When looking for a horse trailer, there are many features to take into account. One important aspect is whether the horse trailer will be bumper pull or gooseneck. There are many reasons why you could gain from either design. We’ll compare the two layouts to see which suits you best.

Bumper Pull Designs – Good and Bad Points – Bumper pull designs, also known as tag-along designs, are equestrian trailers that connect to a hitch on the hauling vehicle. The trailer then “tags along” following the hauling vehicle and therefore a part of the overall vehicle.

Good Points – There are a few plus points of bumper pull trailers. They generally cost less than a gooseneck horse trailer. It’s not required to use a pickup truck for pulling the trailer, because of this more people can haul this layout of horsebox with their current car. Normal turns are frequently more easily done because the tag-along design will go along with the direction of the towing vehicle. You don’t need a large amount of space for the trailer as needed for a gooseneck trailer. The trailer does not need to be classed as a “commercial” vehicle with regards to licences because the combined weight of both the horsebox and pulling vehicle is commonly under 10,001 lbs.

Disadvantages – There are several bad points as well. These style of trailers do not offer as much space for tack and clothing. Certain bumper pull horseboxes may not be adequate for transporting more than two horses as a result of the design of hitch necessary for the load of the trailer. Also, bumper pull designs are more likely to to weave on wavy roads, which can be hazardous.

Gooseneck Trailers – Good and Bad Points – Gooseneck trailers differ from bumper pull trailers in their hitch style. The gooseneck is joined inside the hauling truck’s load bed using a ball and coupler mating. The gooseneck trailer offers a number of benefits. It won’t wobble or fishtail like a bumper trailer often does, and towing is therefore more stable. They provide more area for living quarters, which can be convenient for camping and overnight trips. The gooseneck layout is more simple to reverse up to and align with the ball while hitching it to your pulling vehicle, as you can view it clearly from the rear window. The gooseneck style is more secure without the worry of the trailer becoming detached while driving on the highway.

Negative Points – There are also some negative points. Gooseneck layouts are more expensive and are regularly bigger so they have to be towed with a pickup that is powerful enough to tow it. The hitching application is also more pricey for a gooseneck design. A further negative point is that while attaching the trailer, you normally have to climb into the bed of the pickup to finish the attachment. Also, you will need to take off your load top from your pickup to pull a gooseneck trailer.

Find the Right Horse Trailer – Whether you’re considering a bumper pull or gooseneck design, you can search on the web to look at a number of styles of each. If you’re cash is limited, you can search for used horseboxes for sale and horse trailers for sale to find a bargain. Take into account the advantages and negative points of each design before buying. For more information and horses for sale, visit the Horse and Pony Directory

Origins of the Thoroughbred:
This breed of horse was formerly bred in England as a result of the English horsemens want to own a quick horse. There are three that founded this bloodline which are: Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian, named after their owners, Thomas Darley, Lord Godolphin and Captain Robert Byerley.

Every one of these stallions were brought to the UK from the Mediterranean Middle Eastduring 1670 and 1710. The outcome was an animal that could hold weight with sustained speed over extensive distances. Approximately 9/10 of new thoroughbreds have come from Eclipse whose grandsire was Darley Arabian, who never lost in eighteen races. This began a very selective breeding procedure which has been going on for nearly 250 years, producing the finest race horses, giving them superiority and brilliance on the race track.

About the turn of the 1700’s, breeding records for Thoroughbred horses were sparse and frequently imperfect, and on any occasions, they would not refer to a horse until the juvenile horse had proven themself creditable.

A gentleman called James Weatherby, through his own research and relentless work, and by the collection of his own privately held pedigree records published the foremost volume of the General Stud Book. He achieved this in 1791. The foremost book listed 387 mares, each of which could be traced back to Eclipse. The General Studbook is still published in England by Weatherby and Sons. Numerous years afterward, as thoroughbred racing became popular in North America the necessity for a pedigree registry for American Bred Thoroughbreds, comparable to the General Stud Book became clear.

In 1873, the earliest American Stud Book was printed by Colonel Sanders D. Bruce. This gentleman spent almost a lifetime studying the pedigrees of American Throughbred horses. He continued the example of the General Stud Book creating six volumes of the register until 1896 when the project was carried on by The Jockey Club.

