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Horse Riding Equipment Leicester

Riding for Kids Book $17 ‘Riding for Kids’ by Judy Richter includes subjects including Stablecare, Equipment, Tack, Clothing, Longeing, Lessons, Jumping, and Showing. Horse Book.

Equipment Sack – Odor Neutralizer $16.2 Fresh Helmet, Equipment, and Boot sacks were designed with athletes in mind! These sacks works to soak up moisture and neutralize unpleasant odors caused by everyday use! After each ride, simply toss your helmet sack into your helmet, your equipment sack into your tack trunk, and your boot sacks into your riding boots or shoes and you will have Fresh, dry, and odor free helmets, equipment, and boots the next time you ride! Once a month or so, regenerate your fresh helmet sack by microwaving it on low for 2 minutes (remove it every 30 seconds and give it a good shake) or sit it in the sun for 12 hours (you can leave it on the dash of your car while mucking stalls or hand grazing your horse)! Don’t forget that you can use these at home too (for example, in your tennis shoes, cowboy/cowgirl hat, gym bag, near cat litter boxes, etc)!

The Riding Lesson Coloring Book $7 A Horse Book read-Along Coloring Book About Riding Lessons.

Mounting Step For Horse Riding $58.4 2-Step Mounting Block with built in handle. Durable, weather proof and easy to move

Sportote Step For Horse Riding And More $119.3 Sportote 3-step, ideal for mounting, grooming or any other barn or household chore. Third step opens up as a storage compartment and is lockable

Weaver Leather Draft Horse Riding Bridle – Dark Chocolate – Regular Draft $75 Draft Horse Riding BridleThis 1 doubled and stitched dark chocolate skirting leather browband bridle features 7′ reins and a snaffle bitSingle-ply throat latchFeatures double cheek buckles and chicago screw bit endsNickel plated hardwareColor: Dark ChocolateSize:  Regular Draft

A Parents Guide to Riding Lessons $15 Every parent hopes to experience the thrill of seeing a child discover an activity she loves, and then watching as that interest unfolds into a lifelong passion. But when a child adores horses above all, these joys are often dampened by anxiety, especially when the parent knows little about riding. The questions can be overwhelming: How does one begin to find a qualified riding instructor? Just how expensive is this hobby? And most important will my child be safe?Parents searching for answers will find relief in A Parents Guide to Riding Lessons, by Elise Gaston Chand. A former horse-crazy child born to horse-clueless parents, Chand is today both an accomplished horsewoman and the mother of a horse-crazy daughter. Her vantage point allows her to get to the heart of parents concerns, then offer the information, instruction, and peace of mind that they desperately need.With its engaging been there voice, A Parents Guide to Riding Lessons combines the instant appeal of an impulse purchase with the practicality and depth of content of a thorough guide. Parents will snap up the book for its clear, reassuring voice, then refer back to it often for its quality answers and information.A Parents Guide to Riding Lessons gives busy parents an overview of horseback riding and lesson progression. It translates the strange language of horse enthusiasts, explains horse show etiquette, and addresses specific ways that parents can help children stay safe in and out of the barn. Along the way it offers practical advice, tips, and step-by-step guidance through an array of challenges that parents can expect to face.

Finishing Touch Finishing Touch Horse Head With Stone On Riding Crop Gold $10.95 HORSEHEAD WITH STONE ON REINS ON CROP STOCK PIN-GOLD FINISH 1 15/16 X 5/8Finishing 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.

Finishing Touch Riding Crop With Horse Head Pin Gold $11.95 HORSEHEAD WITH REINS ON CROP STOCK PIN-GOLD FINISH 1 15/16 X 11/16Finishing 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.

Mountain Horse York Sox $13.5 An Innovative combination of cotton for comfort, nylon for durability and Lycra for a snug fit. This knee-high riding sock, with argyle pattern and Mountain Horse embroidery, also offers a smooth toe seam and a terry cushioned foot bed for arch support and all-day comfort. Material: 85% cotton, 13% nylon, 2% Lycra

The Horse Show Coloring Book $7 By Pat Young, illustrated by Polly Carbonari. Read-along coloring books that teach kids about riding lessons and trail riding. 40 pages.

Weaver Rayon 15-Strand Horse Cinch $20 These traditional favorites are great for all riding needs. Horse size features woven-in dees for tie down strap and back cinch attachment. Nickel plated hardware. White with brown accents.

Weaver Rayon 17-Strand Horse Cinch $21 These traditional favorites are great for all riding needs. Horse size features woven-in dees for tie down strap and back cinch attachment. Nickel plated hardware. White with brown accents.

