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Introduction Tried and Tested
 
This page provides information on products / services that we rate. If you are interested in the National Horse and Pony Network road testing your products / services please contact us by clicking here.
 
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Supplements

Tack, Rugs and Equipment  

Insurance

For the Rider

 

Supplements

Think Sound Joint Supplement
think sound
I can highly recommend Brinicombe Equine’s Think Sound Joint Supplement as within a week of my horse starting this joint supplement I could see and feel a big difference. My horse is arthritic in his hocks. Before using Think Sound he was on another leading brand of joint supplement (more expensive too). Within a week of starting Think Sound it felt like someone had taken years off him. He was more comfortable, free moving and full of life. I found Think Sound to be far more effective than the other leading brand I had been using, and it is competitively priced too. 

Think Fly from Brinicombe Equine

I had never tried a supplement to help reduce fly nuisance until I started my horse on Think Fly. You need to allow a few weeks for the supplement to build up into the system. After only 3 weeks I can report that my horse is less bothered by flies. For example one evening my horse and I walked in from the field along by the river I had a cloud of flies bothering me and the flies wanted to keep their distance from him. As it is in his system he gets 24 hour protection too! Think Fly
The National Horse and Pony Network highly rate Brinicombe Equine products and we are delighted to be able to supply our network members with Brinicombe supplements at very competitive prices. If you would like to receive a copy of our catalogue click here to contact us. 
 

Blue Chip Original
I have been feeding Blue Chip Original to my horse Moss for two years and the difference it has made to his health is fantastic.

Blue Chip Joint RLF

My horse has arthritic hocks and using Blue Chip RLF has made a big difference to my horse, he is more comfortable and free moving. Blue Chip Joint RLF is usual as it is in a liquid form and it is easy to measure out with the cap provided. It tastes good too (I also tried it).
Horslyx
I use the small tubs of Horslyx to offer to my horse as a treat. I use the licks not only as a treat but as a very useful distraction for when I need him to stand still e.g. when I am trimming his feathers. I use it as a treat as my horse is a laminitic and care must be taken with feeding Horslyx to laminitic horses. (There are feeding guidelines on their website). My friend’s horse is not laminitic and he has free access to his Horslyx, it is a great way of providing vitamins and minerals and it reduces boredom while he is stabled.

Restore and ImmuPlus from Global Herbs

Many years ago my horse was diagnosed to have sarcoids by my vet. The vet recommended treatment using cream from Liverpool University, but we decided to delay the treatment for a few months until the winter months (less flies). While we waited I tried Restore and Immuplus from Global herds. To cut a long story short the sarcoids got smaller then disappeared and they have not returned! Much to my amazement and to my vet!

GWF Nutrition Joint Aid Plus

I have used Joint Aid Plus for my arthritic horse. I found it to be a good joint supplement. Using this supplement helped my horse to feel more comfortable in his arthritic hocks.  My horse loved the small pellet formula as he was very happy to eat it up in his small feed.  He is a good doer so finding a supplement that is palatable is a big bonus.  

Tack, Rugs and Equipment   

Golly Galoshes

Golly Galoshes are a fantastic way to ensure that you and your horse are seen on the road! They are very well made with attention to detail. They are designed to zip up over the top of a brushing boot. The zips are strong and the soft fabric underneath the zips adds comfort for the horse. I have tried them on a very wet day over the top of white brushing boots and they kept the boots clean and dry! They are also excellent for keeping sand and grit away from sensitive legs leaving them clean and dry. Do not fit them if in a rush as they are not as quick as standard boots to put on due to the zips but they are well worth using. Once you put the gaiter on a couple of times - it is quick - you simply hold the zip-up piece in your right hand at the bottom, slip the plastic side in and zip up. The zip helps to keep boots and bandages clean and dry. So the extra couple of minutes spent doing up the zips is well worth while and also makes the galoshes a comfortable fit.


Jeffries IR Bridle
This bridle is hand crafted with the very best top quality leather to the highest exacting standards. The IR bridle’s innovation and design have considered comfort for the horse and how to improve communication between horse and rider. It has a shaped padded poll, which cleverly allows for your horse to move his ears without any restriction or discomfort. It was very noticeable that my horse relaxed much more wearing this bridle and in turn worked in a soft outline. This bridle stands out from the crowd, so if you are looking for a quality bridle that will give you and your horse years of pleasure then you will not be disappointed with the Jeffries IR. The attention to detail is outstanding.  

Equisafety Fluorescent Wrap Around Exercise Sheet.

