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

Shoeing

There is an old saying that goes 'no shoe, no horse' and it is completely true. Make sure that you are aware of how to care for your horses hooves or you may not have your horse in the near future.

How often does a horse need to be shod?
Most horses need to be shod every four to eight weeks. I depends on how fast their hooves grow, how much work they are doing and if they are kept in a field or stable. Some horses do not need shoes but they still need a visit from the farrier to trim their hooves every four to eight weeks.

Signs that a horse needs shoeing.
-The foot is too long and out of shape
-The shoe has been worn thin
-The shoe is loose or has fallen off
-The clenches (nails) are standing out from the hoof

Even if the hoof is not badly worn. After four to eight weeks the hoof will have grown and need to be trimmed.

When a foot has been newly shod, check that...
-The shoe is made to fit the hoof, not the hoof made to fit the shoe.
-The weight and type of shoe is suitable for the horse
-The frog has been correctly trimmed and touches the ground on soft surfaces.
-No daylight shows between the hoof and shoe. (Especially at the heel)
-The heels of the shoe are not too long but also not too short.

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Types Of Nosebands

There are many, many different types of nosebands but today I will just be looking at a few of the more popular ones.


Plain cavesson noseband. Fits comfortably just below the cheek bone. It is the only noseband suitable for a double bridle.

^ Plain Cavesson Noseband ^

Drop noseband. This noseband prevents the horse from opening their mouth. It is hinged using two small rings. It is placed above the nostrils in front of the bit. It is essential the it is fitted correctly so that it does not interfere with the horses breathing pattern.

^ Drop Noseband ^

Flash noseband. This is similar to the cavesson noseband but it has a flash. The flash fits under the bit rings. It is a very popular choice for basic training.

^ Flash Noseband ^

French cavesson noseband. It has similar features to the plain cavesson noseband but is used on a snaffle bridle.

^ French Cavesson Noseband ^

Grackle noseband. Can also be called a crossover of figure-eight. It is made from light weight leather. It is used for horses in fast work. The noseband is buckled above and below the bit. It is usually padded in the middle for extra comfort. They prevent the horse from crossing their jaw.

^ Grackle Noseband ^

Kineton noseband. This noseband helps to control a strong horse. It transfers some of the rein pressure from the mouth to the bridge of the nose. If it is not fitted correctly then it restricts the breathing. It has two metal loops. The horse wears it with a snaffle bit.

^ Kineton Noseband ^

Types Of Bridles

The three main types of bridles are the snaffle, double bridle and bitless bridle. There are many others like the Pelham but I will not be talking about them for now.


The snaffle bridle is a 'basic' bridle. It contains a headpiece and throat lash, browband, cheekpieces, bit, reins and noseband.

^ Snaffle Bridle ^

The double bridle has two bits called the 'bridoon' (snaffle) and the curb. It has an extra headpiece and cheekpiece called a 'slip-head.' This secured the bridoon. These are buckled on the right side. All other buckles are buckled on the left. The curb bit has a curb chain attached. A lip strap should be threaded through the 'fly' (extra) link in the centre of the curb chain to secure it. Since there are two bits, there are usually two sets of reins.

^ Double Bridle ^

The bitless bridle is usually for a horse with a sore mouth in work while the damage heals. It is also used for a horse with a sensitive mouth. It uses nose pressure and leverage to control the horse. The most common form of a bitless bridle is a hackmore. It has a headpiece, throat lash, brow band, cheekpiece, noseband and metal shanks (instead of the bit).

^ Bitless Bridle ^

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How To Have A Good Healthy Horse

A healthy horse is essential no matter what you do with it. Whether your horse is left out in a field or a top show jumper make sure that your horse has all the characteristics below.

^^^^ A sick, underweight horse                                                                                                ^^^^ A healthy, fit horse 

-The horse should be standing up and alert. Their behavior should be normal

-When the horse is at rest, he shouldn't be sweating. (except in hot weather)

-The eyes should be bright and wide open. The membranes under the eyelids should be a salmon pink color

-The horse should be eating and chewing normally

-The coat should be sleek, shiny and flat. Not dull.

-The limbs should not be hot or have swellings.

-They should be standing on all four feet. If they are resting on a hind leg it is normal but if they are resting on a front leg concern should be raised.

-The urine and droppings should be passed at a normal rate and color. Hay fed horses will pass light, yellowy / brown dropping. Grass fed horses will pass dark, green droppings.

-The skin should move easily over the horses ribs. the ribs should not be too visible but not covered in excess fat.

-At rest, the horses temperature should be between 37 and 38.5 degrees Celsius

-At rest, the horses respiration rate should be between 10 and 20 inhalations per minute

-At rest, the horses pulse rate should be 36 to 42 heartbeats per minute.

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A Little Horse Quote

I love this. 

It's so true :-D

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Types Of Rugs

^ New Zealand Rug ^

If the horse has been clipped or lives out in a field during the winter then they will probably need a rug to keep them nice and toasty warm.

New Zealand Rug. This is a turn-out rug. It is for a horse in the winter who is living in a field. It keeps them warm, dry and mud free. It is excellent for a clipped horse.

^ Day Rug ^
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Day Rug. This rug is made from wool blanketing. Day rugs are often used at competitions to keep the horse warm when it is waiting.

^ Sweat Rug ^

Sweat Rug. (Also called a sweat sheet or cooler) This is made from an absorbent fabric. It is used in the same way as day rugs or for cooling down or travelling.

Exercise Rug. The exercise rug fits under the saddle. It keeps the horse warm when it is doing light work. It lies on the back and loins.

^ Exercise Rug ^

^ Stable Rug ^

Stable Rug.This rug is very warm. It is quilted and can be worn during the day or night. It is usually used on clipped horses.

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How To Put On A Rug

1) Fold the horses rug in two, from front to back.
2)Place it over the horse, making sure it is sitting higher than the withers.
3)Unfold the back portion over the horse
4)Make sure that the rug is in the correct position with no wrinkles.
5) Fasten the cross straps or surcingle, then fasten the front straps.

Make sure the horse is tied up or in a stable whilst putting on the rug.

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