Horse Dressage Arena Size
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Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size |
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TuffRider Dressage Show Coat Ladies $86 Your ladies Dressage show coat will keep you looking polished in the arena with 4 silver, antique horse head front buttons and a rear, two-button vent. Dry clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra. |
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101 Dressage Exercises Book $30 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider features a full arena diagram and step-by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up the levels. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful. |
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Dressage Letters set – Black – Set of 8 $62.1 Elegant metal frames hold dressage letters A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F for small dressage arena.Color: BlackSize: Set of 8 |
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Dressage Letters Set – Black – Set of 4 $29.7 Elegant metal frames hold dressage letters R-S-V-P. Use with the Set of 8 dressage markers (467870) to make a large dressage arena.Color: BlackSize: Set of 4 |
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Puff Pad Dressage Style $24 Puff Pad Pillow Pads. Authentic Pillow Pad. Soft, pillow pad, top and bottom 100% cotton with thick poly fiber filler. A Puff Pad disperses pressure points, preventing many back problems. All horses benefit from the cushioning effect of a Puff Pad because the fiber filling acts as a shock absorber, breathes absorbing and evaporating moisture, molds to every horse and saddle. No straps. Dressage Pillow Pad. Larger 25 x 40 size for longer flap dressage saddles. |
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TuffRider Ladies Dressage Show Coat Plus $89.95 Our Popular Ladies Dressage Show Coat Is Now Available In Plus Sizes! It Will Keep You Looking Polished In The Arena With 4 Silver, Antique Horse Head Front Buttons And A Rear, Two-Button Vent. Dry Clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra. |
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Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather. Color: BlackSize: Horse |
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Dressage Loverz Stocking $25 Santa’s Holiday Horse Stockin’ Kits. One-stop shoppping for your equine friends and family. Includes 1 of each of the following:Christmas Stockings – Dapple GreyHorse Head Hand Warmers, Red Arena Board with pen, RedClear Rain PonchoBlue Plush Horse CharmHand Warmers – 1pkToe Warmers – 1pkSuggested Retail – $49.95 |
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Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey. |
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Ovation Dressage Cones- Set of 4 – White – Set of 4 $18 (R, S, V, P) Add-on set to the Ovation Dressage Cones-Set of 8, to turn your small arena into a large arena. Large black letter stand out against white cones.Color: WhiteSize: Set of 4 |
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Ovation Dressage Tee – Sweet Mint with Storm Cloud – Ladies Large $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.Color: Sweet Mint with Storm CloudSize: Ladies Large |
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ThinLine Dressage Girth $189 This girth has elastic in the middle with roller buckles on both ends. Girths are in stock in black and sizes (20 inches to 34 inches). Due to metric conversions, the girths actually measure 1inch shorter than listed. If your current size is a close fit, order the next size up. Breathable Anti-microbial No-slip/no-rub ThinLine lining makes this the best girth to keep your horse comfortable and your saddle in place. Easy to clean and very durable! |
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Fritz Thiedemann Gripper Shock Pad – White – Dressage $43.95 Fritz Thiedemann Saddle Pads FRITZ THIEDEMANN Gripper Quilted Shock Pads. The world famous Fritz Thiedemann 1-1/4 diamond quilted saddle pad, made with non-slip small rubber pimple grippers on top of shock absorbong and back protecting center. Back comforting rubber is placed under the saddle panel to distribute the rider’s weight and shock without injury to horse’s back. Cotton twill cover, EQUI-FELT center, self-gripping billet straps and girth loop. Shaped and contoured back to fit perfectly under saddle. Dressage Shape Color: WhiteSize: Dressage |
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Mountain Horse Victoria Dressage Boot $287.1 Exceptional craftsmanship makes the Victoria Dressage Boot stand out from the rest. Designed specifically for the serious dressage rider, the zipper is thoughtfully positioned forward of center on the inside of the boot, allowing seamless contact between your leg and your horse, while still maintaining a streamlined silhouette. An elegant dress boot with classic features and made in supple, full grain leather.THE LEG: Moderate Spanish cut topSoft pigskin napa liningStrong and durable full length YKK Vislon zipper on front, inside calfCovered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fitTHE FOOT: Spur restErgonomically-designed removable EVA insoleTHE SOLE: Built-in steel shank for increased stabilityDurable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and provides an enhanced grip in the ironMaterial: Full grain leather.Lining: Pigskin napa. |
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High Point Advantage Dressage Saddle Pad $55.8 Advantage Warmblood-size Dressage High Point Custom Saddle Pad. This is the perfect saddle pad for Large or Warmblood horses. It gives you the Advantage in the show ring, by making your leg look longer and keeping your horse cooler. It is made with two breathable layers which lie between the 7-ounce pre-shrunk poly/cotton top and the underside, which is made of 100% cotton. You will not find a custom pad of better quality! Many body, trim, and piping colors available! Average Pad 23L x 40W front, 31W rear. Large Pad 25L x 44W front, 35W rear. |
