equiShopping.com Blog

How to keep things looking good this season.

Right, so the beginning of the season is right around the corner so chances are you’ve already got everything sorted – I hope....

However, we’ve got a few tactical things you can start doing now to make this season superuber easy. 

I guess you’ve already cleaned out the lorry so let’s keep it sparkling clean.  The easiest way to do this is to put more shavings down in the horse compartment.  That way when horse inevitably go for a pee it won’t run right to the front and form a large puddle right at the door to the living... remember last year!.

I doubt anybody tack cleans as much as they should.  I know I just tend to wipe bridles over to make them shine rather than actually take them apart.  This does mean that the bits of leather that bend constantly ie around the bit don’t tend to get conditioned.  Next time you do take the bridle apart put lots and lots of saddle soap or whatever you use on the inside of these bends.  This usually extends the benefits of tack cleaning a while longer! It is worth remembering though that regularly cleaned tack is suppler and less likely to snap ie safer! Basically, let’s cut to the point, look up our range of tack cleaners and go and use them!! Pah, a lecture on tack cleaning from a teenage boy....that’s a first. 

Secondly, organise the tack room! You’ve stocked up on everything for the season so it would be nice to be able to see what your hard earn cash has bought! Once again Equishopping can come to the rescue – check out our range of tack room storage solutions. 

We also reckon that you might be in need of a helping hand with your mucking out kit.  Basically, if you turn up for your first over night stay of the season with a wheelbarrow with half a wheel and “go faster stripes” down the side to cover up the holes in it you’ll look like a bit of a pikey...

What’s more, have a browse of our stable disinfectant powders that not only kill any nasties out to get your carefully nurtured equine friends but they also stop the yard smelling as much.  A very worthwhile investment if ever there was one. 

 

 

A simple guide to bits.

Most people have been through lectures on bitting that although informative sometimes need a bit of a reality check.  The vast majority of horses go well in a snaffle and that's all they'll ever need but then there are those that need a bit of thought when it comes to bitting. 

The next step up from a snaffle is usually something with a bit of poll pressure like a gag.  It's also worth noting when you use a three ring gag on the lowest hole that the sides can sometimes turn up leaving you with no brakes.  The solution seems to be to put a strap on the underside in the curb groove that goes between the two largest rings on the bit (use a spur strap).  However, check the rules before adding to bits as "home made" changes are sometimes not allowed. 

Looking at more specialist cases.  The waterford is a useful tool for horses that clamp down on the bit and run.  It's made of large metal bubbles so doesn't give the horse anything to lean or clamp down on. 

Although quite funky looking the Tom Thumb is also quite a handy bit and works well for those horses that you can never seem to find the right bit for.  Usually because it's such an unusual bit that no one's ever tried it before. 

The world of the double bridle is more for the dressage side of things but the same principles go.  Keep it simple.  So stick with the standard bridoon and weymouth unless you have to change things.  Looking at port sizes is also a good plan if your horse has a chunky tongue... Double bridles can be used XC or showjumping but you do need to be careful not to get your knitting in a knot.  Pelham roundings can help save the hassle of two sets of reins if you can't quite get your head round it. 

 Hackamores are again a specialised bit of kit but have kept more than one top end horse going in the past when they've had mouth injuries.  Some horses also just go better without a bit in their mouth.  Hackamores need a fair bit of attention to get the right fit and type though as they can exert some pretty harsh pressure if used incorrectly.  The bottom line being that the strongest bit in the right hands can be very kind but the softest bit in the wrong hands can be lethal.

There are lots of other types of bits and people classify bits in many different ways but that covers what most horses go in. It's also worth noting the usefullness of the Fulmer cheek.  It's not only useful for young horses that have steering issues but has been used for several ''cart horses in a breastplate'' who need that bit more encouragement to go round the corners.  Before I land myself in it, several top top horses have been ridden in Fulmer cheeks so it's not just for babies and lunies.  Happy bitting!!

 

Relieving stress and making your life easier this season.

The new season’s coming up and chances are your packing the lorry for the first time this year.  If you’re anything like us they’ll be a few things that either need replacing or have simply disappeared off the face of the earth. 

