Blending Bodywork, Movement, and Wellness-Focused Gear for a Better Ride With Equine Body Worker Expert Kara O'Laughlin   As a professional equine bodyworker, Kara O'Laughlin—founder of @EquineBodyworkOnline and the information-rich site www.equinebodyworkonline.com—has the unique privilege of observing how riders prepare their horses across disciplines, barns, and breeds. From dressage to trail, Kara sees firsthand the care and attention riders give their horses in those crucial pre-ride moments. And while each rider has their own routine (yes, treat givers—she sees you when the girth goes on!), one thing is clear: most riders deeply care for their horses’ comfort and well-being. We’re thrilled to welcome Kara to the Equestroom community, where she’s sharing exclusive insights into how small, intentional changes in your pre-ride routine can make a big difference in your horse’s performance and long-term health. Whether you're schooling at home or heading into the show ring, her blend of bodywork, movement, and smart gear choices can help you and your horse feel more connected and ready. Let’s explore Kara’s top tips for preparing your horse, body, mind, and tack for your next ride. 1. Begin With Connection, Not Just Grooming One of the most common things I notice is how often riders rush through the first few minutes of greeting their horse. But those early moments of contact matter. They set the tone for communication and trust. Instead of diving straight into grooming, make sure to pause and connect first. Place a hand behind your horse’s poll or on their lower back and take a few slow, deep breaths. This quiet moment helps regulate both your nervous systems and initiates tension release in two of the most commonly tight areas in ridden horses. As you groom, don’t just use your brushes; use your hands to check for heat, asymmetry, or sensitivity. Grooming with awareness is your first opportunity to catch subtle signs of discomfort and prep the body for work. 2. Use Bodywork to Support Your Ride Before I tack up, I always spend a few minutes doing light bodywork to encourage circulation and soften any tension. One of my go-to techniques is the EBO 50, which involves making long, slow strokes along the back from withers to pelvis using the palm of your hand. I use light pressure—imagine your hand sinking into cookie dough—and aim for 50 strokes on each side, all while breathing deeply and rhythmically. Once I’m in the arena, I’ll hand walk along the rail, checking to see if my horse is happy to go forward and walking with even strides. It’s a gentle way to warm up the muscles before asking for more. My favorite dynamic pre-ride stretch is Shoulder Circles. This simple range-of-motion exercise helps activate the thoracic sling, softens the pectorals, and encourages body awareness.  To perform it: Pick up a front hoof as if you’re going to clean it Support both the hoof and carpal joint (often called the “knee”, but fun fact, your horse’s knee is actually their stifle) Gently guide the leg through a circular motion, only as wide as your horse’s comfort allows Repeat 10 circles on each side. Finally, I always include EBO Lines behind the poll— use your fingers to draw lines from the mane down toward the ground. This area often holds tension, and releasing it can impact the entire body. I spend 1–2 minutes on each side, using the same “cookie dough” pressure and rhythmic breathing. 3. Gear Can Support—or Restrict—Your Horse’s Movement One of the things my clients find most surprising is how much gear can impact the horse’s comfort and health. While saddle fit gets the most attention (and rightfully so), even seemingly minor items like pads, girths, and brushing boots can create irritation or restriction when poorly chosen or improperly fitted. Here are a few gear tips to keep in mind: Saddle pads and half pads should be breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent heat buildup and skin irritation. Girths should avoid pinching or restricting shoulder movement—an anatomical design is often best. Leg boots or wraps should fit snugly, not tightly. Too loose, and they rub. Too tight, and they risk impeding circulation or causing nerve pressure. High-quality gear matters—and brands like Equestroom strike the balance between function and style. Their thoughtfully designed pieces not only look sharp in the barn or arena, but also help your horse stay comfortable, focused, and ready to work. Conclusion: Invest in the Minutes Before You Ride Pre-ride prep gives you an opportunity to connect, assess, and support your horse’s wellness. When you combine a few minutes of bodywork with movement and well-designed gear, you set your horse up for long term health and comfort, as well as taking your relationship to a deeper level. And if you’re interested in taking your equine bodywork skills even further, and offering your horse entire muscle releases, check out our amazing online program for horse owners at  EquineBodyworkOnline.com. Meet the Expert: Kara O'Laughlin, Licensed Equine Massage Therapist With years of hands-on experience across disciplines and breeds, Kara O'Laughlin brings a deep understanding of equine anatomy, movement, and wellness to every session. As the creator of EquineBodyworkOnline.com, she offers riders and owners expert guidance on incorporating effective bodywork into their daily routines. In this article, Kara walks you through foundational massage techniques designed to prehab—not just rehab—your horse, keeping them comfortable, mobile, and ready to perform.  

