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Maximizing Limited Saddle Time(Post)
Has the recent weather kept you from riding as often as you’d like? Maybe you just can’t get to the barn due to puddles, mud and more puddles? Instead of letting the lack of saddle time get you do ...
The 4 Best Things about Holiday Barn Parties(Post)Are you attending a holiday barn party this weekend? Whether you are all gathering around a picnic table at the ranch… or a fellow barn buddy has volunteered to be Hostess-with-the-Mostest… ...
Air Vests: The Latest and Greatest Safety Technology for Horseback Riders(Post)No matter the discipline, equestrians can agree that horses are unpredictable. That is why good safety equipment – like a helmet – is essential for every time you get in the saddle. Your ...
The Secret Life of Flies(Post)Flies are one of the common seasonal foes of every equestrian. They annoy not only our horses, and other beloved pets, but cause us much frustration and hand wringing as well. But how much do yo ...
How to Choose the Best Winter Horse Riding Gear(Post)Whether you're an experienced horseback rider looking to upgrade your winter riding apparel or you're a beginner looking for advice for staying warm during the cold weather season, there are a fe ...
How to Measure for a Bridle or Headstall(Post)The bridle is an important piece of tack since it facilitates one of the main methods of communication between a horse and a rider. There are several options from which to choose, but no matte ...
What do horses like to play with? Top Fun Toys for Horses(Post)Horses, unlike humans, don't need much sleep. Compared to our average eight hours of sleep, horses need only about three hours. At other times, horses eat, roam, exercise and, yes, play. Playful ...
What Makes a Good Riding Boot?(Post)Whether you ride English or Western, a good pair of riding boots is an essential part of every rider’s wardrobe. They’re almost as important as your saddle — ask any experienced rider and they’ll ...
Choosing an English Girth(Post)One of the most common types of English saddles is a close contact saddle. These saddles have shallower seats and smaller panels that allow for a closer fit for the rider and the horse. Even if ...
Preparing an Equine Emergency Evacuation Plan(Post)Preparing an equine emergency evacuation plan ahead of time is necessary to keep your horses safe during fires or other emergencies or disasters. Mary’s Tack and Feed has put together an Equine E ...
How Should a Saddle Pad Fit?(Post)While there's a lot of information available about how to pick the right Western saddle or English saddle for your horse, saddle pads typically don't receive the same amount of attention. As it turns ...
How to Determine what Stirrup Leathers and Irons You Need(Post)Stirrups are an essential part of just about any horse tack. Despite how straightforward this piece of equipment appears to be, it actually comes in a number of variations to suit different riding ...
Effol Oil vs. Effol Ointment: A Product Comparison(Post)Well never fear, friends. Mary's Tack and Feed does the work for you so you can get on with what's really important- spending time in the saddle! So without further a ...
Equine First Aid Kits: Tips for Emergency Care and Tools to Have on Hand(Post)Whether your horse is old, young, steady, or reckless, an equine first aid kit is good to have on hand. Many horse owners have a small arsenal of equine medical supplies for when their horse is injur ...
For Your Equine Valentine(Post)Horse owners love to show their horses some love! Grooming, healthy treats, fun activities, and care after a hard workout are excellent ways to express your appreciation for having a wonderful horse ...
What Should a Beginner Rider Wear?(Post)If you’re about to start horseback riding lessons, you’re likely wondering what you’ll need to wear to stay safe and comfortable in the saddle. Whether you decide to ride English or Western, Mary’s T ...
Choosing the Best Reins for You and Your Horse(Post)Comparing English and Western Reins The differences between English and Western saddles and reins are noticeable even to novice observers. The tack varies because the styles of riding have differe ...
Comprehensive Horse Health with Nutrient Scoop(Post)One Stop Shop for Comprehensive Horse Health with Nutrient Scoop Our horses are more than just our steadfast companions, they are our best friends! When selecting a supplement, don’t settle fo ...
The Secret To Maximizing The Life of Your Boots(Post)Riding boots are the work horses of equestrian riding gear! Your riding boots take you everywhere...in saddle,around the barn, and often off for a bite to eat (admit it, you like wearing your b ...
Mary’s Fly Season Essentials(Post)Fly season is in full swing, so now’s the time to stock up at Mary’s and refresh your arsenal of fly masks, fly sprays, fly traps, and more! It doesn’t matter if your horse lives in ...
English Bits – Finding the Right Fit for Your Horse(Post)If you’re looking for a new bit for your horse, knowing the right size and pieces to use can be daunting! In this article, we’ll go over the broad strokes of how to size your horse’ ...
Choosing a Girth for a Dressage saddle(Post)Dressage saddles need a properly fitting girth in order to stay securely in place. In addition to keeping the rider safe, this also helps to make the horse more comfortable as they move. Instead o ...
Tips for a Top Tail(Post)Some horses are just born with jealousy inducing tails! While a fake tail is common in competition, tails still crave everyday attention! I have curly, dry hair that is prone to breaking, and I tr ...
Reducing Your Horse's Colic Risk(Post)The word ‘colic’ is dreaded in equestrian circles. It feels like it comes on without warning and if you haven’t experienced it yourself, you know someone who has. And while most horses recover - s ...