Devonaire Monaco Riding Helmet $54.9 The Monaco is perfect for those beginner horse shows. Provides a classic, traditional look with modern helmet safety technology. Exclusive vent design provides maximum air flow and circulation.The chin strap has a quick snap buckle for easy on-off. Removable cushioned head liner is washable. Meshed covered vents keeps out dirt and debris. Devon-Aires famous dial adjustable retention system ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Reinforced retention anchors keep the sizing system in place. SEI approved to ASTM F1163-04a standards.

Easycare Horse Boot Studs $8.5 These boot studs are designed for durability and ultimate traction, and are great for riding on ice, mud or turf. Four studs per boot are recommended, but more may be used. Studs come complete with installation instructions, and can be used in all sizes of EasyCare riding boots. Note: Studs come in regular and long sizes. For the Easyboot line, regular studs can only be used in size 4 and smaller boots, due to increased sole thickness. Order long studs for boot sizes 5-7 in the Easyboot line, all sizes of the Easyboot Grip, all sizes of the Boa Horse boot, and for all Old Macs styles. Sold in sets of four (4).

Mountain Horse Team Jacket $75 The classic Mountain Horse barn jacket will protect you from nature’s nastiest elements. Waterproof, windproof and breathable. Fully seam-sealed. Detachable, adjustable hood. Two-way ront zipper with storm flap, riding vents in back, adjustable waist, underarm zips for quick ventilation, four outside pockets, two inside pockets. Outer Shell: 100% Polyester. Lining: 100% Polyester.

Mountain Horse York Sox Jr. $13.5 An innovative combination of cotton for comfort, nylon for durability, and Lycra for a snug fit. This knee-high riding sock with argyle pattern and Mountain Horse embroidery, also offers a smooth toe seam and a terry cushioned foot bed for arch support and all-day comfort. 85% cotton, 13% nylon, 2% Lyrca

Old Mac’s Horse Boot G2 $122.8 Every Old Mac’s horse boot has a unique hi-tech performance outsole, incorporating the unique Hoof Suspension System. The specially developed Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) compound will minimize and help speed up recovery from concussion-related injuries. If your horse suffers from any of the following – arthritis, pedal bone fractures, jarred shins, navicular disease, ringbone, knee fractures, laminitis (founder), bruised soles or hoof walls and scalping from overreaching an Old Mac’s horse riding boot will benefit your horse. Aimed at improving your horse’s soundness, well-being and performance, these boots will extend your horse’s working life!When used during transport, Old Mac’s will eliminate the problem of your horse throwing a shoe in the trailer. When you arrive at your destination, your horse will be ready to work. Old Mac’s protect your horse from bulb and tendon damage, as well as hoof wall and sole bruising. Their exceptional traction will help prevent slipping on the loading ramp and offer increased confidence inside the trailer. Please note that the use of boots over shoes voids the wear warranty.You can protect both the stallion and mare against kicking injuries during breeding by fitting Old Mac’s Multi-purpose Horse Boots. The unique outsole design will also significantly improve traction during serving. Our equine friends often suffer skeletal structure injuries due to losing their footing on greasy or hard surfaces. This sudden hyper-extension of the limbs can cause serious spinal, joint and/or ligament damage. Riders, too, are often injured as a result of a horse losing its footing and falling on its rider. The traction offered in Old Mac’s unique hi-tech performance outsole helps ensure a safe ride for you and your horse.

Tough-1 Kid’s Embroidered English Riding Gloves $10.7 Synthetic leather palm/fingers for superb feel and durability. Spandex back for comfort and airflow. Quick grip closure back with embroidered english horse.

TuffRider Smart Riding G’s G-String Underwear $4.95 Made with ultra soft cotton fabric, these g-strings offer exceptional comfort for the active rider. Attractive horse head design on front.

Old Mac Hoof Horse Boots $139.4 Every Old Mac’s horse boot has a unique high-tech performance outsole, incorporates the unique Hoof Suspension System. The specially developed Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) compound will minimize and help speed up recovery from concussion-related injuries. If your horse suffers from any of the following – Arthritis, Pedal bone fractures, Jarred shins, Navicular disease, Ringbone, Knee fractures, Laminitis (founder), Bruised soles or Hoof walls and Scalping from overreaching an Old Mac’s horse riding boot will benefit your horse. Aimed at improving your horse’s soundess, well-being and performance, these boots will extend your horse’s working life!Offer your horse the necessary support and confidence needed during transportation and wear Old Mac’s Multi Purpose Horse Boots. Using Old Mac’s may also prevent injury to the coronet which impedes hoof wall growth and results in permanent scarring of the hoof wallOld Mac’s will eliminate the problem of your horse throwing a shoe – when you arrive at your destination no matter your discipline your horse will be ready to work. Avoid lower limb injuries. Old Mac’s protect your horse from bulb and tendon damage, hoof wall & sole bruising. Old Mac’s exceptional traction will help prevent slipping on the loading ramp and offer increased confidence within a trailer. Please note that the use of boots over metal shoes voids the boot’s wear warranty.

