You are here: Home / Archives for Horse Products

Choosing a Bit for Your Horse

For the novice horse owner, shopping for a new bit is a daunting and even intimidating task.  Not only do they look strange hanging on the wall of the tack shop, unattached to a bridle, but they come in different shapes, sizes, metals, and strengths.  Coming home with the wrong bit can mean discomfort or even pain for your horse and can result in performance issues as well.

There are two basic types of bits, a snaffle and a curb.  A snaffle bit is the gentlest option, and acts on the principle of direct pressure.  Most snaffle bits are jointed in the mouthpiece, with rings on either side that sit outside the horse’s cheek.  The smaller the mouthpiece, the harsher the bit.  These bits can also sometimes be twisted, which also adds to their severity.

Curb bits are those with shanks extending down out of the horse’s mouth, which the reins are connected to.  Curb bits are normally not jointed, and can be either a straight bar or move into a curve.  The longer the shanks on a curb bit, the more severe it is on your horse.  Many riders move into a curb bit thinking it will give them more control over their horse, not realizing that using a harsher bit can be a way out of improving their own skills as a rider.

When choosing a bit for your horse, it is essential that you get the right fit.  The mouthpiece should be of a good size and weight for your horse to carry, and wide enough to fit your horse’s mouth properly.  The rings should be large enough to not be pulled inside the mouth.  Check your horse’s cheeks for pinching – they should be soft and have a wrinkle or two around the bit.

Remember, the purpose of using a bit is to correct the horse’s unwanted behaviour with discomfort.  Therefore, if you choose to use one, it is essential that you ensure that it is the right style for you and your horse, and that it fits him correctly.

Filed Under: Horse Products Tagged With: Horse Products

Therapeutic Horseshoeing

In recent years, the art of therapeutic and corrective shoeing has come a long way, and now many lame horses can be given new pain-free lives, and can even resume work. Depending on the situation, there are many types of shoes to help your horse – here are just a few:

  • Heart-Bar Shoes. These shoes circle the entire hoof and also line up with the frog to provide added support. Traditionally used with foundered horses, heart-bars can help the frog to provide weight-bearing support. These shoes typically require an x-ray so the farrier can properly line up the shoe to provide the correct support.
  • Egg Bar Shoes. These oval shoes provide extra support to your horse’s feet, especially in the heel area. Useful for navicular disease and underrun heels, these shoes are not quite as common as heart-bars.
  • Natural Balance Shoes. Although made of a somewhat softer aluminum alloy, Natural Balance shoes are a lightweight choice that mimic your horse’s natural foundation. Allowing for a more natural breakover and better sole support, these can be a great choice for any horse, including those that are lame.
  • Hoof Pads. Although there is heated debate around the merits and drawbacks to using hoof pads, they are generally considered useful in certain situations. Particularly with foundered horses, a properly set pad can provide the frog support needed to make the horse more comfortable. Before using the pad, the hoof is always packed with material – many farriers use the same malleable plastic that dentists use for making moulds of your teeth. Once the packing and pad are in place, the farrier will nail on the horseshoe.

Remember that special shoes do not magically heal your horse, and if improperly used can actually do even further damage. Also be aware that with most of these different types of special shoes, great care must be taken to clean the hooves daily. Dirt and manure can easily build up in these shoes, which cover a large part of the horse’s foot. Bell boots are a good option as well, since there is a greater chance for your horse to catch his hind foot on the steel of the front shoe.


Filed Under: Farrier, Hoof Care, Horse Products, Horseshoes Tagged With: Farrier, Hoof Care, Horse Products, Horseshoes

Types of Horse Blankets

If you’ve ever done an internet search for a horse blanket, you’ll probably agree that the wide array of choices available can be rather intimidating.  There seems to be a blanket for every occasion, and it can be hard for horse owners to know what they should be buying.  Here’s a summary of the most common types of horse blankets.

  • Stable Blanket.  Used for when the horse is in the barn, these usually come in a variety of weights, depending on the temperature in your area.  Some climates may need a thick, padded, or even fleece blanket, while others may need just a light quilt.
  • Turn Out Blanket.  These are similar to the stable blankets in weight, but are usually made of a stronger, water resistant material.  Horses wearing blankets in fields or paddocks need added protection from the elements, and also require a blanket that is sturdier and less likely to rip.
  • Cooler.  Large square blankets, coolers are used to help a hot horse cool off without catching a chill.  If you are working your horse hard in the winter, you will likely need to put a cooler on him after exercise to keep him warm as he gradually cools down.
  • Fly Sheet.  Made of lightweight material, these sheets are normally used in the summer to protect the horse from flies and other biting insects.  They are also sometimes used to prevent the horse’s coat from bleaching out.  These blankets are designed to not overheat your horse, even on hot days.
  • Rain Sheet.  Similar to a fly sheet, these can be used to keep your horse dry and prevent such things as rain scald or mud fever.
  • Neck Hoods and Full Covers.  These additional pieces can also provide warmth in winter or protection from flies and the sun in summer.  A neck hood slips over the horse’s neck and covers him down to the blanket, and a full hood covers his face to his muzzle, with holes cut out for his eyes and ears.
Filed Under: Horse Products Tagged With: Horse Care, Horse Products