First off, there’s all those bits of tack like breastplates and stud girths that chances are won’t have been used through the winter.  Plus, some off the stuff may have only just lasted till the end of the season so are crying out to be replaced.  On that note have you checked your stud kit recently? If you haven’t stored your studs properly they’ll be rusted and anyway they’ll probably be worn down from use.  The easiest way to wreck your farrier’s carefully crafted stud holes is to use rusty, beaten up studs. Equishopping has a range of studs but our top tip is to shell out that bit more for the better studs.  You get what you pay for with studs.  Also getting self tapping studs will save you lots of hassle but only if  you can put studs in straight and are well practised or you’ll mess up your stud holes. 

How about whips.  We all have our favourite stick and they’ll never be another one like it but sometimes you just have to let go... Sticks fixed up with duck tape really don’t good so check out our range of sticks.  From short jumping sticks to long elegant gold schooling whips we’ve got it.

Going down the body we come to over reach boots.  No I seem to have ended up with lots of right foot boots and one left foot one – I think some replacements could be next on the list.  Whether it’s XC boots that have served you well for years but have finally given up the ghost or your white dressage wraps that no longer shine so brightly we can help.  Just check out our selection of boots. 

With the first dressage test of the season fast approaching there’s that minor issue of plaiting...ARGGHHH!!! However, we’ve got some quick tips to save you from the horror – or a bit of it at least... Buy some new plaiting bands as they will have perished over the winter and will snap when you try to use them.  Then BIN the old ones.  Whatever you do don’t keep them as “spares”.  Next step is to properly pull your horses mane.  Either using a metal pulling comb.  Seriously, don’t use a plastic one because the spines will snap off!  We also know that some horses totally abhore having their mares pulled so have a browse of our mane pulling range which includes products such as the “solo comb” that we think could make your life less stressful. 

One final finishing touch.  Quarter markers are an easy way to make your horses apperance a whole lot smarter.  Some people somehow manage to do these with just a brush and a bucket of water but if like me this a step too far have a look at our quarter marker stencils that save you the hassle. 

Next time we’ll have more ideas for smartening up your act and making your life easier but for now that’s it. 

How to stay warm out competing and look smart too!

We've all faced the problem of going out competing and having to look smart in the cold weather.  Generally, our smart competition gear isn't the warmest of stuff.  However, Equishopping can save the day!!

First off for the showjumpers.  If you aren't jumping at Olympia then you can get away with wearing a smart jacket ie no hood, black or navy but insulated.  Those of you jumping for the crowds will have to freeze - Oh it's a hard life... This applies equally for eventers warming up.  Go and shell out on a decent smart jacket because it'll make everything soo much warmer and if you're warm, you'll ride better too!!  Plus, if it rains you'll be safe inside that cosy waterproof shell. 

 If jackets aren't your thing then a gillet or waistcoat can be worn over a show jacket before you go in and gives you much more freedom.  I'm told gillets meet the approval of the fashion police as well. 

Buy a new pair of gloves!! Firstly because any insulation in them will have be compressed over time and they simpy woin't be as warm anymore.  Secondly because glove manufacturers have heard our plight and started making warm but smart gloves - finally!  Check out a selection here. 

At the other end of the body - feet! In an ideal world we'd be able to fit thick socks into competition boots but unfortunately that would leave us with hugely oversized boots in summer.  The best bet then is to keep your boots in good condition.  Supple leather retains heat more than dry brittle leather.  Plus, if your boots crack and leak then your feet will be swimming in ice cold water. The solution, either clean your boots meticulously with Equishopping's wide range of leather care products or buy a new pair if they're past redemption. 

Now this next suggestion may seem fairly obvious but wear a belt! That way you can tuck your shirt into your breeches and it will actually stay tucked in and keep out the drafts! Check out Equishopping's range of belts, from the funky to the traditional. 

One final tip.  Wear a stock instead of a tie as it'll keep your neck warm just like a scarf. 

Happy competing!!

Social Networking and Horses – How it can help you

Confused about Facebook and the strange bird symbol that is Twitter?  There’s a million reasons to have a go – especially when you have horses.  Now I’m not suggesting for a moment that you exploit Facebook’s incredible potential for stalkers but there is a lot to be gained from it...

The nature of competing generally means that you have friends from all corners of the country and possibly from across Europe as well.  With Britain being the centre of the eventing world it’s not surprising you only see some people at events as they travel sooo far.  Living in Kent miles away from anywhere I sympathise.  The answer, use Facebook and Twitter.  Now this may seem like a bizarre advertisement for social networking but the point is that it’s Christmas and wouldn’t it be great if you could have a chat with those people you never see but really like?