Easyboot Grip Horse Boot $68 Unrivaled TractionThe Easyboot Grip is essentially the Easyboot Epic with an aggressive sole and traction tread pattern. The Easyboot Grip is ideal for the barefoot horse ridden in soft muddy conditions or wet grass and snow surfaces. The aggressive traction pattern provides better grip on these surfaces but should never be used on dry surfaces or hard surfaces.The Grip should be used in soft soil conditions or soft wet grass and snow surfaces only! Although the Easyboot Grip provides increased traction in slippery conditions, riding horses in wet, muddy and soft conditions is dangerous and should be done at your own risk.Available in sizes 0, 1, 2 and 3 only. Sold individually.

Miniature Horse Western Saddle Pad $21.9 This classically designed saddle pad is sized just for the miniature horse. Features soft fleece underside, wear leathers at the appropriate places, and a fun southwest design. Measures approx. 19 x 19. The perfect pad to fit all of your mini’s western riding activities. Design may vary slightly but it is a Tan Southwestern design on each pad.

The Green Guide for Horse Owners Book $20 Many horse lovers are looking for ways to make their facilities more environmentally friendly and to practice greener riding habits. The Green Guide for Horse Owners and Riders takes a clear look at current horse-care practices and provides green alternatives for day-to-day horsekeeping – both for the property owner who keeps dozens of horses and for the rider who rents a stall in someone else’s barn.Property owners will find extensive information on building and renovating barns that use environmentally friendly materials, fit well into surrounding ecosystems, and work best with available water resources and prevailing weather conditions. All horsekeepers will appreciate the chapters that address the constant challenges of responsible pasture rotation and manure management.There is plenty here for the concerned rider, too. From avoiding toxins in feed, fly sprays, cleaning products, and medicines to practicing good trail-riding etiquette, anyone who spends time with horses will find simple and rewarding ways to be kinder to the earth. Paperback , 231 pp.

Hawthorne Ladies Huntley English Riding Shirt Long Sleeve Cotton $39.95 Huntley Cotton Riding Shirt Fine Cotton broadcloth fabric Embroidered horse design Tail is longer to prevent pull-out which can occur while riding Shorter front so there is less shirt tail to tuck in Comes with two chokers with hidden buttonhole to button to shirt to keep choker in place Straight back yoke with pleats gives added shoulder ease Imported Pins or monogram not included

Tucker Pleasure Trail Bridle – Brown with Brass – Horse $78.75 This Tucker design is made just like our Plantation Headstall except the cheeks and crown are only 5/8 wide double stitched construction. It is a great bridle for pleasure riding. Horse size. Crown 21 1/2, Cheeks 10, Noseband 23, Throat 38.Color: Brown w/BrassSize:  Horse

Easyboot Glove Horse Boot $50.6 This form-fitting, seamless boot hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. Flexible and tough, this boot adds traction to the hoof, while allowing a free stride and breakover.Like a glove, this boot provides protection without stifling mobility. The Easyboot Glove material stretches over the hoof and clings to the wall so that debris stays out of the boot even through sandy and muddy conditions. No external hardware means that there is no need to worry about replacing cables. Studs are available for winter riding.Does your horse overreach? These boots have a faster breakover and no hardware to catch on the front heel if you are wearing them on hind feet. This boot must be carefully sized and fitted to the hoof. Your horses width and length must fall into the same size category. If your horses width and length fall into two different size categories you must choose another boot style. If you believe that you measured correctly but the boot doesnt fit tight try going to a smaller size or chose another boot in the EasyCare line.Sold individually.

Miniature Horse Nylon Training Surcingle – Brown – Miniature Horse 40.5-53.5 $24.9 Finally a training surcingle small enough for the Mini’s! This classic training aid is constructed of durable Nylon webbing w/ Felt padding. Nickel plated Dees correctly positioned for maximum equipment attachment possibilities. Girth adjusts on both sides. A must have item for any training or lesson barn. Great way to start the young Mini or give a tune up to a seasoned veteran.Color: BrownSize:  Miniature Horse 40.5-53.5

Finishing Touch Riding Crop Pin Imitation Rhodium $7.95 CROP STOCK PIN-IMITATION RHODIUM FINISHFinishing 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.

