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In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

At first it can seems like such a simple task, all you have to do is open that glossy horse supply and tack catalog that is laying on the table and purchase a new Western saddle pad. No problem.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Horse Blankets, keep reading.

Just a few short seconds after opening the catalog you realize exactly how big a project you are about to undertake. Instead of opening the catalog and finding the one or two saddle pads you expected you find your self facing page after page after page of saddle pads. Each saddle pad has its own cut, material type, and function. The magazine offers a brief blurb on each pad but nothing that is really helpful. The only thing that the blankets seem to have in common is the price…expensive.

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. The typical horse person operates on a tight budget. Every day they are confronted with a flood of bills that never seems to stop, feed bills, veterinarian bills, board bills, lesson bills, and miscellaneous bills. It is tempting to purchase the cheapest saddle blanket the catalogue sells. Before you place that order you should stop and think. When it comes to tack cheaper is typically not better. Cheap saddle blankets tend to be so thin that they offer next to no cushioning, the flimsy material often bunches and can cause saddle sores if the owner is negligent when saddling. Cheap blankets can slide while the owner is riding (this is especially true if your horse is as round as a barrel). The advantage to cheap saddle blankets is that they are typically washing machine cleanable, but the downside is that they seldom last for more then a few cleanings. The one time I recommend buying a really cheap Western saddle pad is when you are first saddling a young horse. If cost is a major issue consider looking in the clearance sections of the catalogs and tack stores. I’ve found that I typically find the best deals on saddle blankets when I’m not looking for one.

The second thing you need to take into consideration when you are looking for a Western saddle blanket is what type of saddle do you have. Not all Western saddles are designed the same, there are saddles cut to fit specific breeds (Arabians and Quarter Horses typically use a different saddle design), saddles that are designed for different purposes (a barrel racing saddle looks completely different from a saddle that a roper will be riding in). The important thing to remember is that the when the saddle pad is on, no part of the underside of the saddle should be touching the horses back.

It is important to consider your horses body type when you are purchasing a saddle blanket. If you own a horse whose mid section resembles a barrel and their withers are nothing more then a distant memory (this is the typical body type of ponies) you will want to look for a saddle pad that is made of material that is designed not to slip and slide all over the place. If you are a rider that typically leans heavily on one side of your saddle you will also want to consider a non-slip saddle blanket. If your horse has prominent withers you will want to look for a saddle blanket that will add extra protection and padding in the front. A swaybacked horse requires a saddle pad that will offer extra support everywhere, you’ll also want to look for a saddle pad that is thick enough you saddle will sit above the horses withers and hips.

Western saddle pads are not easy to clean. They are typically to stiff and cumbersome to fit in a washing machine and if you are able to cram them into your washing machine you will quickly learn that it can take several days before they are dry. Once a Western saddle pad has been washed it typically doesn’t look the same again. Most Western riders try to keep their saddle pads clean by placing a cheap Navajo rug under the think fluffy Western Blanket.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this great product..
- Do you want to make Your PDF files viral? Use This Secret Viral PDF Rebrander: Viral PDF

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Horse Blankets, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Horse Blankets.

Any prospective horse owner should know that your horse equipment is a necessity when you decide to buy a horse. Ask someone who already owns a horse and they’ll probably make it seem like owning a horse is quick and easy. Well, it can be if you start with the proper horse equipment.

First you’ll need to remember that a horse blanket is a useful item to have, not to mention a necessity should you also buy a western saddle.

Well, what’s the big deal about adding a saddle to your list of horse equipment? A saddle comes in all shapes and sizes and functions. Yes, a saddle should fit the occasion. If you only plan to pleasure ride, you won’t need a barrel racer’s saddle. If you won’t be racing your horse professionally, you won’t need a saddle fit for a horse jockey.
The proper horse equipment can make your horse like you and want to stick around or be difficult from the first day! Some horses, mind you, do have a more aggressive temperament and can be stubborn no matter how much you try to please them. They are, in this way, like some people who come to mind who are better off not mentioned! But for the most part, horse ownership can be a welcome adventure.

The best time to learn about Horse Blankets is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Horse Blankets experience while it’s still free.

