Thoroughbred Horses

Thoroughbreds are one of the most famous and successful horse breeds in the world. They are great for horse racing and are amazing gallopers. Thoroughbreds are a tall, slim and beautiful breed which originates from England. They are also considered to be hot-blooded. The word 'thoroughbred' comes from the Ababic word 'keheilan' meaning 'pure blood'.

Thoroughbreds originate from 3 Ababian horses brought to England in the late 16th / 17th century. The three sires were named after their owners and were called the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the  Byerley Turk. They were from the Middle East. 93% of today's thoroughbred horses trace back to these three stallions.

Thoroghbreds are very quick and happy to learn so they also make great riding or competition horses. They are usually around 16 hh. They are very muscular. They can gallop at speeds of about 50 mph and jump a distance lengthways of 10 meters. They are black, bay or chestnut. When a thoroughbred is crossed with another breed it almost always improves the stock.

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Types of Girths

1) A leather Girth.
These are usually one piece of leather folded over three times to make it comfortable for the horse. There is sometimes elastic or webbing inserted on the inside of the girth.

2) An Atherstone Girth.
The area at the horses elbow is narrower. They are also called a chaffeless girth. It is made from one piece which has been cut into three strands and criss crossed round. They sometimes have elastic at the ends and are also made from leather.

3) A String Girth.
They are made from cotton, nylon, wool or mohair. They dry quickly and have lots of air flow so they are very cool. They don't slip easily and can be washed easily. Be careful that they don't pinch the horse though.

4) A Synthetic Girth.
These girths come in lots of different materials. Sometimes they are lined with sheepskin, gel or a synthetic fleece. They are like leather girths but they are cheaper and easier to maintain and they don't last as long.

5)A Jumping Girth.
Also called a belly guard girth. These have large oval panels covering the belly. These stop the feet hurting the belly if they hit it when jumping. They are the priciest girths.

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Grooming

Grooming is very important. It removes sweat and dirt and keeps the skin healthy. It is a time for you to check for any bumps and bruises and most of all, to bond with your horse. Almost every horse loves being groomed because it gives them the attention that they thrive on.

Here is a list of many common types of brushes.

Dandy brush. This removes mud. It has hard bristles and is used on the legs and body but not on clipped areas of the mane and tail.

Dandy Brush

Curry Comb. Made from plastic. Use it in circular motions on the body when the horse is loosing their coat or is muddy. It can also be used on the mane and tail.

Curry Comb

Body brush. This has soft bristles. It deep cleans the whole body. You can also use it on the head.

Body Brush

Metal curry comb. Made from metal. It is used to clean hairs off other brushes and is not to be used on horses coats.

Metal Curry Comb

Mane comb. A wie toothed comb. It is used for grooming or pulling the mane and tail.

Comb

Hoof pick. This is a blunt hook used to remove dirt from the horses foot.

Hoof Pick

Sweat scraper. It scrapes off excess water or sweat after exercising or washing.

Sweat Scraper

Sponge. Used for washing horses or cleaning areas such as the eyes, nose and dock.

Sponge

Hoof brush. Used to apply hoof oil to the hooves.

Hoof Brush

Stable rubber. Basically a cloth. Gives gloss to the coat. Often used before competitions.

Stable Rubber

Tail Bandages

Tail bandages are made from stockinette, crepe or elastic.

They should be 6-8cm wide and 1.5-1.8 meters long.

They improve the appearance of the tail (especially if it has been pulled).

They should only be left on for a few hours during the day. If they are left on for too long then they cause discomfort and restrict circulation.

When tying it, it is important to tie it tight but not too tight. The tapes should be applied from the base of the tail to just above the tailbone.

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Numnahs

Numnah

Numnahs are protective pads worn under the saddle. They add to the horses comfort and protect their back from friction and pressure.

Saddle Cloth

They follow in the line of the saddle. Saddle cloths serve the same purpose but are often just decorative.  Saddle cloths do not follow in the line of the saddle and extend behind it.

You can get artificial 'sheepskin' numnahs, natural sheepskins and quilted numnahs.

All numnahs are secured into place by...
-Light leather straps and buckles
-Nylon loops, which fit round the girth straps
-Velcro straps
-Strong elastic
-Leather loops



Saddle pads come in a wide variety of synthetic materials. They are designed to increase the horses comfort and protection. They are often used with a saddle cloth.

Saddle Pad

You Are Special And Unique

Take chances, take a lot of them. Because honestly, no matter where you end up in life, it will always end up exactly the way it should be.

Your mistakes make you who you are. Who you are is special and unique. Never forget that. You learn and grow with each choice you make. 

Everything is worth it. Do what you feel is right, always.

Be you, and be ok with it.

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Types Of Saddles

The general purpose saddle. This is an adaptable and all-rounder saddle used by novice ridders all around the world. In design, it is between a jumping saddle and a dressage saddle.

General Purpose Saddle

The dressage saddle. This has a longer, straighter flap than the general purpose saddle. This is to accommodate the riders lengthened leg position.

Dressage Saddle

The jumping saddle. This has a longer seat and forward cut flaps for the jumping seat. Styles of the seat vary from a 'deep seat' to a 'close contact seat'.

Jumping Saddle

The Western Saddle. Often used in the USA, particulary in the West. Has a horn at the front to tie a rope to. It is great for trail rides or for a ranch. You ride in a completely different style compared to the saddles shown above.

Western Saddle

The endurance saddle. This is a specialist saddle designed to give a rider who spends many hours in the saddle, support. It combines featured of the general purpose saddle with the western saddle.

Endurance Saddle