For someone unfamiliar with horses and anything associated with horses, the word dressage might conjure up a few other images besides that of its true meaning. One might wonder if it means clothing. How absurd to think of a horse wearing clothing! In a sense, horses do wear what you might consider horse clothing. I suppose you could say its horse blanket is its clothing. Although it could seem comical to imagine a horse in a pair of jeans or a tuxedo!

Could dressage mean bandages? Horses do, after all, require medical attention at times. They get cuts and scrapes just as we humans do. Horses don’t wear the same types of band aids as people, though. For one thing, there is all that hair! People can, however, use a certain tape on their wounds similar to the tape used to cover a horse’s wound. It doesn’t stick to the hair but sticks to itself.

So, what does this term ‘dressage’ mean? One dictionary interpretation is horsemanship using slight movements to control the horse.

“Okay,” you say, “what does controlling a horse have to do with horse blankets? It isn’t as though you can use the blanket to apply his brakes or have him turn. You won’t find blankets listed as part of the requirements for dressage shows or in the lists of dressage supplies sold.

A list of dressage supplies would include things like fleece or velvet pads, girths, dressage leathers, boot, breeches, and coats for the riders, snaffle bridles, double bridles, stock pins, brow bands, cones for the course, bits, and saddle carriers.

So, let’s get to the part where a blanket is an important item should you decide to enter the world of dressage.

A comfortable horse blanket that fits the horse’s needs, size, and the climate is an essential part of owning a horse. When you prepare a horse for dressage, you wouldn’t want your improper use of a horse blanket during the care of your horse to interfere with your training. An uncomfortable horse makes a less willing horse. Perhaps, you could say, a horse with attitude! Obedience in dressage is essential. It’s a horse-related sport. Showmanship is the key, and attitude affects showmanship. Attitude is affected by how well you have cared for your horse, which includes use of the proper blanket.

Suppose you wear socks that cause blisters on your feet, or maybe you use detergent that causes a rash when you wear your clothing. Maybe your shirt is too tight and restricts your movement and cuts off the circulation or inhibits your movement because it is too large. Maybe you are forced to wear a wool suit while the weather is 110 degrees! If you are continually subjected to these abuses, it will affect your attitude and your performance.

Hence, the horse blanket will play an indirect part in your dressage, which involves ease of control and fluid movement. Improper fit of the horse blanket results in friction-related injuries.

There are a number of places throughout Florida where you can go on trail rides and Horseback riding camping trips. In addition to the stables and ranches, you can obtain a permit to visit one of the beautiful State Parks that offer accommodations for both riders and their horses. Following are a few places that might be of interest to you.

Windmill Ranch in North Florida is a 30-acre ranch that is family-owned and offers Horseback riding trail rides starting at only $30 per person. The great thing about this ranch is that you can take a guided or unguided ride, whenever you like. They also offer a summer Horseback riding camp for kids ages 8-17, and all campers are offered private daily riding lessons, unlimited Horse back riding, swimming and field trips. Additionally, they have regular, adult campsites and cabins available and you can even bring your family pet! Windmill Ranch’s web address is www.robinsfurryfriends.com.

Whether you want to go on a one-day ride or a complete equestrian camping trip, Crystal River and Citrus County have beautiful public lands available to their horseback riding residents and guests. The Withlacoothie State Forest in Tillis Hills has a horse stable that accommodates 20 horses and offers one and two-day riding trips. They also provide 37 camping sites and 47 miles of trail for you to ride. Since these are public lands, you’ll have to obtain a permit first so call 352-394-2280 for more information. If you’re interested in utilizing one of the stables, you can contact the Florida Department of Forestry at 352-796-5650.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has horseback riding trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott’s Preserve. Flying Eagle has nine miles of horse trails and Pott’s Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails that even allows horse-drawn buggies with a permit. There is no charge overnight camping, but you will need a permit. To find out more about horseback riding on Pott’s Preserve, call 1-800-423-1476.

If you’re looking for an old-style, western cowboy experience, the town of Davie in south Florida might be a place you’d like to visit. Davie has become a very popular spot because of its old-west image, including an authentic-style, wooden Town Hall. They also have a rodeo arena and several western-themed saloons. Davie has set aside trails for horseback riding along its major thoroughfares so for information on taking a leisurely and informative horseback ride through Davie, Florida, go to www.floridasavvy.com.

