Equine Saddle Cloths, Numnahs and Horse Rugs

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Saddle cloths and numnahs - or saddle pads - are used to keep the underside of the saddle clean and also to minimise the saddle slipping when on your horse. You have to use the cloths and pads correctly or you can cause discomfort or injury to your horse. If they are not placed properly they can make a saddle not fit your horse correctly. You have to make sure that they are not allowed to crease up under the saddle or that they are too thick. It can cause unnecessary pressure on the horse's wither and spine if the saddle cloth or numnah is not pulled up fully. You shouldn't have to worry about making a claim on your equine insurance for something so easily preventable.

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Some Tips on Horse Tack

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

The term tack is used to describe the saddle, bridle and accessories that are worn by a horse. There are many different types of saddles and bridles. You should make sure to use the right tack for the intended purpose and it needs to fit correctly. Ill-fitting or damaged tack can cause your horse discomfort and could lead to serious injuries. Horse tack can be expensive, and a good horse insurance policy will offer cover for the theft of this vital equimpent.

A horse's bridle can be made of different materials including leather, webbing or some type of synthetic material. They come in three sizes, which are pony, cob and full and can be adjusted to fit your horse. The headpiece should lie comfortably behind the horse's poll and the brow band should rest across their forehead. The bit should lie comfortably in the horse's mouth.

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Looking After Your Saddlery & Tack

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

No matter what type of riding you do, you will have tack that is used often and needs to be cared for. If you have a well organised tack room you will have an easier time of storing and cleaning your tack. Tack can be very expensive and by making sure you clean and store it properly it can last you a long time. You should also check with your horse insurance company about getting all your saddlery and tack insured against theft, as most good insurers will have an option to include this in your policy.

Leather horse tack if not cared for properly will eventually become brittle and stiff. This makes it harder to undo and do up the buckles and fastenings. Not caring for the leather tack can also cause the equipment to break and could cause an accident when riding.

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Horse Toys - How to Keep Your Horse Entertained

Sunday, 23 August 2009

Like our pet cats and dogs, a horse needs adequate toys to help keep them stimulated, healthy and happy. Here at Animal Friends Equine Insurance we are all horse owners and lovers ourselves and therefore understand that horses can get bored easily; especially if they are in forced confinement in a stall or kept alone without other horses around them. Boredom is the major cause of behavioural problems and can sometimes lead to serious issues. It can cause bad habits which include chewing, cribbing, pacing or biting.

Horse toys are an excellent way for your horse to fight boredom and prevent your horse from picking up bad habits which are sometimes hard to break. They will provide your horse with safe and entertaining play either in a stall or field. They give the horse exercise and also stimulate them mentally.

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