kill all bacterial, viral and fungal infections on contact. The germicide is powerful proving 80-300 types more effective than other products yet the product is incredibly kind to healthy tissue. Formulated to emulate skin pH Hypocare works in perfect harmony with the body, meaning it will not sting when applied, harm healthy tissue or slow down the healing process. Horseware Hypocare is not a substitue for veterinary advice but provides a brilliant way to manage scabs,lesions and minor infections caused by mud fever. Available today from The Saddlery Shop this innovation in wound care is a must have for winter management.

Winter Sale now on at The Saddlery Shop!

2013-01-02T16:04:00.000Z

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 our exclusive weekly feature "Deal of the Week"!

Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots

2012-12-27T15:19:00.000Z

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

Hipsta Jodhpurs

2012-11-27T10:30:00.000Z

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

Ladies Gilet

2012-11-23T16:30:00.000Z

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

Riding hat cover

2012-11-20T11:00:00.000Z

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