Horses may seem like simple herbivores, but here are a few things that you might not have known about these animals:

1) Horse riding enthusiasts have paid out for over 35 million riding lessons in one year and horses in general have cost UK riders £732 million, which is great for the 1,790 riding schools.

2) Horses were introduced to Australia in 1788 when European settlers arrived. The horses, of which there were initially only 200 were primarily British native ponies and draught horses used for farming. Until then there were no horses in Australia.

3) Horses legs have something called “stay apparatus” which means that they can lock their legs into position and sleep lightly whilst standing up. This is believed to be part of evolution that allowed horses to be less vulnerable while they rested and be able to run from danger in an instant. They do need to lie down however and experience REM sleep in order to prevent sleep deprivation.

4) Horse rugs have made an impact in equestrian clothing. Without these items of horsewear some horses would struggle to survive colder climates. Finer and older horses will benefit from the waterproofing and extra lining to keep the heat in.

5)Horses have evolved over millions of years and it is believed they came from dog like creatures called Hyracotherium. The tapir is the only living animal that resembles this creature and its believed they are somewhere along the line related to the horse.

6)Horses cannot vomit. They have a ring of muscle that stops anything passing back out of the stomach and up the oesophagus. This is why it is vital that horses do not ingest anything harmful or poisonous, because it can only pass into the horse’s digestive system which takes much longer and means any potential toxins will enter the horse’s system.

THIS year’s EquestrianClearance.com scholarship winner Laura Robinson is looking for your help!

The Yorkshire-based teenager has a talented new horse for next season, but despite Laura and her family wracking their brains they are struggling to come up with a name for the ultra talented three-year-old stallion.

And this is where you come in!

Send in your suggested names and be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher to spend at EquestrianClearance.com the leading on line retailer and sponsor of Laura and her team.

Brought over from Germany, the Robinson’s quickly gave the stallion the stable name Boy but have since been at a lost about what to call him in the show jumping arena.

An attractive steel grey, already broken and going well at home, he has impeccable breeding and looks set to be a star of the future.

Bred by one of the most successful sires in Germany, Argentinus, whose long line of off spring include Arko ridden to so much success by Nick Skelton, Boy is out of a dam by Kolibri, also a top show jumper for many years.

Standing 16.1hh, Boy has already made his mark on Laura’s yard, with his good manners and imposing presence.

If you think you have the perfect show name for Boy that will really make him stand out from the crowd, send you entry to emily.tsmltd@btconnect.com

There is only one stipulation to the name as ‘AR’ must precede the show name, which is linked to Boy’s breeding.  The winner of the competition is the person who submits the chosen show name.

If horse riding is your sport of choice, rider wear is a must. Not only is it practical and made for riding, but rider wear is important from a safety point of view. If you are thinking about starting out horse riding, here is your guide to what to wear:

 Riding boots

 Jodhpurs boots- these are short boots that are specially designed for horse riding and are relatively inexpensive. With a semi-smooth sole and heel they stop the rider getting their foot trapped in the stirrup in the event of an accident. They can be worn on their own or with chaps, which can either be full or half chaps and add protection for the leg against rubs or sores. They come in all sorts of colours from the usual black and brown, to purple, pink and even ones with fringes on. These are great for children or the young at heart.

 Long boots- these can be smart or casual. Smart or dress-boots are usually saved for competition and are either black or brown. Long boots can be pulled on or have discrete fastenings giving them a cleaner look.

 Riding boots are designed to be worn around horses. There is nothing worse than the idea of inappropriate footwear around heavy horses with metal shoes on!

Jodhpurs/breeches

 When working with and riding horses these are definitely a must have. They are designed to withstand the wear of riding and getting mucky. They can have patches on the seat and knee when a little added padding is needed. Jodhpurs with a full seat are great as they have a bit more grip to the saddle. They are closely fitted trousers that from a safety and comfort point of view are invaluable. They come in all sorts of colours and styles with sizes to fit everyone’s preference. They are great for fitting under riding boots for a very polished look.

Gloves

An absolute must for riding! There’s nothing worse than getting callouses or blistered hands from riding. Gloves come in different thickness so can be ridden in all year round. Not only do they look smart, but they also add protection from reins rubbing, they add grip (vital for wet days) and keep hands warm.

Hat

Skull caps are just the round hard hat. They have a massive variety of covers available with plain or elaborate designs for every rider’s preference and are great fun to choose from. These riding hats are compulsory for XC as they don’t have a fixed peak. The fixed peak hats are smarter for dressage and jumping and are normally black, brown or blue velvet, however there is a fashion of the vented hats, which are great for hot days. They must be kite marked and be of a certain standard for the discipline. Most competition centres and riding facilities say that riding hats must be worn when mounted and this is advised regardless of where you ride! Hairnets are important for long hair as it will tie it up neatly and prevent any hazards.

Body Protector

For any novice rider body protectors are great for giving confidence that they are full protected. They are designed for protecting vital organs and the riders back. They get a bit of getting used to but they are used by novices and professionals alike. There are lots of different styles that make it easy to find one that suits your figure as well as what kind of riding you want to do.