So can the process of getting the perfect horse equipment. Again–don’t forget the horse blanket! Horses don’t require much clothing, as anyone knows. But a horse blanket could be considered their clothing and is an essential piece to add to the list of equipment. Even little puppies like to have their own blankies! Besides the possibility of becoming a mental security blanket, the horse blanket has several more important uses, and you may even want to purchase one for yourself.
When you choose your horse equipment, or even your horse blanket, seek the aid of an experienced horseman. You may want advice from both someone who is new to the field, to avoid the same mistakes as them, and someone who has been a horse owner for several years who can share with you which pieces you’ll want to make sure are quality choices and where to find them. Even the horse blanket should be a quality piece of work.

Mentioned earlier was the necessity of buying a horse blanket for use with the western saddle. This type saddle is not padded and can be a source of discomfort for the horse when used alone. A horse blanket must be placed underneath the saddle to prevent blisters, raw patches caused by sweat and rubbing, and muscle soreness. A thoughtful rider gains better results from the animal. If you want your horse to respect you, you must respect your horse.

As there are different types and sizes of saddles, different types and sizes of blankets are available. Sometimes no blanket is necessary. Whatever the case may be, please understand the importance of having the right equipment for the right situation. The horse will thank you by way of affection and performance, not to mention good health and form.

There’s a lot to understand about Horse Blankets. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this great product..
- Do you want to make Your PDF files viral? Use This Secret Viral PDF Rebrander: Viral PDF

So what is Horse Blankets really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Horse Blankets–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

The horse blanket was created for functional use, to be placed under the saddle as an extra cushion, or to be used when a saddle was not available or not necessary. When riding without a saddle, the blanket can soak up sweat or dirt from the horse to prevent or reduce transfer onto your clothing and makes the ride a bit more comfortable for the animal. It grew in popularity over the years and became an item of decoration, both on the horse and in the home.

The saddle sits on top of the blanket, which also helps protect the lining of the saddle. The blanket peeks out underneath to cover the pad placed on the horse’s back. This can provide decoration if you have an elaborate blanket with hanging fringe. It can enhance the beauty of your horse and the beauty of a new or favorite saddle.

Sometimes the blankets are not elaborate and fringed and are of a more useful image. The blankets come around to attach in the front, then there are attachments for each back leg as well to keep the blanket in place. It provides warmth and comfort to your prize horse and majestic pet.

Some horse blankets are called rugs. It seems funny to think of a rug being placed on your horse’s back, especially under the saddle. In the past, these rugs were made of canvas or something called jute, which is a strong fiber used for making burlap or rope. Some blankets have an item called a surcingle sewn to keep them place. A surcingle is a strap that goes around the horse’s body to bind on a saddle. It should also have a warm wool lining.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Horse Blankets. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

If your stabled horse has a thin coat or has been clipped, you may want to provide a horse blanket for warmth. While you sit in your warm home, out of the cold, you can be comforted knowing your valued pet has additional protection from the weather. The horse will feel more loved and cared for, and will be more willing to respond to your attentions.

Some horse enthusiasts obtain day rugs and night rugs. Waterproof canvas has been used in the making of horse blankets, to further protect from the weather and also help lengthen the life of the blanket.

If you are using your animal as a show horse, you might want to provide a saddle with a blanket in matching colors, maybe you’ll want your initials on the blanket for advertisement purposes while your horse waits. You can custom order your saddle and your blankets.

Sometimes the blanket is placed next to the horse and the pad is placed on top, then the saddle is added. You should always use a pad or blanket under a Western saddle.

Besides being functional as added padding and protection for your clothing if you ride without a saddle, the blanket can be used to help your horse get comfortable with having weight on its back.

There’s a lot to understand about Horse Blankets. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, author of this Free Adsense eBook — make sure to claim your free adsense ebook download!

As humans we are aware of the danger of staying in the sun to long. We know that if we spend to much time out in the sun we run the risk of turning a nice tan in to an ugly sunburn. In addition to being unattractive and painful we are also aware that sunburns can lead to skin cancer. We use all sorts of tricks from sunscreen to light weight covers to prevent are
skin from frying.

Because they are big and appear to be infallible (a trait that every horse owner knows is a illusion) we often forget about the affect that the sun has on our horses.