As a kid I was raised on a farm but we had cows, pigs, chickens and 120 acres to run around in but no pony back ride. For that I had to go to the neighbors farm. They had ponies for Horseback riding and lots of potatoes. We grew mostly corn, wheat and oats, they grew ponies and potatoes.

My first experience with Horseback riding was pony back riding without a saddle. Just hop on and away you go, well that was the plan anyways. My first attempt at pony back riding was a bit of a mess, mostly my face.

Well I got on the pony without any trouble at all and we, the pony and I, were getting along great until the pony saw a bumble bee, which I didn’t and in a split second I was face first in the dirt. How embarrassing and funny at the same time.

That was many moons ago but my son, who has never had the opportunity to enjoy a pony back ride, really enjoys teasing me about it. Some day we will be somewhere and he will get his butt on the back of a pony or maybe we will get to enjoy some Horseback riding together.

The horse blanket has been around for many years. As long as cowboys and Indians have existed, so has the use of the horse blanket. A welcome addition to any true-blue western cowboy’s stock of horse paraphernalia, the horse blanket can be useful and pleasing to the eye as well.

Most story books about horses and cowboys or Indians will include a reference to or a picture of a horse blanket. It is also a work of art for collectors and to western museums.

Where to buy a horse blanket is not a problem as there are so many outlets available both online and in the ‘real’ world, so to speak. A selection could be as close as your local feed store. Many magazines that advertise western or Indian related items will carry horse blankets. Some of the bigger, well-known flea markets also are sure to have someone dealing in horse blankets. Some of the companies that sell western items and equipment are American Saddlery, Cottage Craft, Classic Equine, Horsewear, and Cowboy Brand.

A horse blanket was used in the Wild West days of gun fighting, in theaters with plays about western days, in farms and ranches around the globe. Soldiers who fought wars on horseback used the horse blanket. There are rodeos across the United States, and you won’t see a rodeo without seeing a horse blanket. It is well-known to people who don’t even ride horses. You can find them sold at travel stops and tourist stores, although some may only be decorative and less functional to the real cowboy or cowgirl. A restaurant that advertises steak as one of its main attractions might have a statue on display with a horse and its trusty blanket.

The fibers in a good horse blanket will wick away the sweat from the horse’s back. Cooler blankets help keep the horse comfortable while they wait in the heat of the sun or in a hot building, such as an auction building or a barn with poor airflow. The horse blanket is easy to care for and only looks better as it ages, although excessive wear will merit replacement for your horse’s benefit. A torn or holey blanket is sure to have less ability to do what it is meant to do.
The horse blanket is a staple for the hard-core cowboy or frequent rider. It is a help to ranch hands when they have to stay out in the weather during round-ups of livestock. Even if the horse doesn’t need the blanket, the rider might. It makes a nice pallet to shield the rider from the ground should they spend a night by the campfire! It’s certain to pad the head better than a rock should a nap be necessary during work breaks. It may even be used as a changing curtain should a lady rider or work hand be mixed among the men folk! (No peaking, fellows!) You could place it under your basket and dinnerware to protect your picnic from the insects crawling around by spreading it over the ground or a nearby rock while you eat.

Horseback riding camp is a great idea for kids who love or are interested in horses and as an alternative to a regular summer camp. Riding camps are available for boy and girls between the ages of 5 through 15 but vary depending on the type of riding they prefer. Horseback riding camps are not only a way for them to get experience as a rider, but also as a means of learning about the proper care and treatment of animals, as well as a way to build their confidence.

There are overnight camps available for only girls, both girls and boys and also religious-related groups. You can choose from show camps where your child can bring their own horse, weekend camps or extended stay. The kids are taught and advised by ‘riding counselors’ and almost every Horseback riding camp offers different levels of riding options based on experience.

Starting with the least experienced or beginner level, these camps can teach kids a lot about getting comfortable with the horses themselves in addition to riding them. Once they’ve got the basics down, and if they so choose, they can eventually advance their skills to higher levels of this sport, like jumping, for example.

Campers commonly receive riding instruction most days out of the week which can include ring lessons, trail rides, stable management and swimming the horses in the river! In stable management, kids get the opportunity to learn about saddling, grooming and the general care of the horses.

By following the expert instruction of the riding counselors, your child will discover how to walk, trot and canter the horses properly and with confidence. Then, when they’ve demonstrated enough skill and self-confidence, they can take part in supervised trail rides and more advanced riders can learn various show fundamentals.

