Riders and horse owners take spring as their cue to come out of hiding and get back in the saddle. As the snow melts and the crocuses begin to bloom, trips to the barn take on a lot more meaning for horseback riders. In breeding barns across the globe, foals begin to take their first steps. Grass begins to grow in previously brown and snowy pastures. And, as our horses shed their coats, their sleek and shiny summer looks begin to appear, just in time for competition season.
Before the weather truly begins to warm up, make sure you have all the stable equipment and horse back riding attire you’ll need to hit the ground galloping. Spring is the perfect time to do a little cleaning, evaluate how all of your equipment made it through the winter, and prepare for the exciting season ahead.
The First Bath of Spring
It’s the little things that really make equestrians happy– like giving your horse that first bath of the year and watching four months of dust and loose hair wash down the drain. If you’re planning on giving your horse a bath soon, evaluate your equipment before you get to the barn and your hopes are dashed once you realize you’re out of shampoo. How is that sweat scraper holding up that you’ve been meaning to replace? Is your sponge down to one sad small scrap?
Get the essential equestrian grooming brushes you’ll need to give your horse a bath. TuffRider’s tried-and-true Sweat Scraper is a great replacement for old rusty and harsh metal sweat scrapers. This tool efficiently removes excess water from your horse's coat after bathing or hosing. It features a curved handle for a comfortable grip and a rubberized squeegee end for easy, one-handed operation.
If it’s time for you to stop nursing an old moldy sponge, upgrade to the TuffRider Bathing Sponge Brush. Combining soft yet sturdy bristles on the outer edge to lift deep-seated dirt and an absorbent central sponge that holds and distributes soap evenly, this brush/sponge combo includes a woven hand strap and durable plastic backing.
And about that shampoo– stop filling up that old bottle with water and pretending it still has soap in it. Lincoln Medicated Shampoo is perfect for your horse’s first bath of the year, as the special formula will get rid of any remaining crud or fungus on your horse’s coat leftover from spending the last two months in blankets. Designed to cleanse and soothe your horse's skin and promote a healthy coat, this shampoo addresses various skin conditions, ensuring your horse kicks spring off comfortable and clean.
Goodbye Mud, Hello Sunshine
While spring is full of excitement and brings to mind a summer full of new opportunities, there’s also one downside. Melted snow plus April showers mean muddy pastures. We see you adding another layer of duct tape over those leaking old muck boots! Start spring with a fresh pair of boots that won’t break the bank.
The TuffRider Low Country Short Country Boots are perfect for equestrians who want to protect their feet, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of a full tall boot. Durable and stylish, these short boots are crafted to be water-resistant, making them suitable for calling your horse in from the pasture, grooming in the barn aisle, and bathing in the outdoor cross ties.
Get a pair for your kids, too! The TuffRider Children's Lexington Waterproof Tall Country Boots will let your little equestrian splash in as many puddles as their heart desires. Designed to keep young riders' feet dry and comfortable, thanks to a water-resistant leather and lining, these boots include a drawstring closure and elastic gussets for a secure fit, complemented by rubber soles that provide reliable traction in wet environments.
Refresh Your Horse Back Riding Attire
With new styles coming out from your favorite brands, like Dapplebay, spring is a great excuse to freshen up your wardrobe. You’re sure to find new favorites, like the Dapplebay Lavender Haze Full Seat Riding Breeches. Offering compression, these breeches don’t just offer support physically– they can actually help you improve your ride. Crafted from a soft, supportive fabric, these breeches enhance muscle support and may even help reduce fatigue during your ride, so you can enjoy the spring weather for longer.
And of course, your horse has to match your new look. Dapplebay has come out with a Lavender Haze Jumping Pad that would look stunning on a variety of coat colors, from palominos to bays to jet-black. This jumping pad, in a stylish lavender watercolor hue, offers cushioning and support during jumping sessions. It's designed to fit securely under your saddle, enhancing both comfort and performance.
Now Western riders can take advantage of Dapplebay’s quality products, too! The Dapplebay Lavender Haze Western Saddle Pad offers all the same benefits of their English collection, now for the cow horse or rancher extraordinaire.
Time for Spring Cleaning
Would it really be spring without a little spring cleaning? Use this time of year as a reminder to reset. Look at your stable equipment, jumping pads, and tack. Is everything looking a little dusty from a winter in the tack room? While you can throw your jumping pads in the wash and run a hose over most of your stable equipment, cleaning your leather tack is a bigger undertaking. Luckily, the right products can make it a lot easier– even enjoyable!
Equinatura Leather Care can give new life to old leather. A premium leather care product formulated to clean, condition, and preserve your leather goods. Regular use helps maintain the suppleness and longevity of leather equipment. But, make sure you look over your leather tack with a critical eye while you clean it. Make note of any cracks or tears and replace it before it breaks!
Hate the feeling of grimy and sticky hands after cleaning tack? Keep your hands clean with the TuffRider Palm Pad! Originally designed for bathing your horse, this rubber-backed sponge is just as at home in the tack room. The rubber protects your hands from water and product while offering a secure grip. A soft sponge front effectively removes dirt while being gentle on leather products.
Start Fresh with Breeches.com
Don’t let old equipment or ragged horse back riding attire hold you back this spring. Use the beautiful new season as a fresh start for you and your horse! Find everything you’ll need to freshen up your stable equipment, jumping pads, wardrobe, and grooming brushes right here on Breeches.com.