Horses, just like people, can sunburn. Sunburn is most frequently seen on horses with a light colored hair coat such as Appaloosa’s, Lipizzans, Paints, Pintos, Andalusian, and grays. Horse owners who own horses with white noses and a lot of pale skin around the eyes often find themselves treating their equine partners for sunburn. A sudden change in hormones, like horses that have been bred, can cause a horse to develop sunburn. Although dark horses aren’t typically irritated by sunburn the sun often bleaches the dark hair. In some cases severe sunburn is believed to lead to some liver damage.

Horse owners should also be aware that some medications can also trigger sunburn in horses. Tetracycline is one medication that has been known to cause sunburn in some horses.

Equine sunburn looks just like human sunburn. The skin turns an angry shade of pink or a violent red. If the skin is left untreated long enough it starts to chap and crack. Horses that are suffering from severe sunburn will start to blister. Sunburn can cause hair loss.

Treating sunburned eyes is fairly simple. All an owner needs to do is purchase a fly mask for their horse. When using a fly mask it is extremely important to make sure that the fly mask is kept clean. Simply use a hose and a sprayer to rinse the dirt and eye gunk from the mask. After rinsing the fly mask hang it in the sun to dry.

Some fly masks have an extension that protects the end of the nose from getting sunburned. If you do not own a fly mask that covers your horses nose all you need to do is rub your horses nose with sunscreen that you can purchase at your local drugstore.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Some horse owners, especially ones who are interested in showing, try to prevent the sun from damaging their horses coat by keeping them inside during the day time hours when the sun is the most damaging. Other owners prefer to keep their horses covered with a light weight turn out blanket or fly sheet to protect their horses hair coat. One of the reasons some owners prefer a blanketed horse to one kept inside is that they feel that keeping a horse stalled and completely free of sunlight can lead to depression.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

The horse blanket has been around for many years. As long as cowboys and Indians have existed, so has the use of the horse blanket. A welcome addition to any true-blue western cowboy’s stock of horse paraphernalia, the horse blanket can be useful and pleasing to the eye as well.

Most story books about horses and cowboys or Indians will include a reference to or a picture of a horse blanket. It is also a work of art for collectors and to western museums.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

Where to buy a horse blanket is not a problem as there are so many outlets available both online and in the ‘real’ world, so to speak. A selection could be as close as your local feed store. Many magazines that advertise western or Indian related items will carry horse blankets. Some of the bigger, well-known flea markets also are sure to have someone dealing in horse blankets. Some of the companies that sell western items and equipment are American Saddlery, Cottage Craft, Classic Equine, Horsewear, and Cowboy Brand.

A horse blanket was used in the Wild West days of gun fighting, in theaters with plays about western days, in farms and ranches around the globe. Soldiers who fought wars on horseback used the horse blanket. There are rodeos across the United States, and you won’t see a rodeo without seeing a horse blanket. It is well-known to people who don’t even ride horses. You can find them sold at travel stops and tourist stores, although some may only be decorative and less functional to the real cowboy or cowgirl. A restaurant that advertises steak as one of its main attractions might have a statue on display with a horse and its trusty blanket.

The fibers in a good horse blanket will wick away the sweat from the horse’s back. Cooler blankets help keep the horse comfortable while they wait in the heat of the sun or in a hot building, such as an auction building or a barn with poor airflow. The horse blanket is easy to care for and only looks better as it ages, although excessive wear will merit replacement for your horse’s benefit. A torn or holey blanket is sure to have less ability to do what it is meant to do.
The horse blanket is a staple for the hard-core cowboy or frequent rider. It is a help to ranch hands when they have to stay out in the weather during round-ups of livestock. Even if the horse doesn’t need the blanket, the rider might. It makes a nice pallet to shield the rider from the ground should they spend a night by the campfire! It’s certain to pad the head better than a rock should a nap be necessary during work breaks. It may even be used as a changing curtain should a lady rider or work hand be mixed among the men folk! (No peaking, fellows!) You could place it under your basket and dinnerware to protect your picnic from the insects crawling around by spreading it over the ground or a nearby rock while you eat.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

Anyone who owns horses knows that fly are a problem. Even barns and horse owners with the tidiest stables, that haul their manure away immediately and have nice dry sandy lots have to deal with fly issues. Many horse owners attempt to control their fly population by using a variety of methods including fly sprays, fly strips, bug zappers, fly misters that mist the stabling area with fly sprays, and a variety of wraps and collars that have been soaked in fly spray. Mustangs will search for mud holes that they use to cover themselves in mud to discourage fly bites. In an effort to keep their horses bite free some owners try to keep them blanketed from head to toe, but hot summer temperatures often force them to removed the blankets during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

Several horse owners use fly sheets as a form of fly control.

