Image via WikipediaHorseback riding as part of your vacation. New Brunswick Canada is a great place to vacation and if you love Horseback riding you can find place to stay where they offer Horseback riding as part of the adventure.

As a kid living in Ontario I didn’t get the chance to do any horseback riding. I blame my parents who had no time for much fun. But they did feed me and help to guide me so I can’t complain too much.

I live in New Brunswick and enjoy the beauty we have here. I visited New Brunswick as a kid with my family and remember the scenes, so much like postcards we would get and Christmas cards with churches.
I moved here to stay in the early 80’s and would very quickly find the girl I would marry. We have now been married 26 years this month. (April)

New Brunswick has so much to offer, life horseback riding in some of the most beautiful and inspiring areas, I also love to fly fishing in New Brunswick as you just can’t beat the Atlantic salmon and brook trout here.

Some of the place that are virtually untouched are of course the hardest to reach without walking for days, that’s where horseback riding comes in. You can find some great fly fishing adventure horseback riding in New Brunswick Canada.

I was looking through New Brunswick using Google to see what I could find that would help you pick New Brunswick as your vacation spot.

Take a look at VRBO Vacation Rentals by owners and you may just find that little dream cottage that will give you memories for years to come.

Anyone who owns horses knows that fly are a problem. Even barns and horse owners with the tidiest stables, that haul their manure away immediately and have nice dry sandy lots have to deal with fly issues. Many horse owners attempt to control their fly population by using a variety of methods including fly sprays, fly strips, bug zappers, fly misters that mist the stabling area with fly sprays, and a variety of wraps and collars that have been soaked in fly spray. Mustangs will search for mud holes that they use to cover themselves in mud to discourage fly bites. In an effort to keep their horses bite free some owners try to keep them blanketed from head to toe, but hot summer temperatures often force them to removed the blankets during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

Several horse owners use fly sheets as a form of fly control.

The material used to make fly sheets is the same type of finely woven mesh material used
to make vinyl lawn furniture. The same type that has been used since the 1960’s. Fly sheets are typically constructed of polyvinyl that is resistant to UV rays and comes in a wide variety of colors (including blaze orange for horse owner that live in the middle of a hunting region.) The polyvinyl is normally designed in a loose weave pattern. Polyvinyl is damage caused by dirt and oils.

Horse owners have two different types of fly sheets to select from, a scrim sheet and a turnout fly sheet.

Fly sheets that are designed for turnout purposes are typically made of a stiffer lightweight material then scrim fly sheets. When outfitting a horse with a turnout fly sheet owners should make sure that the sheet fits well enough that the breast straps, surcingles, and leg straps do not have to be tightened excessively which can impede the horses movement. Owners should not cross the leg straps of a turnout fly sheet. Leaving the leg straps uncrossed will allow the horse to flap his under his belly without ensnaring it in the straps. When purchasing a fly sheet for turnout owners should look for one made of a lightweight mesh material that is easy to clean. In the event of severe stains (manure and grass are the most common) blanket owners can try using a stiff, sudsy brush directly on the stain. this works especially well if the blanket is laid on a concrete surface. A fly sheet made with polyvinyl will typically dry within thirty minutes of being washed. Machine washable is ideal. It is not a bad idea to purchase two turnout fly sheets, that way if one gets dirty or tears owners have another one available.

A well crafted turnout fly sheet will be designed to tear if the horse gets it caught on something but should be designed in such a way that the damage will be minimal.

Most horse owners prefer elastic leg straps on their turnout fly sheets over the nylons variety.

Scrim flysheets are designed to be used while the horse is in a stall, typically after a thorough grooming has removed all the naturally protective dirt and oils from the horses coat. Scrim fly sheets are designed to loosely cover the horses body. because of the loose fit horses should never be turned loose while clothed in a scrim fly sheet. Many owners also use scrim fly sheets as an anti-sweat blanket.

The mesh design of fly sheets will not prevent the horse from becoming dirty and dusty like solid blankets.

A fly sheet should help wick moisture away from the horses body which will keep them cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months.

Image from WikipediaWestern tack is also known as ‘cowboy tack’. There is a difference in some of the western tack as opposed to, say, English tack. The English, for instance, have different tack to accommodate their different usage and riding styles. Western tack is used more for the purpose of riding the range, in rodeo events, western horse shows, and on western ranches and farms in North and South America.

Western saddles have no padding and require the use of a horse blanket for the animal’s comfort.

