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This section provides information on tack, and riding equipment that the National Horse and Pony Network have tried, tested and rate. You will only find positive feedback on products listed in this section. So no time wasted reading about products that don’t work, or are not up to the job. For products to make it onto this part of the website they will be top products.
Orbitless Bridle. I, Vicki Jayne Maris, (National Horse and Pony Network Managing Director and Inspirational Horsemanship Tutor) and my horse conducted the tried and tested for the Orbitless bridle. We are both used to using bitless bridles for horsemanship. For many years we have used a number of different bitless bridles. I prefer a bitless bridle that offers an instant release of pressure as it can give a clear precise response and the release can timed making full use of pressure and release techniques used in horse training. I love the instant release the Orbitless bridle offers. You can encourage your horse to work from subtle, soft, gentle pressure knowing the instant release will be precise and clear. My horse works happily, softly and correctly in this bridle. There are no long shanks to apply large amounts of leverage. Due to the unique shape of the ellipses the bridle has numerous settings, and it can be varied between poll and chin pressure and nose and chin pressure. Depending of the position of the reins the pressure can be varied from very little pressure to moderate pressure. If you are thinking of trying bitless or already ride bitless then this bridle is a must have.
Magloc. Wow…we tested the Magloc and what an innovative and beautifully designed product. The Magloc helps you to connect two parts together fast and simply. Ideal for attaching to lead ropes as horses can get spooked and this enables a safe fast way of release. Plus when you catch a horse the Magloc by magnetic action joins together fast and smoothly, it eliminates fumbling with catches and clips. This safe fast release can be done one handed so ideal for many practical equine uses, we used it to hang haynets, as an additional safety catch on a stable door and on a paddock gate and on breech straps in a trailer.
Transcend Conversion Bitless Bridle. This bitless bridle is a mixture of a rope halter with a quality soft padded leather noseband which connects to a lowered leather curb strap. The poll is also covered with soft padded leather and the bridle has a smart leather browband. The bridle is easy to put on, you put the head piece on first then slide the noseband up and the bridle does up with a simple knot. The horse ridden in this bridle is regularly ridden in bitless bridles and both he and I loved this bridle. The soft padded noseband helps the bridle to sit more securely and prevented rubbing. The curb strap is made from soft leather and sits lower than the noseband in the curb groove. The reins attach to the curb strap. There is also a standard rope halter attachment point under the chin, which you can use for leading or as another rein attachment point. This gives you the options of riding with two sets of reins if you wanted to. Our test horse worked in a soft round outline in this bridle. Communication with this bridle was easy, effective and light. Many horses would love this bitless bridle.
The Lodge Ropes Enduro Bridle We tested this beautifully crafted bitless bridle via Bitless Horse who offers a hire facility on a wide range of bitless bridles plus an on-line shop to purchase bitless bridles. The Enduro bridle acts as a side pull when one rein is used and when both reins are used simultaneously the cleverly designed chin piece comes into contact with the lower jaw. The horse used for our tried and tested loved this gentle bridle and worked in it in a soft relaxed outline. Our test horse is very sensitive and appreciates the lightest of touch. The horse and the rider loved this bridle as it offers on release of pressure an instant neutral position. The bridle is easy to fit and adjust. You can also use it as a rope halter. It comes in a wide range of colours and complete with rope reins. If you are a bitless bridle fan check out Bitless Horse’s website for more information on bitless bridles and the wide range of bitless bridles on offer.
Easy-Does-it Natural Horsemanship Rope Halter If you love natural horsemanship or you want to get started in learning about natural horsemanship with your horse then a rope halter is an essential piece of kit. As a natural horsemanship practitioner I have over the years used a number of rope halters from different manufacturers. My favourite rope halter is from Easy-Does-it, it is a quality well made halter with attention to detail. Also the halter is very competitively priced.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Other Tried and Tested Sections Include:
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