For more advanced riders, there are show and competition camps and clinics available that provide an opportunity to learn games they can play on horseback which can assist in furthering their balance, coordination and control skills. Additionally, these types of activities allow the rider to appreciate how to bond with the animal as they become part of a ‘team’ with their horse. There are obstacle courses which will also help to enhance their speed and accuracy abilities.

Horseback riding camp settings are also a great way for your children to get in touch with nature as they are usually set in the most beautiful of wide open surroundings. Many offer lots of other activities in addition to riding and lessons. Some of these include swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. It’s a well-rounded, natural and safe way for your kids to get a summer camp experience that will last them a lifetime.

If you already involved with the fabulous sport of Horseback riding, or are a novice interested in learning more, you’ll need to have some information on what to wear to make the most of your experience. There are various styles of appropriate apparel and gear for several different categories of Horseback riding including the Equestrian and Western riders and even Polo Players and Racers. Browse online to find all of the items discussed here and many more including special gear for your horse too.

Equestrian

This style of Horseback riding apparel has come quite a long way over the decades. In addition to the standard wear for competition, there are also beautifully made champion and show jackets with intricate beading and other details along with ear and hairnets with decorative crystals sewn in. There are also many new styles of helmets and seasonal clothing that’s available, as well as special safety gear. Technical show shirts come in several colors and are sewn with fabrics and threads that not only give that performance edge look, but also allow for maximum comfort and mobility so the rider can concentrate solely on their horse and performance.

Western

Jeans, boots and denim jackets are what mostly come to mind when thinking about riding horses western style, but there’s actually a wide assortment of clothing designs to choose from. You can get ranch and outerwear that is either present-day or classically styled in old-west fashion, consisting of dusters, chaps, hats and vests. There is also custom-made, one of kind apparel items for shows and events that even include hand-made, leather-tooled pieces for your horse. You can check out vintage, re-enactment clothing items and there is even beautifully-made western rider wedding apparel available for those horse lovers that are planning a real, cowboy-style ceremony.

Polo Players

For the adventurous riders involved in the exciting and sometimes dangerous sport of Polo, special apparel is available that is designed with both style and safety in mind. Finely-made, leather riding boots come in a variety of styles that are both comfortable and also made to assist your balance and overall abilities while taking part in this activity. State-of-the art helmets are being made that are more streamlined and ergonomically designed. They are also lightweight and smaller than the older style helmets and provide maximum comfort and protection so you can focus more on your game.

Racing

Caps and custom-made jackets and ’silks’ are all available online also. Lots of companies that sell these items will incorporate your special colors and logo into your apparel to help you and your horse look your absolute best when making your way onto the track.

The types of boots you choose to wear when Horseback riding can play a big part in the level of enjoyment you’ll get during your ride. Boots come in a wide variety of styles and are designed in several different categories. One thing for sure is to always choose a boot with a smaller heal, lower arch and no deep treads so that you can avoid getting your feet stuck in the stirrups. Here’s some background on the types of boots that are available.

All Terrain Riding Sneakers / Barn Boots

If you like to stop and hike a little during your day out riding horses, these are a good option to consider. This type of shoe is a cross between comfortable sneakers, paddock boots and hiking shoes. Barn boots, as they’re also called, are lightweight, breathable and very durable and will give you stability along with comfort. Most are made with waterproof materials for both men and women, and are also ergonomically designed with special soles for improved cushioning and air circulation.

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots are easier to deal with than the taller style of riding boots and they’re also much safer than riding in your favorite pair of old sneakers although just as comfortable. They are available in zip-up, lace-up and pull on styles and also provide you stability while you’re on the ground as well as in the stirrups.

Tall Riding Boots

Riding boots that are taller at either knee or a little over in length can not only protect your legs, but also come in dressier styles because they are common attire worn by sporting and competition horse riders such as jockeys, equestrians and polo players. They are usually designed with appearance, comfort and performance in mind and are available in an extensive variety.

Field Boots

When the weather isn’t so nice outside, throwing on a pair of field boots can alleviate the work of having to clean and/or condition your regular riding boots. They are designed to be very durable in addition to comfortable and are a very popular choice for riding or taking care of your horse during nastier weather conditions.

Western or ‘Cowboy’ Boots

The great thing about cowboy boots is that they are genderless and ageless, worn by men, women and children. This type of boot has been around for centuries and although they come in an enormous variety of styles and designs, are still made with the same basic working concepts in mind. The lower heel, smooth sole, height of the boot to protect your legs and convenient finger loops make them easy to pull on are still today, the most popular choice of boot for western-style horse riders.