What’s more, the most up to date information generally hits Facebook or Twitter first before the official channels.  Also, you can get a realistic picture of what places are like before you get there.  Take the Facebook group that offers pictures of BE courses taken by its members.  It’s free as well and is genuine competition for other costly services such as Eventing World Wide’s course photos. 

Have you ever come across the scenario of talking to someone having been introduced to them but then forgetting their name as soon as you’ve heard it? With things like Facebook and Twitter you can see “friends of friends” and quickly find who that elusive person was.  However, I’m not suggesting you go as far as looking up someone’s number in the schedule to find their name and then finding them on Facebook as that’s probably a little bit too far.... Although it most certainly has been done. 

So, there you have it.  Lot’s of reason’s to sort this social networking out.  Go grab a phone wielding teenager and demand some help.  Bribe them a bit and they’ll help as long as you don’t expect them to add you as a friend! When you’re all sorted with it check out Equishopping there.  Not only do you get the latest news that way but you can get some great offers and enter competitions too.  Or more simply just click the logos at the top right of this page to go straight to Equishopping’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  

 

Christmas presents that last.

We all know what it's like being given a new grooming kit for christmas... when there's nothing wrong with the one you've got and you get stuck with the new embarrassing pink sparkly one for the rest of the season.  So how about this year you give something that people genuinely like - it might not be a traditional christmas present but aren't the things that we use everyday most dear to us? It may seem at times that I'm perilously close to suggesting you give a chopping board or a saucepan to your sister but I reckon I've got some ideas up my sleeve!

Over the winter most eventers will end up showjumping quite a bit and chances are it'll be in their xc hat with a black silk stuck on.  Now there's nothing wrong with that but cool peaked hats with vents and the rest of the gizmos are a lot slicker than a chunky skull cap.  Plus, when the eventing season comes you'll look a lot better out showjumping.  It's also worth noting that you can't wear a beagler for the dressage at BE100 or below so you do need a "hard" hat.  A peaked one looks a lot better going down the centre line.  Check out Equishopping's selection of peaked hats here.  

The next thing is probably equivalent to buying a loved one a new set of kitchen knives but a DECENT shavings fork for example cannot fail to go down well.  BIN the old one and replace it.  It might not go down so well compared to a diamond but in freezing cold January when mucking out is at it's height you'll suddenly become very popular!

The next idea is more unusual.  A new stock pin.  Buy a decent quality one but please no blingy ones and sharpen the point.  When your recipient comes round to doing their stock up next they'll be pleasantly surprised that there's no battle of the Titans to put the pin through the stock.  You'll definitely get a smile for this one.  One warning though - sharpening a stock pin is actually quite tricky so it's definitely a case of 'it's the thought that counts'.  

 Another piece of advice.  Under no circumstances should you buy riders XC colours.  Riders are phenomenally picky in a kind of hypersensitive way about their XC colours so this is an impossible gift to buy.  Give them some money instead and point them our way!  

One final idea.  Buy some good quality saddle covers.  Lot's of yards have saddle covers but a set of quality ones will make you very popular.  Plus, they look a lot neater.  

Happy Shopping!!!

 

Free advertising - you simply can't lose out!

It's not uncommon to hear people comment on the price of advertising horses.  Current prices are sky high and when you're selling a low value horse advertising can take a large chunk of your profits.  The theory behind paying more is that you are paying for a premium space where your ads are displayed to a maximum audience.  That's one business model.  Now look at it from another angle.  Here at Equishopping we let you advertise everything from horseboxes through to grade A jumpers's. For free.  So what's the idea behind it? It's not because no one would pay to advertise with us it's because we think we're far better off letting you advertise for free and you seeing what else we offer.  We're confident that's the best way forward because you'll like what you find.  The bottom line is - you simply can't lose! It's free and will take you about 3 minutes to do.  

One problem with a lot of free advertising sites is that they have a huge number of lower value horses without much balance.  At equishopping we like to keep the balance between high and low value.  That way we have buyers with the money coming our way but we keep our traffic up as we've something for everyone.  Simple really.  So, yes, we offer free advertising for the right reasons - no catches.  We hope you'll agree...