Olympic Equestrian Horses Wearing Majorelle Blue Saddle Pad Set   At Equestroom, we understand the passion and dedication that goes into caring for your horse and celebrate you for your efforts to keep your horse in the utmost care. With the Olympic Games on the horizon, we have reviewed the history of equestrian sports in the Olympics and figured now is the perfect time to draw inspiration from the equestrian Olympians and their horses. In this article, we’ll explore how top riders treat their horses like champions, and how you can incorporate some of these practices into your own horse care routine. Nutrition: Fueling a Champion Olympic equestrians know that nutrition is key to maintaining their horses' peak performance. Riders like Charlotte Dujardin, who has won multiple gold medals in dressage, ensure their horses receive a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. This often includes: High-Quality Forage: Top-quality hay or grass forms the foundation of a horse’s diet. Grains and Supplements: Carefully chosen to meet the energy demands and nutritional requirements of each horse. Hydration: Access to fresh, clean water at all times and electrolytes too. Example: Dujardin’s horse, Valegro, had a diet that included a mix of fiber, oil, and a small amount of grain, along with specific supplements to support joint health and muscle recovery. Tip for You: Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to create a diet plan that suits your horse’s activity level and health needs. Wearing Dark Orchid Saddle Pad and Accessories Training and Exercise: Building Strength and Stamina Olympic horses undergo rigorous training to build their strength, stamina, and flexibility. Riders like Michael Jung, a German gold medalist in eventing, follow structured training schedules that balance work and rest. Varied Workouts: Combining dressage, jumping, and cross-country work to keep the horse engaged and physically fit. Consistent Routine: Maintaining a regular exercise schedule to build endurance and muscle. Rest Days: Allowing time for recovery to prevent injuries. Example: Jung’s horse, Sam, benefited from a training routine that included hill work to build strength, swimming for low-impact conditioning, and regular hacking to keep him mentally fresh. Tip for You: Develop a balanced exercise routine that includes a variety of activities, and always give your horse time to rest and recover. Grooming: Keeping Them Looking Their Best Grooming is not just about keeping a horse clean; it’s also a time to check for any health issues and to bond with your horse. Riders like Isabell Werth, the most decorated Olympic equestrian, spend considerable time grooming their horses. Daily Grooming: Brushing to remove dirt and stimulate blood flow. Hoof Care: Regular cleaning and checking for any signs of issues. Bathing and Conditioning: Keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Example: Werth’s horses receive daily grooming sessions that include brushing, mane and tail care, and hoof cleaning. She also uses specific conditioners to keep their coats gleaming. Tip for You: Make grooming a daily routine, and use this time to bond with your horse and check for any health concerns. Veterinary Care: Proactive Health Management Olympic horses receive top-notch veterinary care to ensure they are in the best possible health. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care. Regular Check-Ups: Routine veterinary visits to catch any potential issues early. Vaccinations and Worming: Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations and deworming schedules. Dental Care: Regular dental check-ups to ensure proper chewing and digestion. Example: Team USA’s horses have access to an on-site veterinary team during competitions, ensuring any health issues are promptly addressed. Tip for You: Schedule regular veterinary visits and follow a proactive health management plan for your horse. Wearing Ultraviolet Saddle Pad and Browband   Pampering and Spoiling: Because They Deserve It Olympians understand the importance of pampering their horses to keep them happy and relaxed. This can include: Massage Therapy: To relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Special Treats: Healthy treats like homemade treats, carrots or apples as rewards. Comfortable Gear: High-quality tack and accessories that fit well and keep the horse comfortable, like those offered at EQUESTROOM. Example: Dressage rider Steffen Peters ensures his horse, Ravel, receives regular massages and chiropractic adjustments. He also treats Ravel to his favorite snacks and ensures he has the most comfortable, custom-fitted tack. Tip for You: Treat your horse to a massage session or spoil them with some special treats. Ensure their tack and gear are comfortable and well-fitted. Wearing Royal Silver Saddle Pad and Browband Fashion and Style: Looking the Part Fashion and style are important in the equestrian world, especially at the Olympics. Riders ensure their horses look the part with high-quality, stylish gear. Matching Sets: Coordinated saddle pads, bandages, and fly veils. Bling and Personalization: Customized tack with bling or personalized embroidery. Example: Olympic rider Laura Graves is known for her stylish, matching sets for her horse, Verdades, often featuring custom embroidery and tasteful bling. Tip for You: At Equestroom, we offer a range of stylish, high-quality matchy saddle pad sets and other accessories to ensure your horse looks as good as they feel.     Conclusion Treating your horse like an Olympian involves a holistic approach to their care, combining proper nutrition, regular exercise, thorough grooming, proactive veterinary care, pampering, and stylish gear. By adopting some of these practices from Olympic equestrians, you can ensure your horse is happy, healthy, and ready to perform at their best. At Equestroom, we’re here to support you with high-quality, matchy saddle pad sets and other equestrian products that will make your horse feel like a champion. Visit equestroom.com to explore our range of products and elevate your horse’s care routine to Olympic standards.