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Finishing Touch Oval Locket With Dressage Cabachon Gold $26.95 Dressage cabochon 25 x 18mm size on oval locket with 18 petite rope chain 14kt gold platedFinishing touch takes a great deal of pride in offering a high-quality product at a low price, and they stand behind their products. Finishing Touch is a 34-year-old Lexington Kentucky corporation located in the heart of Horse country and Horse Jewelry is their specialty. Finishing Touch Jewelry is all costume jewelry and is plated in either durable karat gold or imitation rhodium (gives a nice silver finish without the problem of tarnishing) over white metal or brass. Many items are manufactured right in Nicholasville, KY. Jewelry from The Finishing Touch of Kentucky withstands the test of time when cared for properly. |
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Equi-Star Classic Dressage Whip – Black – 47 $11.3 Elegant show arena-ready style at an affordable price.Color: BlackSize: 47 |
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(2011 Model) Bates Innova Dressage Saddle $2575.9 From the original BATES, AUSTRALIA. The Bates Innova is the most innovative dressage saddle in the world. Groundbreaking innovations include the Contourbloc, anatomically contoured to the rider’s leg making it distinctly unique. Ride with confidence enjoying unprecedented security, as your leg effortlessly rides in and behind the bloc with no restriction. Contourblocs function in partnership with a deep, yet surprisingly open seat, providing instantaneous comfort, and a seamless transition for total engagement through effective communication. Innova features the ultimate performance panel with the CAIR Panel System for even weight distribution and the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System for unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit.ENGAGE INNOVATION AND RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE.The Bates Innova features the revolutionary CAIR Panel System to facilitate greater communication, offering the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and you achieve unsurpassed flexibility for an optimal fit for your horse, giving them the freedom to perform at their natural best. Click here for more information. |
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Passier PSL-D Dressage $4719.95 PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle: Classic dressage saddle featuring long stretch leather knee panels on flaps and stretch leather seat. This unique stretch leather expands and molds to the rider’s seat and knee providing extra comfort and a self-conforming fit not available in any other saddle. The flexible cutback PASSIER PS tree fits perfectly on the dressage horse. Long billets prepunched for conversion to short billets for long girth if required. Smooth grain German leather. Regular tree width. Fittings not included with Saddle. |
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Veredus Piaffe Shield Dressage Horse Boot $204.2 Revolutionary overreach boot designed for protection of the whole heel area. Designed specifically for Dressage. The particular anatomic shape and protective material gurantees a perfect fit on the horse’s heel to give total protection.Anatomically designed protection in an elastic material that conforms perfectly to the horse’s foot, therefore eliminating rotation of the overreach boot itself.Extra carbon protection on heel area, which is at particular risk of injury and bruising.Double point fastening to ensure perfect fitting.Quick-release tips in non-deformable FLEXTAN on stainless-steel hooks. |
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Stubbs Dressage Markers – Set of 8 – Black/White – 9×2.75×27.25 $149.84 Made of durable plastic coated steel, the handy loop frame makes for easy handling and treading into the ground. They stick about 22 above ground when inserted. You get a set of 8 letters: ABCEFHKM for use in a dressage arena. The over-all height for them is about 27.25 and they are each about 9 long. Stubbs premium barn and stable equipment is made in England and is used in notable stables worldwide. Auction is for the FLAT markers only not the tripods.Color: Black/WhiteSize: 9×2.75×27.25 |
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(NEW 2012 MODEL) Bates Innova Dressage Saddle $2299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! From the original BATES, AUSTRALIA. The Bates Innova is the most innovative dressage saddle in the world. Groundbreaking innovations include the Contourbloc, anatomically contoured to the rider’s leg making it distinctly unique. Ride with confidence enjoying unprecedented security, as your leg effortlessly rides in and behind the bloc with no restriction. Contourblocs function in partnership with a deep, yet surprisingly open seat, providing instantaneous comfort, and a seamless transition for total engagement through effective communication. Innova features the ultimate performance panel with the CAIR Panel System for even weight distribution and the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System for unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit.ENGAGE INNOVATION AND RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE.The Bates Innova features the revolutionary CAIR Panel System to facilitate greater communication, offering the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and you achieve unsurpassed flexibility for an optimal fit for your horse, giving them the freedom to perform at their natural best. Click here for more information. |
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Dressage Whip – Black – 36 $6.15 Dressage whip, 36 with string popper, white handle, blackColor: BlackSize: 36 |