The accuracy of the American Stud Book is the flagstone on which all Thoroughbred racing in North America depends. The earliest edition of the American Stud Book by The Jockey Club had a foal crop of approximately 3,000. In 1986 in had grown to an amazing 51,000. In the present day The Jockey Club runs a powerful new computer system to meet the registration challenges posed by the extremely large amount of yearly registrations.

The Jockey Club owns and runs one of the most sophisticated computer systems in the world at present, with its record holding more than 1.8 million horses on a main pedigree record, with names that can be traced back to the 1800’s. In addition to bloodlines, this computer also handles daily racing results of all Thoroughbred race in North America, not including the capability to process electronically submitted pedigree and racing data from the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and other primary Thoroughbred districts.

An extra descendant of Darley Arabian is Diomed; who won the earliest running of the Kentucky Derby in 1780. At 21 years of age he was brought over to America where he created the male line via his son, Sir Archie.

Thoroughbreds are the preferred choice for track racing. Most thoroughbreds are born somewhere between January and April, however their certified date of birth is January 1 of the present year. Throughout their initial year of development, they are increasing size and muscle with the youth starting his training as a yearling. Throughbred horses learn to take a bridle and a saddle and shortly after a rider on its back to break the horse and prepare him for the starting gate and the run around the track.

For more information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

Bonding with your horse will allow you to learn and respond to his feelings and reactions in different situations. Over time you will learn his body language. A calm and responsive manner is a sign of a happy horse. They will keep their head lowered, and have soft eyes and a relaxed jaw. A happy and contented horse will want your love in return and show respect to you. When a horse yawns this is not a sign of being bored, but a sign that he is calm and relaxed. A horse will show that he is uncomfortable in a number of ways, including holding his head high and with a tense jaw, darting his eyes around, and not wanting to stand still. Allow the horse time to settle himself slowly in order to avoid the onset of “flight” mode and further stress.

Grooming your horse gives you the opportunity to check him over regularly. It is advisable to check your horse’s teeth, eyes, hooves, shoes and droppings frequently. Any change in the normal should be reported to your vet at the earliest opportunity – any delay could cause you extra worry, expense and a potential claim on your horse insurance. Regular appointments for worming and routine vaccinations are essential. Worms and parasites can build up immunity to medication so to minimize this you should rotate the medications. Colic, heart and immunity problems can all be caused by lack of suitable medication. Vaccinations for encephalitis, rhinoneumonitis and influenza are essential for a healthy horse. A good idea would be to have tetanus and rabies vaccinations too. Regular users of trailers at show and equestrian events may need to show a negative Coggins test for presence of the incurable virus EIA or equine infectious anaemia.

An important part of keeping a horse happy and comfortable is making sure you have a good farrier who visits regularly. It is important for your horse’s comfort, mood and performance that you do not allow his feet to get too long and unbalanced. Your horse will need his hooves trimmed by a farrier at least every eight weeks; sometimes more often is necessary.

A blanket or coat during winter, and a fly-protective sheet in summer are simple ways to keep your horse physically comfortable. If your horse is prone to lathering during or after exercise then it may be best to use a horse cooler until he has calmed down. A horse’s body could go into shock if given water directly after being ridden. It is also important to let your horse cool down properly after exercise and before feeding. Leave it for an hour after meals before exercising your horse.

Horses need to have a purpose in life – whether this be for work or pleasure. Horses glory in feeling worthwhile. It is important for a horse’s sense of purpose and focus that he receives regular praise – especially when young – for performing simple tasks such as simply standing still or in the right place. As horses are naturally inquisitive animals, they will become more brave, positive and confident the more new experiences you introduce to them.

A horse is a beautiful and magnificent creature that deserves a good home for life with excellent care. You have a responsibility as a horse owner to provide the very best in care and welfare. Keeping a horse can be a very expensive business, and without good horse insurance provided by a specialist equine insurer, it is possible to quickly run into financial problems if your horse should become sick or sustain an injury. By looking out for your horse’s health and happiness you will be rewarded with love a hundred times over from your equine friend.

Hoof maintenance is a vital part of ensuring your horses health. It’s advisable to check your horses hooves daily, and minimum two times per week.  You should become familiar with what is usual and what isn’t, and will be able to to spot any issues that may be beginning.

Following this simple guide might assist you in your grooming routine.