Ensuring Optimal Health and Performance Proper hydration is crucial for your horse’s health, especially during periods of intense exercise and hot weather, like we are experiencing in the extremes lately in most parts of the world. Electrolytes for horses play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and overall well-being. We touched on electrolytes in our top tips for Summer article but with the importance of electrolytes we wanted to create this comprehensive guide.  As you enjoy your Liquid I.V. or LMNT drink after a ride, don’t forget you can’t horse's needs too!  Which is why we’ll are going to explore everything you need to know about horse electrolytes—why they’re important, how to use them, and the best practices to keep your horse healthy and hydrated. Why Do Horses Need Electrolytes: Understanding the Role of Electrolytes in Equine Health Electrolytes are minerals that dissolve in body fluids and are essential for various bodily functions in all mammals including ourselves and our horses. The primary electrolytes for horses include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are crucial for: Maintaining Fluid Balance: Electrolytes help regulate the movement of fluids in and out of cells, which is vital for maintaining hydration and preventing dehydration and for cell health which we hear a lot about these days and is associated with so many other overall health conditions. Muscle Function: Electrolytes support proper muscle contraction and relaxation, which is essential for movement and performance. Wearing Moonstone Blue Saddle Pad Set   Nerve Function: They help transmit nerve impulses, allowing for coordinated muscle activity and reflexes.  Electrolytes can actually support your communication with your horse since our aids should result in nerve impulses.  With electrolytes, those nerve impulses resulting in coordinated reflexes are optimised vs a horse that is in need of electrolytes.   Acid-Base Balance: Electrolytes play a role in maintaining the pH balance in the horse’s body, which is crucial for metabolic processes. Horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and feces, particularly during strenuous activity or in hot weather. Replenishing these lost minerals is essential to prevent imbalances that can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and other health issues. HYDROpaste by Equidae The Best Electrolytes for Horses: Choosing the Right Electrolyte Supplements Selecting the best electrolyte for horses involves understanding their specific needs and the demands placed on our horses by their environment and activity level and of course each horse's specific desires.  Here are some factors to consider: Balanced Formulation: Look for supplements that provide a balanced blend of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. A well-balanced product supports overall electrolyte replenishment. Quality Ingredients: High-quality electrolytes are made from pure, bioavailable ingredients. Avoid products with unnecessary fillers or artificial additives or too much sugar! Palatability: Choose a supplement that your horse will eat willingly. Flavored options or those that can be mixed with feed or water can enhance acceptance provided flavors are natural. Convenience: Consider the form of the electrolyte supplement. Options include powders, pastes, and liquids. Choose one that fits easily into your routine and meets your horse’s preferences. Research-backed products like KER Restore®, which is formulated to match the electrolyte profile of horse sweat, or Apple-a-Day™, known for its palatability, are great choices for maintaining your horse's electrolyte balance. How to Feed Electrolytes to Your Horse: Practical Tips for Effective Electrolyte Supplementation Feeding electrolytes to your horse can be straightforward if done correctly. Here’s how to ensure effective and safe supplementation: Mix with Feed or Water: Electrolytes can be added to your horse’s regular feed or mixed into their water. Ensure that your horse drinks the entire solution to get the full dose. If adding to water, always provide a separate source of plain water as well. Use a Paste or Gel: For precise dosing, especially during events or travel, paste or gel forms can be administered directly into your horse’s mouth using a syringe. Offer Free-Choice Salt: Providing free-choice salt can help horses regulate their sodium intake naturally although not a specific electrolyte formulation this will help rehydrate cells. This can be a simple salt block or loose salt in their feed area. Monitor Consumption: Keep an eye on how much electrolyte solution your horse consumes. Over-supplementation can lead to imbalances, so adjust the dosage based on activity level and weather conditions. Wearing Pink Mist Saddle Pad Set Can You Give a Horse Too Much Electrolytes? Understanding the Risks of Over-Supplementation While electrolytes are crucial, it’s possible to give too much electrolytes to a horse, however, horses will normally regulate their own needs if provided a choice. Over-supplementation can lead to: Electrolyte Imbalance: Excessive electrolytes can disrupt the balance, causing symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, or metabolic disturbances. Kidney Strain: High levels of certain minerals, like sodium, can strain the kidneys as they work to excrete the excess. Loss of Appetite: Some horses may refuse to eat or drink if the taste of their feed or water is altered too much by electrolytes. To prevent these issues, follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations and adjust based on your horse’s activity level and environmental factors. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on electrolyte supplementation.   Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Electrolytes: Common Queries and Expert Answers Do horses need electrolytes all year round? Electrolytes are particularly important during hot weather and periods of intense exercise when sweating is increased. However, some level of supplementation may be beneficial year-round, especially for horses with high activity levels or those that sweat heavily. How often should I give my horse electrolytes? The frequency of electrolyte supplementation depends on your horse's activity level and environmental conditions. During intense exercise or hot weather, daily supplementation may be necessary. For less active horses or cooler conditions, you may supplement less frequently. Can I mix electrolytes with my horse’s water? Yes, you can mix electrolytes with your horse’s water. Ensure you also provide plain water to allow your horse to choose based on their needs. What are signs my horse needs more electrolytes? Signs that your horse might need more electrolytes include excessive sweating, lethargy, muscle cramps, and reduced performance. If you notice these symptoms, consider increasing their electrolyte intake and consult with your vet. Wearing Teal Saddle Pad Set   Conclusion: The Importance of Electrolytes for Horses Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining your horse’s health, performance, and comfort. By choosing the right supplements and administering them properly, you can ensure your horse stays hydrated and balanced, ready to perform at their best. Always monitor your horse's needs and consult with your veterinarian to tailor their electrolyte intake to their specific requirements. At Equestroom we often focus on the fun and stylish angle of riding with our matchy sets and stylish saddle pads, ear bonnets and boots but to get there we are more than well aware that your horse and you need to be healthy and electrolytes are one easy and often overlooked way to ensure your horse is functioning in optimum health!     References Kentucky Equine Research. (n.d.). Restore Electrolytes. Finish Line Horse Products. (n.d.). Apple-a-Day Electrolyte.