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Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth $41.25 Two inches of elastic in the center of the this high performance dressage girth allow it to stretch with the horse as you work. Pressure is evenly transferred over the whole surface of the girth with no pressure points or ridges. Elimination of pressure points combined with soft anti galling material makes the Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth one of the most comfortable girths on the market. Girth has stainless steel roller buckles. |
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Finishing Touch Oval Locket With Dressage Cabachon imitation Rhodium $26.95 Dressage cabochon 25 x 18mm size on oval locket with 18 petite rope chain faux rhodiumFinishing touch takes a great deal of pride in offering a high-quality product at a low price, and they stand behind their products. Finishing Touch is a 34-year-old Lexington Kentucky corporation located in the heart of Horse country and Horse Jewelry is their specialty. Finishing Touch Jewelry is all costume jewelry and is plated in either durable karat gold or imitation rhodium (gives a nice silver finish without the problem of tarnishing) over white metal or brass. Many items are manufactured right in Nicholasville, KY. Jewelry from The Finishing Touch of Kentucky withstands the test of time when cared for properly. |
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Bates Wide Dressage Cair Saddle $1845 The Bates Wide Dressage Saddle is acutting edge dressage saddle specially designed for the wider horse that supports an optimal dressage position for the rider with unparalleled comfort. It achives unprecedented comfort for the rider, supporting and optimal dressage position.Features include uniquely positioned stirrup bar, utilisation of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.CAIR Cushion system distributes weight across the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points for better performance and freer movement of horseNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Wide helps customize saddle fit to your horse’s wither |
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Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth $47.3 This girth has all the advantages of the original elastic girth but with the addition of a curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse’s elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse’s skin. The equisuede surface of the Pro Elastic Girth looks and performs stunningly when used to complement the Wintec Pro Dressage or Wintec Isabell saddles. |
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COLLEGIATE Convertible Intellect Dressage Saddle $1097.95 Great quality craftsmanship made from a great company. This dressage saddle will make you and your horse feel at home in both style and comfort. Elegantly designed saddle suitable for all levels of dressage. Features a deep seat, large flaps, large knee rolls, plus the Easy-Change Gullet System (sold separatly) to provide the best fit for your horse. |
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Equi-Bette PTD Dressage Saddle $715.95 EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle: A classic saddle. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle style has been a favorite of world renowned professionals and competitors for generations. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle features a cutback head to fit every type of horse. The deep EQUI-BETTE PTD tree fits both horse and rider to perfection, keeping the rider deep in the seat for correct balance and perfect control. Long extended flaps are molded over modest knee rolls on the French panels. Made of premium quality German bridle leather in a dark Brown color with a hand waxed finish. |
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Roma Ecole Flower Diamond Dressage Saddle Pad $20 Specially designed lining wicks away moisture to provide total dry comfort for your equine. Cushion easy wick saddle pad lining provides your horse with total comfort. Combination of polyfill and foam riding pad padding ensures soft cushioning against your horse while still retaining the pad’s shape. Reinforced vinyl coated girth guard over piping at girth area helps to resist wear and tear, keeping your English saddle pad looking new for longer. Please note the color stated in listing. The first color listed is the base/main color of pad. Additional colors mentioned are trim colors. Measures: Spine: 25, Drop: 21 1/2. Full Size. |
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Ovation Billeted Dressage Pad – White/White – Dressage $34 Keep your billets straight and in exactly the right spot by positioning them through any of the five slots in the bottom keeper. 1 square quilted cotton shell featureing 2-ply perforated high density foam fill. 23 spine x 30 dropColor: White/WhiteSize: Dressage |
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Vega Amerigo Dressage Saddle – Black – 17 NARROW(-1.5)TREE,REG FLAP $3150 Great for professional and amateurs alike, the Vega Dressage is an extremely comofrtable and accomodating saddle. This saddle offers a well balanced and moderately deep seat that encourages proper positioning of the seat and leg. Anatomically shaped blocks follow the angle of the thigh. The unique V-billet system is designed with a sliding attachement to allow proper position of the girth for the comfort of the horse.Color: BlackSize: 17 NARROW(-1.5)TREE,REG FLAP |
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Bates/Wintec Isabell Saddle Bag – Black – Dressage $99.95 Heavy-duty water-resistence Isebell Werth dressage saddle bag. Complete with shoulder strap, full-zipper closure and girth compartment.Color: BlackSize: Dressage |
