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A saddle that fitted your horse perfectly when you bought it won't necessarily fit them forever.   Changes in weight, fitness, muscle development, age and workload can all alter your horse's shape and affect how their saddle sits. That's why saddle fit needs to be checked regularly, rather than only when buying a new saddle.   Sometimes there are obvious signs that something isn't right. Other times, the changes can be much more subtle.   So, how can you tell if ...

Buying a second-hand saddle can be a great way to find a quality saddle for less, with plenty of used GP, dressage, jumping and other saddles available from private sellers and equestrian businesses.   But a saddle isn't something to buy on appearance alone. Its condition, history and, most importantly, its suitability for your horse all need to be considered before you commit.   Whether you're shopping online or viewing a saddle in person, here's what to check before buyin...

From everyday hacking to dressage and showjumping, different types of horse saddles are designed to support different riding positions and disciplines.   Choosing the right saddle isn't simply a case of picking the one that looks best or matches the type of riding you do. It needs to work for both you and your horse, with the correct fit being essential for your horse's comfort and freedom of movement.   If you're looking for your next saddle, here's a guide to some of the ...

Starting a professional horse transport business involves more than buying a horsebox and holding the correct driving licence.   Depending on the vehicle you use and the journeys you offer, you may need:   The correct driving licence and Driver CPC An animal transport certificate of competence A transporter authorisation Vehicle approval for longer journeys A goods vehicle operator’s licence Commercial insurance A tachograph and drivers’ hours rec...

Keep your horsebox and horses safe with this practical pre-journey checklist. Find out what to check on your tyres, wheels, lights, brakes, floor, ramp and partitions, as well as how to check your payload, secure your equipment and make sure your horse is fit to travel.

Find out which MOT or annual test your horsebox needs, when HGV plating is required and how MOTs, servicing and regular safety checks differ. This guide also explains ministry plates, maintenance requirements and what to check when buying or running a horsebox.

Not sure what size horsebox you need? This guide explains payload, MAM and axle weights, how to calculate what your horsebox can legally carry, and what to consider when choosing between 3.5t, 4.5t, 7.5t and larger horseboxes.

Driver CPC is not required for every horsebox driver. This guide explains when it applies, the exemptions for private and some work-related use, and what grooms, riders, trainers, farms, studs and professional horse transporters need to know.

Preparing for your C1 or Category C tests? Find out what to expect from the HGV multiple-choice and hazard-perception tests, Part 3a reversing exercise and Part 3b on-road driving test, with practical tips to help you prepare.

Find out how much to budget for C1 and Category C horsebox training, including test and medical fees, typical course lengths and the factors that can affect the overall cost and timescale of getting your licence.

Ready to get your horsebox licence? Follow the process step by step, from choosing between C1 and Category C and completing your medical to passing the theory, training and practical tests needed to gain your licence.

Not sure whether to take C1 or go straight to Category C? This guide compares the two licence categories, explains the weight limits, training considerations and future flexibility, and helps you decide which option best suits the horsebox you want to drive.

Not sure what horsebox you can drive on your licence? Our guide explains the UK rules for 3.5 and 7.5 tonne horseboxes, C1 licences, pre-1997 driving rights and zero-emission horseboxes, so you can understand which licence you need.

Buying a horse from Ireland can be a brilliant option for British buyers. Irish horses have a strong reputation across the UK, especially for all-rounders, hunters, cobs, competition prospects and youngstock.   For sellers, that means there is real opportunity. British buyers may be open to travelling or arranging transport if the horse looks right. The challenge is trust.   If someone is considering viewing a horse in Ireland, they usually need more information before they...

For my first western riding lesson at Wildwoods Riding Centre, Ariat supplied a full western outfit including a shirt, jeans, belt and boots.   As someone who spends most of their time riding in breeches, riding tights and paddock boots, I was interested to see how western clothing would compare. Was it simply part of the look, or was there a practical reason western riders have been wearing similar styles for generations?   After spending a lesson learning western rid...

Western riding is becoming more visible in the UK, but many riders still aren't entirely sure what it involves.   For some, it's associated with cowboy films, ranches and rodeos. For others, it's something they've seen online but never had the chance to try themselves.   The reality is that western riding is much more than a different saddle and a pair of boots. At its core, it's a way of riding that places a huge emphasis on balance, communication and using your body effec...

Arena mirrors are becoming an increasingly popular addition to equestrian facilities across the UK - they offer riders a unique perspective that simply can’t be achieved through feel alone, making them a powerful training aid for horse and rider alike. Whether you’re a competition rider looking to make that 1% difference or an everyday rider looking to improve on the basics, we’ll be analysing how they can help you.

Competition wear in summer is always a bit of a balance. You want something that looks smart enough for the ring, but still feels comfortable once you’re actually riding and spending a full day at a show. Hy Equestrian’s Roka Reign set is clearly built with that in mind - lightweight fabrics, stretch where you need it, and a more polished finish overall.

I tried a full Ariat outfit to see how it actually feels across a normal day - riding, yard jobs, and everything in between.

Covalliero’s spring/summer riding outfit is designed for those in-between days where you’re doing a bit of everything, from riding to yard jobs, without wanting to keep changing. I tried the full outfit to see how it actually feels once it’s on and moving.