The English saddle has no horn. For the uninformed, no, this is not a reference to a horn that honks. If you insist, you could rig a bicycle horn to your tack somewhere, somehow, just for kicks. Your horse may not appreciate the unwelcome attention it would surely invite from passersby. The temptation to create noise could spook or irritate your beloved pet.

The western saddle has a horn for the practical use of holding a rope to lasso livestock and for your added convenience and support.

There is much more to western tack than the saddle. If you haven’t a clue as to what owning a horse involves, review the following short list to get familiar with the term western tack.

Breast collars, rope/webbing, western bridles, roping reins, training supplies, spurs, whips, saddles, cinches, girths, pads, horse blankets, stirrups, halters, leads, horseshoes.

Does it seem overwhelming? To a beginning horse owner, it certainly could be! Don’t despair or give up easily. After all, anything worth having is worth learning about!

There’s a wealth of information available about horses, western tack, horse blankets, how to care for horses, where to buy your equipment, feeding, vet supplies, and fencing.

Make sure you do your research, preferably before you begin your journey as a proud horse owner! There are several words to use to search for information on tack, including western tack, tack, and equipment for horses, cowboy tack, equestrian supplies, and horse supplies. Even a search for horse blankets can lead to a discovery for tack. Almost any area of the country is sure to turn up a discovery of someone who owns a horse or is a collector of western tack or horse blankets.

Although the horse blanket may be considered more of a supply than a piece of equipment, it is still associated with western tack. It is a necessary addition to your collection of horse care items.

Your horse blanket can also be used as more than just a blanket for your horse. Suppose you have to spend a night out on the range. You could snuggle up to your horse and share his blanket for warmth! This is, or course, assuming your horse is a snuggler! If it’s a nice, clear, warm night, you could use your horse blanket for a pillow or just to lie on.

If you are a collector of western tack, consider adding the horse blanket to your precious list of items to complete the picture.

Image via WikipediaThey would seem to be a team anywhere, the saddles and horse blankets.  Western saddles and horse blankets are a necessary couple.  Not all saddles require the use of a horse blanket.  Indeed, there is also padding which could eliminate the need for the horse blanket under a saddle.

Saddles are plentiful and varied.  There are all sorts of types, styles, price ranges, colors, uses, and horse blankets for saddles.  The blanket is a barrier between the saddle and the horse’s skin.  It provides a measure of comfort to an otherwise irritating situation.  One wants the horse as comfortable and cared-for as possible to get the best ride and relationship with the horse.

Saddles can say a lot about the rider.  It says you either use it a lot or just a little, it says you take care of it or you neglect it, it says what you use the horse for, whether or not you are an owner who prefers your materials simple or detailed, it can even say which area you are from and how much money you choose to put into your equipment.

The horse blanket can say something about your taste.  It can say whether or not you have shopped recently and bought a new blanket or whether you are using a favorite, well-worn blanket.  It can say whether or not you prefer elaborate style or just the basics.  It can say whether or not you care to match your colors to your other accessories.  It can say where you shop if it is a certain brand or style.

Saddles and horse blankets are a must if you own a horse in a colder region of the United States.  Horse blankets are the horse’s jacket, if you will.  If you wouldn’t stay in your barn without a jacket, why would you expect your horse to?
Horse blankets and saddles don’t need to be expensive to be useful.  Although you want what is the best quality for your horse, you can get better deals on them if you shop around and price-check.  Just remember that you get what you pay for in many cases.  Cheap saddles and horse blankets may well be just that!  Another point to remember is that pretty may not go hand-in-hand with practical.  Saddles and blankets must meet the needs of the services you will perform with your horse.  Are you buying them for the horse’s comfort or for your own vanity?  One may not benefit the other.  Good, used saddles and blankets may be all you require.  New is not necessarily a benefit, especially if you are just starting out in the horse business and are stretching your funds.  You can sometimes get really good deals on used saddles as opposed to new ones.  Someone may be selling them because they are getting out of the business of owning horses.

Whatever the case, the saddles and the horse blankets should compliment each other in usage and at times in image.  A show horse would not get best of show if he has an old, worn saddle and blanket.

Image via WikipediaAlmost any baby is adorable.  Okay, there are some that only a mother could love, but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  How could anyone not fall in love with ponies?  They have such a charm, children are attracted to them, children’s books are written about them, and horse blankets are made for them.