But how on earth do you write an advert.  Not just an average one but one that'll have the phone ringing all day long for the right reasons.  The first step is no be truthful in your description.  There's very little point trying to lure buyers in with over exaggerated claims that they'll soon see aren't true.  However, just because we don't exaggerate doesn't mean we can't make ads stand out.  The trouble is with exagerating is that everyone does it - how many times do you read "stunning" in an advert title - the reality could be somewhat dimmer.... Play to your strong points.  Every horse under the sun has some plus points even the most difficult of beasts.  

Video and photos are the best way to show off those strong points.  I mean decent photos though, in good lighting, taken on a good quality camera or you're wasting your time as no one can see what their potential purchase is.... The other point with videos is that unless horses haven't been backed or you've got lots of photos in the ad don't use a picture of the horse being held or of its head.  Go for the action shot that actually shows the horse working.  

It's also very important to have all the details in your advert.  There's nothing more annoying than having to call about a horse just to find out how big it is! Plus, most people just won't bother and move on... Furthermore, when you give contact details make it very clear when you'll be available or if people should leave a message for example.  If you don't get back to people or they can't get hold of you they'll very quickly lose interest... 

Go for it! If you use Equishopping you just can't lose.  What's stopping you?

The eventing top 100 are out - a few thoughts...

It's that time of year again when BE publish the final point based standings for the season.  Check them out here.  You'll notice fairly promptly that Andrew Nicholson (the leader) has well over 2000 points whereas down in 70th you're looking at about 150 points.  That's a gargantuan difference in points- I'm thinking like...super human?!

Another interesting point is the difference and in some cases similarities between the grassroots riders foundation points table and the overall riders table for foundation points.   BE created a separate Grassroots table to give amateurs a chance against the 'pro's'... The thing is though, the so called amateurs really aren't that far behind the "pro's", give or take 20 points.  Bear in mind 20 points is only 2 PN wins.  So was it really worth splitting everything up? 

Someone said to me that they simply didn't stand a chance against the "pro's" for want of a better word.  Is that really the case? The tables don't suggest it or if they do it's a matter of a few wins either side.  When you're talking about 100 points plus that's not much of a difference.  Perhaps the real reasoning behind the so called gap is quality of horses or standard of riding - should we have BE100rich and BE100poor now? 

Looking at both sides of the argument - to split or not to split it seems both sides of the argument have strong points but the difficult task is to distinguish the factors that can't make this decision - you can't have BErich and poor based on how much a horse cost someone.  Whatsmore, there's so much more to producing horses.  It's also worth remembering that horses are the best levellers in the world - they really don't care whether they sleep in brand new luxury stables or in a converted cow shed.  As long as they're fed, warm and dry etc they're happy so perhaps the pro - am gap is less of a big deal.  Plus, if you keep thinking that any psychologist will tell you you're on the right tracks.  

Lets look higher up the levels to the likes of * and **.  Forgive me for not including **** in that but the number of amateurs competing at that level is quite low (sorry guys).  Perhaps the definition of amateur needs changing?  "Grassroots" only goes up to PN so once you're above that everyone's in the same boat.  The trouble in splitting amateurs off at the higher levels is that it's terribly difficult to define an 'amateur' and a 'professional'. Plus, there's also evidence that the higher up the levels you go the less desire there is for a split.  Personally I think a split would take something away from eventing.  Knowing where you stand in terms of the entire sport is no bad thing although I can't stand it when people say "oh, I've beaten so and so who went round Badminton last month".  Nooo! You're allowed to think that but it makes you sound so silly! 

So for now I think we've got it right.  A split lower down gives people a chance and higher up you're put in your place.  Plus, does it not mean so much more to come 10th in a proper Novice than come 5th in a protected amateurs Novice should it ever exist.  

Strangely enough the publication of the top 100 usually signals the time when most stores unleash the Christmas Demon of  tinsle adorned doors and elves in the fruit aisle a few weeks prematurely.  Equishopping's holding on until December but if you're after an early bargain check out our bargain page. Can you imagine having your christmas shopping done before the mad rush in the week before christmas? Sounds good...

Caring for your horse during his holidays.

It's that time of year again when a lot of us give our horses a holiday.  With the eventing season over and the summer venues packed up for dressage and jumping it's easy to 'chuck 'em out in the field' as people put it.  Although it's not really that easy... 