How To Keep Your Horse Healthy in Hot Weather The hottest days of the summer are around the corner! We all love summer because we have more time to ride and care for our horses on long summer days, but as horse lovers we need ensure our horses’ health is protected this season.  Just like us, horses are sensitive to rising temperatures, and without proper care, they can suffer from dehydration, lethargy, and general discomfort. In extreme cases, heat stress can lead to serious conditions such as diarrhea and colic. So, ensure your horse stays healthy and happy during these hot months with these top tips.     Top Tips For Summer Horse Care Hydration: For body maintenance, an average horse needs at least 5 gallons of water a day. This can easily double or triple when they’re working hard in hot weather, so make sure your horse is hydrated throughout summer. Keep several water sources available and refill the water buckets or troughs with fresh water regularly. Also, troughs may be more likely to harbor algae or the water can turn stagnant when it is warm, so clean the troughs and buckets more often than usual. If you are going out for a hack or trail ride, consider the water needs of your horse.  Shade: If the horse lives outdoors or if he has to be outside during the day time, provide shelter to relieve them from the hot sun. A run-in shed is the best option but trees can provide some cool shade in hot weather as well. Also, don’t forget that white/gray horses are more sensitive to the dangerous rays of the sun. Horses with pink around their muzzles or eyes can suffer from sunburn, so they need more attention in summer. Remember to apply sunscreen around their muzzle and consider using fly masks that also have light filter.  Fresh Air: When the heat is too high, horses need more fresh air than normal. The air in the barn must be in circulation during summer. You can use simple box fans to move the air and fill your barn with fresh air. Just pay attention to the horses’ safety when using the fans. Don't leave any loose cables around and keep the outlets safe.  Exercise at cooler times: Ride or exercise your horse during the cooler times of the day - such as early in the morning or late afternoon or even evening- and let your horse rest when the sun is high.  Minerals and Electrolytes: We have all seen the recent craze for Liquid IV or other such electrolyte support for humans.  Our needs and our horses needs for electrolytes are not new.  When we and our horses sweat more from work or hot temperatures they need more minerals and electrolytes to replace those lost in the process.  Don’t forget to provide your horse with some salt blocks in the paddock and in their stalls to keep their minerals, salt and electrolytes balanced and consider adding additional electrolyte  supplements.  Bugs: Mosquitos and flies are everywhere and they annoy horses during the summer season. To keep mosquitos away, remove any standing, stagnant water in your horse's stable or water trough which will prevent breeding. You can simply add some apple vinegar in to water to prevent mosquito breeding just ensure it does not prevent your horse from drinking. To keep the flies from bothering your horse, muck out regularly, and consider using a fly mask, fly hat or a fly sheet.  Tack safety: As horses sweat more while exercising during summer, you should ensure that you use high-quality saddle pads and leg protection boots or wraps to promote breathability and moisture wicking. Make sure the saddle pad you use is made of breathable materials and can absorb the sweat and move away from your horses body. Make sure to choose breathable material for boots as well to avoid overheating tendons and ligaments.  Use Cooling Techniques: After a ride, hose your horse down with cool water, focusing on large muscle groups and areas with major blood vessels like the neck and legs. Using a sweat scraper to remove excess water can help cool your horse cool off faster. Conclusion Summer can be an incredible time to share with your horse with longer days and good weather.  Follow these tips to maintain your horses optimum health on hot summer days and don't forget to watch for symptoms like excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and a high body temperature. If you notice these signs, cool your horse down immediately and provide plenty of water. CHECK OUT OUR UNIQUE SADDLE PAD SETS FOR THIS SUMMER  

7 Exercises To Make Your Horse Fit and Strong Whichever discipline you ride, the fitness of the horse and the rider are equally important. If you want your horse to be athletic and perform better, you need to make sure that he is well exercised focusing on all the parts of his body. Focusing on only certain muscles is a wrong approach as the horse needs all his muscles to work in perfect harmony in any equestrian discipline. As Equestroom Team, we have compiled some exercises that you can try to improve the fitness of your horse and make him really athletic:   Lunging    When the horse is really out of shape, starting with the lunge can be a good idea. Lunging improves the back muscles that go under the saddle. If the horse has been in a bad condition, taking things easy and giving him walk breaks in the lunge will help him relax and continue better. To get a higher benefit from lunging, you can add some poles and obstacles in different combinations. Also, adding an elastane band tied behind his hind legs can help him improve the topline. However, you shouldn’t lunge your horse every day. Experts advise lunging only 2-3 times a week and keeping it less than 30 minutes.    