Category Archives: Dressage

Shopping for Riding Breeches

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If you’re a horse back rider, you live in your riding breeches. Not only do you wear them while riding your horse, but you’re going to wear them around the barn, too — whether you’re cleaning tack, mucking stalls, or grooming your horse.Your favorite pair of riding pants starts to feel like a second skin, especially since they are usually durable enough to last for several years. Thus, many riders are very thoughtful when they shop for their next pair of riding breeches. Not only does the fit have to be just right, but whichever breeches you settle on should be designed for the type of riding you plan on doing. While there are a variety of riding breeches styles available in modern times, this was not always the case. Historically, riding pants would be tight throughout the calf and knee area, then dramatically flare around the thighs — not the most flattering style. Luckily for the fashionistas of the equestrian world, virtually all breeches today are skin tight.

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Different Types of Riding Boots

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Riding boots are a necessary purchase for every rider. While a person could technically ride in a variety of different shoes, boots specifically designed for horseback riding are the safest option out there. The soles of these boots have a relatively shallow tread, making it easy to slide your foot in and out of the stirrup. However, the heel of the boot, which should ideally be 1 to 1.5 inches high, prevents your foot from sliding completely through the stirrup iron. In addition, the toes of riding boots are shaped to your foot rather than a more boxy style, minimizing the possibility of your foot getting caught on the stirrup. For these reasons, hiking boots and sneakers are generally unsafe to ride in.

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Rubber Reins vs. Leather Reins

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The debate of rubber horse reins versus leather reins is one that is unlikely to fade away anytime soon. You must confront this question every time you buy a new bridle or replace your old reins. Many riders feel strongly about this issue; however, others are more easily swayed. At the end of the day, both types of reins have their respective pros and cons. This article aims to outline them, in order to help you make an informed decision the next time you go tack shopping.

How to Saddle Shop Like a Pro

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"All purpose" or Eventing English saddle (via Wikipedia)

"All purpose" or Eventing English saddle (via Wikipedia)

Basic Western and English saddles are so incredibly different in design, that many people who have little experience with riding often wonder what the purpose is behind this distinction. The English saddle is tiny in comparison to the hulking western saddles that everyone is used to seeing in old cowboy movies. Continue reading “How to Saddle Shop Like a Pro” »

Canada’s Bad Luck in London

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David Marcus competing on Chevri's Capital.

It’s fair to say that Canada hasn’t been having the best of luck in the 2012 London Olympics. As of Sunday, August 5, two of their horse and rider combos have been disqualified in two separate events. With only a few more days left in the competition, Canada is scrambling to recover from these disqualifications and come out on top. However, these blows will inevitably cause some irreparable damage. Continue reading “Canada’s Bad Luck in London” »

The 2012 Summer Olympics

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Rafalca in action.

This summer got much more exciting on July 27, when the highly-anticipated 2012 Summer Olympics finally began! Now, like mostly everyone I know, I’ve been glued to the television screen ever since – something about the Olympics makes sports I’m not even a fan of fun to watch. For example, I’ve never st through an entire tennis match in my life until this summer! I was even on the edge of my seat for the women’s cycling race – all four hours of it. However, for my, the equestrian events have by far been the most riveting for me. I follow all the riders from the United States anyway, so to see them competing for the gold at the Olympic-level makes the experience much cooler! Continue reading “The 2012 Summer Olympics” »

Saddle Hunting Doesn’t Have to be a Headache

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Prestige Optimax dressage saddle

Prestige Optimax dressage saddle

This weekend, I had the pleasure of riding one of my friend’s horses, named Apache. He’s a lovely bay gelding, and it was a pleasure. However, riding him in my friend’s tack made me realize how old and beaten up my own is. To begin, Apache’s bridle and saddle were both immaculate – judging from the leather’s subtle sheen, it was clear that my friend dedicated a considerable amount of time cleaning and polishing them. However, it was also apparent that the leather itself was in good condition: supple and sturdy. In addition, the saddle fit Apache perfectly. As I carefully put her tack away, I was at a loss – where does one even find such high-quality tack? Continue reading “Saddle Hunting Doesn’t Have to be a Headache” »

Teach Your Dressage Horse How to Jump

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Trying to ease your dressage horse into jumping fences is no easy task, especially if he or she is of the stubborn variety, as mine is. I recently began to try my horse, Batman, over a series of small jumps in hopes of entering eventing competitions with him. Eventing shows have three different components: a dressage test, a show jumping course in the stadium, and a field event in which horse and rider must make their way over obstacles such as logs and hay bales. While Batman would be able to ace the dressage component, his inexperience with jumping makes it impossible for him to safely or successfully compete in one of these shows. Continue reading “Teach Your Dressage Horse How to Jump” »