Are You & Your Horse Ready For Bitting Advice? The Steps You Need To Consider First
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Saddle accessories are often an afterthought when it comes to horse riding. However, there are a few pieces of equipment that can make your ride much safer and more comfortable for both you and your horse. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the most essential saddle accessories you may not have considered.
MDC Stirrups
MDC Stirrups are a newer addition to the UK market, but they've been grabbing attention with their innovative design and high levels of comfort. Designed to provide extra stability, safety and a tailored stirrup position for optimal riding, they have instantly become a very popular choice among riders.
What sets the design of these stirrups apart from others is a combination of the ability to alter their angle - they can be locked in at 0° (the traditional angle), 45° or 90° - and the shock absorbing sides, which reduce concussion and relieve pain in the ankles, knees, hips and back. We can vouch for the fact that they’re a lifesaver for anyone with ankle issues!
In addition, MDC Stirrups are safer than most other stirrups, as the predetermined angle means they will not turn back to lie flat against the horse when lost. This makes them easier to regain, and less likely to cause a problem in the event of a fall.
They come in a variety of styles, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs:
- MDC Ultimate Stirrups: Great all rounders for Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Hacking >
- MDC Comfort Stirrups: Same as the above but for those who prefer a solid-sided stirrup >
- MDC Super Sport Stirrups: Lighter weight with a low profile tread - ideal for the show ring >
- MDC Sports Classic Stirrups: Same as the above but those who prefer a solid-sided stirrup >
- MDC ‘S’ Flex Stirrups: Same lightweight tread but with flexible, shock-absorbing sides (suitable for all disciplines) >
- MDC ‘S’ Classic Stirrups: Same as the above, with a lightweight tread, but for those who prefer a traditional stirrup >
For more details on each design, and to find the right one for you, please see the full MDC Stirrup collection here >
Mattes Girths
For a girth that is tailored to your horse’s body shape and increases their comfort levels, look no further than Mattes!
Many girths cause uncomfortable rubbing and chafing. Mattes has developed a girth that utilises a unique system of integrated cross-webbings and removable spreader inserts to ensure pressure is distributed evenly across the girth. This method of construction also prevents it from wrinkling, twisting or curling, and the cut away sections behind the elbow allow for a lot more freedom of movement, without sacrificing any stability.
In addition to this clever fabrication, Mattes offer all their girths in a choice of ‘style’. These different styles have been developed in order to provide solutions to the classic girth issues that can be caused by a horse’s specific body shape.
Take a look at the chart below for an explanation of the 4 available styles; Anatomical, Asymmetric, Crescent, and Athletico.
Mattes girths are made using beautiful, premium fabrics, such as genuine sheepskin and leather, and the different material elements of each girth are all offered in a vast array of colours, meaning you can create an entirely personalised design!
All things considered, you really can’t lose with a custom girth from Mattes! Take a look at all the different options here >
Finer Equine Tack Luggage
As riders, we invest a lot of money in tack, so it’s important to try and keep it in great condition. Storing your saddle without proper protection can be one of the most detrimental factors when it comes to keeping it in good shape, but these beautifully designed pieces of tack luggage from Finer Equine make it a doddle! They certainly look the part too, with their smart and luxurious colour scheme of royal blue, pale gold and cream.
Finer Equine Stirrup Covers
Designed to protect your saddle from rub marks, scrapes and dirt, these clever stirrup covers utilise a unique eyelet design which allows you to run up your stirrups while they’re in the covers. This in turn prevents abrasion to your stirrup leathers, caused by spiked stirrup treads. They are incredibly easy to use, as they can simply be slipped on and the elasticated top automatically secures them in place. Their waterproof lining stops grit and mud transfer, and their faux sheepskin backing delivers much more effective padding and protection, keeping your tack tidy, and saddle protected!
The Finer Equine’s Stirrup Covers are a bestseller, so take a look now to avoid disappointment >
Want a matching set? Finer Equine’s got it “covered” with their coordinated Saddle Cover! These covers are ideal for protecting your saddle whilst in storage or from bumps and knocks while travelling. The luxurious faux sheepskin lining provides far better cushioning than your average fleece or fleece-lined saddle cover, and the integrated girth sleeves (also lined in faux sheepskin) keep your girth firmly in place, for a two-in-one storage and travel solution.
With styles available to fit both Jump / GP saddles and Dressage saddles, there is no reason not to invest in protecting your investment!
EvoEquine Stirrup Leathers
EvoEquine was founded in 2016 in the Cotswolds, with the mission statement of creating evolutionary products that solve problems and respond to demand. Driven by a desire to protect the welfare of horses and create an honest, ethical business, EvoEquine take great care and pay exceptional attention to detail when designing and developing their products. All materials used are of the highest possible standards, and nothing is rolled out to their customers without having undergone rigorous testing first.
One of their best sellers to date have been their single-strap, wide stirrup leathers, and we can honestly say they’re a revelation!
If you suffer with stability issues, or an overactive leg caused by ankle, hip or leg problems that affect your balance in the saddle, these wide leathers are the way to go. Not only do they encourage correct positioning due to their width and design, they also increase comfort and relieve pain in these areas by providing better support for the lower leg. In addition, their wide construction means they won’t twist, nor will they sacrifice the closeness of contact between you and your horse, they will simply enhance it.
Another hugely important factor is that these wide leathers don’t adversely affect the range of movement required across a variety of disciplines, making them just as suitable for flat and jumping work as they are for hacking or endurance riding.
We tried them, and never looked back!
These fantastic EvoEquine leathers are available in a range of styles, so you can find the perfect pair for you:
- EvoEquine Close Contact Pro Grip Jumping Leathers >
- EvoEquine Wide Supportive Stirrup Leathers >
- EvoEquine Close Contact Wide Straight Leathers >
Engel Sheepskin Numnahs and Saddle Pads
Engel is a US brand that produces superior quality sheepskin products for every type of equestrian, with the relationship of the horse and rider in mind.
The genuine sheepskin used in the construction of their tack has so many benefits over faux sheepskin; the thickness increases comfort levels for both horse and rider, the softness and loft prevent rubbing and chafing, and the unparalleled natural wicking properties ensure moisture is absorbed and dissipated, keeping you both cool and comfortable.
This incredibly high quality Merino sheepskin is sourced from Australia, and has over 3000 fibres per square inch! Each fibre acts as a tiny shock absorber to provide your horse with unrivalled protection against long, hard days in the saddle. Considering the quality of the sheepskin, Engel products really are fantastic value!
For a GP numnah that oozes luxury, provides ultimate comfort and looks fantastic, check out the Engel Sheepskin GP Numnah - Full Lining & Full Rolled Edge. As implied in the name, this numnah is fully sheepskin lined, eliminating any pressure points that could cause discomfort. The sheepskin has been combined with a rich, durable cotton quilt material for additional comfort, durability and air flow, and the overall cut of the numnah has been designed to fit the contours of your horse perfectly.
Engel offers this numnah in different variations of lining and rolled edge designs, so you can find the ultimate balance of style and budget for you. Here are a few of the options available:
- Engel Sheepskin GP Numnah - Half Lining, Pommel & Cantel Roll
- Engel Sheepskin GP Numnah - Full Lining & Pommel Roll
- Engel Sheepskin GP Numnah - Half Lining & Pommel Roll
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