The first conundrum you might face is shoes on or off? It's certainly cheaper to not shoe horses for their holidays but not all horses cope with having their shoes taken off.  Especially if they've been shod since the year dot. We all try and turn horses out as much as we can during their holidays but this has it's problems as well. Firstly, horses seem to have a habit of pulling shoes off when left to their own devices.  It might be worth trying something like the 'ShoeSecure' horse shoe shield which is designed to alleviate the problem.  While we're on the topic of legs - chaps for horses. With horses being turned out for longer periods the mud and wet can really begin to get to them resulting in mud fever for example.  Turnout boots seem to be the answer to this problem but they must be kept clean and dry (or at least start the day like that).  After that, washing any mud off the legs and then drying them should help.  

Looking outside the window, it's also a good idea to look at whether your rugs are actually that warm and dry.  Over the years the waterproof coatings can deteriorate and the insulation pack down leaving your trusty steed damp and cold.  Equishopping has a vast range of turnout rugs to choose from and there's a few bargains there as well! As your horses settle into their holidays and begin to enjoy the 'field factor' they might begin to get a little difficult to catch in the evenings.  Leaving a head collar on is OK as long as it's a leather one which will snap if they manage to get caught up in some bizarre predicament... Don't panic, Equishopping has some reasonably priced leather headcollars not just posh ones! 

When it comes to December time and your thinking of bringing horses back into work Equishopping can help again with it's database of healthcare professionals including physio's and osteopaths. Just like when humans start a fitness campaign, think Olympics or Marathons, they have regular health checks so that any small problems that you might not have noticed are caught early.  It's not unheard of either to have a 'horse MOT' done by the vet at the beginning of the season.  It's also worth considering having your horse's teeth looked at by a specialist not just your vet.  Certain horse dentists have studied overseas for several years to gain extensive qualifications unavailable in this country.  

If you're a travelling tack shop, aspiring pro or entrepreneur then the winter is the ideal time to get any website issues or sponsorship sorted when there's more time.  Help is at hand again here!  Equishopping  run a comprehensive web design plan so you can start the 2011 season with an online presence.  What's more, there's currently a 25% off offer on!

On that theme, it's also a good idea to take stock of any finances, no matter how scary they are! Are you really getting the best deal? We think Equishopping's insurance database gives you a solid place to start in your quest for cheaper insurance. 

For now that's it. Enjoy the holidays!! 

Saddle accessories - the little things make such a difference.

So you've jumped all summer in your fabulous jumping saddle and now it's the hunting season.  Trouble is you haven't ever ridden in your jumping saddle for 6 hours straight without changing horses etc.  It hurts your bum!! Solution - buy a seat saver.  Jumping saddles especially close contact ones weren't designed to be ridden in for long periods of time so it's not surprising.  They're designed for half hour slots of intensive exercise not long hunting days so don't feel hard done by.  

The next problem that will crop up will be about january when you start doing fittening work and get fed up of having saddles coated in mud.  Check out Equishopping's ride on saddle covers - that way all you have to do is get the washing machine dirty.

For those of you who have Wintec or Bates saddles you've also got the option of changing the gullet width as your horse changes shape.  Check out our saddle gullets.  If you've got a close contact saddle and can't change the width then have a look at our vast range of saddle pads. 

Given that you've just done a full season if you've forgotten to swap you're stirrups over there's a chance that they won't be the same lengths anymore.  If you're replacing leathers it's worth investing in a pair of actual single thickness dressage leathers for any dressage saddles as they really do help.

In all probability you won't be replacing your stirrups but if you do need to read on. Everybody wants to ride a safe stirrup which is great.  However, avoid peacock style stirrups if you're very heavy as they can bend (quite alarmingly as well).  Mums love them though because if you're younger your foot really can't get stuck.  Other than that bent leg stirrups (or swan leg) work well and there's various new 'bendy leg' designs but they aren't everyones taste despite receiving some good reviews.  

It may seem like a small detail but the actual stirrup tread makes a difference!  The most common are simple rubber ones which suffice for most people.  However, if you want that bit more grip go for a metal chess grater design but your soles won't last long! There's also the Mountain Horse SCS3 system that locks your foot in place on the stirrup.  The system has received very good reviews but be aware that certain Pony Clubs have taken a dislike to the system as they do hold your foot in place!!!!

For now that's it on the little things that make the difference.  "Every little helps!" - yup, Tesco have already started selling horse stuff.  However, Equishopping's merchants can beat them on price I'm very pleased to note!!!