Blog Articles From The Trainer’s Loft

7 Expert Tips for Cold Weather Horse Care and Winter Fitness Winter often brings a natural slowdown for both riders and horses. Shorter days, icy footing, and freezing temperatures make it harder to keep up with regular riding routines. But too much time off can leave your horse stiff, out of shape, and even restless….

4 Proven Horse Paddock Mud Control Strategies Mud season is one of the toughest times of the year for horse owners, and horse paddock mud control can feel overwhelming. The combination of rain, melting snow, and heavy turnout traffic can quickly turn paddocks into a mess. Beyond being inconvenient, mud can damage your horse’s hooves,…

4 Essential Used Tack Finds Every Rider Needs for Fall Fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and new demands on your horse care routine. For many riders, that means swapping out summer gear for blankets, sturdier tack, and layers of riding apparel. But keeping your horse and you equipped for the weather doesn’t have to…

5 Types of Horse Bits Every Rider Should Know When it comes to riding and training, the bit is one of the most important tools you’ll use to communicate with your horse. With so many designs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Understanding the different types of horse bits and how…

Horse Blanket Guide: How to Choose the Right Weight for Fall Nights As the crispness of autumn settles in, horse owners face one of the most common seasonal questions: does my horse need a blanket? If so, which type and what weight? Blanketing is not a one-size-fits-all decision. This horse blanket guide will walk you…

7 Smart Tips: Autumn Horse Care Guide for Winter Readiness Fall is a season of transition for both people and horses. As the temperatures drop, daylight shortens, and pastures fade, horses face a variety of new health challenges. Preparing in advance is one of the best ways to ensure your equine partner enters winter strong,…

Horse Care for Cooler Weather: Starting Fall Prep As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, horse owners know it’s time to start adjusting routines, turnout schedules, and tack to keep horses comfortable and healthy. Seasonal changes can affect everything from your horse’s coat to their energy levels, so preparing in advance is…

8 Must Have Horse Training Gear Items Training a horse is more than just teaching commands, it is about building a relationship based on communication, trust, and consistency. Whether you are working with a young horse for the first time or refining an experienced partner’s skills, having the right tools makes the process safer and…

4 Must-Know Ways Western Safety Stirrups Protect You in the Saddle Whether you are hitting a trail through the mountains, working cattle, or competing in rodeos, safety should always come first in the saddle. One often-overlooked piece of tack that can have a major impact on rider safety is the stirrup. While traditional stirrups have…

5 Essential Ways to Use Aromatherapy for Horses Safely and Effectively Horse owners are increasingly turning to holistic methods to support their animals’ wellbeing. One of the most popular approaches to that is aroma therapy. From calming nerves before a show to easing respiratory issues or muscle tension, aromatherapy is a gentle and effective tool…

6 Essential Horse Brushes and How to Use Them Grooming is an important part of horse care. It keeps your horse clean and healthy, helps you monitor their condition, and can strengthen the bond between horse and rider. One of the most important components of grooming is using the right horse brushes and using them…

Smart Horse Show Essentials to Help You Stay Show-Ready Preparing for your first horse show can feel overwhelming. But having the right horse show essentials can make all the difference! From grooming gear to riding attire, every item you pack plays a role in making the day successful, smooth, and stress free – for both…

8 Smart Tack Room Organization Ideas to Transform Your Space A well organized tack room is not just about aesthetics. It is also about efficiency, safety, and taking better care of your tack as well as your horse. When every halter, brush, saddle pad, and supplement has a place, you can spend more time riding…

7 Must-Know Horse Trailering Tips for Safer Travel Whether you are on your way to a show, trail ride, clinic, or a new boarding facility, traveling with your horse is a responsibility that takes preparation, patience, and the right gear. Safe horse trailering is not just about loading up and hitting the road, it is…

Top 7 Things to Know Before Buying Saddle Pads When choosing saddle pads, it’s important to note that it is just as critical as picking the right saddle. Well-fitted saddle pads can protect your horse’s back, may help improve the fit of the saddle, may help absorb shock, and may help prevent injury and soreness…

Second Hand Equestrian Gear Is a Budget-Friendly Win It’s no surprise – being an equestrian is not cheap. Between tack, apparel, feed, vet bills, and lessons, the costs can add up quickly. One of the smartest ways to save money without compromising on quality is by investing in second hand equestrian gear. From saddles and…

Top 6 Equestrian Summer Apparel Picks to Beat the Heat When the summer sun is at its hottest and the barn feels like an oven, staying cool becomes more than just an issue of comfort. It is also about safety, performance, and making the most out of the time you spend in the saddle.Whether you…

Beat the Heat: 5 Stall Cooling Solutions Every Summer Barn Needs As we come into the summer months and the temperature rises, it’s not just riders feeling the heat – our horses do too.  High temperatures and humidity can put horses at risk for heat stress, dehydration, and discomfort. This is especially true when housed…