Horse Articles

We have proudly been sponsoring Amanda Shirtcliffe for several years now and have seen her develop into an International Para Athlete and gain a place on the World Class Squad. We would like to introduce you to Amanda in more…

The hype surrounding these unique stirrups is well deserved. Favored by professional and amateur riders alike, they truly are a revolutionary product. Backed up by scientific research and made with innovative technology and materials, Flex-On stirrups are designed to aid…

Horses are the happiest and healthiest when they can roam outside, but it is not always possible to give them the time and space they need. Just like humans, horses need to socialize, exercise and spend time outdoors for their…

As the winter months grow colder in some parts of the globe, you may be wondering how to ensure that your horse maintains proper exercise. Colder temperatures and snow or rainy conditions, coupled with icy footing, may make it difficult…

Depending on how cold the climate is where you live, feeding your horse during the winter months can require a good deal of attention. On the positive side, that attention means routine visits with your horse to monitor its condition.…

Any time you earn a blue ribbon in hunter or equitation disciplines, you probably don’t think about how the judges evaluated your performance. You may feel the same way about a red… unless you feel you did your very best…

Depending on where you live, winter can require varying degrees of adjustment to your hoof care routine. The colder and snowier the climate, the more there is to consider.   Of course, if the weather is too harsh, your horse…

When we think of stabling our horse in winter, it’s natural to think of it as “sheltering.” But the same winter blues that can affect us when weather keeps us indoors can affect our horse in its own way.  …

In the same way we gear up for winter weather with different wardrobes and schedules, we need to change our routines for horse care. Depending on your climate and stabling situation, this may be a slight adjustment or a major…

Saddle pads can be a crucial element of equestrian gear. There is an abundance of colors, shape styles and sizes available. It can be daunting trying to choose the right saddle pad and riders might use one for months before deciding to buy another.…

It’s a rare horse that never suffers an injury of some kind. Horses are active, curious, and social, which means they can run into hazards or bang into each other.   The following should be at the top of the…

Covering your horse’s legs with some kind of applied protection is common practice and—we would argue—a prudent one. Applying boots or bandages is a personal choice depending on the horse and the discipline. That same conversation can also quickly turn…

Like any domesticated animal, providing good food and water for your horse is a baseline of care. Some horses can be surprisingly finicky about their water. What’s more, the level of exercise required of show and event horses places unique…

Your horse will inevitably have to travel for any number of reasons. Even if all the travel arrangements are made by your stable, you’ll want to know the proper protocols for yourself. There are a couple of reasons for this:…

Comparisons are regularly drawn between competing equines and professional athletes. But there are actually no human athletes who perform the feats that hunter/jumpers or cross-country eventers do. The physics of a horse’s considerably greater mass change all the calculations for…

Show season is back! Between now and the official end of summer, there will be an average of 40 nationally-sanctioned shows every weekend across the country. You may have already competed at one. How did you do? Even if you…

Long days of riding, practicing, or competing in the sun can take a toll on your horse. So it’s important to adjust their care to counter the harmful effects of sun exposure. Provide Shade If your horse lives or spends…

Any athlete will tell you, the key to making the most of your workout is to warm up before and cool down after. The same goes for your horse. Whether practicing, competing, or just going for a long ride, properly…

Everyone loves a little Vitamin D - even horses. With summer fast approaching, warmer and sunnier weather, and longer trail rides are just around the corner. While the prospect of spending more time outdoors bonding with your horse may be…

With any emergency, time is of the essence. Much like the importance of having the correct gear on hand for competition season, having the necessary items in your first aid kit for both you and your horse is essential. While…

One quick visit from the vet and it’s box rest for your beloved horse. Instead of preparing for early mornings at the stable, you’re now preparing your horse for confinement in hopes of treating an injury or preventing the onset…

The power of a good tack box should never be underestimated. Keeping the right items on hand will ensure the easiest experience for you and your horse in the stable and in the arena. So, just what should you keep…

We all enjoy the picturesque feel of a field covered in a blanket of snow but unfortunately, the snow eventually melts and leaves behind a muddy, sloppy mess. Mud is not only unpleasant to look at, but also poses problematic…

Grooming is not only a wonderful chance for a rider to bond with a horse, but it is also a chance for young or inexperienced horses to get comfortable with human interaction. While regular grooming improves the look of your…

As all riders and horse owners know, keeping on top of hoof care and maintenance is vital in producing a healthy, comfortable and well-performing horse. While the basics of hoof care may not change from season-to-season, there are a few…

Are you ready to elevate your winter wardrobe with footwear that makes a statement? A great pair of boots can add some flair to an otherwise drab outfit while still giving you the support you need.     With so many…

With shorter daylight hours and icy temperatures sweeping across the U.S., understanding your horse’s needs is critical to keeping your horse happy and healthy in the approaching winter.     Use Your Head  While horses are better equipped to handle freezing…

Horse shows can be overwhelming. Being prepared is always a great way to ease some of the stress and tension of show day. From weekend long events to one day only shows, preparation is key in making sure that you…

https://vimeo.com/381200448   Whether applying a polo wrap, a brushing boot, or a tendon boot, it’s important to know how each prevents injuries or promotes healing.

https://vimeo.com/381193665 The variety of saddlepad options and materials can be confusing. Different situations call for different equipment.

https://vimeo.com/381197256 Adding stimulation when icing your horse’s legs can accelerate the treatment. But there can also be too much of a good thing.

https://vimeo.com/381198347 Nothing brings us closer to our horse than pre- and post-exercise grooming. The right kit makes the most of this special bond.