1. As you approach your horse be sure the symmetry is relatively close, they do not have to be exactly equal, but very similar to being the same size and form.

2. Carefully examine for faults in the hoof wall and coronary band.  Raise up the hoof, run your palm over the outside of the wall to feel for impairments.  Use the exact technique for the coronary band and then squeeze it softly. Applying these two techniques will also point out tender areas and moisture holding areas.

3. Examine the sole. Examine the colour of every hoof. They should be the same in colouration.  A well delineated dark spot will indicate a bruise or damage.

4. Look at and compare the frogs.  The front hooves should be similar in size and shape and the same with the hooves at the rear. You should gently push each frog using your hoof pick, mostly, with the exception of desert areas, they should be slightly spongy.

5. If your horse is shod, clasp the horseshoe and see if it moves. Look for missing clinches, if the shoe is loose you may opt to take off the shoe before your horse misplaces it by itself and perhaps removes a section of hoof with it.

If you regularly check each hoof, you should avoid a great deal of issues by catching the problem before it worsens.

We recommend you include into your hoof cleaning routine a few quick steps. Use your pick working from heel to toe.  If packed solid you will probably be required to loosen it up a touch before it can be removed. Once the material is removed, look at all the parts of the hoof and make sure that there is not a bad odour as this is normally a obvious indicator of thrush.  also make sure there aren’t any rocks or stones lodged anywhere, even underneath the shoe.

All hooves should exhibit a natural sheen on the hoof wall.

If you see a smooth uniform surface free of cracks, circles, depressions, flares and a concave sole which touches the horseshoe, then you can be positive that your horses hooves are in good condition.

For more horse information, horses for sale and more, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

Figure|Find out the answer to these simple questions.

1. What size is my saddle?
2. Is your horse’s back short or long?
3. What is my preference on the look of my tack on my horse?

Size of Saddle:

What is the size of your saddle in length. Is it a barrel, roping, cutting, etc saddle? Short saddle pads (32″ and below) does not work with large roping/cutting saddles. Your saddle may just barely fit on the saddle pad. On the flip side if you have a barrel saddle then you probably want to stay away from the long (34″) saddle pads.

Does my horse have a long or short back?

A lot of people don’t take this into consideration when choosing a saddle pad. The long saddle pads (34″) probably will be too long for short backed horses. It will probably get in the way of the horses hindquarter movement. However things could be reversed as well. If you have a long backed horse and decide to go with a 30″ saddle pad – there may be a lot of the horses back that is still exposed after the saddle pad and saddle are on the horse. You may think it looks weird. That is where this next section comes into play.

What do I want my horse and tack to look like?

Ultimately the decision comes down to your personal preference. What do you think looks good? Do you think that your saddle pad should cover the whole back of the horse and come right before his hindquarters start?

People have different styles and ways that they like their saddle pad, saddle, and horse to look. Some people may use a shorter (28″ or 30″) saddle pad on a short backed horse with a barrel saddle. They may use a larger saddle pad (33″) if a roping saddle is used on the same horse. On a long backed horse if a roping saddle is used they may use a long (34″) pad. However if the same long backed horse is used and a barrel saddle they may use a long (32″ or 33″) pad to cover the horses back.

It boils down to your personal opinion, type and size of saddle, and your horse. There is no absolute correct answer. There are only opinions.

Here is a link with a variety of saddle pad to help you in your decision.

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When you care for your horse, it is vital to make provision for the winter months. Horses need to be able to tolerate the chilly weather and stay as healthy as possible. During the winter horses will have special requirements which you as the owner will have to address. It is crucial to get ready for winter ahead of time.

Horses are naturally tolerant to cool weather. In fact, horses cope with frosty weather a good deal better than hot weather. Regardless of this, there are some rudimentary things owners will need to do to make sure their horses remain healthy. You should make sure the horse doesn’t have any parasites, and has been fully vaccinated. The expenditure for doing these things will greatly pay off during the winter months, as the expenses of feeding your horse will be less.

You may also wish to consult your vet in setting up a health plan for your horse. Helping your horse prepare for winter will help it reduce the requirement to eat large amounts of food in order to sustain its weight. Your horse should never lose weight during the winter. Permitting your horse to gain a slight amount of weight will aid them through the colder months, as the additional fat will work as a cushion to supply the horse with energy if it becomes stressed. During the winter you will want to give your horse some additional calories.