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Gold Medal Piaffe Dressage Saddle $2319.95 GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Saddlery has taken the similar design of the popular COUNTY COMPETITOR and Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddles and improved and refined the saddle to a superior high level dressage saddle. The Piaffe is made on a deep seat beechwood laminated spring-tree with narrow twist to put the rider into the seat and give close contact with the horse. A genuine pigskin seat is used because of its durability over grained leather seats which stretch and wear through, thus distorting the rider’s seat. French panels are wool flocked to allow the saddle to mold to the natural conformation of the horses back for the ultimate in fit and a correct seat position. Flap and panel have been designed to promote greater closeness and contact. Long chrome leather saddle billets require a short dressage girth. Saddle flap is looped on backside for billets to restrain flap. Made in England of the finest quality oiled saddle leather. |
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ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Flash Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores! |
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ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Plain Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores! |
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Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Para Dressage – BH9122 $4.5 Palomino Para Dressage Horse. This authentically sculpted Stablemate horse represents, in miniature (1:32 scale), one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games. Some of the bravest and most determined equestrian competitors are the riders. Often competing on borrowed horses, they overcome a variety of obstacles posed by their disabilities to compete in the Para Dressage event of the World Equestrian Games. |
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Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth $30.6 The award winning Easy-Care Airform girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Hypo-allergenic. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place. |
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Professionals Choice SMX Dressage Girth $55.95 Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesnt have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only. |
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Perri’s Black Dressage Whip – Black – 39 $7.2 Great Dressage Whip Made With A Sure-Grip Handle.Color: BlackSize: 39 |
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Equi-Prene Three Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth $35.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene 3-Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Classic dressage girth with third buckle set for flap girth. |
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Equi-Bette Grand Prix Dressage Girth $103.95 EQUI-BETTE Grand Prix Dressage Girth. Patent Pending. The finest girth made for the highest level of dressage competition. Made from full grain English tannage leather, padded and lined over saddler’s felt that conforms with the girth to the horse. Stainless steel roller buckles. Double elastic end. |
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TuffRider Dressage Shadbelly $180 Elegance made affordable. Properly tailored for a superb look, made in 100% polyester with antique silver horse head buttons. Complete with vest points. |
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Roma Kool Dressage Whip $9 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price. |
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Roma Warendorfer Dressage Whip $15.15 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price. |
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Ovation Pro Dressage Girth $40.5 Keep your horse extremely comfortable. Easy to clean removable no-slip hook & loop backing. Stainless steel roller buckles and double elastic at both ends. |
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Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Dressage – BH9117 $4.5 This Stablemates horse represents, in miniature, one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dressage requires a specific type of equine athlete with the capacity to perform demanding movements, like the piaffe and the passage. This WEG line was released spring of 2010, then retired at the end of 2010. |
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Horsemaster Gaited / Dressage Whip White Handle $14.95 Horsemaster Dressage Whips Whip lengths of dressage whips include the lash as required by AHSA rules. All lashes measure about 4 and may be trimmed and can be replaced. Dressage Whip. Unbreakable core with woven Black braided cover. White hand grip and nickle silver collar and cup. Specify Size. |
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ANKY Dressage Girth w- Buckles – Black – 30 $135 Designed by ANKY : Award winning dressage girth lays close and had wrap around leather buckle covers. Stainless buckles at both ends.Color: BlackSize: 30 |
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Tekna Contour Dressage Girth $65.7 Shaped to fit your horse, this sculpted girth allows freedom of the elbow and distributes pressure across a greater area for more comfort. It features elastic on both ends, stainless steel roller buckles, center D-ring and soft waffle weave padding for the utmost comfort. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material. |
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(2011 Model) Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle with Cair $623.8 The new Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle sets new standards in comfort and performance helping position the rider correctly. New and improved Equileather provides a super soft and grippy seat for greater security in the saddle.Features: A modern, stylish dressage saddle with performance featuresThe perfect saddle for riders progressing in their Dressage careerExtremely comfortable seat that facilitates a well balanced positionPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include Y-girthing, ergonomic stirrup bar, and flexibloc systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGEGullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM |
The Art of Lunging, it’s not just about going in circles!