Yes, that’s right.  There are horse blankets made for ponies!  Some ponies do live in the wild and are without the luxury of a warm blanket for the winter.  It is unfortunate, for only the strong survive, whereas struggling weaklings in captivity are given a chance to become stronger.  These do tend to get pampered and loved and have their warm blankets to help them through their shaky developmental stages.

The National Park Service helps to protect the wild ponies.  There is a small island near Virginia where the wild ponies are herded across the waters to another island once a year.  This is a popular event, and the island is called Chincoteague (pronounced CHIN-ko-teeg).

An hour after they are born, ponies have the ability to walk.  They may stumble and struggle at first, but they learn fast.  The baby is called a foal and isn’t considered full-grown until age 5 or 6.  Most people who have horses will try to have the mare give birth in their barn, in a stall, and a warm horse blanket is provided for them after the birth.  If the mother has trouble with the birth, it is easier to monitor and provide care in a barn.

Many people, who think it will be a good idea to give their child a pony, do not realize the special care a horse needs as it grows and develops.  It is always good to sit down with your child and make a list of all the things any animal new to the family will need before purchasing.  Horses especially will need plenty of room to graze and grow and will need their exercise and good medical care if a problem were to develop.

You may want to start with a small horse, such as a mini, if you do not plan to have your child ride a horse.  The mini horse comes in a child-sized package!  Don’t forget the accessories that come with owning the minis.  There are horse blankets made just for this size horse.

Miniature Horses were created from breeding small horses that were used for work in coal mines to the small Shetland Ponies.  The babies were then bred to make even smaller horses.  The miniature breed is not actually considered ponies just because of their size.  Ponies are 14 hands high, compared to the 8 hand size of a mini.  But the baby minis are called ponies until they are grown, just as other horse babies.

You shouldn’t need as much horse tack for these mini horses because they are not used in the same ways as what is considered normal sized horses.  There are places that sell tack just for the smaller breeds.

Image via WikipediaIf you’d like to explore the splendor of the Sierra Mountains, try Horseback riding in Yosemite National Park in California. Regardless of your experience level, there is something for everyone with guided trail rides, multi-hour and multi-day camping trips and even pony rides for the kids. Following are some of the great Horseback riding options available to you at Yosemite National Park.

At the Park’s stables in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona, you can choose from two-hour, four-hour and all-day very reasonably priced trail rides. Rates start at $35 per person for a two-ride ride and cost about $70 for all-day rides. You should note that all day horseback rides require a three-person minimum. If you’d like to find out more and to make reservations for rides at one of these locations, call Valley Stables at 209-372-8326; Tuolumne Meadows Stables at 209-372-8427; or Wawona Stables at 209-375-6502

For a more of a back-country Horseback riding experience, you can sign on for one of High Sierra’s Camp and Saddle Trips. These four, five or six day excursions head out from the Tuolumne Stables and take place during the months of July through September, weather permitting. On one of these adventures, you’ll be led by professional, experienced guides and packers who will entertain you with folklore and points of interest throughout the trip. They also take care of everything for you – they pack all the food, gear and feed for the animals. Another engaging part of this journey is that your personal items will be carried through the trails on pack mules. Prices start at around $550 and range up to about $875 depending on the length of the trip you choose and you can even request customized rides. Contact Yosemite Stables by calling 209-372-8348.

With Yosemite Trails, you can take a one or two-hour long horseback ride through the awesome, scenic loop of the Sierra National Forest to get a really up close and personal experience with nature. If you’d like to spend a little more time in the saddle, you can opt to take a 5 1/2 hour trip that includes a ride though the Mariposa Grove within Yosemite Park. In addition to the rest of the park’s splendor, you’ll also get to see the incredible 2,000 year-old Mariposa trees. It’s recommended you bring a lunch on this one. Prices for these three rides range from $30 to $80 – which ain’t bad!

Yosemite Trails also offers lead horse rides for children under the age of 7. Your child’s horse will be led around the stables by one of the park’s qualified wranglers for around $20 for 15 minutes. For more information, you can call Yosemite Trails at 559-683-7611.

Image via WikipediaAt first it can seems like such a simple task, all you have to do is open that glossy horse supply and tack catalog that is laying on the table and purchase a new Western saddle pad. No problem.

