Welfare and the precautionary principle A University of Guelph review argues that many long-accepted riding practices deserve closer scrutiny, even where definitive evidence of harm is still lacking. A review by Caleigh Copelin and Katrina Merkies, published in the March 2026 edition of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, makes the case that modern equestrianism is…
Q: What are the differences between jumping, dressage and general purpose (GP) saddles? A: Here's an overview of the key differences between these three types of saddle: Jumping saddles Purpose: Jumping saddles are designed for showjumping or cross-country, where the rider needs to maintain a secure and balanced seat while navigating jumps. Key features: Flatter seat: Jumping…
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 fibres, is softer and settles more quickly than other kinds of wool. However, it needs more regular checks and more regular top-ups than the…
Modern sport horses have evolved to have bigger shoulders. It’s important that your saddle fits so that your horse’s movement is not restricted [dropcap]W[/dropcap]e all know that one of the keys to a happy athlete is correctly fitting tack. In the December issue of HQ, we touched on the topic of bitting for the individual horse’s…