This is a good quality fluorescent exercise sheet which is lined with a peachy soft breathable fabric, it has a Velcro fastening at the pommel and a fillet string behind to keep it in place it also comes with a useful optional neck band for extra visibility on the front of your horse. It can be used over or under the saddle and is a very secure fit because it has girth slits and stirrup slits, I found it to be generously sized and nice and deep, it has lots of reflective piping and tape for maximum visibility when on the roads or in dim conditions. All in all a very useful item to have in your tack room. It fitted my horse with room to spare and he seemed to find it comfortable to wear as it did not hinder movement.


Rambo Wug
My purple Rambo Wug is very old – It was passed onto to me as a second hand rug. It is still my favourite rug, it never slips, leaks or rubs.
Old Mac Hoof Boots
A few years ago my farrier advised me to give my horse Moss a break from wearing shoes. After giving Moss time to get used to being barefoot I decided to invest in some hoof boots. I purchased a pair of Old Macs, and very quickly became a big fan. They are easy to put and to take off and my horse took to wearing with no problems. I was so impressed with the boots. When it came time to re-shoe my horse my farrier suggested leaving him barefoot as his hooves looked fantastic and with the protection the boots gave Moss the farrier felt there was no need for shoes. My other horse Merlot is now also barefoot and has a pair of the second generation Old Mac hoof boots, and they are even better than the original hoof boots.

Easytrek Bitless Bridle

If you are thinking of using a bitless bride, try an Easytrek bitless bridle. We have road tested this bridle and we can recommend it as an excellent buy. First impressions are the bridle is well made from quality leather and it is excellent value for money. The horses we road tested the bridle on are well schooled and responsive however on occasions one can be strong and 'quick off the mark' when out hacking. We tested the bridle when schooling, hacking and popping over small jumps. The horses responded very well to the Easytrek bridle, becoming a lot more chilled and we never once felt out of control. To find out more about Easytrek’s bitless bridles and their range of treeless saddles click here.   

Pegasus Airboots

The Pegasus Airboots are the best boots I have used. They are so easy to fit to your horse as they only have two velcro straps, one wide and shaped strap at the cannon bone and one under the pastern. These straps are strong and reinforced. The boots are made of a breathable yet soft material. Yet they are offer lots of support and protection. They conform beautifully to your horses legs. The Pegasus boots have a very smart design too, with beautiful neat finishing touch of a coloured binding. So if you are looking for some very smart, comfortable and breathable boots that offer great protection for your horse these boots should be in your kit.     

Equilibrium Close Contact Chaps

I have a pair of close contact chaps and I am very impressed with them. They offer your horse’s legs excellent protection while at the same time they are soft, flexible, and breathable.
Best Friend Standard Grazing Muzzle
My laminitic horse’s intake of grass must be restricted and I tried a Best Friend Standard Grazing Muzzle and found it to be the best on the market. My "Houdini" horse got out of other makes but the Best Friend Standard Grazing Muzzle stayed put! This muzzle attaches to a head collar, the best head collar to use should be a safety or breakaway design. The small hole in the base of the muzzle restricts the amount of grass he can consume and enables my horse to have longer out in the paddock free to enjoy socializing with his chums.

Fly Visor from About Tack
FLY VISOR It is the best fitting fly mask that I have used. It is nice and snug around the nose not allowing any flies in! It is adjustable in two places making it the perfect fit. It stays away from the horses face therefore doesn't irritate sensitive skin and gives the eyes lots of clearance. As the visor is black she can see through it really well and hasn't made any attempts to remove it unlike other masks! Also many of the parts are re-movable and replaceable. This fly visor is stands out from the crowd, its’ clever design and quality materials really make a big difference. Click here to go to the Useful Links page for more information on About Tack. 

Horse Care and Grooming Products
Keratex Mud Shield Powder
It really works! I have used it for years. I find it is best to use it as a preventative measure against mud fever. It allows the skin to breath while repelling water and mud particles. It has a disinfectant to maintain the skin in a healthy condition. It is easy to use as the powder is supplied in a handy shaker.

Keratex Hoof Gel

The tester of the hoof gel has a Shire cross and her paddocks are prone to becoming very wet and muddy. This hoof gel forms a protective, waterproof layer over the hoof, our tester reported how easier it was to remove the mud from her horse’s hooves as the hoof gel acts as a shield against the mud.  

Keratex Hoof Disinfectant

This is a great hoof disinfectant which is packages in an easy to use nozzle-tipped bottle, so easy to apply in all the tricky parts of the hoof. I use this once a week to keep my horses feet in good condition.

Keratex Frog Disinfectant

The horse we tested this product on has very smelly frogs and is prone to infections in his frogs. Wow we were impressed with this powerful product, this disinfectant along with regular trimming from the farrier has made a big difference to this horse's frogs.  