Just a few short seconds after opening the catalog you realize exactly how big a project you are about to undertake. Instead of opening the catalog and finding the one or two saddle pads you expected you find your self facing page after page after page of saddle pads. Each saddle pad has its own cut, material type, and function. The magazine offers a brief blurb on each pad but nothing that is really helpful. The only thing that the blankets seem to have in common is the price…expensive.

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. The typical horse person operates on a tight budget. Every day they are confronted with a flood of bills that never seems to stop, feed bills, veterinarian bills, board bills, lesson bills, and miscellaneous bills. It is tempting to purchase the cheapest saddle blanket the catalogue sells. Before you place that order you should stop and think. When it comes to tack cheaper is typically not better. Cheap saddle blankets tend to be so thin that they offer next to no cushioning, the flimsy material often bunches and can cause saddle sores if the owner is negligent when saddling. Cheap blankets can slide while the owner is riding (this is especially true if your horse is as round as a barrel). The advantage to cheap saddle blankets is that they are typically washing machine cleanable, but the downside is that they seldom last for more then a few cleanings. The one time I recommend buying a really cheap Western saddle pad is when you are first saddling a young horse. If cost is a major issue consider looking in the clearance sections of the catalogs and tack stores. I’ve found that I typically find the best deals on saddle blankets when I’m not looking for one.

The second thing you need to take into consideration when you are looking for a Western saddle blanket is what type of saddle do you have. Not all Western saddles are designed the same, there are saddles cut to fit specific breeds (Arabians and Quarter Horses typically use a different saddle design), saddles that are designed for different purposes (a barrel racing saddle looks completely different from a saddle that a roper will be riding in). The important thing to remember is that the when the saddle pad is on, no part of the underside of the saddle should be touching the horses back.

It is important to consider your horses body type when you are purchasing a saddle blanket. If you own a horse whose mid section resembles a barrel and their withers are nothing more then a distant memory (this is the typical body type of ponies) you will want to look for a saddle pad that is made of material that is designed not to slip and slide all over the place. If you are a rider that typically leans heavily on one side of your saddle you will also want to consider a non-slip saddle blanket. If your horse has prominent withers you will want to look for a saddle blanket that will add extra protection and padding in the front. A swaybacked horse requires a saddle pad that will offer extra support everywhere, you’ll also want to look for a saddle pad that is thick enough you saddle will sit above the horses withers and hips.

Western saddle pads are not easy to clean. They are typically to stiff and cumbersome to fit in a washing machine and if you are able to cram them into your washing machine you will quickly learn that it can take several days before they are dry. Once a Western saddle pad has been washed it typically doesn’t look the same again. Most Western riders try to keep their saddle pads clean by placing a cheap Navajo rug under the think fluffy Western Blanket.

If you live in the San Diego area and are interested in Horseback riding, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ranches close to the downtown area. Let’s take a look at a few to give you some background as to what they have to offer along with their locations and contact information.

The Circle T ranch is located in nearby Lakeside and is only about 35 minutes from downtown San Diego. Guided trail rides will take you over miles of beautiful territory through the Lakeside Mountains and a sandy river bed for a bit more adventure. You will be led by a guide who has over 10 years of experience with horses and even a degree in Animal Sciences! Rides are by reservation and cost $40 during the week and $45 on weekends. It’s suggested that if you plan on riding over the weekend, you make reservations during the previous week.

Circle T also offers training and boarding and a ‘Ranch Experience’ package that includes saddling your horse, a lesson, trail riding, washing down your horse and a pizza and salad lunch. It lasts about three hours and costs $125 per person with a two person minimum. Visit their website at www.thecircletranch.com for more information.

Warner Springs Ranch in Warner Springs offers a wide variety of creative Horseback riding activities. You can ride on miles of superbly maintained trails with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. They provide adult, family and children’s programs in all levels of experience for both Western and English style riders. Warner Springs Ranch also has wonderful accommodations for overnight stays and provides boarding services for privately owned horses.

Aside from the regular guided trail rides, some of the unique choices include a Breakfast ride where you will take an invigorating early morning horseback ride and return to a hearty cowboy breakfast that has been prepared for you. Or how about a romantic Twilight Ride for a perfect way to end a summer day? There are also Picnic Rides, Wildflower Rides and Scavenger Hunts on horseback.

Trail ride costs start at $17 for horse owners and $37 for ranch visitors with Meal Ride prices ranging between $20 and $42.50. And children under 5 can take pony rides for free! There are also special guided trail rides for kids over 8 years old with arena lessons for children 6 and over. Prices for lessons vary between $15 and $50 depending on whether you are an adult, child, individual and group. They have a very user-friendly and nicely designed website with lots of information at www.warnerspringsranch.com.