T shirts

For riding fashionistas. There are so many riding tops to chose from that will fit any figure. They can be fitted, baggy, girly, casual or more work-friendly and practical. It all depends on rider preference, but there’s no doubt they look smart with a pair of coordinating jodhpurs.

Riding jackets

These have been designed to keep riders dry, warm and comfortable in the saddle. Riding jackets are fitted so they lay comfortably and smoothly over the saddle or they sit above the saddle (fitted jackets). They have numerous pockets for storing things in and importantly space for a mobile (just in case). They usually have fastening sleeves so rain and wind doesn’t go up the arms and are vented at the seat to allow the rider to sit comfortably.

These are the basics of what someone would need if they were going to take up riding. They should wear equipment that feels comfortable and fits correctly. Riding wear is designed for the intended sport and it is advised that the correct riding attire be worn for safety and comfort. For some real deals on getting kitted out for your horsey wardrobe in one place, have a look at www.equestrianclearance.com

The most exciting thing for a horse lover is the day they get their first horse. But if finding the horse of your dreams wasn’t hard enough, now you need to think about tack, rugs and general care products you need to get you started.

Here is your survival guide for getting together the basics of what you need to start enjoying your new partnership:

Horse wear

• Rugs- indoor and outdoor and a fly rug (if its summer)
• Headcollar and leadrope  
• Saddle-depends on your discipline
• Girth-pick the right one for your saddle and your horse
• Stirrup leathers
• Stirrup irons
• Bridle and reins
• Bit
• Numnah/saddle cloth- these come in a massive variety of colours, so pick what colours suit your horse and your personality!

Horse care

• Grooming bag
• Body brush
• Dandy brush
• Metal curry comb
• Mane and tail brush
• Hoof pick
• Sponge
• Sweat scraper
• 1^st aid kit
• Mane and tail spray
• Shampoo
• Fly spray-especially in summer!

 On the Equestrian Clearance website, there is a wide selection of ready-made grooming kits with everything you need including a handy carrying bag!

 Yard Equipment

• Fork
• Wheelbarrow
• Brush
• Haynets
• Feed bins, feed, hay and straw
• Saddle stand
• Bridle hook
• Water bucket

Don’t dispair, it needn’t be expensive to stock up! Have a look at www.equestrianclearance.co.uk for brilliant deals and some great starter packs, including feed bucket, water bucket, leadrope, feed bucket cover and a treat bar for your horse.

With so much horse clothing available, it is understandable that knowing what rug is right for your horse can be difficult. So, here are the “need-to-know” basics to get you started:

Why would a horse wear a rug?

• Non-native and native ponies that don’t have a full winter coat may need an extra layer in winter.
• For keeping older horses comfortable.
• To wick away (remove) sweat, without giving the horse a chill.
• Keep flies off the horse.
• Keep the horse clean.
• Protect against the elements.
• During travelling.

What types of rug are out there?

• Indoor rugs- for use in the stable when the weather is cold. They are not normally waterproof. These can have neck attachments, which is good if the horse is clipped in harsh winter.

• Outdoor rugs- These are water-proof and wind-proof and are usually made form a synthetic material but can be padded for warmth. They are used in the field to protect the horse against the elements, especially when a shelter is not available.Some have a neck for added protection and some are very thin waterproof or showerproof sheets ideal for wet, summer weather.

• Cooler rugs-waffle, fleece or cotton and are used to wick away sweat without letting the horse catch a chill. they are great for travelling or using after exercise.

• Sweet-itch/ fly rugs- keeps away biting insects by offering the horse complete coverage. It is a mesh material that can be used in summer without the horse over-heating. They are lighter colours to reflect the sunlight, they also stop darker horse coats bleaching.

• Under rugs- a non-waterproof rug that is designed to go underneath an outdoor or indoor rug as an extra insulating layer. It is good for horses that dont like the heavy rugs as two lighter rugs will take a little pressure off the back in comparison, whilst keeping the horse just as warm.

How do I know what size to use?

Measure your horse or pony from the centre of its chest to the rear of the quarters. The rugs are measured in 3 inch intervals and some manufacturers would advise rounding up to the nearest 3 inch interval to make sure the rug wont pull on the chest or come up over the quarters.

How do I know what weight to use on my horse?

Even when the weather is very cold and we all have our jackets on, horses can cope surprisingly well without a rug. The best way to check is to observe your horse’s behaviour and check how warm/cold they feel when they come in.

Don’t rely on checking ears for temperature as it is an extremity of the horse that has thin skin and an exposed blood supply so will feel naturally cooler. If the horse seems tucked up, reluctant to rest a hind leg or keeps its rear to the elements, then it is likely it could do with a little added protection. With horses that have been unwell, older or have joint issues, it is often advised to make sure they are kept warm and rugged to keep comfortable or ease stiffness.

Start with a thinner rug and work up form there because over-rugging and over-heating the horse can be just as detrimental as the horse being cold.

There is such a variety out there, every colour imaginable and sizes for tiny minature ponies to big draft horses. They are a good investment as they keep horses comfortable and it’s a bonus that they keep horses cleaner and easier to groom, especially when the weather is miserable.