Your horse’s hooves are impressive things. With a relatively small surface area, their complex structure supports the weight of your horse, and often a rider, which is why they need special care. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to…

A good quality saddle pad is one of the most important pieces of tack to ensure your horse’s comfort. And with so many saddle pads available, it can often be tricky to choose which one is best for your horse.…

While summer is a favourite time for riders for obvious reasons, it’s not always fun and games for our horses. While they don’t have to worry about the cold, the warm weather brings with it its own set of complications,…

If you suffer from any allergies then you’ll know just how annoying, and sometimes very serious, they can be. Well you’re not the only one who can suffer from allergies - your horse can as well. Like human allergies, equine…

As a rider, you’ll know how much different equipment is needed for you and your horse - some of it we probably don’t even need but we buy it anyway! However, one thing that’s essential for your horse’s comfort is…

Whether you’ve had horses for years or are still relatively new to the equine world, getting a new horse is incredibly exciting. However, it doesn’t come without its complications, and introducing a new horse to an already established herd can…

Here at Country & Stable, we’re huge fans of Woof Wear. Thanks to Louise Woof and her invention of the ‘woof boot’, the first neoprene horse boot, we’re now able to use boots that are much lighter and easier to…

Why don’t our horses realise that everything we do is for their own good?! We pop a nice new turnout blanket or stable blanket on them nice and warm and they decide they know best and would rather try and…

Note: This article is for reference only. If you’re worried about equine colic, always seek guidance from a veterinarian. Colic in horses is a very different prospect compared to how it is for humans. A reasonably common condition, there a…

As with most outdoor activities, summer is the time that we really get motivated. The warmer, drier weather, longer days - if you’re anything like us then you can spend from dawn ‘till dusk outside with your horse. However, winter…

It’s winter and there’s a magical scene of frost coating the stable roof; the paddocks have a fluffy layer of snow lying across them; perhaps sections of the pasture have frozen over entirely. When faced with a frosty forecast, the…

Protecting your horse from the elements is hugely important and whilst horses spend a lot of time outdoors, it is crucial that they are well insulated when relaxing in their stable. Here at Country & Stable US, we understand that…

Winter can be a truly beautiful season providing hazy, pastel landscapes and an excuse to wrap up warm and sit around the fire. This is without mentioning the excitement of wintertime festivities including Thanksgiving and Christmas! And whilst the wintertime…

It is critical that your horse is well protected from any adverse weather conditions whether it be snowing, lashing with rain or blistering sunshine. In the case of the colder weather that fall/winter brings, a quality turnout blanket is an…

Over the course of an average day of training, riding lessons, show jumping and competitive practice, your horse will encounter a huge amount of strain on their legs. It’s only natural that four legs, which support between 400 - 1000…

There are many reasons why you’d need to transport your horse if you’re a seasoned horse owner - perhaps you are heading to a competition or a horse show. Or maybe you’re thinking of buying a horse and wondering what…

As temperatures soar and the level of humidity increases, the heat can really take its toll on horses in the summer months. In these kinds of conditions, it’s important to undertake the right measures to keep your horse comfortable. Whether…

The image of buying sunscreen for your horse at first might seem pretty surreal. Unfortunately, the same blazing heat that causes us to feel dizzy and our skin to peel also has its fair share of problematic effects for our…

You've put in the hard yards. The hours and hours of practice and training, the falls, the tears, the money spent on the horse show clothes. And now you're taking the plunge and about to compete in your first dressage show.…

If you’re new to the world of equestrian and horse riding, then you may have heard people talking about fly masks, or seen them mentioned online, but do you know what they’re actually for? This article is going to tell…

Forget resolutions, they only get broken. Instead, we suggest setting Intentions. Softer and kinder than resolutions, intentions can’t get broken, they won’t make you feel guilty and in the long run, they will actually work, especially if you can find…

The Right Balance for You … While we can’t speak for everyone, one of the reasons we fell in love with the equestrian life is that feeling of bliss and calm that comes over us as soon as we enter…

There is no better time than now to be out on the trails. The temperature is moderate, streams are full and leaves are turning incredible shades of red, orange and yellow. From Utah and Colorado to the Ozarks and Vermont,…

Even though the colder weather has left us, mornings and evenings can still have a bit of bite to them, as can the flies once the weather turns hotter! We’ve got you and your horse covered with blankets and turnout…