Stretching The Neck   A study carried out by N.C. Stubbs, L.J. Kaiser, J. Hauptman, and H.M. Clayton in 2011 showed that it is important to exercise and stretch different muscles of the horse while unmounted. All you need to stretch your horse’s stiff muscles is a treat that he likes. The aim is basic: make him follow the treat in different directions with his nose. If the horse tends to follow the treat by moving his whole body, you can get help from someone to block his movement. Here are some directions that you can try to stretch the neck: muzzle to the chest, muzzle to the front legs (knees), muzzle between the front legs…    Riding Uphill & Downhill   Riding uphill is a great way to exercise your horse’s back and hind end. The hind legs provide a great amount of power especially when you are jumping or riding several dressage movements like canter pirouette. When you make your horse walk uphill, he has to use the hind legs to push himself up. Riding downhill, on the other hand, helps the horse build a stronger front end. When you walk your horse downhill, he has to carry most of his weight on the front legs and balance himself. Make sure to sit in a stable position in the saddle and start with mildly steep hills. Try to ride both up and down and see if your horse can walk both easily. When you think that your horse can handle steep hills, you can gradually change the level. (Don’t forget that you should pick a hill with the proper firm footing.)   Interval Training   Also known as gallop sets, interval training is based on short rides that work the horse harder. The interval training intersperses short bursts of high-intensity work in canter followed by a period of rest in trot and walk. This exercise is preferred by eventers as it brings the heartbeat to a peak and brings it down slowly but it can be beneficial for any horse. If your horse is fit, you can try 10 minutes of walk - 10 minutes of trot - 10 minutes of canter. Then slow down by following the pattern vice versa. If the horse isn’t fit enough and hasn’t been getting regular exercise, you can shorten the trot and canter. Don’t forget that you don’t need to push your horse to run faster in the canter. Just make sure that his canter is in a good rhythm.    Pole Work    Doing pole work with different patterns forces the horse to pay closer attention to his strides. Adjusting and re-adjusting the stride length will make him both mentally and physically stronger. You can create your own pole work pattern where the poles are closer and further from each other. Besides, you can add trot poles into the pattern to make the work a bit harder. There are many examples of pole work exercises that you can find online and try with your horse. As you get through the simple patterns, you can try complicated ones.  Trail Rides and Hacking    Taking your horse to a long trail ride is the best and boredom-free way to improve his fitness. The variety of the terrain and endurance aspects of the trail will require him to use more muscles. Starting with a walk and trying some trot and canter in different parts of the trail and doing it on a regular basis will make a great difference on the condition of your horse. Depending on his fitness level you can make him canter and even gallop faster in the fresh air to get his blood pumped.  Try Different Grounds   Riding your horse on different grounds is a good way to work his muscles. Depending on the solidity of the ground, the horse needs to use more or fewer muscles to carry his weight. Walking on sand, different terrains, grass, on a road (if safe enough), and in water will make your horse fitter on each ground. Especially walking, trotting, and even cantering in the water can be added to the regular exercise routine as it helps build stronger leg muscles and tendons.  If your horse had an injury or another health problem, you should consult your veterinarian about the way you pick the exercises. Don't forget that each horse is unique and not all of them respond the same way to the same exercising methods. We advise trying different ways and finding the one that works the best for your horse. 

How To Keep Your Horse Healthy In Hot Weather Do you get hyped for each summer as an equestrian? We do, too! More free time, nice weather to ride outside, competitions, hanging out with other equestrians… What is not to like in summer? But, when the heat starts to increase up to an extreme level, things might go south so fast for horses.  Just like humans, horses can get fatally affected by high heat. They can have heat stroke, sunburns, and other serious health problems. Young, old, and ill horses are prone to having health issues due to extreme heat. However, any healthy adult horse can experience heatstroke. If you have a heavy training schedule or serious competitions this summer, grab a cool drink and read on! We have tips to help you keep your horse safe and sound this summer.    How To Prevent Heat Stress  The best way to keep your horse healthy in summer is to prevent heat stress by eliminating the cause of heat stress . . .heat!  Heat stress can be diagnosed with different symptoms such as elevated respiratory, profuse sweating, elevated temperature, lethargy, discolored mucous. Every year, some horses die in summer due to heatstroke and lack of knowledge. Here is what you can do to prevent heatstroke in your barn:   1. HYDRATION  Even on an ordinary day, horses need up to 10 gallons of water. Their hydration need will easily double and even triple on hot days. Try to observe how much water your horse is drinking in summer. Keep the water buckets and throughs clean from dust and bugs.  To encourage water intake, you can try these tips: Have water breaks within your training if you are training for more than 30 minutes. Encourage the horse to drink more water by adding treats into the bucket or through. You can throw some sliced apples, strawberries, bananas, watermelon, cucumber, etc into the water and turn it into a game. Add ice into the water. Add water into the feed. You can soak the hay and grains in some water before feeding.  If the flies are not allowing you to keep the water clean, you can consider adding some apple cider vinegar to the water. ½ or 1 cup of apple cider vinegar will keep the flies away (just so long as it will not deter your horse from drinking) More top tips to Keep Your Horse Cool in Summer 2. ADJUST YOUR RIDING SCHEDULE We can understand that you are training hard to achieve your dreams, and the summer is the best time for you to ride. However, the stress of training is already enough for horses. When it is combined with heat, it becomes unbearable for them. If you need to keep riding in hot weather, you should change your schedule and choose to ride in the cooler hours of the day like early in the morning or the evening. Instead of riding outside, you can ride in a ventilated indoor arena. If you have to ride outside, try to choose a location with enough shade.  