 As a part of developing the marketing team, ‘Equestrian Clearance Warehouse’  has taken on a Marketing Assistant at their offices in Sowerby bridge. 

• Name: Stephanie Koczy

• Education: I graduated from Bishop Burton this year with a B.Sc.(Hons) Equine Science. I have A levels in Biology, English Language and Psychology. Studied German business language and basic Japanese.

• Hobbies: Horse riding (of course). I enjoy being with my friends, whether its at the local, at a game-fair or catching a film. I’m very outdoorsey in my spare time and can be out from early morning to late at night, so it makes a nice change to sit down at work!

• Horses: I have a 16.2 Dutch warmblood mare called Wendela M (Delilah at home). She is only 7 but I am yet to find anything this girl cannot do. In the last 2 years I have done B.Y.R.D.S. competitions on her, competed dressage with plenty success, Show-jumping, hunter trialled, hound exercised, pleasure rides (Castle Howard and Osberton) and a beach ride. Future plans are to get out and do even more.

• General: I have been around horses for about 9 years and worked at a few livery and competition yards. I bought my first pony aged 13, which was a 13.2 fell pony that I had for 7 years and he taught me a lot about horses ( most of it done the hard way!). I have worked around a wide variety of horses as a groom for most disciplines ranging from hunters to pure dressage. During my time at 6^th form college I did work at Claire’s Accessories for a year, but eventually went back to horses when ear piercing lost its appeal. I am looking forward to working with everyone at ‘Equestrian Clearance’ and putting my degree to good use!

SWANSEA-based show rider, Victoria Hesford and top international show jumper Andrew Davies have joined the EquestrianClearance.com team of sponsored riders.
Victoria, 27 has ridden and competed in showing all of her life.  As a child she rode for many of the top show producers, winning at all the major shows.

On leaving school, Victoria decided to make horses her career, producing children’s ponies for clients and gaining a number of prestigious wins along the way.

She now produces hacks, cobs, riding horses and mountain & moorland ponies for clients which she also competes herself.
Victora shares her yard with fiancé Andrew Davies, 36, who is a well known force on the show jumping circuit.

Andrew has also ridden all his life having enjoyed success at Junior, Young Rider and Senior level.  Ranked at number 53, Andrew has a string of horses to compete including Wonderful Melody Van De Helle and Vijlada Mw.

Said Victoria: “We are delighted to be part of the EquestrianClearance.com team and look forward to representing them in both showing and show jumping circles.

“We are looking forward to being a part of the team, providing regular blogs, updates and advice for the EquestrianClearance.com community.”

With a yard full of talented horses, Victoria and Andrew have a busy season planned and are looking forward to working with the team at leading on line retailer EquestrianClearance.com.

They join the 2008 EquestrianClearance.com scholarship winner, event rider Harriet Morris-Baumber and the recently announced 2010 winner, young show jumper Laura Robinson to form Team EquestrianClearance.com

This new sponsorship will see Victoria and Andrew’s yard benefitting from the many products available at EquestrianClearance.com and the team will also receive promotional clothing, rugs and saddlecloths.

THE search for a model pony to feature in the EquestrianClearance.com adverts is finally over!

A nationwide call was put out after young Joshua Marriott, star of the EquestrianClearance.com adverts, had his rocking horse Hattie stolen at the end of last year.

Three-year-old Joshua was left heartbroken and when a nationwide search for the dapple grey rocking horse failed to find Hattie, attention was turned to finding a real pony to star in the adverts with him.

And the winner is………………..

Prince, an 18-year-old, pure white Shetland x Falabella.  Prince is 10hh high and belongs to Louise Blockley from Drighlington near Bradford.

Louise has owned Prince for two years and bought him for her daughter Zara, now four.

Said Louise: “Prince is Zara’s first pony.  She loves him and he looks after her, they are perfect partners!  It is brilliant that Prince is going to star in the adverts, we are very excited.”

Zara and Prince regularly compete in Bonny Pony and Thelwell classes at all the local shows.

Louise saw the search for a model pony in a magazine and knew she had the perfect pony for the job and when Joshua and Prince met up she was absolutely right.

Added Louise: “They looked really good together, we can’t wait for the photoshoot.”

Watch this space for the new advert!

INTREPID horse rider Rebecca Grimwade-Jones is all set to ride across Iceland to raise money for the British Horse Society.
Rebecca from Hanley Castle in Warwickshire, decided to take on the challenge for a number of reasons and was delighted when the team at EquestrianClearance.com stepped in to provide her with clothing for the trip from the Caldene range.

Said Rebecca: “Firstly I hate to see animals suffering and secondly, I have been unwell recently and I want to say a big thank you to horses that have helped me so much in my recovery.

“It is also great that Caldene and EquestrianClearance.com provided my clothing, spending so much time in the saddle, it is important to make sure you are well kitted out, with the correct gear.”
Rebecca will be part of a group of people who will be herding Icelandic ponies across some difficult terrain and riding up to seven hours each day.
She hopes to raise more than £3,000 for this worthwhile cause.If you wish to support Rebecca on her ride, please visit www.justgiving.com/patchnbex where you can sponsor her.