The material used to make fly sheets is the same type of finely woven mesh material used
to make vinyl lawn furniture. The same type that has been used since the 1960′s. Fly sheets are typically constructed of polyvinyl that is resistant to UV rays and comes in a wide variety of colors (including blaze orange for horse owner that live in the middle of a hunting region.) The polyvinyl is normally designed in a loose weave pattern. Polyvinyl is damage caused by dirt and oils.

Horse owners have two different types of fly sheets to select from, a scrim sheet and a turnout fly sheet.

Fly sheets that are designed for turnout purposes are typically made of a stiffer lightweight material then scrim fly sheets. When outfitting a horse with a turnout fly sheet owners should make sure that the sheet fits well enough that the breast straps, surcingles, and leg straps do not have to be tightened excessively which can impede the horses movement. Owners should not cross the leg straps of a turnout fly sheet. Leaving the leg straps uncrossed will allow the horse to flap his under his belly without ensnaring it in the straps. When purchasing a fly sheet for turnout owners should look for one made of a lightweight mesh material that is easy to clean. In the event of severe stains (manure and grass are the most common) blanket owners can try using a stiff, sudsy brush directly on the stain. this works especially well if the blanket is laid on a concrete surface. A fly sheet made with polyvinyl will typically dry within thirty minutes of being washed. Machine washable is ideal. It is not a bad idea to purchase two turnout fly sheets, that way if one gets dirty or tears owners have another one available.

A well crafted turnout fly sheet will be designed to tear if the horse gets it caught on something but should be designed in such a way that the damage will be minimal.

Most horse owners prefer elastic leg straps on their turnout fly sheets over the nylons variety.

Scrim flysheets are designed to be used while the horse is in a stall, typically after a thorough grooming has removed all the naturally protective dirt and oils from the horses coat. Scrim fly sheets are designed to loosely cover the horses body. because of the loose fit horses should never be turned loose while clothed in a scrim fly sheet. Many owners also use scrim fly sheets as an anti-sweat blanket.

The mesh design of fly sheets will not prevent the horse from becoming dirty and dusty like solid blankets.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Horse Blankets? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

A fly sheet should help wick moisture away from the horses body which will keep them cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Horse Blankets. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Horse Blankets.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Horse Blankets in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Western tack is also known as ‘cowboy tack’. There is a difference in some of the western tack as opposed to, say, English tack. The English, for instance, have different tack to accommodate their different usage and riding styles. Western tack is used more for the purpose of riding the range, in rodeo events, western horse shows, and on western ranches and farms in North and South America.

Western saddles have no padding and require the use of a horse blanket for the animal’s comfort.

The English saddle has no horn. For the uninformed, no, this is not a reference to a horn that honks. If you insist, you could rig a bicycle horn to your tack somewhere, somehow, just for kicks. Your horse may not appreciate the unwelcome attention it would surely invite from passersby. The temptation to create noise could spook or irritate your beloved pet.
The western saddle has a horn for the practical use of holding a rope to lasso livestock and for your added convenience and support.

There is much more to western tack than the saddle. If you haven’t a clue as to what owning a horse involves, review the following short list to get familiar with the term western tack.

See how much you can learn about Horse Blankets when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

Breast collars, rope/webbing, western bridles, roping reins, training supplies, spurs, whips, saddles, cinches, girths, pads, horse blankets, stirrups, halters, leads, horseshoes.

Does it seem overwhelming? To a beginning horse owner, it certainly could be! Don’t despair or give up easily. After all, anything worth having is worth learning about!

There’s a wealth of information available about horses, western tack, horse blankets, how to care for horses, where to buy your equipment, feeding, vet supplies, and fencing.