Easyboot Trail Horse Boot $54.1 The Easyboot trail is the easiest hoof boot in the world! This boot opens up completely to slip on and off most hoof shapes and sizes. The rear double velcro attachment protects the entire hoof wall and keeps the boot firmly in place. Front shield protects the area that takes the most abuse. Proven tread design handles a wide range of conditions. Recommended for medium-distance riding of up to 25 miles per week. Great for a pleasure rider or the backcountry rider!

Mountain Horse Devon Jacket $143.1 Our classic barn jacket will protect you from natures nastiest elements. Fully seam-sealed, the Devon Jacket is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Detachable, adjustable hood can be folded into the collar. Additional features include a two-way front zipper with storm flap, adjustable drawstring waist, ventilation zippers under front and back yokes, riding vents in back, fabric zipper pullers, reflective piping on front and back yoke, mesh and taffeta lining, and multiple pockets. Material: 100% polyester

Easyboot Rx Horse Boot $50.6 The Easyboot Rx is just the prescription for horses requiring a therapy boot that offers stability and support without being heavy or clunky.Veterinarians, hoof care professionals and horse owners alike rely on the Easyboot Rx to help horses heal and recover quickly. It provides support and relief for horses suffering from chronic lameness, laminitis, founder, navicular and other lower limb/hoof problems.The Rx is an excellent choice for those horses that simply have difficulty standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. The boot can be used to speed recovery and offer protection after surgery or injury, lessen fatigue and add protection during trailering as well as offer a safeguard in the breeding shed.The sole of the Easyboot Rx is a combination of durable and soft material, much like that used in human orthotics, in a light weight package. All seams and edges of the upper are rounded for safety. Three air vents provide air circulation keeping the hoof cool while preventing the accumulation of dirt and debris. Each boot comes fitted with an EasyCare Comfort Pad to provide immediate relief and additional sole support. Replacement comfort pads in three densities are available at a very affordable price.Application is quick and easy. The unique upper of the Easyboot Rx folds down and opens large enough to accommodate the wide base of a hoof, allowing for quick application without strength or force. After the hoof is placed in the Easyboot Rx, two hook and loop tabs are fastened to provide a secure fit. A quick pull on the hook and loop tabs and the Easyboot Rx is easily slipped off the hoof. Each boot has a double hook and loop lock system that prevents the boot from opening unintentionally.The Easyboot Rx is not intended for riding but can be used for light turn out.Sold individually.

Robart Robart Pinchless Walking Horse Bit – 5 $52.5 Robart PRECISION Bits have patented internal springs that allows the port to return to a neutral position quickly upon dropping the rein, giving immediate reward for correct behavior. Great for shoulder control and keeping a lower head set. Why a Pinchless Bit? A horse is a flight and fight animal. If the bit is hurting the horses mouth he is going to respond with fight or flight. Neither of these responses are condusive to training, competing or riding. Take the pain away and you instantly modify their behavior and response to your instructions. The Pinchless bit swivels at the bars, rather than relying on the center link to swivel, eliminating the possibility of pinching the tongue. Also it gives a more consistant and immediate signal to your horse, so his response time is reduced, with less pressure. If a horse is not new to the bit and is still gapping his mouth, excessive mouth movement or tossing his head, you will want to try a pinchless bit. Using a pinchless bit on a young horse will prevent inflicting pain, keeping the experience less streeful, resulting in easier and improved learning for the horse. Great for walking and all gaited horses. Tongue is not trapped! Smooth ball action allows horse to swallow and relax his face. More gait control.Size:  5

Finishing Touch Riding Crop With Horseshoe And Stone Gold $10.95 HORSESHOE WITH STONE ON CROP STOCK PIN-GOLD FINISH 1 15/16 X 9/16Finishing 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.

Finishing Touch Riding Crop Pin Gold $8.95 CROP STOCK PIN-GOLD FINISH 1 15/16 X 1/4Finishing 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.