Lunging is defined as exercising a horse in a circle on the end of a lunge rope. Lunging is an extremely useful tool for horse owners and trainers as not only does it offer form of exercise but also a useful tool for education and the monitoring of the horse’s behaviour and movement. These categories are discussed in greater detail below;
- Exercise: Lunging can be used to exercise a horse while a rider is unwell and cannot ride, or as a start to a work out, before a rider mounts allowing a ‘hot’ horse or a horse that hasn’t been ridden for a period of time to initially expel some energy prior the rider mounting. Lunging improves a horse’s impulsion and strengthens muscles, improves flexibility through bending and can improve balance and rhythm (Huntington, Myers & Owens, 2004). Lunging also offers the chance to exercise a horse without the added weight of a rider (Sutton, 2006), which is of particular relevance when exercising for rehabilitation purposes after a horse has had an injury or illness.
- Education: In teaching a horse voice commands including walking on and halting lunging is a great aid (Sutton, 2006). Lunging can also be used to educate more advanced horses with progressive advanced moves such as dressage movements in hand. Whilst an excellent educational took for horses, lunging is also used for the education of the rider, as a beginner rider can focus on seat and rhythm and build confidence while their instructor maintains control of the horse on the lunge (Huntington, Myers & Owens, 2004).
- Monitoring the horse’s behaviour: A benefit of lunging is it’s use to monitor a horse’s behaviour, a person may wish to lunge a prospective new horse to assess the horse’s responses; to see the horse’s power or lack of response, to assess whether he is accepting the bit and to see whether he is spooky or unflappable (Fielder, 1999).
- Monitor the horse’s movement: Lunging is an excellent way to monitor a horse’s movement, checking for lameness or irregularities in balance and motion. A vet check with often consists of lunging horses on firm non slip surfaces, allowing a greater load on the inside fore and hind limbs increasing even the subtlest lameness, obviously then the horse must be turned around and monitored when circling in the opposite direction to the assess all four limbs (O’Brien, 2007). This is of particular benefit as some horses will not display lameness while trotting in a straight line or they may appear lame in both limbs (fore or hind), therefore lunging is a good way of pinpointing the affected limbs.
Safety is always important in horse handling despite the activity or procedure as the sheer size and power of the animal may cause dire consequences to the handler or horse, even unintentionally. Lunging also requires attention to safety in order to protect the handler and horse. If the handler has never lunged a horse before they will need to learn with an experienced horse prior to attempting to train a young horse. The handler should familiarise themselves with holding the lunge rein in one hand and the lunge whip in the other, as a safety measure the handler must never wrap the lunge rein around their hand or arm but must have the rein folded in the hand with loops short enough as to not trip the handler. The lunge rein must also be untwisted and must be taut. The handler should be wearing non slip boots therefore riding boots are not a good idea. As well as good boots, the handler should be wearing a helmet and gloves, helmet being protection for a horse that may kick out when changing direction and gloves in case of the event of the horse running further away at a high speed causing rope burn to the hands.
A handler must always check all equipment before use to make sure there are no concerns with the equipment and for safety all equipment must be correctly fitted. For the horses safety they should be fitted with protective leg boots, especially young horses who may be prone to hitting themselves when working in circles. The environment for the lunging exercise must also be checked for safety issues, such as if the ground is flat without holes or divots, that the ground is free of obstacles and not slippery, the space is large enough (should not be less than 20m) and if lunging young horses or horses new to the activity then the space should be enclosed such as a round yard, arena or small paddock (Huntington, Myers & Owens, 2004). In relation to horse safety also, a horse should not be lunged for a period over 45 minutes, and a horse not used to the activity should start at a maximum of 10 minutes with slow increments, this is due to the strain and stress on the horse’s body but performing circular bending work.
