YOU’RE NOT CROOKED; YOU’RE HUMAN

Have you ever looked at a photo or video of yourself riding and thought… Alejandra Gonzalez Why am I always sitting just a little to the left? You adjust. You centre yourself. You think you’ve fixed it. Then five minutes later, there you are again. Slightly off-centre. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re doing your best to ‘sit evenly’ in…

BylizzieMay 15, 20260Comments

Horse and Rider Horse and Yard

CARING FOR YOUR SADDLE

Inspired by the Western Shoppe Saddle Care Challenge, we decided to delve deep into saddle care, maintenance, and storage. Why saddle care matters? A well-maintained saddle is crucial for your horse’s comfort and the longevity of your saddle. Here are our top tips for keeping your saddle in tip-top shape. 1. Maintenance Giving your saddle a quick…

BylizzieMarch 24, 20260Comments

Horse Channel

ASKHQ: TO CLIP OR NOT TO CLIP

Q: Should I clip my horse this winter or not? A: As winter approaches, many riders choose to clip their horses, but do you really need to and is it the best option for all horses? The winter coat The emergence of a full winter coat is triggered by the reduced number of daylight hours. In early…

BylizzieApril 8, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How

ASKHQ: FLOCKING

Q: What are the different kinds of flocking in saddles? A: There are several types of flocking that are commonly used in saddles. Below are the main types: White wool has long fibre and is softer and settles more quickly than other kinds of wool. However, because it settles quickly it needs more regular checks and…

BylizzieFebruary 23, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: SADDLE FIT

Q: Can a badly fitting saddle cause behavioural problems in my horse? Answered by Farryn Day A: Absolutely! Along with correct trimming of the feet and regular dental work, the fit of the saddle is one of the biggest contributing factors to a horse’s overall behaviour and soundness. The following is a list of behaviours which can…

BylizzieNovember 29, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: SWAYBACK

Q: What is a swayback? A: A swayback is a hollow back, that has a dip between the withers and loin area. This type of back is usually too long and excessively flexible, so develops a sway because the ligaments become weak and sag. Interestingly most of the strain on a sway back is on the…

BylizzieOctober 30, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

HALF-PADS

Nothing can compete with a balanced and well-fitting saddle that provides comfort and freedom of movement for your horse. However, it can be tricky to find a perfectly fitting saddle on a budget or for a horse with an unconventional back. A half pad can correct fit or provide for a suitable compromise, and there are…

BylizzieAugust 23, 20200Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

BACK TO BASICS 2

By Charlotte Bastiaanse Contact and connection The m ajority of well-schooled horses ‘accept a contact’ , but what does that actually mean? A misconception as old as time is that if the horse has his head down and nose at the vertical, then he’s accepting the contact . I t’s important to…

BylizzieJune 3, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Breed Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: MINIATURE HORSE TACK

Q: Where do you get tack for Miniature Horses? A: Miniature Horse tack can be purchased from moth equestrian outlets. Saddles or pads should always be fitted to ensure that they do not go further back than the last rib. This usually requires something in the region of an eight inch saddle. Small dressage girths tend…

BylizzieApril 26, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: CONFORMATIONAL FACTORS

Q: Which conformational factors are considered important to look for in a riding horse? A: When looking at the conformation of the horse to assess his rideability, the following factors should be considered: The back and ribs A relatively short back is generally strongest for taking weight, as it has shorter, stronger coupling than a longer back.…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

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