3. CHANGE TURNOUT TIMES  Every horse loves the turnout for sure! Running free and grazing on delicious summer grass is fun. But turnout in an extremely hot July afternoon can cause heat stress if the horse is not accustomed to the climate. Instead, you can schedule turnouts in the early morning, in the evening, or even at night so that your horse can enjoy the cool weather while having fun. Also, keep in mind that the paddocks should provide enough shade to all the horses. This can be provided with either trees or run-in shelters.  4. USE FANS INDOORS Your horse should stay in the shadow while the sun is highest. However, indoor areas like the stables and indoor arenas don’t have any natural air circulation. When the weather is stagnant in such hot weather, it will be harder for horses to breathe and cool down. Therefore, horses will appreciate some breeze around their stalls during the day. You can install two large fans in the barn aisle and keep the air circulating in a cool breeze.  5. MIST AND SHOWER REGULARLY  Who doesn’t need a cool shower after sweating gallons! Horses can sweat a few gallons if they work in hot weather The best way to clean the sweat and cool off faster is to offer a cool shower of course. You can shower your horse with a horse and scrape the water gently until he feels refreshed enough. If you are not up for a long shower ritual, misting will be helpful too.  6. CLIP IF NECESSARY  Clipping the extra hair is another option to keep your horse cool. While some horses shed their coat really fast and have a thin summer coat, others with diseases like Cushing's disease might have a hard time with shedding. This will lead to extreme sweating and your horse will need longer time to cool off. Instead of dealing with too much sweat, you can clip similar to clipping in winter.  7. AVOID SUNBURNS Yes, horses can get sunburnt too! Especially, grey horses with pink spots around the muzzle and eyes are prone to getting sunburnt during this season. To prevent it, you can apply sunscreen around your horse’s muzzle and use a fly mask on its face. If he gets too sensitive in the sunlight, using a light summer rug to cover the whole body is also acceptable. Just make sure that the material is breathable and the horse doesn’t sweat under it.  8. CHOOSE YOUR TACK WISELY  Common sense can easily remind you that you should keep your horse’s back as cool as possible under the saddle. Therefore, using lighter and breathable saddle pads is almost obligatory in summer. Cotton breathable pads will allow some airflow under the saddle and prevent excessive sweat. But that is not all! Almost every equestrian uses leg protection in one way or another. It is important to keep your horse’s legs safe from injuries; yet, you should consider the damage that heat can cause on the legs. We highly recommend using breathable protection boots and wraps until the end of summer. You can also choose open-front boots to have air circulation around the legs.   

Keep Your Horse's Hooves Safe In Cold Days As winter's here and snow starts falling, we horse owners face a set of unique challenges... Among all the winter struggles, hoof care is probably the most important in ensuring the well-being of our horses. The season, while seemingly tranquil with fewer rides and training, brings a set of concerns for our horse's hooves. Understanding the importance of winter hoof care is crucial, as neglect during this period can cause lots of dangers and a fat veterinarian bill in the end. Why Winter Poses Risks to Hooves 1. Slower Hoof Growth: While hooves maintain a constant growth rhythm, winter causes a subtle slowdown. The deceptive slow growth might lead you to believe that your horse's hooves need less attention, but quite the opposite! This season demands a keener eye and more frequent farrier visits to prevent potential complications. 2. Softening Due to Moisture: The chill in the air, snow, rain, mud... They all bring increased moisture, making hooves softer than usual. This heightened softness raises concerns such as the increased risk of abscesses and other related problems. 3. Snowballing Hazards: Snowballing, an often overlooked problem, occurs when snow accumulates in the hoof and subsequently melts. The resulting moisture provides a breeding ground for issues such as bacterial infections, and it needs proactive measures. 4. Mud Fever: The combination of softened hooves and increased moisture amplifies the risk of mud fever, a common ailment during winter. Addressing this concern requires vigilance and strategic preventive steps. How to Stay Safe 1. Daily Hoof Checks: A simple yet effective strategy involves daily checks of your horse's hooves. Regular inspections allow you to catch potential issues in their early stages, avoiding more significant problems down the road. 2. Consult Your Farrier: Getting in touch with your farrier and keeping a regular farrier check schedule becomes paramount during winter. Schedule regular check-ups to address any emerging concerns before it gets too late. 3. Consider Footwear Options: Depending on your horse's needs and your riding plans for winter, explore the possibility of removing shoes during this period or opting for safer alternatives. You can also consider hoof boots as they can be an alternative to metal shoes. These choices provide additional protection against slipping and falling on ice, causing dangers to the hoof due to extreme cold and allow the hoof to expand properly. 4. Utilize Protective Oils and Gels: Applying oils and gels designed for hoof protection acts as a barrier against winter dangers. This added layer shields the hooves from excessive moisture and potential snowballing, and even from bacterial infections. 5. Hazard Elimination: Safeguard your horse's environment by eliminating hidden hazards around the barn. Underneath that blanket of snow, dangers may lurk in the form of unseen objects or there might be uneven parts of the pasture that might cause a fall. Clear paths to prevent unintended injuries. Create safe paths for your horse to walk if it gets icy around. 6. Allow Pastern Hair to Grow: Nature also offers its own defense mechanism – the pastern hair. Allowing it to grow aids in keeping hooves dry, contributing to overall hoof health. 7. Monitor Nutrition: The foundation of hoof health lies in your horse's nutrition. Ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to fortify hooves against the challenges of winter. Talk to your equine nutrition specialist or veterinarian to make sure your horse is getting all the necessary nutrients to grow healthy hooves. STAY STYLISH THROUGH THE SEASON WITH OUR UNIQUE SADDLE PADS AND PROTECTION BOOTS 