Mountain Horse Venture Jacket $175.5 Finally, a jacket for your most strenuous riding activities – under all conditions!Features: Waterproof, windproof, breathableFully seam-sealedDetachable, adjustable hoodWaterproof two-way front zipperAdjustable drawstring at hemHead-set wire system to accommodate MP3 players and mobile phonesReflective detailingMultiple pocketsMaterial: 98% polyester, 2% spandex

Mountain Horse Stella Polaris Winter Boot $197.1 At Mountain Horse we are passionate about providing riders with superior quality products, innovative designs and features to keep you warm and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors. Our newest Mountain Horse winter boot is fashionably chic as well as functional, meticulously designed for a comfortable fit and superior traction on ice and snow. The durable, quilted PU upper boasts membrane technology making this boot 100% waterproof up to the start of the zipper. Heat insulating faux fur to keep legs, feet and toes warm. Strong and durable YKK zipper in the back makes the boot easy to put on and take off. Unique side elastic for an individual fit. Reflective inserts along back of boot for night riding. Ergonomically designed removable EVA insole with soft Nylex lining. Built-in steel shank for increased stability while walking or riding. Faux leather foot part is waterproof and has been tested to withstand one million flexes in -10 weather. Specially slim and contoured designed outsole made especially for riding. Dirt repellent tread zones on bottom of sole enhance your grip in the stirrup. Heel part is fitted with shock absorbing IPS system. Material: PU-Leather/Extensiz. Lining: Faux Fur.

Mountain Horse Legacy Parka $247.5 Our most durable and roomy barn jacket. Waterproof. Breathable. Unstoppable.Features: WindproofFully seam sealedSoft and warm faux fur liningDetachable, adjustable hood with removable faux fur trimArticulated sleeves with pre-bent elbowsTwo-way front zipperTwo-way side seam zippers for quick ventilation and riding comfortAdjustable elastic strap in waistNeoprene cuffs and hook and loop strap at wrist for an adjustable fitTwo zipper front hand-warming pockets, plus five other pockets

Mountain Horse Winnipeg Jacket $215.1 Bundle up for winter weather in the most comfortable combination ever durable Taslon Shiny on the outside, soft and warm faux fur on the inside. Breathable, windproof and waterproof. Fully seam-sealed. Detachable, adjustable hood with excellent sideways visibility. Double riding vents at back. Two-way waterproof front zipper. Waterproof pit zips. Articulated sleeves with pre-bent elbows. Reflective trim details on front, arms and back. Elastic strap in waist and sleeve for an adjustable fit. Pockets: Two front and one chest pocket with waterproof zippers and one internal security pocket. Outer Shell: 100% durable polyester Taslon Shiney. Lining I: 100% polyester fuax fur. Lining II: 100% polyester satin. Insulation: 100% fiberfill, 140g body/100g sleeve.

600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet $54.9 This sheet is great for that sudden rain shower at the show, camping, trail riding or just out in the pasture. This sheet is made of 600 Denier waterproof nylon with a 70 Denier lining. It features shoulder gussets, adjustable leg straps, double buckle closure front, crossed surcingle belly and tail flap.

Synthetic Gaited Horse Round Skirt Trail Saddle $266 A lightweight synthetic saddle made to fit todays gaited horses. Round skirt for short coupled horses. Great for everyday riding or trail riding. Features tough nylon synthetic skirts and fenders, handsome leather jockeys, pommel and cantle, rounded skirts for freedom of movement, nylon tie straps, reinforced stirrup bars, blevins style quick change buckles, saddle strings and tie rings, padded leather stirrups and padded smooth leather seat.TREE: Rawhide CoveredBARS: Gaited HorseHORN: 2 1/4CANTLE: 3 1/2SWELL: 13GULLET: 7RIGGING: Drop DeeSKIRT: 26 x 22 1/2WEIGHT: 18 lbs.

Jeremy and Lord Sport Horse Boots – Hind $54.95 Jeremy & Lord Jeremy & Lord is a registered trademark of Libertyville Saddle Shop, Inc. Top quality sport horse jumping boot for show, event and performance riding. Designed with quality grain leather wrapping. Splint and tendon protection of heavy molded leather, with shock and sweat absorbing felt lining. Heavy leather on the inside splint area and over the flexor tendon and suspensory ligament area prevents overreaching injuries on back of front leg. Taller hind legs have heavy leather on inside of splint area. Double locking self-gripping closures on elastic. Large Size: Large-boned horses (European Warmbloods, Heavier Horses). All boots sold in pairs. Hind Sport Horse Boots.