The equipment that may used in lunging includes; a cavesson, a simple snaffle bridle, a roller or saddle, breastplate, boots or bandages, a lunge rein, a lunge whip and side reins (Huntington, Myers & Owens, 2004 & O’Brien, 2007). Various equipment must be fitted correctly for safety and comfort and suggestions for fitting are below;
- Cavesson: Must be well padded in the nose area and fit snug, if there are small rings on either side these must be firmly fastened or will cause rubbing, fasten the cavesson straps under the bridle cheek pieces if lunging in a bridle and cavesson, the cheek straps of the cavesson must be kept away from the eyes by fastening the throat latch snugly to prevent slipping and rubbing, sheepskin or padding under the jaw may need to be added to prevent rubbing.
- Bridle: The bridle must fit comfortably and the noseband should be snug, the correct tightness for a drop or flash noseband should allow two finger widths below the nose piece, the bridle reins must be removed or fastened up.
- Roller: Should be well padded over the horse’s back, there should be no pressure on the spine from the roller, the horse should be able to freely move it’s elbows and chest wall, if too far forward the roller can cause pressure on the shoulders and inhibit movement.
- Saddle: Similar for roller, if using a saddle the stirrups should be removed of fastened to prevent jiggling.
- Lunge rein: Should be no less than 10m in length.
- Lunge whip: Should be long enough to encourage the horse to move on therefore the lash should be able to touch the back legs of the horse, should be light enough for the handler to utilised without being tiresome.
- Side reins: Fasten so that contact is equal on both sides, the reins will be at the correct length if you can take up a hand length of slack rein from behind the bit rings, position side reins lower on a young or inexperienced horse, these can be positioned higher on the roller or saddle for a more experienced horse after a warm up, must never be fitted so tight that forward movement is restricted.
The lunge whip should never be used for punishment and is instead only used to coerce the horse to move forward, this is achieved by moving the whip in a circular motion in the direction of the hock and if the horse continues to refuse to respond the whip can be used to give a small flick to the back leg of the horse.
Side reins should be fitted as above. Some people prefer to work with side reins as they assist in teaching a young horse to accept the bit, assist in keeping the horse straight and stop them from grabbing grass if lunging in a paddock, they can increase the control over a fresh or strong horse, to improve the well trained horse’s way of going, to teach a horse piaffe from the ground and to allow a rider to have better balance and offer them a greater feel of the paces. Side reins are limited by restricting a horse’s free movements which he uses to naturally balance himself (Auty, 2005).
References
Auty, I. (2005). The BHS Complete Manual of Stable Management. Kenilworth Press: Great Britain.
Fielder, P. (1999). All About Lungeing. J. A. Allen & Co. Limited: Britain.
Huntington, P., Myers, J. & Owens, E. (2004). Horse Sense, 2nd Edition. Landlinks Press: Victoria.
O’Brien, K. (2007). Essential Horse Health. David and Charles Limited: UK.
Sutton, A. (2006). The Injury Free Horse. David and Charles Limited: UK.
About the Author
Pieta Shakes is a credentialed mental health nurse who works in Private Practice in Mudgee, NSW. Being a horse owner she identified the many personal benefits of these amazing creatures and has recently certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through EAGALA.
Pieta is the founder of EAD Australia – aiming to be Australia’s leading resource for all things related to equine assisted development, including equine assisted therapy/ psychotherapy/ learning, hippotherapy and therapeutic riding.
Pieta is enrolled in a Bachelor of Equine Science, which she plans to add to her current Nursing degree, two post grauate mental health qualifications, and Horse Operations course.
surface when riding?!
i dont know if you guys answering this will ride western or english but its just for any really, i ride english in a full sized dressage arena and just wanted to know the best surface, at the moment its kind of dirt mixed with sand its really good my horse goes well on it and at my old yard the surface of the arena was all rocky and she wouldnt go as smooth on it. the owner of our yard is thinking of ordering a big pile of them lil pieces of rubber to change the surface of the arena because she said its alot better on the horses hoofs and they will feel more comfy. i just wanna know what the best surface to ride on is because theres so many diff ones that i have rode on, do all horses go really well on one certain surface? or does it depend what your horse likes as it will be different to others? if u say what kind of surface u ride on and if its good and why then it will give us some ideas for what to change our arena surface to! thanks alot.
The best surface I have ever ridden on was a mixture of rubber, silica sand and fibres it was excellent. I have ridden on it at different times of year and in the winter it drained well and didn’t freeze and in the summer it stayed moist so there was no dust.
Edit: A friend of mine posted adverts on websites looking for “secondhand” surfaces she got a great response and mixed the one she bought secondhand (really nice silica sand) with some rubber and it turned out great. It also cost a fraction of what a whole new surface would have cost.