Horses

Buying Guide to Saddles

While most people realize they will need a saddle to ride their horses, they may not be aware of all the reasons why they should use a saddle instead of riding bareback. Saddles are often more comfortable than riding bareback, since many horses have bony backs.

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Buying Guide to Tack for Training a Horse

If you want to successfully train a horse, you should consider adding some special equipment to your tack room. While you may be able to make do with the tack you already have, training will be much more challenging without the right tools....

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Buying Guide to Horse Blankets

Since horse blankets are used for so many different reasons, it shouldn't be surprising for you to find that there are several different types of blankets. It is important to use a horse blanket to cover your horse while he is cooling down. Of course, horse blankets are also essential for sheltering horses from harsh weather or protecting them from horseflies and gnats. ...

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Buying Guide to Bridles

You may be able to ride a horse without a saddle, although it isn't the safest idea, but few people can control their horses without a bridle. The bridle is designed to connect the bit in a horse's mouth with the reins in the rider's hands. This enables the rider to signal his horse to stop or turn. ...

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Buying Guide to Halters

The halter is the first piece of tack most horses ever wear and usually the only piece they still wear after they are retired to the pasture. Halters are important because they can help horse owners control their animals in any number of situations....

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Buying Guide to Harness

If you want to have your horse pull a cart, a wagon or even a sleigh, you will need one important piece of tack, the harness. A harness connects your horse to the cart or other conveyance and gives you a way to control the horse. There are several harness models, from standard driving harnesses to harnesses for horses that compete in sulky races. Of course, just like with other types of tack, you can find leather or nylon harnesses....

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Breed Overview Part II

While most people who want a horse opt for one of the light horse breeds, there are other options. Heavy horse breeds were once used to fight wars, to farm or to pull large loads. Of course, if you are looking for a first horse for your child, you may want to look for a much smaller horse, the pony. Ponies are the ideal choice for children. ...

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Breed Overview Part I

The horse has been one of the most popular domesticated animals for centuries. While most people today ride horses to relax or compete in a variety of equestrian sports, these animals were once a primary mode of transportation. For the knights of the Middle Ages, the feared Ghengis Khan and cowboys throughout the world, horses were essential....

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Buying a Horse

You've finally decided that you want a horse of your own, so now you can simply go out and buy one, right? Well, a horse isn't exactly as simple to own as a cute little kitten or a goldfish. Before you buy a horse, you will need to find a place to keep it. In addition, you should be aware of how much money you will need to spend to maintain your horse. ...

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Buying Guide to Bits

If you want your horse to go where you want to go when you are riding him, then you will need to use one essential piece of equipment, the bit. The bit is basically a metal bar that sits in the horse's mouth and hooks to the two sidepieces of a bridle....

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