Horse Care Products Info

With so many different styles, options, colors, and fits it is difficult for just about any rider to choose horse riding helmets best suited for you. The equestrian helmet is worn when riding horses and specially designed to protect the rider’s head if a person fall off a horse, and hit their head or accidentally struck in the head by a horse’s hoof. Helmets are recommended for all riders at all times when near or on the horse, though universal acceptance , particularly by adults in western riding sports such as rodeo, has yet to be achieved, but you will see many bull riders wearing a helmet.

A helmet that is worn as a safety measure will protect your head only when properly fitted. The helmet must be worn in the proper position- just above the eyebrow, not on top of the head. The helmet should fit snugly, you should be able to bend over and not lose your helmet. Your helmet should always be replaced after sustaining a fall to the head. Helmets come in S,M,L, each brand will fit slightly different, so it is important to try different models and styles to ensure the best fit for your head.

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English riding apparel consists of a pair of paddock boots worn with jodhpurs or riding breeches. In the show ring, women wear a short-collared ratchatcher shirt with a stock pin at the collar, while men wear a long-sleeved button down shirt. Ratchatchers and other riding shirts have longer sleeves than a street wear to allow the necessary freedom of movement required when jumping. Many English riders also wear short, trim riding gloves.

The English riders take pride in their appearance wherever they ride. Loose hair and clothing are avoided, as are overly revealing garments, the goal of the English rider is to look the best. All English riders, except in some dressage classes , are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet as part of their apparel. English horse riding clothing is in a class all of it’s own.

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Western spurs are becoming a fashion item worn by people of all walks and ages all over the world. Spurs are not just a handy tool for steering your horse, they are now  a hot western wear item. There are spurs made for kids  and ladies and are also popular choices for the cowboys of today.

Not all spurs are made equally, a custom made pair of spurs made to the owners design with decorative and unique design are becoming more popular all the time. The neck and rowel are the most common part of the spur to be custom made, they can be decorated in silver, gold and even diamonds, which makes beautiful western show clothing. Spurs are no longer just a part of a hard working cowboys clothing, but the finishing touch for any western outfit.

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When selecting riding riding gear, besides your helmet, the boots you pick is likely the most important part of your riding gear. The type of horse riding boots you select will depend on what type of riding you do. If you are into pleasure riding then a low cut western boot will work just great. Look for a boot that is comfortable and also looks great.

There are boots made for just about every horse riding event. There are boots made for show horseback riding, boots meant for pleasure riding, and taller made boots for hunter and dressage riding. There are also lace up boots and pull on boots to pick from. Riding boots have a long history and style and design is still in progress.

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Wearing riding helmets should be basic attire especially for beginning riders. There can be serious head injuries from horse riding accidents, and every reasonable effort should be made to minimize them. They are not at all uncomfortable and it only takes one such accident to ruin a person’s life, and that of their family. Head injuries just don’t heal like a broken arm or collar bones and there can be long term effects from even a slight concussion.

Dude ranches should actually be the leader in requiring their guests to wear a helmet. No doubt about it, just to avoid one or two serious head accidents a year would be well worth it. There are dozens of concussions every year while horseback riding which could be avoided by wearing a horse riding helmet.

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Spur styles differ between disciplines, spurs for western riding tend to be heavier, often decorated and have rowels that rotate. The neck of the western spur is usually longer and the rowel wider in diameter, to accommodate the leg position as the western saddle places the rider’s leg a bit farther from the horse.

The English spur tend to be very sleek, slim and conservative in design, with a shorter neck, as the saddle and leg position is closer to the horse. They usually have a rounded or blunt end. The purpose of the spur in dressage is not to speed up a horse but rather to give accurate and precise aids in lateral and complex movements, such as pirouettes and the airs above the ground. The spur is a refined tool to allow the rider to give the horse subtle signals that are nearly invisiable to any observer.

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A certified equestrian helmet is the smartest way to protect yourself while riding. No horse riding helmets will prevent all injuries, but you are far less likely to suffer a serious head injury if your wearing a helmet with ASTM/SEI certification. Head injuries are the most common reason for equestrian-related hospitalization and fatal injuries. A horse spooking, bucking, or bolting account for most head injuries, but 20% happen during non-riding activities or as a bystander. So wear your helmet anytime your around horses even if your not in the saddle.

About 70,000 riders go to the emergency room each year for equestrian related injuries. Around 12,000 of those people have suffered head injuries. Among lifetime riders, 13% have been hospitalized with a riding injury of some kind. Its interesting to know that horseback riders have the same percentage of injury accidents as motorcycle riders. It doesn’t matter how well you ride, the risk is tied to how much you ride, not how good you are.

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When it comes to show belts, less is more. You may have an expensive silver or beaded belt that you love to wear in the barn, but it probably wont get you many points in the ring. Your chaps will cover most of your belt, and when wearing a vest or jacket not much of your belt will even show so a plain belt will serve just fine. Guys should consider simple belts in the show ring too, just save the fashion belts for Saturday night swingin!

Buckles come in many shapes and sizes, but the best buckle to wear in the show ring is the buckle you just won. Borrow a trophy buckle  or buy a smaller three piece set on a tapered belt, an oval or rectangular buckle with figures or lettering, a tip that goes well with the buckle and your set. Remember your buckle should be proportionate to your size, as well as matching your other horse riding clothing.

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Antique and Vintage Western Spurs are a hot item to collect these days. When buying antique spurs be sure you know the history of the spur you are interested in and make sure the seller is reputable. There are markings on the spurs to let you know how made them and in what time period so know your markings. Each maker has their own style and design, unique manufacturing methods, styles of rowel and unique shaped shanks.

If your collecting new or old spurs, the age will make a considerable difference in price, but at times really old spurs are not always what they appear to be. Buying antique spurs at on online auction is most likely the best way to get started with your antique spur collection. Its probably a good idea to set a limit to what you are going to spend on a pair of spurs, bidding too highly is easy to do.

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Shirts are an important part of the Western Wear look. The Western shirt has been around since the 1870’s, Cowboys have a tradition of fine and distinctive shirt fashions- from raucous to rhinestone, snapped t saucy, embroidered to elegant. There are Western shirts for young boys and girls as well as women and men. A Western shirt should be part of your horse riding apparel for sure.

When people used to think about  Western shirts, they would think of shirts covered with rhinestones and fringe. Not so today, cowboys are looking for the right style to make them look fashionable and still comfortable. The basic cowboy shirts have the durability to last thru hard days work, long sleeves to protect your arms and many have snap buttons for safety. Western shirts come in so many different styles and designs, colors and patterns, short sleeve and long sleeve. Even the simple T shirts can made to look pretty western.

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