Find the Perfect Bit: Mary's Bit Rental Program(Post)"What if it doesn't work?" "What if I can't exchange it because it's already been in my horse's mouth?" "What if I find out I need something just a little bigger?" We hear ...
Ten Tips for Trailering Your Horse(Post)Whether you’re a hauling pro or trailer novice, confidently take on your next equine road trip with the help of Mary’s Tack and Feed trailering essentials. Versatile for a trip to a show, a visit ...
Why Your Horse Wants to Wear a Fly Sheet(Post)Why Should My Horse Wear a Fly Sheet? That’s a good question with an easy answer. Protection! When fly season starts (which can be darn near year-round in some places) you’ll want to stop flies and ...
Guest Post: Cowboy Mounted Shooting(Post)Recently we here at Mary's Tack and Feed worked closely with Southern California Equestrian Writer and Blogger Susan Friedland-Smith as she embarked on a journey to learn Cowboy Mounted Shootin ...
How to Fit a Martingale Collar(Post)If you're looking for a dog collar that gives you a bit more control over your energetic dog, a martingale collar is a perfect choice. While many dog owners love these types of collars because o ...
New Year's Resolutions...For Your Horse(Post)Pssst…. Attention all equines! Yes, this blog is for YOU! The New Year is here and your human counterparts are going to be busy trying to reinvent themselves. Things may even get a little ...
When to Blanket a Horse(Post)If you live in a temperate climate, blanketing your horse is a very important part of horse ownership. Once the temperature dips below a certain point, it's essential to cover your horse in a warm ...
Attending an Annual Meeting - and What to Bring!(Post)Winter signifies downtime in the horse community; bad weather, less riding, more holiday get-togethers, and show season is long over. Winter can also be an energizing time; a time to draw a plan ...
Let's Talk About Hoof Conditioners(Post)We’ve all heard the adage “No hoof, no horse.” Not all horses have great feet. Genetics plays the largest role in your horse’s hoof health. Those genetics can be supported with high quality nutr ...
Making S.M.A.R.T. Goals(Post)It’s a new year! A new year usually comes with the rigmarole of resolutions and riding goals. When it comes to horses, most riders actively shy away from making goals or solid plans. Horses can ...
Do Horses Need Salt?(Post)Keeping your horse happy and healthy requires quite a bit of knowledge and care. Salt intake is one area of equine health maintenance that should not be overlooked. The amount of salt a horse consume ...
Safety Stirrups and What to Look For(Post)Equestrian safety stirrup technology has evolved to offer riders improved performance and greater confidence. Older designs may have features that are now considered ineffective or even dangerous for ...
Top Tips to Get Your Kids Started Horseback Riding(Post)If you're ready to introduce your child - or a child you know - to horseback riding, we have some tips for you: 1. Consider the appropriate age. If your child is interested in riding horses and ...
How to Hold Reins(Post)Both English and Western riders know how important it is to hold your horse's reins properly. The reins are your main mode of communication between you and your horse when you're in the saddle. Wit ...
Fly Spray Showdown(Post)It can be overwhelming shopping for horse supplies in spring to early summer. You know you need to pick up some fly spray, as your horse has already started acting irritated in the stall, cross ...
How to Bridle a Horse(Post)Learning how to bridle a horse is an important step for any rider. In addition to getting your horse ready to be ridden, it is an opportunity to build a good relationship with your horse by comple ...
Caring for the Senior Competition Horse(Post)Not every senior horse is a retiree moseying around in a pasture. With improved nutrition and care, many older horses are still kickin' it in the show pen, polo field, hunt field, or dres ...
Supporting Your Horse's Gut Health(Post)At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced that tell-tale gut ache of indigestion, or even the intense discomfort brought on by heartburn. Now and again even a bit of bad food can leave you ...
Helmet Certifications, or What Do All Those Letters & Numbers Mean?(Post)Horseback riders are urged or required to have a certified equestrian helmet. They all have a string of numbers and letters signifying the safety standards and certifications. ASTM F1163:04a, SEI, ...
Gear Up For Fly Season(Post)Goodbye Rain! Hello Sun! Warmer weather is a sign of many fun things on the horizon; vacations, riding outside, trips to the beach and BBQs with family and friends. But with warmer weather comes ...
Tall Boot Zipper Care(Post)Tall boot zippers are prone to acting up. Here’s some advice on how to make yours last! Zippers are a game changer for wearing tall boots, but they come with the challenge of keeping them funct ...
5 Must-Haves for Riders, Summer Show Season Edition(Post)5 Must-Haves for Hot Summer Shows Looking forward to horse show season and actually living it are the stuff of memes. If you want to be the "how I think I look on a ho ...
Galloping Ghouls: Breyer’s 2023 Halloween Horse, Spectre (Post)Galloping Ghouls: Breyer’s 2023 Halloween Horse, SpectreEach year, Breyer releases a select collection of limited-edition holiday horses that embody the spirit of the season in breathtaking ways. The ...
Equident Matrix Horse Supplements(Post)The Benefits of Equident Matrix Horse Supplements for Your Horse’s Health As caretakers for our equine friends, our first priority is to look after our horse’s health so they can fee ...