You can also check out http://totalescape.com/active/animals/horse/SD.html for links to even more stables in the San Diego area.

Horseback riding vacations are a great way to go if you’ve got a love of horses and enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of locations and packages available, not only in the United States, but internationally as well.

Dude ranches offer beautiful settings with accommodations available for just about any size group from one or two people to six or more. You can choose to stay in a rustic style cabin or bunkhouse with many equipped with modern conveniences including a private bathroom, refrigerator and even air conditioning and heating. Most ranches provide a variety of riding options to choose from and some even allow you to bring your own horse as they provide boarding in covered stalls.

Packages can also meals and many places allow you can also cook up a hearty meal of your own in an outdoor bar-b-que pit. For a great place to relax after a full day of riding and fun, set a spell on the nice, old-fashioned front porch. Or maybe you’ll feel mingling with some of the other guests at the main lodge or taking a refreshing dip in the pool. Most guest lodges also offer restaurants and game rooms equipped with professional pool tables. Prices vary depending on the accommodations and options you choose, but are reasonable considering everything these types of vacations have to offer.

If you’re really adventurous, you might want to try an authentic, old-west cattle drive or round-up. Upon arrival, you get an orientation and afterwards, head out with your team for an exciting, week-long experience into the great, wide-open. After setting up camp, your days will consist of between five to eight hours in the saddle rounding up the cattle or horses.

You can also get in some fishing or hiking while you’re at it. Then later on, sit beside the campfire and soak in all the sounds and sights of the territory around you – talk about a peaceful and relaxing setting. These packages include all of your food and camping needs and are really an awesome choice for seeing how the real cowboys live and what the early pioneers experienced. Additionally, ranchers say another great part of this is the unique ‘partnership’ and bond that builds between you and your horse.

Horseback riding vacations are a wonderful way to experience the unspoiled beauty of the land. With so many options and amazing locations to choose from, nationally and internationally, how could you go wrong with a trip like this? Think about the excitement and adventure it will bring, along with all of the memories you’ll take away with you. It just might turn out to be the experience of a lifetime!

Image from WikipediaThe horse blanket was created for functional use, to be placed under the saddle as an extra cushion, or to be used when a saddle was not available or not necessary.  When riding without a saddle, the blanket can soak up sweat or dirt from the horse to prevent or reduce transfer onto your clothing and makes the ride a bit more comfortable for the animal.  It grew in popularity over the years and became an item of decoration, both on the horse and in the home.

The saddle sits on top of the blanket, which also helps protect the lining of the saddle.  The blanket peeks out underneath to cover the pad placed on the horse’s back.  This can provide decoration if you have an elaborate blanket with hanging fringe.  It can enhance the beauty of your horse and the beauty of a new or favorite saddle.

Sometimes the blankets are not elaborate and fringed and are of a more useful image.  The blankets come around to attach in the front, then there are attachments for each back leg as well to keep the blanket in place.  It provides warmth and comfort to your prize horse and majestic pet.

Some horse blankets are called rugs.  It seems funny to think of a rug being placed on your horse’s back, especially under the saddle.  In the past, these rugs were made of canvas or something called jute, which is a strong fiber used for making burlap or rope.  Some blankets have an item called a surcingle sewn to keep them place.  A surcingle is a strap that goes around the horse’s body to bind on a saddle.  It should also have a warm wool lining.

If your stabled horse has a thin coat or has been clipped, you may want to provide a horse blanket for warmth.  While you sit in your warm home, out of the cold, you can be comforted knowing your valued pet has additional protection from the weather.  The horse will feel more loved and cared for, and will be more willing to respond to your attentions.

Some horse enthusiasts obtain day rugs and night rugs.  Waterproof canvas has been used in the making of horse blankets, to further protect from the weather and also help lengthen the life of the blanket.

If you are using your animal as a show horse, you might want to provide a saddle with a blanket in matching colors, maybe you’ll want your initials on the blanket for advertisement purposes while your horse waits.  You can custom order your saddle and your blankets.

Sometimes the blanket is placed next to the horse and the pad is placed on top, then the saddle is added.  You should always use a pad or blanket under a Western saddle.

Besides being functional as added padding and protection for your clothing if you ride without a saddle, the blanket can be used to help your horse get comfortable with having weight on its back.