Increase Your Horse's Flexibility With 8 Simple Stretches As our teammates and partners in the sport, our horses need to be treated like professional athletes so that they can perform their best. Basic stretching exercises before and after a training session can help your horse engage different muscles and increase flexibility to help with their performance under the saddle. Regardless of the discipline, age, and training level, every horse can benefit from good stretching work tailored to their performance and develop flexibility over time. In this blog, the Equestroom Team has selected 8 simple stretching exercises that you can try before and after your next ride. So prepare the treats for your horse and note these down before heading to the barn! BEFORE YOU START: Before starting any kind of stretching exercise, make sure that your horse is relaxed and comfortable. Take any safety precautions if you are doing it for the first time and if you are not sure how your horse will react. Make sure your environment is safe. Get help from a barn bestie or trainer if you think it is needed. Use treats and encouraging pats and remember to be patient. Begin each session with gentle pressure and gradually increase it as your horse becomes more comfortable. Start with your horse's preferred side to put them in a positive mood. For each of the following exercises, stretch progressively for 4 seconds, hold the position for 2 seconds, and release. Then repeat 4 more times. Forelimb Stretching 1. Forward Stretch: Begin by standing next to your horse and lifting one of their front legs, allowing them to adjust their balance. Place one hand behind the knee of the leg and use the other to support the toe. Pull the leg forward until it is fully extended and rest your elbows on your knees to support your back while holding the leg in place. Maintain the position until your horse leans into the stretch. It is important to note that this particular stretch is not recommended for horses with a history of lower limb ligament injuries. 2. Backward Stretch: To begin, lift either of your horse's front legs as if you were going to pick their hoof. Place one hand on the front of the knee and use your other hand to provide support to the front of the fetlock. While ensuring that the hoof is elevated and directed toward the hind leg, apply gentle pressure on the knee to extend the leg toward the hind leg. 3. Shoulder Flexing To start, position yourself beside your horse and lift one of the front legs, allowing them to find their balance. Place your hand behind the knee of the raised leg and use the other hand to support the toe. Pull the leg forward gently until it is completely extended. Hold the stretch until your horse leans into it. Remember that this specific stretch is not recommended for horses who have previously experienced lower limb ligament injuries. Hind Leg Stretching 4. Forward stretch: To perform the forward stretch, stand next to your horse facing their tail. Take the leg and bend it, then place one hand on the back of their fetlock and the other in the crease of the pastern. Gently stretch their leg forwards and downwards, as if you wanted them to touch the bottoms of their heels on the foreleg. 5. Backward stretch: For the backward stretch (retraction), take extra precautions for safety. Stand by your horse's hind leg facing the hindquarters, and ask for their hind leg on your side. Place the fold of the hock on your thigh, and move this thigh forward to create a split between your legs on the horse's side. Keep your other leg stretched behind you to maintain your balance. The goal is to make the hind leg go as far back as possible. Neck Stretching 6. Chin to chest: Stand beside your horse's shoulder and face towards their head. Hold a treat in front of the chest and invite them to lower their chin towards their chest. Keep this position for a few seconds and then release. It's important to ensure that they don't lean onto their neck. Once your horse moves smoothly, you can gradually increase the difficulty by asking to bring their chin closer to their chest. 7. Side stretches: To begin this exercise, ask your horse to bend their neck in the direction and height of the hock joint. Keep in mind that the head should not touch the hock joint. It's alright if they keep their head far from their body, but don't force them if they step or lift a leg as this indicates difficulty with the exercise. Remember to perform this exercise on both sides. You can also vary it by bending low to the side towards the forefoot, which will target the long back muscle. 8. Between the legs: Encourage your horse to bend their head halfway between the front legs, and entice with a carrot to stretch as low to the ground and far back as possible. Hold the position for a moment, then allow your horse to slowly come back up and repeat the exercise a few times. In conclusion, incorporating simple stretching exercises into your horse's routine can have a significant impact on their flexibility and overall performance. By following the tips and exercises provided in this blog, you can help your horse reach their full potential and have a happy, healthy riding journey with them. EXPLORE UNIQUE MATCHY SETS FOR YOUR NEXT RIDE

