The following hopefully provides some points to consider when building an outdoor arena. There are three key elements to building a successful arena: good drainage, a solid base and a sound surface.
Size
The average size for an arena is 20 metres by 40 metres. Higher level dressage tests use an arena 20 metres by 60 metres, [...]
Inspect Your Buildings
Check the condition of your stables and outbuildings at least once a year. This helps to identify problems and enable planning for repairs.
Most building deterioration is caused by water. If unprotected and left damp, wood will decay, eventually destroying the structure. The impact of falling trees, wind-blown debris, and equipment can also seriously [...]
How much land do I need per horse?
A rough guide to the amount of land required for horses is two acres for the first horse and an additional acre for every additional horse.
How can I improve my paddocks?
Grass is always greener and more nutritious when it is well managed. To help improve your pasture during [...]
BARBED WIRE – should never be used around horses. It tends to sag and rust.
ELECTRIC FENCING – Versatile and low priced. Can be used in addition to existing fencing (i.e. on wooden post & rail to stop chewing) or on it’s own. [...]
In most civilisations the horse was used more in chariots than for riding until about 800 BC. Before stirrups most equestrian cultures used no support for the feet at all. There are records of a loose surcingle being employed behind the girth, into which the feet could be tucked. Toe stirrups [...]
Horse riding is not only a sport, but an art as well. Just as a bike rider requires a good seat for his bike, horse riders require a good saddles to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, for the rider as well as the horse.
Every horse is different in breed and size [...]
Most horse owners spend hours finding the perfect saddle for their horse, but few spend much time thinking about the right girth.
However, it is important to choose one carefully as a strong, good quality girth could save your life, as well as preventing painful problems for your horse, like girth galls.
Girths are [...]
Brushing Boot
Brushing boots can be fitted to both front and back legs. and their main purpose is to prevent a horse injuring himself when the inside of his leg is hit by the opposite foot. Brushing boots are usually used for all round protection against knocks and are generally fastened by velcro straps. Remember that [...]
Nosebands:
* The cavesson noseband is not intended to interfere at all with the bit action, when fitted correctly. If fitted tightly it can prevent the horse from opening his jaw to evade the action of the bit.
* The drop noseband fits across the nose and in the curb groove, and, when used with a snaffle, [...]
There are five main types of bits each of these types have variations and they all bring a pressure in a different place. There are seven “points of control” (not all within the mouth): poll (indicates to the horse to lower his head), nose, curb groove (when used in addition to poll pressure this tilts [...]
