Tack Talk Blog

Keep Calm and Kick on–And Consider an Air Vest

Nervous and scared were the words of Tremaine Cooper in describing the goals of his design of the new Intermediate course at GMHA's Festival of Eventing last August. I was closer to terrified after walking the Preliminary cross-country....

Magic of Horseware Ireland's Airmesh Cooler

Skybreaker looking thrilled in his Airmesh cooler! And he is dry, after a sweaty workout on a cold day. The Multifaceted Rambo Airmesh Cooler! Managing a farm, and riding horses in the winter in Vermont can be rewarding in many...

Meet Dazzle: Donkey-at-Large

Dazzle the Donkey Dazzle joined our family as a nine-month old when my middle daughter was a nine months old. I acquired him from a shady donkey dealer who covered his name on a list of donkeys on a some communal coggins test (is there...

Kerrits Tights: For Everyone

Whether you are an avid competitor, or you enjoy leisurely trail rides, equestrians are well aware of the fact that comfortable and functional apparel is non-negotiable. Most of us have closets and trunks full of various styles of...

What Lies Beneath….Matrix ERG Half Pad

Matrix ERG Half Pad I truly find it fascinating how times have changed. Human interaction and face to face conversations have been replaced by tweeting, Facebooking, and blogging. Old rotary phones have been replaced by iPhones and...

Micklem Bridle Changed My Dressage Ride

Daryl Kinney on the Micklem Bridle by Horseware Ireland When it comes to bridles there is an overwhelming number of different options. You can have different nosebands, different bits, and even different types of headstalls now. The...

Micklem Bridle: When Less is More

Happy Jump Round So I admit I tried to get some help writing this blog. Cheat perhaps. I asked my daughters to write some installments. What a great writing exercise for them, I thought. What an opportunity. One they will thank me for....

Reins for Every Occasion

Captain Lightfoot at Southern Pines Horse Trails "Can I give you some advice?' Asked former Olympian Bobby Costello. I found this a strange request because he had been giving me instruction for an hour. And why was he hesitant to...

My Quest For The Right Bit

Daryl Kinney and Union trying out the stubben bit! Daryl and Union... success! Something I have struggled with, with Union is what bit to jump him in. It's hard because he is VERY different on cross country at a...

Sit Tight! In Praise of the Sticky Stuff

"Where is the sticky stuff?!" I asked, my voice pitching higher. Not so much a question as a panicked cry. By the sticky stuff I meant the spray that would adhere me to my horse; the 17.2 hand Irish Sport Horse I have been competing Novice for...

Saddles: The Next Generation

Technical Coats by Pikeur & Horseware: Ride With Style

Pikeur Skarlett Show Coat Horseware Competition Jacket Do you ever go down centerline at A, or trot into the show jumping ring all the while attempting to embody another rider who you idolize? Perhaps you channel Ingrid Klimke...