Make sure you do your research, preferably before you begin your journey as a proud horse owner!
There are several words to use to search for information on tack, including western tack, tack, and equipment for horses, cowboy tack, equestrian supplies, and horse supplies. Even a search for horse blankets can lead to a discovery for tack. Almost any area of the country is sure to turn up a discovery of someone who owns a horse or is a collector of western tack or horse blankets.
Although the horse blanket may be considered more of a supply than a piece of equipment, it is still associated with western tack. It is a necessary addition to your collection of horse care items.

Your horse blanket can also be used as more than just a blanket for your horse. Suppose you have to spend a night out on the range. You could snuggle up to your horse and share his blanket for warmth! This is, or course, assuming your horse is a snuggler! If it’s a nice, clear, warm night, you could use your horse blanket for a pillow or just to lie on.
If you are a collector of western tack, consider adding the horse blanket to your precious list of items to complete the picture.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, still letting you get Free Adsense Websites – every month!

Have you ever wondered if what you know about Horse Blankets is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Horse Blankets.

Physically the horse is a thing of incredible beauty and unbelievable wonder. There are very few things in the world more beautiful then a well groomed horse in motion. It doesn’t matter if that horse is performing a complicated dressage test, running down the backstretch, sailing over a jump, or chasing after a calf, the horse is a thing of incredible beauty.

In addition to being structurally designed to steal your breath , horses have a hair coat that is designed to withstand the elements. As long as they have plenty of fresh water, lots of roughage and a good shelter there is very little reason to blanket a horse. Most breeds have skins that are fairly tough. In addition to a tough skin they are blessed with a wonderful hair coat. Their hair is designed to fluff and catch pockets of air, once the air is caught in the hair it is warmed with the horses body heat. A healthy horse with a good hair coat will stay warm, wrapped in their air pocket throughout the winter. If you don’t believe drive past a field of unlamented horses in the winter, chances are pretty good that they will be completely ignoring any shelter they have been given. The only time the average horse has a real problem with staying warm is if they have gotten wet, or if their hair has been flattened by mud.

Just because the average horse doesn’t need a blanket in the winter doesn’t mean that they all don’t. Several breeds, including Arabians and Thoroughbreds, have thin skin that is easily chilled. Older horses can also have a difficult time staying warm. Horses that have had an injury or illness that caused them to loose hair. Horses that are underweight are another group of horses that should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t develop a chill.

The best time to learn about Horse Blankets is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Horse Blankets experience while it’s still free.

There are a variety of reason’s horse owners might choose to leave their horse blanketed during the winter months. Some people who ride during the winter months choose to save time cooling out and waiting for their horse to dry after it has been worked by body clipping, horses that have been body clipped must be blanketed.

Several show barns might decided to leave their horses blanketed so they are able to attend shows in the early spring with a horse that is sleek and shiny as opposed to a horse that is covered in a thick winter fuzz.

In the summer there are three main reasons a horse owner might choose to blanket their horse. Some horses, especially light colour ones are prone to sunburn, wearing a light weight blanket allows these horses to be outside without burning. Some horses are highly susceptible to bug bites a turnout fly sheet prevents bugs from biting their sensitive skin. Horse owners who spend a great deal of time on the show circuit will use a light weigh sheet to prevent the sun from bleaching their show horses coat. A few horse owners will even resort to a heavy weight turnout rug in an attempt to help sweat off a few of their equine friends excessive pounds.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Horse Blankets can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Horse Blankets, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just joined this Free Website Traffic generation site

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Horse Blankets.

Let us say winter is here and you’re warm and cozy by the fireplace, drinking the hot chocolate and reading a good book. Maybe you are enjoying some soothing music while ensconced in your favorite pajamas; all wrapped up comfortably in your soft blanket while the snow falls lightly outside.

What about your horse? Is your horse in a clean, warm stall in the barn, with fresh hay and clean water, protected from the elements? Did you remember his horse blanket? It’s not as though he can waltz over to his little closet and take it out of the drawer! Your precious investment is depending on you to remember the particulars of his care.
A cold horse in winter is a pitiful thing indeed. If you decide to buy a horse, even if it is just for the sake of saying you own one, please take the time to provide proper care and housing, medical attention, and the right equipment. Part of that equipment and proper care involves the horse blanket.