Keratex Hoof Shield

This is ideal for shows and special days out and about. It leaves a high gloss finish and protects too.

Keratex Cosmetic Hoof Filler

If you are going some where special and want to fill in small cracks in your horse’s hooves to create that perfect look then these wax crayons are exactly what you are looking for.


About Tack’s Tail Bucket

If you find washing your horse’s tail a messy business then the About Tack’s Tail Bucket is a must have for you. The innovative design of the tail bucket helps to keep you and your yard clean while washing your horse’s tail. It is very easy to use the neoprene band secures the detachable, disposable washing bags to the tail. The tail bucket also allows you to spoil your horse to conditioning and colour treatments for his tail as the tail bucket holds the treatment in place. A clever and innovative product that is also reusable.


Equimins MSM Cream 

A real must have for any horse owner. It has so many uses; you can use it for minor skin infections / irritations, for softening mud fever scabs, use it as a barrier cream in muddy conditions and it also aids the re-growth of hair. It smells lovely as it contains essential oils of Tea tree and Lavender. The cream has all the benefits of MSM, Aloe Vera, Zinc, Castor Oil, Chamomile and Jojoba to support healthy skin.

Canter Mane & Tail Conditioner
This spray on main and tail conditioner will help you to keep your horse’s main and tail tangle free and silky. I have tried other brands but find this one is the best on the market. It is easy to use and it smells nice too!  
Lavender Wash and the Natural Revitalising Wash I have used Lavender Wash and the Natural Revitalising Wash they are great to use after exercise. It is a no rinse product that is great for refreshing your horse which at the same time removes sweat and dirt. And they smell lovely too!

Salmon Body Brush
This body brush is the best I have ever used it leaves the horses coat gleaming. I received this as a birthday present ten years ago. This quality brush is still in excellent condition. The brush is made from high quality materials which include a varnished wood back, leather strap with pure horse hair bristles.

SoloComb

My horse hated having his mane pulled. So I was delighted when I discovered the SoloComb. It is easy to use and you can create a good finish. I have used the original black SoloComb and the Mk.II blue SoloComb.  The new SoloComb Mk.III has been launched and we recently road tested the Mk.III SoloComb and found it to be even better than the previous designs. With a SoloComb in your grooming kit pulling manes is a thing of the past.

Retractable Brush

This brush is great for removing and collecting moulting hair. This cleverly designed brush has a locking device inside to lock the bristles in place. When used to brush the horse in a circular a motion it collects the loose hair. The loose hair is very easy to remove from the brush with a simple twist of the dial and the bristles retract leaving you with a neat disc of hair. Our horses also loved the massage it gave.

Lincoln Equimeasure

If you own a horse or pony that is prone to gaining or losing weight an equine tape measure to calculate the approximate weight of your horse is a must. I have a Lincoln Equimeasure in my kit and use it regularly to monitor my horse’s condition. It is also useful to help you calculating the correct dose of horse wormer.


First Aid Products - Horse Active 

I purchase my first aid products on-line from Horse Active. On this website you will find everything you need for your equine and human first aid kits at competitive prices. The service I have received has been excellent and delivery is fast too!

Liveryman Arena Clippers

I have owned my Liveryman Arena Clippers for 6 years. They are competitively priced, very easy to use and they give you a professional finish. I have used them to clip my own horses and other peoples including young and nervous horses. If you are looking for a strong robust set of clippers that will perform then check out Liveryman.

Fly Away

I used Fly Away fly spray on my piebald cob. Unfortunately the local fly population find him really tasty so he is bitten relentlessly. I found the spray worked well both in the field and when ridden even on the hottest of days. Fly Away is a great product at an affordable price.


For the Stable  
Rubber Stable Matting

Having your stable fitted out with stable matting will save you lots of time in mucking out. You will use less bedding saving you money and as less bedding is used it reduces the size of the muck heap too. I love my rubber matting and I am delighted with the product. I have recently had another stable fitted with rubber mats by Equi-Tread and I am delighted with the mats, the quick service I received and the very professional job done when the mats were fitted. Click here to find out more about Equi-Tread. 

Delta-sec Bedding Conditioner

I am very impressed by Delta-sec bedding conditioner. It is so easy to use, you simply add a very small amount into your horse’s bedding. It is made from natural ingredients, it is safe to use and smells lovely. The main benefits I discovered were when mucking out my horse’s stable smelt fresh as the Delta-sec neutralises the nasty ammonia smell. It absorbs dampness so less bedding is removed and mucking out is quicker too. As it helps to reduce bacteria it also helps to maintain a healthier environment for my horse’s respiratory system. So if you are fed up of the nasty stable smell that clings to your clothes after mucking out banish it for good by using Delta-sec. Try it and I am sure you will agree it is a great product that makes a big difference for both you and your horse.