How To Keep Your Horse Healthy in Winter Crispy winds have started to blow, which means winter is almost here! If you own or loan a horse, you must already know that winter is the most challenging season to take care of a horse and continue training. Especially if you are planning to compete this season, you should be much more careful with the changing needs of your horse because if not cared properly, horses can easily lose their condition. However, with some basic knowledge of proper horse care, you can keep your horse’s condition balanced throughout this harsh season. Here are the most important elements to keep your horse healthy in cold weather: Changing The Feeding Program The first step to proper winter care is correct feeding. An average horse needs to consume 2% of its body weight per day to maintain body condition. However, when the weather gets cold, horses burn more calories to keep themselves warm. Giving some more food in winter than other seasons helps them maintain their normal body weight. Whether covered with snow or not, pasture grass generally stops growing and its nutritional value falls. Therefore, the best option is to feed hay and grains. Good quality hay helps your horse to keep their body warm as it has a high fiber ratio. If the horse is working in winter, adding grains to their diet also helps with maintaning the body condition score. You can also add mineral supplements to the feed after consulting your veterinarian.  More Water  The interesting fact is that horses need more water in winter than they need in any other season. This extra hydration need is caused by dry feed such as hay and grains which has much less hydration ratio than grass. Lack of hydration can cause severe illnesses in horses. Therefore, make sure to have enough water supply around your horse and also make sure that the water won’t freeze in cold days. Some horses may not want to drink cold water and if the water is too cold, that can also cause some digestion or immune system issues. Research performed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine showed that if during cold weather horses have only warm water available, they will drink a greater volume per day than if they have only icy cold water available. Hence, we recommend providing slightly warmer water in the winter.    Checking Hooves & Teeth Every equestrian knows that checking the hooves before and after every ride is a necessity. Even though you don’t like getting your hands muddy, you should be aware of the importance of regular hoof control in winter. You might need to see your farrier more often in winter as excessively grown hooves or splits can harbor bacteria that come from the mud. Whether shod or not, hooves should be trimmed on a regular basis and the legs should be cleaned and dried after every workout. In addition, you can consult your farrier about the best shooing option if you will keep riding in winter. As we mentioned above, horses get more dry food this season. Whe horses are unable to chew the grains and hay well enough, they cannot get enough nutrition and energy. To ensure the dental health of your horse, you should get regular help from an equine dentist. Blanketing and Clipping  A common question in almost every equestrian’s mind: “Does my horse need to be blanketed or clipped?” The answer varies based on the conditions in which the horse lives. If a horse is less worked, well-fed, provided with a shelter, and has a good fluffy coat, we can say that this horse won’t really need to be clipped or blanketed. On the other hand, if a horse is worked hard, we recommend clipping so that they can chill easily after the workout. Blanketing is a must after clipping your horse if you choose a full clip or a hunter clip. After deciding to blanket, it is essential to fit the blanket well and check it regularly. Additionally, don’t forget that wrong blanketing can cause skin problems.   Providing Shelter  Horses that are in the pasture during the winter must have access to a shelter so that they can escape from wind, rain, or snow. Shelters can be in different forms but a three-sided run-in shelter provides the best protection for pastured horses. The size of the shelter should be enough for the herd. If there are many horses and a hierarchy among them, you should consider having more than one run-in shelter in the pasture so that even the lowest horse in the herd is sheltered.    Mud Management  Mud… Yes, that’s a real pain for every equestrian, we get you. Mud doesn’t only make it harder to get around, it is also quite risky for your horse’s health. When a horse’s legs are soaked in mud, the bacteria in it can cause severe mud fever. So it is important to check and clean your horse’s legs and hooves regularly. The areas around the feeders and waterers are more likely to get muddy in winter. Yet, if you have enough dry space in the pasture, the horses can easily run there. You should also consider creating a sacrifice area for mud and building a safe area using small rocks and allow for drainage around feeders and waterers.  Exercising  When the weather is too cold to ride or exercise, you might want to give your horse some "down-time", but studies have found that muscular strength, fitness, and overall flexibility significantly decrease in winter even if daily turnout is provided. Plus, it can be even harder for your horse to return their form when the spring comes. We advise a regular workout for your horse to keep him in good shape. You can try to ride and lunge in indoor areas if the weather is too cold or the ground is frozen outside. A slight warm-up or lunging before the ride is also essential in winter to raise the body heat to the correct level to start riding. Don’t forget to care, cool and dry your horse before returning them to stall or to pasture.  Winter is always the most tiresome season for equestrians. Horses are more prone to lose their condition and in some cases, they are more prone to diseases during this season. Whenever you are not sure about how to provide the best care for your horse, ask your veterinarian or an expert for help. After all the difficulties, don’t forget to enjoy the coldest experiences you have with your four-legged buddy. EXPLORE OUR MATCHY SADDLE PAD SETS FOR WINTER