Mountain Horse Active Winter Rider Mens $170.1 Bring on the cold! The newest Mountain Horse winter boot features a black faux fur lining. Very fashionable and extremely warm! New and improved elastic along side the YKK zipper has 50% more stretch than the original Mountain Horse elastic, allowing a more comfortable fit for many more riders because of the super stretch. A brand new, specially designed outsole has slip resistant and dirt repellent tread zones which will give riders enhanced grip in the irons. Reflective inserts at the back of the boot provide visibility during evening hours. An ergonomically designed removable EVA insole has soft Nylex lining for all day comfort and a built-in steel shank that provides increased stability while walking or riding. The heel part is fitted with the shock-absorbing IPS system to reduce shock impact while walking. Material: PU/PVC

Hawthorne Ladies Bradford English Riding Shirt White Cotton Poly Long Sleeve $31.95 Bradford Riding Shirt 65% Polyester/35% Cotton Blend Embroidered horse design Tail is longer to prevent pull-out which can occur while riding Shorter front so there is less shirt tail to tuck in Comes with one choker Straight back yoke with pleats gives added shoulder ease Imported White Item/Choker can be embroidered in a variety of styles. See Embroidery Details and, if desired, make selections below. 16-3410 Long Sleeve

Robart Robart Pinchless Arched Port Walking Horse Bit – 5 $50.1 Robart PRECISION Bits have patented internal springs that allows the port to return to a neutral position quickly upon dropping the rein, giving immediate reward for correct behavior. Great for shoulder control and keeping a lower head set. Why a Pinchless Bit? A horse is a flight and fight animal. If the bit is hurting the horses mouth he is going to respond with fight or flight. Neither of these responses are condusive to training, competing or riding. Take the pain away and you instantly modify their behavior and response to your instructions. The Pinchless bit swivels at the bars, rather than relying on the center link to swivel, eliminating the possibility of pinching the tongue. Also it gives a more consistant and immediate signal to your horse, so his response time is reduced, with less pressure. If a horse is not new to the bit and is still gapping his mouth, excessive mouth movement or tossing his head, you will want to try a pinchless bit. Using a pinchless bit on a young horse will prevent inflicting pain, keeping the experience less streeful, resulting in easier and improved learning for the horse. A revolutionary idea and bit designed to implement it! Instead of training and working a horse on the basis of creating pain,the patented David Robart bit corrects by using pressure and eliminating the pain. Truly a clever design. Comes with 8 shanks. Shaped with swivel joint.Size:  5

Robart Robart Pinchless Medium Arched Walking Horse Bit – 5 $52.5 Robart PRECISION Bits have patented internal springs that allows the port to return to a neutral position quickly upon dropping the rein, giving immediate reward for correct behavior. Great for shoulder control and keeping a lower head set. Why a Pinchless Bit? A horse is a flight and fight animal. If the bit is hurting the horses mouth he is going to respond with fight or flight. Neither of these responses are condusive to training, competing or riding. Take the pain away and you instantly modify their behavior and response to your instructions. The Pinchless bit swivels at the bars, rather than relying on the center link to swivel, eliminating the possibility of pinching the tongue. Also it gives a more consistant and immediate signal to your horse, so his response time is reduced, with less pressure. If a horse is not new to the bit and is still gapping his mouth, excessive mouth movement or tossing his head, you will want to try a pinchless bit. Using a pinchless bit on a young horse will prevent inflicting pain, keeping the experience less streeful, resulting in easier and improved learning for the horse. A revolutionary idea and bit designed to implement it! Instead of training and working a horse on the basis of creating pain,the patented David Robart bit corrects by using pressure andeliminating the pain. Truly a clever design. Shaped with swivel joint.Size:  5

Robart Robart Pinchless Walking Horse Snaffle Bit – 5 $40 Robart PRECISION Bits have patented internal springs that allows the port to return to a neutral position quickly upon dropping the rein, giving immediate reward for correct behavior. Great for shoulder control and keeping a lower head set. Why a Pinchless Bit? A horse is a flight and fight animal. If the bit is hurting the horses mouth he is going to respond with fight or flight. Neither of these responses are condusive to training, competing or riding. Take the pain away and you instantly modify their behavior and response to your instructions. The Pinchless bit swivels at the bars, rather than relying on the center link to swivel, eliminating the possibility of pinching the tongue. Also it gives a more consistant and immediate signal to your horse, so his response time is reduced, with less pressure. If a horse is not new to the bit and is still gapping his mouth, excessive mouth movement or tossing his head, you will want to try a pinchless bit. Using a pinchless bit on a young horse will prevent inflicting pain, keeping the experience less streeful, resulting in easier and improved learning for the horse. A revolutionary idea and bit designed to implement it. Instead of training and working a horse on the basis of creating pain, the patented David Robart bit corrects by using pressure and eliminating the pain. Truly a clever design. Comes with 8 shanks.Size:  5

The defeat of the Spanish Armada

The defeat of the Spanish Armada

On July 1588 King Philip II of Spain ordered the Spanish Armada on a mission to defeat protestant England lead by Queen Elizabeth I.  The “Enterprise of England”, the plan to overthrow England, was not only meant to stamp out English Protestantism but also a message to the country’s of western Europe that breaking from the Catholic church would not be tolerated.

