Questions and answers about riding and horses
Here we answer the questions riders ask most often: from the right rug for your horse through bits and riding helmets to feeding. Every answer lists its sources. For personal advice you are welcome to visit us in our shop in Tangstedt near Hamburg.
Questions about horse rugs
Here we answer the most common questions about horse rugs: which rug is suitable for which temperature, when a cooler rug or fly rug is useful, how to measure the correct size and how to wash rugs. According to the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, whether a horse needs a rug at all depends on the individual horse, for example on clipping, winter coat and how it is kept. In our shop in Tangstedt you can also try rugs on your horse directly.
- Which rug does my horse need at which temperature?
- Does an unclipped horse even need a rug in winter?
- What types of horse rugs are there?
- What is the difference between a turnout rug and a stable rug?
- Which rug does a horse need in a paddock with shelter?
- How warm should a horse feel under the rug?
Questions about bits and bridles
Here we answer frequently asked questions about bits, bridles and nosebands: size, action, competition rules and care. A bit must fit the mouth exactly, because according to the German Equestrian Federation (FN) there is often only around 1.5 cm of space left for the mouthpiece. Which bits and nosebands are permitted at competitions is defined in the FN equipment rules.
- Which bit is suitable for my horse?
- How do I measure the correct bit size for my horse?
- What bit size does a Shetland or pony need?
- Which bit is the most comfortable for my horse?
- Is a double-jointed bit stronger than a single-jointed bit?
- Which bits are allowed for dressage at competitions?
Questions about riding helmets
Here we answer the most frequent questions about riding helmets: size, fit, head shape, standards, lifespan and helmets for children. A riding helmet only offers proper protection if it meets the applicable EN 1384 standard and fits exactly. After a fall, or at the latest after a few years of use, it must be replaced.
- Which riding helmet size do I need and how do I measure my head circumference?
- How can I tell if my riding helmet fits correctly?
- Which riding helmet suits my head shape, for example if I have a narrow head?
- How long can you wear a riding helmet?
- Do I have to replace my riding helmet after a fall?
- What do I need to look out for when buying a riding helmet for my child?
Questions about body protectors
Here we answer the most common questions about body protectors for riding: protection levels, standards, fit, sizes for children, air vests and the rules at competitions. A body protector protects your back and ribcage in the event of a fall and is compulsory for jumping over solid obstacles. A protector certified to EN 13158, level 3 is recommended.
- What are the benefits of a body protector when riding?
- Is a body protector useful for normal riding?
- What does Level 3 mean for body protectors?
- Which is better: body protector or back protector?
- How should a body protector fit for riding?
- How do I find the right size for a body protector?
Questions about riding boots and half chaps
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about riding boots, paddock boots and half chaps: fit, calf width and leg height, half chap sizes, care, winter riding boots and the rules for competitions. For riding you need at least ankle-high boots with a small heel. The most practical options are tall riding boots or paddock boots with half chaps.
- Why do you wear riding boots for riding?
- When do you need riding boots, or are paddock boots with half chaps enough to start with?
- Do you need half chaps for riding?
- What does chaps mean and what types are there?
- What size half chaps do I need?
- When are riding boots too tight?
Questions about riding clothing
Here we answer common questions about riding wear: riding breeches and riding tights, riding socks, gloves and the clothing that is required at competitions. The basic rule of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) is: riding breeches should fit closely and not crease, so that nothing chafes in the saddle. In our shop in Tangstedt you can try many things on before you buy.
- What is the difference between riding breeches and riding tights, and which is better?
- What makes a good pair of riding breeches?
- Why are riding breeches so tight?
- Which riding breeches are suitable for summer?
- What does full seat mean on riding breeches?
- What are jodhpurs?
Questions about brushing boots, bandages and overreach boots
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about leg protection for horses: when brushing boots, bandages and overreach boots make sense, how they should fit, which size is suitable and how to care for them. Leg protection is intended above all to protect against knocks, brushing injuries and scratches, whereas, according to expert sources, there is little evidence of any significant supporting effect on the tendons. In our shop in Tangstedt you can get advice on brushing boots and overreach boots and try them on your horse.
- When does a horse need brushing boots?
- Do brushing boots and bandages support the horse’s tendons?
- What is the difference between brushing boots and bandages?
- What types of bandages are there for horses?
- What bandage length do I need for my horse?
- What do you need bandage pads for?
Questions about saddle accessories
Here we answer frequently asked questions about saddle pads, half pads, girths, stirrups and spurs. A saddle pad protects the saddle from sweat and dirt and distributes the weight more evenly, but it does not turn an ill-fitting saddle into a well-fitting one. Measurements by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna have shown, according to Cavallo, that ordinary saddle pads do not change the fit of a saddle.
- What is a saddle pad?
- Where does the word Schabracke come from and why is it used as an insult?
- What do the size codes DR, VS or SR on saddle pads mean?
- How often should I wash the saddle pad?
- Why does my saddle pad slip backwards?
- What is a half pad good for and does it make sense to use one?
Questions about horse feeding
Here we answer frequently asked questions about feeding horses: mineral feed and supplements, linseed oil and linseed, hard feed, muesli and treats. Forage is the basis of every ration, everything else only complements it. The answers are based on specialist sources such as the German Equestrian Federation (FN), the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL) and manufacturers’ recommendations, and do not replace veterinary advice in the case of illness.
- What feed does my horse need every day?
- Does a horse need hard feed at all?
- How much hard feed is a horse allowed per meal?
- What is the difference between muesli and pellets for horses?
- When does a horse need mineral feed?
- How much mineral feed does a horse need per day?
Questions about grooming and the stable
Here you will find answers on headcollars and lead ropes, fly protection, hoof and coat care, leather care and the stable first-aid kit. In the case of injuries or signs of illness, no care can replace the vet. For questions about feed and care we also offer personal advice in Tangstedt.
- What is the difference between a lead rope and a tying-up rope?
- How long is a normal lead rope?
- How do I tie a horse safely?
- What headcollar sizes are there and which one fits my horse?
- From what age should you accustom a foal to a headcollar?
- Why should you not lunge a horse with a stable headcollar?