Horse Articles

For horse lovers, the holiday season is especially exciting. The annual Winter Equestrian Festival is near, and with it comes the seasonal gifts that make equestrians' hearts beat a little faster. If you're looking for a gift that the horse enthusiast in…

Whether you're a fan of seasonal blanketing for all weather conditions or prefer to only use a turnout rug during inclement weather, as a horse owner, you likely own at least one horse blanket. In some instances, you may need…

Most horse owners understand the trials and tribulations of horse ownership. First, the challenge of finding a suitable horse, then the ongoing equestrian workouts and horse riding lessons. And, if you're lucky, the thrill of being involved in horse sports…

When you first get started with horse riding, you might feel overwhelmed. This is because there are so many things to learn and remember! It's not just about learning how to ride a horse; it's also about learning to understand…

There is always an opportunity for progress as a horse rider, regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced rider. Further, riding horses is a beautiful way for people of any age or ability to improve their physical…

Since the dawn of time, dressage has been practiced as a form of horseback riding. It is often referred to as "horse ballet" because of the fluid and graceful movements that the horses make. Dressage has many different components.  First,…

Horseback riding, especially as a sport, has the potential to be dangerous. Therefore, you and your horse need to be compatible with one another, not only for your safety but also so that you can perform to the best of…

What better way is there to get your daily dose of fresh air than riding a horse down a local trail? However, you shouldn't go out and buy one until you know how to take care of a horse. Bringing a…

Your horse-riding helmet is one of the most important purchases you will make. You want peace of mind knowing that while you're horseback riding, you're as safe as you can be. If you read the head injury statistics associated with horse-riding, it…

What if dogs aren't man's best friend? What if horses actually are?. More than 7.2 million horses live in the United States. Just over one million Americans own a horse. People own horses for many reasons. Bonding, competition, exercise and more. But…

If you’re considering getting into the equestrian lifestyle and committing to horse ownership, there are few things more important to consider than where your horse (or horses) will live and be cared for. On one hand, if you have the…

If you love horses, why not bring a touch of equestrian style into your home! Check out some contemporary equestrian homeware from one of our favorite Design retailers. We also have some ideas for upcycling and reusing some of your…

The New Year brings a time for reflection and when better to set equestrian goals for the year ahead. What are you hoping to achieve with your horse this year? Are there any specific targets that you would like to…

Mental Health Awareness Week 3rd – 9th October 2021   As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, we thought it was important to focus on how horses can help your mental health. Millions of Americans are living with mental health…

An English Saddle Pad Buying Guide Did you know that the equipment you choose can greatly affect the comfort of your horse? If you choose the wrong equestrian accessories, you risk exposing your horse to more strain, friction, and other injuries while…

Why Use Tendon Boots for Horses? There's nothing like riding a thoroughbred through an open field of wildflowers. And if you've never had the chance to, you can at least imagine the glory of an open sky and a field…

Sustainable September Sustainable September: putting the environment first. The environment and climate change is a topic of priority for most retailers. Fast fashion is one of the largest contributors to C02 emissions globally. Everyday, tons of materials are incinerated along…

Meet Amanda Shirtcliffe, our Great British Sponsored Para Dressage Rider 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.…

Flex-On Stirrups – The Equestrian Brand Taking the World by Storm Favored by professional and amateur riders alike, they Flex-On Stirrups are a revolutionary product. Backed up by scientific research and made with innovative technology and materials, Flex-On stirrups are…

Eight Tips for Safe Herd Behavior in Turnout Horses are the happiest and healthiest when they can roam outside. However, it is not always possible to give them the time and space they need. Just like humans, horses need to…

Four Ways to Ensure a Safe Exercise Routine for Your Horse This Winter 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…

Cold Comfort - Feeding Your Horse in Winter 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…

Understanding Equestrian Judges’ Scores 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…

On Firmer Ground – Winter Hoof Care 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. Read our blog on…

Healthy Stables for The Holidays 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…

Caring For Your Horse in Winter 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…

Choosing A Saddle Pad 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…

Equine First Aid – Being Prepared 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. Here are our Equine…

Horse Boots & Bandages 101 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…

Like A Horse To Water – Horse Hydration Tips 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…

Horse Travel Health Tips - Good Rules For The Road 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…

Treat Your Horse Like The Athlete They Are 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…

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. Having the necessary items in your first aid kit for both you and your horse is essential. Having the basics on hand will help you treat your horse--or yourself--until the proper care…

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, what's in your tack box?…

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. Here's our Beginner's Guide to Horse Grooming. While…

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. Here are our Best…

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. Here are our best tips for Riding in the Winter   Use…

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   Applying a polo wraps, brushing boots or a tendon boots. 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.

Brush vs. Mitts: A Handy Guide for Grooming Gear 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.

Top Tips For Looking After Your Horse’s Hooves 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.…

Should You Use A Gel Saddle Pad For Your Horse? 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…

What Are The Best Fly Sheets & Fly Masks? 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…

Horse Allergies - Causes Treatment & Advice 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…

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 a…

Getting a new horse is incredibly exciting. However, it doesn’t come without its complications! Introducing a new horse to an already established herd can be tricky. Read more: How To Deal With Pesky Blanket & Rug Wreckers Depending on the…

Woof Wear - A Favorite Equestrian Brand 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…

How To Deal With Pesky Blanket & Rug Wreckers 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 to keep them warm dry... …

Colic In Horses - Causes, Symptoms & Prevention 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…

Here are some essential winter horse riding tips & advice. 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…

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. We have some top tips on how…

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 the comfort and wellbeing of your horse is a priority…

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  your horse will encounter a huge amount of strain on their legs. It’s only natural that four legs, which support between 400 - 1000 Kg, will receive their fair share of…

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? Maybe you’re considering buying a horse and wondering what the best approach…

Caring For Your Horse In The Summer Months 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…

How to Recognise & Deal With Heat Stress in Horses 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…

Top Dressage Tips for Competing in your First Show 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…

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…

Find the right balance with your horse & yoga … 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…

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! Fly protection for your horse from fly bites with fly blankets…