In the end the plan to invade England proved to be an not only an expensive military expedition for the Spanish but would also ultimately marked the down fall the Spanish Armada as a world navel power.   And in doing so, also marked Spain’s decline as a world power by the end of the war in 1604.

But for the English the fall of the Spanish Armada was a celebrated victory making Sir Francis Drake even more of a hero than he already was and even having an impact on Tudor Christmas celebrations!

At the time of Elizabeth I, Spain controlled what was called the Spanish Netherlands.  This consisted of modern day Holland and Belgium.

Holland didn’t like being made to be Catholic and wanted it’s independence from Spanish rule.  Protestant ideas had taken root in Holland and many of those in Holland were secret Protestants. If anyone had publicly stated their Protestant beliefs their lives would have been in danger.

Spain used the Inquisition to hunt out Protestants. However, during Elizabeth’s reign, the English had been helping the Dutch Protestants in Holland. This greatly angered the king of Spain – Philip II – who wanted to put a stop Protestant beliefs.

He had for a short time been married to Elizabeth I’s half-sister, Mary, and when they were married, England was Catholic. With England under his control, Philip could control the English Channel and his ships could have an easy passage from Spain to the Spanish Netherlands. Spanish troops stationed there could be easily supplied.

English ‘sea-dogs’ for some time had been causing a great deal of damage to Spain’s trade in silver. Men such as Sir Francis Drake attacked Spanish shipping off of the West Indies and Spain lost a vast sum of money when the ships carrying silver sunk or had their cargo captured by Drake. To the English, Drake was a hero but to the Spanish he was nothing more than a pirate who, in their view, was allowed to do what he did with the full knowledge of the queen. This the Spanish could not accept.

In 1587, Mary Queen of Scots, was executed in England on the orders of Elizabeth I. Mary was a Catholic and Philip II believed that he had a duty to ensure no more Catholics were arrested in England and that no more should be executed. Mary, Queen of Scots, had also made it clear that if she became queen of England, Philip should inherit the throne after her death.

Hence his decision to attack and invade England.

The Armada had been delayed by bad weather, forcing the four galleys and one galleon to leave the fleet, and was not sighted in England until 19 July, when it appeared off St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. The news was conveyed to London by a system of beacons that had been constructed all the way along the south coast. On that evening the English fleet was trapped in >Plymouth harbor by the incoming tide. The Spanish convened a council of war, where it was proposed to ride into the harbor on the tide and incapacitate the defending ships at anchor and from there to attack England; but Medina Sidonia declined to act, choosing to sail to the east and toward the Isle of Wight. Soon afterwards, 55 English ships set out in pursuit from Plymouth under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham, with Sir Francis Drake as Vice Admiral. Howard ceded some control to Drake, given his experience in battle, and the rear admiral was Sir John Hawkins.

Lord Henry Seymour, with Sir William Winter, was ordered with his fleet of forty English and Dutch ships, under command of Justin of Nassau, Admiral of Zealand, to lie off the coast of Flanders, to prevent the intended junction of the forces under the Dukes of Parma, with the Armada.

In a speech to prepare the English people of a possible invasion by the Spanish Queen Elizabeth writes:

“My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that we are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes for fear of treachery; but, I do assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people.

Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself, that under God I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and goodwill of my subjects; and, therefore, I am come amongst you as you see at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of battle, to live or die amongst you all – to lay down for my God, and for my kingdoms, and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust.
I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a King – and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms – I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

I know already, for your forwardness, you have deserved rewards and crowns, and, we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. For the meantime, my Lieutenant-General Leicester shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my General, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my God, of my kingdom and of my people.”

On 27 July, the Armada anchored off Calais in a tightly packed defensive crescent formation, not far from Dunkirk, where Parma’s army, reduced by disease to 16,000, was expected to be waiting, ready to join the fleet in barges sent from ports along the Flemish coast. Communications had proven to be far more difficult than anticipated, and it only now became clear that this army had yet to be equipped with sufficient transport or assembled in port, a process which would take at least six days, while Medina Sidonia waited at anchor; and that Dunkirk was blockaded by a Dutch fleet of thirty flyboats under Lieutenant-Admiral Justin of Nassa. Parma desired that the Armada send its light petaches to drive away the Dutch, but Medina Sidonia could not do this because he feared that he might need these ships for his own protection.