A horse blanket is particularly needed in the cold, hard elements of the winter season. The horse has no way of actually saying, “Hey, could you hand me that blanket, please?” It is a living, breathing creation and is counting on the master of the estate to give it what it needs to survive.

Most of this information comes straight from the Horse Blankets pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

The horse blankets need not be elaborate, expensive pieces of valuable art. They simply need to be functional for the animal. The function here is to hold in the animal’s body heat in the winter. Of course, they are also used as cushioning underneath the saddles among other things. Which, by the way, is also needed in the winter and the blanket helps the horse stay warmer while being ridden outside.

Miniature horses have their own furry horse blankets in the winter. Even though all horses have thicker hair in the winter, the minis look woolly! They sometimes enjoy running in the snow just for fun! One type of miniature horse is the Falabella, which are said to be survivors of the Ice Age. They must have been an extremely tough breed of animal to survive the harsh winters from that period of time.

Maybe you are wondering if the horses of the Ice Age needed blankets. While I’m sure plenty survived without them, horses being gentled and tamed by mankind have also been bred somewhat spoiled or weakened, if you will. I suppose you could compare it to a dog that has been kept inside with the central heat since a pup. If you put the dog outside in the yard in the harsh winter, it will struggle against the cold. Besides, just because a horse survived the Ice Age doesn’t mean he should be forced to endure the winter without a horse blanket now. Humans survived living in caves with no electricity or modern amenities, but now we’ve spoiled and pampered ourselves and most would have a hard time surviving harsh conditions of nature. So, care for your horse with the love and tenderness that is deserved.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this URL Shortening Service, working exactly like TinyURL.com!

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Horse Blankets is certainly no exception.

Dressage is a riding discipline that celebrates discipline, grace, elegance, and beauty. It is a riding discipline that is made even more beautiful by its simplicity.

When is comes to outfitting the dressage rider less is better. A rider competing in the lower levels should be wearing well polished black hunt or field boots. They should have invested in a pair of britches. A clean white shirt should be worn with a collar and ta stock pin. Covering the white shirt should be wearing a dark colored jacket. The riders hands should be covered in dark colored gloves that will help disguise the movement of the riders hands. If the rider has long hair is should be gathered up and tucked neatly out of sight. On the riders head should be a black helmet. If the rider is a junior rider, under the age of eighteen, many show committees require that the rider’s helmet should meet ASTM/SEI standards and have a fastened harness. Unless the rider is aboard a hot horse (high spirited horse with an excessive amount of go) the rider should have a pair of spurs which help dress up the rider’s leg.

A rider competing in the lower levels of dressage should make sure their horses tack follows the same simple guidelines as the riders apparel. Before entering the competition the horses coat should be clean and well groomed. Long before leaving for the show the rider should have pulled their horses mane and on the morning of the show they should have plaited the shortened, thinned mane into several tidy braids, if they have a horse with a nice steady head set they can wrap the braids with white adhesive tape, at the lower levels of competition braids are not actually required but they are a sign of respect. The tail should be left upbraided. The horses hooves should be polished with either clear or black hoof polish. The horses bit should be a simple snaffle, curb bits are not acceptable in dressage competitions, the bit can not include any copper. The bit should be attached to a plain leather bridle. On the horses back their should be a leather saddle. At the lower levels of competition the rider can choose between a black or brown colored saddle and they have the option of using a dressage saddle or a dressage saddle. Under the saddle their should be a saddle blanket, the blanket can be black or white and be either a square cut or can be shaped to follow the line of the saddle.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

Once a rider has reached the upper levels of dressage competition their are a few subtle changes in their show attire. FEI rules require that they wear a pair of white britches. Hunt coats are no longer allowed, riders are required to wear the longer, more elegant shad belly. Although their is no rule banning the wearing of a helmet most riders choose to wear a derby style hat. Black gloves are replaced with white gloves.

Just like the riders show clothing there are some changes made in the horses tack. The bridle must be made of black leather, in the horses mouth their should be two bits in the horses mouth, a snaffle bit and a curb bit. A whip is no longer allowed in competition. The horse must be braided. The saddle must be a dressage style cut and be made of black
leather. Some riders have chosen to add a jewel encrusted brow band to dress up a plain horses head.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this URL Shortening Service, working exactly like TinyURL.com!