The best protection for a horse throughout the winter is its actual winter coat. When it is allowed to grow, it will act as a warm blanket which will reduce the heat loss that the horse experiences in winter scenarios. Your horse’s coat is also smooth and will help brush off off snow and ice. If kept outside, you will want to ensure their coats grow long enough before winter.

To confirm the state of your horse, you will want to rub its ribs. A large winter coat can easily hide the fact the horse may be losing weight. Your horse should be lean enough so that you can feel the ribs, but not so lean that you can see them. Feel your horses ears. Do they feel cold? If so, this is a sign that the horse is cold.

As is the case with every warm blooded animal, your horse must maintain its body temperature to stay fit and well. It is crucial that they conserve heat through the winter, so you should make sure they’re prepared for the frost.

Visit the Horse and Pony Directory for more information and horses for sale

Living through the credit crunch is never easy, but when you have ponies and horses who rely on you for nourishment, shelter and medicine, every small amount saved helps.

It’s a well known fact that dozens of horses and ponies are abandoned every week, as owners struggle financially with the economy as it is, because of this there are currently many horses for sale.

Sara Tuppen founder of the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent, is well aware of looking after horses on a tight budget, and relies purely on donations to help keep over 40 rescued horses in good condition. According to her there are many ways which could help make owning a horse on a tight budget a little easier:

1. Many horses can live comfortably outside for the majority of the year, providing there’s nurishment, water and shelter available. If this is an acceptable option for your horse, it could reduce the cost of stabling considerably.

2. Removing shoes can be an easy way to reduce outlay. If not ridden regularly, and not ridden on rough surfaces, many horses will not need shoes.

3. Sharing your horse is a great way to cut (even halve!) costs, and helps to provide a cheaper introduction to horse ownership for someone else.

4. In many cases it is possible to get free stabling and occasionally hay and straw in return for chores. Mucking out, grooming, maintenance etc. are all ways which could save you money for a little work!

5. Vets bills are an unknown quantity but still have to be considered. If you’re budget is low, you may sometimes discover a lot of Vets will allow you to pay in instalments.

6. Most of us can also make lifestyle changes! It’s not all about finding ways to keep your horse more cheaply, you can do it too!

7. If achievable, horse owners can often club together to buy feed and straw in bulk, reducing the overall price and passing on savings to all.

8. Finally, you can look into placing your horse in a foster home, even as a family friend.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a position to share, or even purchase a horse or pony, there are still many horses for sale and ponies for sale available.

Friesian horses as a breed comes from the Netherlands, in a province named Friesland, and are believed to be descendants from the primitive Forest horses. Known for there grace and agility despite being the size of small draft horse or shire. History tells us that they were highly regarded war horses used in Europe in the Middle Ages and later, as their size and agility could seat an armour-clad knight whilst remaining fast and strong. More recently, Friesians are are trained as harness horses, and even in the Dressage circle.

Characteristics of Friesians
Most noticeably, Friesians are black, though there are other distinguishing features. They are also know for their long, thick-haired, almost crimped mane with a similarly long and dense tail, and also distinctive long hair on their lower legs (also know as feathers).

Height wise, geldings and mares have to be over 15.2hh to be considered pedigree, whilst Stallions come in at 17hh at the withers.

Many people have heard of the term ‘Baroque’ with regards to Friesian horses, this refers to the more classical, stocky Friesian build. Typically Spanish looking heads with short ears, they have a long arched neckline and carry great definition. Body wise they are a powerful looking breed, with muscular bodies and somewhat stunted legs with a low tail.

Friesian horses are known not only for their agility, energy and high-stepping trot, but also for being a gentle, affectionate breed.

Friesian Uses Today
Increasingly nowadays, Friesian horses are being crossbred to produce Friesian Sporthorses, which are less heavy, however there is still huge demand for purebred Friesian horses.

Friesians are still a popular choice for any harness or carriage work, utilising their high-stepping trot, agility, pace and power, however you’re just as likely to see a Friesian Horse in the Dresage circle due to their temperament, willingness to learn and distinctive look. It is this temperament that lends Friesians to becoming a popular choice for pleasure (bomb-proof) horses.