There was no deep-water port where the fleet might shelter — always acknowledged as a major difficulty for the expedition — and the Spanish found themselves vulnerable as night drew on. At midnight on 28 July, the English set alight eight fireships, sacrificing regular warships by filling them with pitch, brimstone, some gunpowder and tar, and cast them downwind among the closely anchored vessels of the Armada. The Spanish feared that these uncommonly large fireships were “hellburners”, specialised fireships filled with large gunpowder charges, which had been used to deadly effect at the Siege of Antwerp.

Two were intercepted and towed away, but the remainder bore down on the fleet. Medina Sidonia’s flagship and the principal warships held their positions, but the rest of the fleet cut their anchor cables and scattered in confusion. No Spanish ships were burnt, but the crescent formation had been broken, and the fleet now found itself too far to leeward of Calais in the rising south-westerly wind to recover its position. The English closed in for battle.

The small port of Gravelines was then part of Flanders in the Spanish Netherlands, close to the border with France and the closest Spanish territory to England. Medina Sidonia tried to re-form his fleet there and was reluctant to sail further east knowing the danger from the shoals off Flanders, from which his Dutch enemies had removed the sea-marks.

The English had learned more of the Armada’s strengths and weaknesses during the skirmishes in the English Channel and had concluded it was necessary to close within 100 meters to penetrate the oak hulls of the Spanish ships. They had spent most of their gunpowder in the first engagements and had after Wight been forced to conserve their heavy shot and powder for a final decisive attack near Gravelines. During all the engagements, the Spanish heavy guns proved unwieldy, and their gunners had not been trained to reload — in contrast to their English counterparts, they fired once and then jumped to the rigging to attend to their main task as marines ready to board enemy ships. In fact, evidence from Armada wrecks in Ireland shows that much of the fleet’s ammunition was never spent. Their determination to thrash out a victory in hand-to-hand fighting proved a weakness for the Spanish; it had been effective on occasions such as the Battle of Lepanto and the Battle of Ponta Delgada (1582), but the English were aware of this strength and sought to avoid it by keeping their distance.

With its superior maneuverability, the English fleet provoked Spanish fire while staying out of range. The English then closed, firing repeated and damaging broadsides into the enemy ships. This also enabled them to maintain a position to windward so that the heeling Armada hulls were exposed to damage below the water line.

Five Spanish ships were lost. The galleon San Lorenzo ran aground at Calais and was taken by Howard after murderous fighting between the crew, the galley slaves, the English and the French who ultimately took possession of the wreck. The galleons San Mateo and San Felipe drifted away in a sinking condition, ran aground on the island of Walcheren the next day, and were taken by the Dutch. One carrack ran aground near Blankenberge; another foundered.

Many other Spanish ships were severely damaged, especially the Spanish and Portuguese Atlantic-class galleons which had to bear the brunt of the fighting during the early hours of the battle in desperate individual actions against groups of English ships. The Spanish plan to join with Parma’s army had been defeated, and the English had afforded themselves some breathing space. But the Armada’s presence in northern waters still posed a great threat to England.

The Armada sailed around Scotland and Ireland into the North Atlantic. The ships were beginning to show wear from the long voyage, and some were kept together by having their hulls bundled up with cables. Supplies of food and water ran short, and the cavalry horses were cast overboard into the sea. The intention would have been to keep well to the west of the coast of Scotland and Ireland, in the relative safety of the open sea. However, there being at that time no way of accurately measuring longitude, the Spanish were not aware that the Gulf Stream was carrying them north and east as they tried to move west, and they eventually turned south much further to the east than planned, a devastating navigational error.

Off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland the fleet ran into a series of powerful westerly gales, which drove many of the damaged ships further towards the lee shore. Because so many anchors had been abandoned during the escape from the English fireships off Calais, many of the ships were incapable of securing shelter as they reached the coast of Ireland and were driven onto the rocks. The late 1500s, and especially 1588, were marked by unusually strong North Atlantic storms, perhaps associated with a high accumulation of polar ice off the coast of Greenland, a characteristic phenomenon of the “Little Ice Age”. As a result many more ships and sailors were lost to cold and stormy weather than in combat.

Following the gales it is reckoned that 5,000 men died, whether by drowning and starvation or by slaughter at the hands of English forces after they were driven ashore in Ireland; only half of the Spanish Armada fleet returned back home to Spain. Reports of the passage around Ireland abound with strange accounts of brutality and survival and attest to the qualities of the Spanish seamanship. Some survivors were concealed by Irish people, but few shipwrecked Spanish survived to be taken into Irish service, fewer still to return home.

In the end, 67 ships and around 10,000 men survived. Many of the men were near death from disease, as the conditions were very cramped and most of the ships ran out of food and water. Many more died in Spain, or on hospital ships in Spanish harbors, from diseases contracted during the voyage.

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