Equimins Stable Fresh Disinfectant Powder
I stable my horse on rubber matting and shavings. The Equimins Stable Fresh Dry Bed Disinfectant Powder is great for disinfecting the stable. It helps to remove nasty smells at the same time as killing viruses, bacteria and fungal sores. Being a powder it saves you having to deal with wet disinfecting, the hard work of sweeping away excess water and the problem of drying wet floors. I am a big fan of powdered disinfectants and this one smells good and small amount goes a long way.  


Insurance
Pet Plan Insurance
For 10 years my dog has been insured with Pet Plan. Because of the first class service Pet Plan provide I decided to insure my horses with them too. I am delighted to have made this decision as now my horse is 18 years old his Pet Plan Veteran insurance cover provides me with a competitive package that includes vet's fees cover until the age of 25 years! I have had to make claims for both my dog and my horse for vet fees and Pet Plan have ensured the process is simple and stress free.

Horse Box Insurance

I insured my horse box with South Essex Insurance. I can report I found the insurance package to be excellent and at a competitive price too. I was unlucky to breakdown on the motorway with my lorry. The first class service I received from South Essex Insurance enabled the breakdown to be handled professionally and quickly with the horses being put first. So if you are looking for a great deal and top class customer service to insure your horse box or trailer check out South Essex Insurance.
For the Rider
Just Chaps
I first discovered Just Chaps about 4 years ago when I purchased my first pair of half chaps. They are the best chaps I have ever worn, a great fit, comfortable, hard wearing and machine washable. I am still using my first pair however they are a bit worn after 4 years of daily use so I have purchased another pair to wear for best. So if you are looking for a pair of half chaps that are very good value for money it is worth checking out Just Chaps.  

Racesafe Body Protector

I have owned my Racesafe body protector for several years. This is the 5th Body protector I have owned and I can report it is the most comfortable one I have ever owned. This body protector is light weight and meets the highest levels of protection. The construction makes it comfortable to wear as it is very adjustable, it is made up of small independently hinged foam sections. It is important when you purchase a body protector to get specialist advice on fitting as these body protectors can be made to fit almost anyone in any colour.


Loveson Jodhpurs
I am a great fan of Loveson Jodhpurs as they are great value for money, comfortable, easy to wash, and are hard wearing. I now have many pairs as they come in a fabulous range of colours. I use mine for everyday wear at the stables, riding and competing.  

Mountain Horse Crochet Glove                                                                                                                

This classic glove I have used for riding, lunging, handling horses and day to day yard activities. They are well made, hard wearing and very comfortable. The upper part of the glove is crochet knitted and the between fingers and on the palm the glove is made of beautiful soft leather.  Excellent gloves!

Equimins Horsey Hands Lotion

This hand lotion is great stuff. I love it. My hands suffer badly from being dry and in the winter they get chapped. The Horsey Hands Lotion from Equimins has made a big difference to my hands very quickly. The first time I used it I noticed a difference to my skin and after 4 days my hands are the best they have ever been. The lotion is very quickly absorbed into the skin and it doesn’t leave an oily residue. It also smells lovely too.


Equisafety Asprey Jacket  

asprey jacket If you are looking for a High Viz jacket then check out the Equisafety Asprey jacket. When you think of High Viz you often think of unfashionable and workman like clothing. The Equisafety Asprey jacket is a million miles away from this, it is fabulous! The jacket is beautifully designed and stylish. When wearing the jacket I received lots of compliments, the jacket has a very flattering cut. I love the careful consideration of the horse rider’s needs and detail that has gone into this jacket. The High Viz colour is broken up with areas of black and silver reflective piping details which not only help you to be seen but also make the jacket look trendy. The fabric is soft, waterproof, lightweight and easy to keep clean as it washes at 30 degrees. The jacket has useful pockets including one for your mobile phone. The jacket has a great feature to use when out hacking, it has a unique pull down warning triangle, which fastens at the sides of the jacket, you can roll it back up into the collar when not required. The Asprey jacket is my favourite jacket I use it every day and not just for occasions when High Viz is required. So to be safe, to be seen and to be fashionable an Equisafety Asprey jacket is a must have for any horse rider. Click here to go to the Useful Links page for more information on Equisafety. 
 



Vicki Jayne Maris BA Hons
National Horse & Pony Network Managing Director & Inspirational Horsemanship Tutor
Tel 07930605544
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