So if you’re in the market for a safe, characteristic looking horse for anything from pleasure riding, to harness or carriage activities to competing in dressage, Friesians are a popular choice.

Surviving a recession is never easy, but when you have ponies and horses which completely rely on you for nourishment, shelter and medical attention, every small amount saved helps.

It’s tremendously sad that too many horses and ponies are given up every week, as owners struggle financially with the economy as it is, because of this there are currently many horses for sale.

Sara Tuppen from the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent, knows all about looking after horses when money is scarce, having to rely purely on donations to keep over 40 rescued horses in good health. She believes there are many ways which could help make owning a horse during a recession a little easier:

1. A lot of horses can live quite happily outside for most of the year, as long as there’s nurishment, water and a place to shelter available. If this is an acceptable option for your horse, it could reduce the cost of stabling considerably.

2. Removing shoes is an easy way to reduce outlay. If not ridden regularly, and not ridden on rough surfaces, many horses will be happy without shoes.

3. Sharing your horse is a great way to severely reduce costs, and helps to provide a cheaper introduction to horse ownership for someone else.

4. Quite often it is possible to receive free stabling and occasionally hay and bedding in return for helping out around the yard. Mucking out, grooming the horses, yard and paddock maintenance etc. are all ways which could save you money for a little hard work!

5. Visits to the vets are an unknown quantity but still have to be allowed for. If money’s a little tight, you may sometimes discover a lot of Vets will allow you to spread the cost.

6. Many people can make lifestyle changes! It’s not just finding ways to keep your horse for less, see if you can do it for yourself!

7. Wherever possible, horse owners can often join forces to purchase feed and straw in bigger numbers, reducing the entire cost and passing on savings to all.

8. As a last resort, you can look into getting your horse a foster home, even as a family friend.

If you’re in a position to share, or even buy a horse or pony, there are still many horses for sale and ponies for sale available.

The needs of horses leads to equipment for grooming all the way to food supplements. But, there is an elemental horse supply that you should not leave your shelter, or your saddlebag without and that’s your horse first aid kit.

Having a horse first aid pack could be actually save your horse’s life. You should understand from experience that it doesn’t matter how well planned an expedition might be, there are just some things that go awry. It’s not just paranoia, it is being prepared. Prior preparation may well help prevent your ride from becoming into a serious situation.

The first aid kit should be kept in a container or bag that can stop water and muck out because these further the progression of bacteria. You would run the risk of exacerbating the infection if you were to use contaminated dressings. Places that sell horse supplies hold things such as a plastic zipper bag. Aside from keeping tools, or grooming gear, these are also useful for holding first aid objects. Supermarkets sell plastic food containers in a number of sizes. Apart from keeping possible contaminants out, you could also select one that could fit in your saddlebag.

Among the items that you should incorporate in your horse first aid kit, a sterilizer almost certainly is the most helpful in most injuries. From minor grazes and abrasions to injuries, disinfectants are crucial cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers’ advice especially when using industrial grades as excessive use could dry your horse’s skin. Sterile scrubs and wipes become useful for disinfecting cuts in the nonexistence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants since they clean cuts with equal efficiency, but without the need for water.

Creams or injury powders are also worthwhile additions to your gear. They can stop the entry of fresh bacteria inside the injury and hurry up the healing procedure. However, make sure to use ointments, powders, and creams that have been approved by your equine vet.

A fly spray applied or sprayed on the injury reduces the chance of additional infection or contamination risks considerably. Wound coverings come in sterile individual packs and they are useful for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a stock of bandages in your kit, or at the very least two with a broad span. They are excellent for stabilizing fractures, splints, and securing pads over lacerations. With regards to bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are crucial for slowing excess bleeding. Salts are useful for soaking unhealthy hooves and feet.

Aside from these medications, there are various supplies which you can obtain from equine shops and conventional pharmacies. Petroleum jellies are beneficial for rubbing, secondary burns, and skin irritations.

A thermometer is an investment to add to your horse equipment. Skilled riders advise to keep your thermometers attached to your horses tail to avoid loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t disregard in your equine forst aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also handy for removing splinters and stones caught in horses’ hooves.

Lastly, keep in mind these first aid packs are just for giving your horse initial assistance in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are just for precautionary measures, it is still essential to call a vet after providing first aid.

For more horse information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory