When I saw that Kentucky Horsewear were releasing a 0g stable rug I HAD to get it, I’ve never owned a Kentucky rug before but I have a large variety of their other products. This is due to the high quality and the ease of washing/cleaning - they never appear to look worn and always pop out of the wash good as new.
My rug arrived in time for our trip to Bicton and I couldn’t wait to try it on Brian. It fit like a dream and the artificial rabbit skin lining is just dreamy. The inner lining of the rug is super smooth and made his coat incredibly shiny! The lining also prevents your hair from sticking to the rug so it won’t clog up your washing machine! The outside of the rug just feels and looks fabulous too, he lay down in his stable but thankfully due to the outer layer of the rug none of his shavings stuck! I was dubious about the shavings resistant fabric but it actually does work! I was concerned that he would feel cold in the evening when I went to check him but he was lovely and toastie – even with a hunter clip.
The soft hairs of the artificial rabbit skin helps your horses coat shine. It also prevents your horses hair from sticking to the lining helping reducing the need for cleaning.
Another amazing feature about this rug (like all Kentucky products) is that you can simply jusr put it in the washing machine on a bog standard 30c wash and it comes out gleaming.
The RRP of the rug is £147 but man is it worth it, this rug has now also become his show/travel rug throughout the winter months as it just looks so smart. . It doesn’t look like your ‘normal’ stable rug, it has animal friendly leather fittings, it is luxuriously made and is definitely perfect for my Princess Gelding - especially when it is doubled up with the Kentucky sheepskin halter.
]]>We value the importance of Brand Ambassadors to both showcase the products that we offer and to provide support and guidance to riders who wish to learn more about the brands we stock.
We are incredibly excited that the time has come to expand our team of brand ambassadors for 2019.
If you are interested in becoming a brand ambassador for Equissimo, the first thing that we would recommend you do is read our blog So you want to be a brand ambassador.
How to apply!
So you have read our blog mentioned above and you feel that you are the right type of person to be a brand ambassador for Equissimo please read on!
Requirements
1. You MUST be based in the UK
2. You MUST be passionate about Equine Welfare and of moral character
3. You MUST be active across social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) and willing to share you and your horses progress publically
4. You MUST be passionate about the brands that Equissimo stock (and be able to demonstrate that you own and use the products we stock). Equissimo only stock brands that are of a high quality and either improve or are neutral to equine welfare.
5. You MUST be able to post a minimum of twice a week and ideally more across social media about your progress, performance and Equissimo supplied products and promotions.
6. You MUST love to live your life online and engage with people
7. You MUST be willing to work as part of a team and get involved in team events.
8. You MUST be at least 18 years of age
9. You MUST be free to be able to blog and post about anything and not be restricted by any prior agreements.
10. You MUST be professional, mature and your social media pages should reflect this.
Does this sound like something that you can do?
Great! Well done for reading this far, if you are still interested you could be the right person for us!
How to apply
To apply we want you, throughout the month of February 2019 to tell us all about you and your horse.
We want to see your social media posts about your highs and lows and the Equissimo products that you love.
Throughout the month we will be running challenges, Q&A's and mini events that will help us find the right people who will fit into our existing team.
To make sure that we see your posts please ensure that our relevant Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages are tagged in using our @equissimo handle, and use the hashtag #teamequissimo. Don't forget to like all our social media pages so you see all our latest posts.
In March 2019 we will review all the entries and then announce our new Brand Ambassadors in April.
PLEASE NOTE
Applications are not required, we will only be choosing our successful brand ambassadors from the ones who have engaged with us throughout the month of February 2019 via social media.
Applications via comments, email, messenger etc will not be monitored.
We are really looking forward to seeing all your posts and we can't wait to announce our new brand ambassadors.
Good Luck!
#teamequissimo.
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Last to share is Sophie,
Kentucky Horsewear Quarter Rug
This has been firmly on my Christmas, Birthday, Easter and in fact any kind of list as soon as I first laid eyes on it. Oh my goodness it’s beautiful! I’ve ummed and ahhed over it; Remmi is the sort of pony that gets super warm within five minutes so does he really need it?! What be perfectly acceptable would be to receive it as a present from Santa! We all love to receive indulgent presents from time to time and this would absolutely tick that box for me!
Kentucky Horsewear Quarter Rug Available in Medium or Large in Navy or Red £85
Kingsland Posadas Knitted Headband
For it isn’t Christmas unless I receive some sort of knitted item to keep my head warm. Be it hat or head warmer I’m always VERY grateful. The subtle silver flecks in this one of course caught my eye; Winter is hard so it’s the little things in life that help to get us out of bed on cold, frosty mornings and for me, it’s sparkles!
Kingsland Posadas Knitted Headband £36
Kingsland Classic Transparent Rain Coat
Practical, useful presents are a big YES from me so receiving one of these ‘pack a mac’ type waterproofs would put a huge smile on my face. Let’s put it like this, we all own a beautiful, quilted, down jacket and yes they look AMAZING but they are never the most waterproof. Less than ideal when you’re currently in the middle of a U.K. winter! These are perfect to throw over the top = Stylish AND dry, it’s a win, win!
Kingsland Classic Transparent Rain Coat £38
Mark Todd Winter Riding Tights
I got my first pair of these back in September and I can pretty much count on one hand the times I’ve not ridden in them, I literally LIVE in them. They are practical, hardwearing and super flattering! You’ll be quick to question your size choice when you receive them, as they appear rather small but you need not worry! I imagine there is only a small number of us that feel super confident in most breeches but these magically squeeze all your lumps and bumps into them, resulting in a not too bad overall picture!
Mark Todd winter riding leggings, available in grey or navy £59
Montar Amber Star Sweatshirt
Much like receiving a knitted piece of headwear again it wouldn’t be Christmas morning for me if I didn’t get at least one star themed present. Stars are ‘my thing’, I just absolutely love them! This Montar jumper just has my name written all over it stars and sparkle, I needn’t say anymore!
Montar Amber Star Sweatshirt Available in sizes 8-16 in navy, grey, khaki or brown. £59
]]>Next to share is Zoe,
Kentucky Horsewear Show Rug
I think this rug speaks for itself!
The inside of the rug is lined with artificial rabbit skin, which helps your horses coat shine. Another benefit is that is helps prevent your horses hair from sticking to the lining. This means washing the rug at 30 in your washing machine is easy.
Rammed with quality and style, this rug is definitely on Brian's Christmas List.
Kentucky Horsewear Show Rug 6'0 - 7'0 £173
Kentucky Horsewear Air Tech Eventing Boots
I am really drawn to these boots because I have their Tendon and Fetlock boots and I know just how amazing they are, they always keep legs cool and can be thrown in the washing machine at 30 and come out looking as good as new. The Air Tech eventing boots are just as easy to look after.
The eventing boots have 5 breathable layers of protection for your horse so you know your horse is protected.
Kentucky Horsewear Air Tech Eventing Boots Cob/Full
Animo Noa Breeches
I have been eyeing these up for a while!
I borrowed a friends Animo jacket at a British Showjumping show as I forgot mine (ooops) I was overwhelmed by the comfort and quality. I had so much movement in it and I have always wondered what the breeches would be like.
I feel like I need to treat myself to a shiny new white pair, especially now I have a horse to compete on a regular basis.
Animo Noa Breeches Size 8-16 White, Navy or Beige
Animo Basilea Show Shirt.
Following on from the above, the quality of the Animo show shirt is 10/10. My current show shirt is about 2 years old and is slowly falling apart.
I'm always intrigued by Animo and their products everything always looks amazing.
Animo Basilea Show Shirt Size 8-16 White or Navy
Tech Stirrups Venice Sloped
I am already a huge Tech Stirrups fan as I ride in the Athena Showjumping Version. The grip is just immense and they have saved by butt a few times.
The Venice safety version has always been on my wish list and now they are making a sloped version I am very happy. I have suffered with my ankle after tearing ligaments and just a slight slope takes all the pressure off. It is great to be combining the performance of the Athena with the safety of the Venice.
Tech Stirrups Venice Sloped, Available in 8 colour options.
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Next to share is Karla,
Miasuki Bobbie socks
simply the most comfortable and hard wearing socks I own, I have worn and worn them and they are just as good as the day I got them.
Miasuki Bobbie Socks available in Blue or Amarone, £35
Kentucky rug bib
I’m a big lover of rug bibs they not only prevent rubbing but protect buckles catching on hay nets etc and I adore the winter fluff
Kentucky Horsewear Rug Bibs, available in Summer or Winter versions £29-£34
Kentucky show rug
This is by far my favourite every rug! It is super smart, warm and it's really stylish for travelling in.
Jin Stirrups
I love the choice of colours, the comfort and super grippy foot bases.
Jin Sirrups, available in traditional or anatomic £165
Kingsland Maya Boots and Mia Bell Boots
They look super stylish and smart and are a must for everyone!
Kingsland Maya boots available in silver or black £62 Kingsland Mia bell boots in silver or black £40
]]>
First to share is Amy,
]]>
Here at Equissimo we have a wide range of both horse and rider products and regularly see trends and demand change from not only week to week but from day to day.
Each week we will talk you through our top 3 trending products that you, our customers love.
Cowboy Magic Yellowout Shampoo
As the weather has started to change to become more Autumnal and we have had more rain than over the last few months it is understandable that our range of Cowboy Magic Shampoo has seen a surge in sales.
This fantastic product is ideal for horses of all coat colours but is particularly effective on grey horses or horses with white legs / white patches. This great shampoo neutralises yellow stains that naturally build up from grass, mud and urine and leaves a fantastic shine.
Number 2
Tech Stirrups Aphrodite Dressage Stirrups
From Tech Stirrups, the Aphrodite Dressage Stirrup has consistently been one of our most popular items.
These fantastic stirrups are ideal for helping you secure a strong lower leg. Uniquely designed with a heavy tread the weight balance ensures you can keep your stirrups and if you do loose them, the unique stirrup leather hole sits in such a way that ensures you quickly regain them.
Here we have an independent review of the stirrups by Horse and Hound Magazine
Number 1
Designed in Miasuki's house colour of Amarone, it is no wonder that this stunning helmet has quickly become our best selling helmet.
Engineered by KEP Italia, it benefits from 5 unique safety ratings, an innovative cooling system and weighs just 500 grams.
It comes with a soft bag to store the helmet in and help prevent scratches and scuffs. It also comes with a cleaning kit to ensure it stays looking fabulous!
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You can read our brand ambassadors blogs here.
We receive many requests everyday from people who want to be brand ambassadors so we have written this guide to help people who may want to be a brand ambassador.
What is a brand ambassador?
So many people want to be brand ambassadors because they will receive free and/or heavily discounted goods.
In return the brand ambassador promotes the company in a positive light across social media, at events and in person.
One thing to be aware of is that as a brand ambassador you will be expected to work hard. Businesses can't afford to give away free or discounted products without getting something in return, only the very top riders can expect sponsorship without having to actively promote products and/or services.
You will be expected to be proactive in your approach to promoting the business. You will have to write blogs, create detailed product reviews, hand out leaflets, shout out about brands online in short do everything possible to increase the number of customers for your brand.
If you achieve all this, your brand will reward you and you may even have other related brands approach you to become their brand ambassador.
So do you still think this is a role for you? Read on for our top tips on how to become a brand ambassador.
1. Identify the brand you want represent carefully
It is imperative that you are passionate about the brand that you represent. Don't target companies that offer high end goods if you love cheap and cheerful brands and vice versa. You won't be able to authentically engage with the brands if you wouldn't use their products without being a brand ambassador.
Also think about the image that you want to project, If you love bright colours ensure that you look at brands that have the same vision.
2. Set up your personal brand social media and/or website.
Everyone has their own social media accounts these day. People use them to make jokes, gossip etc. This isn't always the right image for you to project. In addition an equestrian brand doesn’t want to link to a page showing your latest holiday snaps or your latest night out.
Be careful about the language that you use on your page. A brand won't want to be associated with bad language or political views unless that is something that your brand projects.
We would always recommend setting up your own brand pages. Check out our brand ambassadors (link at the top of the page)
If you can build up your followers it will also help make you more attractive to your targeted brands.
3. Engage with targeted brands
Once you have found the brands that you love it is time to engage with them.
Under no circumstances should you send them a message, when you haven't ever contacted them before asking if they want a brand ambassador. Every brand receives cold messages like this everyday from people (and sometimes from the parents of aspiring brand ambassadors which is an even bigger no no) who have never even liked their social media pages or purchased a product from them. Brands receive too many requests to reply to and most of these requests will usually be deleted.
Please do not contact brands giving out your personal details, although the vast majority of people are trustworthy you never know who is sitting at the other end of the computer.
What you should do is start getting yourself noticed. Like their social media, follow their posts and engage with the brand. This is essentially an interview process. This is your opportunity to shine and show off what you can do for their brand. Remember the old saying, actions speak louder than words? well it fully applies here.
When you talk to brands you need to make sure you are authentic. If you copy and paste the same comments to multiple brands then you won't be noticed for the right reasons.
Post your competition pictures, interesting features and blog posts. Recommend the brand you want to become a brand ambassador, make the brand think "wow, this person loves our products, if they promote us this much when they aren't a brand ambassador how much will they promote if we work with them"
Ultimately your chance of becoming a brand ambassador is in your own hands, and remember that there are hundreds of equestrians looking for the same opportunity as you. You have to be committed to work hard and do things differently to the competition to ensure you stand out.
How should a Brand Ambassador behave?
You have followed our advice and been offered a Brand Ambassador position. Here are our top tips to ensure both you and your brand remain happy and create a fulfilling relationship.
1. Communication
Your brand will want to feature you as much as possible, make sure you stay in contact with them. Proactively tell them of your plans and results. Don’t just expect them to pick up your results, companies are incredibly busy and often have more than one brand ambassador to follow.
If you post a picture and you are wearing an item of clothing or piece of equipment that you have been given do make sure that you mention it. It doesn't have to be the main story but mention it as a footnote so that anyone who reads your blogs or posts knows where you get your amazing items.
2. Feature your brand as much as possible.
Your brand will give you free and/or heavily discounted products. The only reason you are given these is to promote the company. When you have been given a product you should always thanks your brand publicly and tell your social media followers about the products.
You should use the products as much as possible. Ensure you regularly post pictures of you and your horse wearing the products and always write a review for your brand to use.
If you have been given branded clothing, you should wear it at every opportunity and certainly at every show/event you attend. The equestrian community is a very close knit community and if your brand hears or see’s you aren’t wearing your branded clothing it will cause friction. Branded clothing is very expensive to produce and the only way it can start to pay for itself is if it is worn.
Your brand will most likely ask you to post online or distribute leaflets a certain amount a month. Make sure that you do what is expected of you, especially if you would like to receive extra products or for your association to continue in the future.
3. Show loyalty
Advertise the brands products that you love, even if you don’t yet own them. It will help your brand understand more about your tastes and what product should you would promote well. Plus your brand will be so thankful for the advertising.
Be discreet about using other brands unless you have prior agreement from your brand to discuss them. Nothing upsets a brand more than seeing social media praising a competing brand.
The equestrian industry is a very small one and most brands communicate regularly due to having contacts within the industry. If you behave in an inappropriate way your reputation will be impacted and you may struggle to get brand ambassador roles in the future.
4. Ask your brand for feedback.
No one is perfect, but feedback can help people get closer. Ask your brand if you are doing everything you can to promote them.
If you want to get the most out of being a brand ambassador, you need to put the effort in. If your brand is unhappy with your efforts, the free products will decrease and/or stop and it is unlikely the contract will continue.
It is very important to understand how much it costs for companies to give out free products and the cost of their time writing and advertising your efforts.
For every person who has successfully won a brand ambassador position there are at least 100 ready and willing to take their place.
Your success is in your own hands, If you are given an opportunity, please work hard and don’t waste it.
To coin an old Yorkshire saying, You don't get owt' for nowt'
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Here at Equissimo we have a wide range of both horse and rider products and regularly see trends and demand change from not only week to week but from day to day.
Each week we will talk you through our top 3 trending products that you, our customers love.
Number 3
Equi N Ice Ice socks (Last week Tech Stirrups Aphrodite Dressage Stirrups)
From Equi-N-Ice these Ice socks are a fantastic addition to any equine first aid or competition kit.
With the extended period of hot weather we are having, it is no surprise to have a cooling product in our top 3.
These fantastic cooling socks are clinically proven to work and don't require any messy gels or water to work.
Number 2
Miasuki Rider Helmet Black (non mover)
This lightweight helmet has been designed by Miasuki and engineered by KEP Italia. This means that they benefit from all the same features as KEP Cromo helmets with the added benefit of standing out from the crowd with the stunning design.
Featuring 5 different safety ratings and weighing just 500g it also benefits from a unique cooling system. In the current spell of extended hot weather, it's no surprise that this helmet is our second highest trending product.
This helmet is available at an introductory price of £269.75 - RRP £415
Number 1
Kingsland Classic Transparent Rain Jacket (last week Kingland Karina Riding Tights)
With the recent weekend of rain a welcome break from this glorious summer, it's no surprise that this fantastic jacket from Kingsland Equestrian was our most popular product this week.
Fully waterproof but super light this is an ideal jacket that can be worn over existing layers. Its transparent design makes it ideal for wearing over branded clothing as logo's etc show through.
This jacket is an ideal staple for any equestrians wardrobe.
............
]]>We see a different demand for products each week. This can be due to the change in weather, competition schedule or simply a new fashion. Sometimes the demand is for rider products and other times people are desperate for exclusively horse products.
Here at Equissimo we have a wide range of both horse and rider products and regularly see trends and demand change from not only week to week but from day to day.
Each week we will talk you through our top 3 trending products that you, our customers love.
Tech Stirrups Aphrodite Dressage Stirrups.
Image courtesy of Sand Arena Ballerina
These unique stirrups from Tech Stirrups allow you to communicate with your horse in a different way to other stirrups.
They feature a unique titanium grip, a specialised angle that allows your foot freedom of movement and a stirrup leather slot designed to keep your stirrup in the correct position, even if you lose it.
These stirrups also allow you to gain a greater sense of balance and security in the saddle. Improving your sitting trot and resulting in increased comfort for both horse and rider.
With fantastic and impartial reviews available, these stirrups are essential for all dressage riders.
Miasuki Rider Helmet in Black.
Miasuki is a premium Italian brand that focuses on luxury clothing for female horse riders.
This lightweight helmet has been designed by Miasuki and engineered by KEP Italia. This means that they benefit from all the same features as KEP Cromo helmets with the added benefit of standing out from the crowd with the stunning design.
Featuring 5 different safety ratings and weighing just 500g it also benefits from a unique cooling system. In the current spell of extended hot weather, it's no surprise that this helmet is our second highest trending product.
This helmet is available at an introductory price of £269.75 - RRP £415
Kingsland Karina F-Tec Riding Tights
From Kingsland Equestrian, the Karina F-Tec riding tights have been designed to keep horse riders cool in the hot summer months.
These riding tights offer superb comfort for the rider. The innovative discreet mesh patches ensure you stay cool in the saddle.They are also designed to offer extra flexibility through the knee and leg which make them ideal for training.
Like all of Kingsland Equestrian's products, the quality is superb and these will last to become a longstanding staple of your summer wardrobe.
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Our main advice, for both horse and rider is of course to drink plenty and refresh your electrolytes, ride in the cooler times of the day where possible and use sun protection. Of course horses are kept in work all across the globe in a wide variety of climates. There are products available that make it easier for both horse and rider to manage the heat and recover quickly.
In this blog we list our favourite 5 products that make life easier for you and your horse in this hot weather. For all our favourite products visit our #beattheheat collection.
From The Mark Todd Collection, this mesh cooler is a multi-functional rug that is perfect for the warm weather.
This rug has been made from a highly breathable mesh weave fabric. It is designed to wick sweat/water from your horse accelerating drying time. It is ideal for horses that sweat while travelling but need to be simultaneously kept clean. It is also ideal for horses cooling down after exercise or drying after bathing.
2 Kingsland Karina F-Tec Riding Tights
From Kingsland Equestrian, the Karina F-Tec riding tights have been designed specifically for summer. Made from a breathable fabric these breeches have been designed to keep you cool. The feature unique and innovative mesh panels that increase air ventilation.
The fabric is thin without being see through and they are incredibly flattering, holding you in, in all the right places. Like all Kingsland breeches they have been designed with performance in mind and are cut for extra flexibility in the leg while the silicone knee helps you stay secure in the saddle.
The Equi n Ice range utilises a unique and patented cooling system. Heat is drawn away from the tissue unlike other cooling methods that simply cool the outer skin surface.
Clinical trials have shown application of Equi N Ice products can reduce the horses outer temperature by 7° in just 10 minutes.
Equi N Ice offer a variety of products including a rug, socks (which are ideal for tendons, knees and hocks and bandages. All items can be used multiple times as they are recharged by replacement fluid. No freezing or mess.
Designed by Miasuki and engineered by KEP Italia on the Cromo helmet, these hats benefit from KEP Italia’s unique cooling system, they weigh just 500 grams and come with 5 different safety ratings.
These helmets mean no more sweating forehead and hat hair, available only at Equissimo at an unbelievable introductory price
5. Kentucky Horsewear Air Tendon Boots
These horse boots combine a unique ventilation system with 100% breathability to prevent tendons overheating with outstanding protection against impacts and blows thanks to D30 technology.
When horses tendons overheat it makes injury and stress much more likely boots such as these are essential in warm weather to reduce the risk to your horse.
Don’t forget you can take a look at all our other #beattheheat products here.
]]>We are proud to be doing things differently.
]]>1. Grass Roots Riders
We passionately believe that grass root riders are the lifeblood of the equestrian community. We believe that as a retailer we have a moral obligation to provide support, education and guidance where possible.
We proactively offer support to grass roots riders via our #10minutesinthetackroom blog, by having a team of exclusively grass roots riders as our brand ambassadors and by constantly engaging with the grass roots rider community across our social media pages.
We also have an open blog for any grass roots riders who want to take part and have featured blogs on a wide variety of topics from overcoming bullies to equine welfare.
So what are grass roots riders?
We define a grass roots rider as a non professional rider, someone who has to work to keep their horses and doesn’t earn a living from riding. Grass roots riders make up over 90% of the horse riding community and are driven by love for all things equestrian. They may keep horses as pets, hack occasionally or they may be competing against the professionals but they are all juggling work, study or family (or a combination of all three) with a passion for their horses.
2. Equine Welfare
We are passionate about equine welfare, and when we launched we pledged to only stock products that either improved equine welfare or had a neutral impact.
For us we believe that both grass roots riders and raising awareness of equine welfare issues are linked. By raising awareness of our brand ambassadors that always have their horse’s best interests at heart, we can help the constant education that horse ownership is. Of course we also learn constantly from our customers, education is always a two way street.
We are proud to be doing things differently.
]]>We have always been proud of our pledge to support grass roots riders and equine welfare, and have been delighted to prove our values on a daily basis.
Finding brands to work with who share our values alongside the commitment to act on those values isn't easy. This is why we are delighted to be working with Miasuki.
Who are Miasuki?
Miasuki are a luxury equestrian brand who design beautiful equestrian items made to the highest standards and hand finished with immaculate attention to detail.
All of their fabrics are designed for the best technical performance and durability while looking aesthetically beautiful.
Miasuki collaborate with premium engineering such as KEP Italia to ensure they design their items to the highest standard.
How do Miasuki share Equissimo's values?
Miasuki share our passion for premium, quality, safety and grass roots riders. Like us they believe that grass roots riders are the lifeblood of the equestrian community and without grass roots riders, the equestrian industry will not thrive.
At Equissimo we are passionate about educating riders about the importance of how their equipment can impact their performance. Miasuki design products that allow the rider to have complete freedom of movement and comfort in the saddle.
Their range of equestrian products ensure that the rider stays cool, comfortable and composed in the saddle. The range is designed to be durable and long lasting, Miasuki engineer their products using only the highest, pure grade italian and swiss fabrics, that are chosen for their durability, resilience and comfort.
Miasuki have commited to help us support our team of brand ambassdors as they share our belief that it is as important for the rider to have the best technical products as it is for the horse.
What do our team of brand ambassadors think?
So we could test what our brand ambassadors thought of our newest brand, all our brand ambassadors have been given a Miasuki Rider or Winner helmet, alongside a pair of Miasuki Socks.
Miasuki helmets
Miasuki riding helmets are engineered by KEP Italia. This means they benefit from all the same features as KEP helmets. This includes 5 safety ratings (VG1 01.040 2014-12, SEI/ASTM F1163/2015, EN 1384, PAS015 and British Kitemark).
They weigh just 500 grams and benefit from a unique air circulation system to keep your head cool.
Here is what our brand ambassadors have to say!
"It’s feather light. So so cool I hardly sweat in it even after riding two in this heat. It’s stylish as and everyone on my yard wants one. Michelle
Lightweight, breathable and stylish! The hat glistens in the sunshine and everyone loves it and wants one! I love the amazing cleaning kit that comes with the hat! Karla
I’ve never had so many comments when it comes to a hat, it’s amazing, who doesn’t love a compliment
It goes without saying that it’s very easy on the eye, it’s a beauty!
Most hats look utterly ridiculous on me. This one is fairly low profile so it’s very flattering.
It’s ridiculously lightweight; definitely guilty of forgetting to take it off. Sophie
I love the visor on the hat... was pretty lush when the sun was beating down the other day. Zoe
I personally think my hat has some kind of magic power. Whenever I take selfies without it I look like a troll until I edit with a million filters and when I put the hat on its like instant supermodel and every picture is perfect. I absolutely love its shininess and the matt visor it's so chic. The silver trim just adds to the essence of the quality. Steff
All our Miasuki helmets are currently on an introductory offer, which offers an unbelievable opportunity to get a helmet of such an outstanding quality and style at an amazing price.
]]>We know that the most expensive products are made from the best materials, they have been designed to be stronger, more comfortable or more flexible due to expensive technological research. When it comes to our horses performance, money is no object even if that means you going without.
So what about us horse riders?
What if the items you chose to wear impacted your horses performance? Maybe not directly or even in a way that you are aware of but gradually, bit by bit, the items you choose to wear impacted your horses performance?
Let's use this current hot weather as an example.
It's competition season so giving your horses time off in the hot weather isn't an option.
You make changes to their routine by riding them early in the morning or late at night when it is cooler. You know your horse will be kept as cool as possible and at a reduced risk of injury because you have invested in ranges such as Kentucky Horsewear and Equi N Ice that are scientifically developed to keep you horse cool and/or reduce core body temperature.
You are wearing your old breeches, high street T shirt and socks and basic helmet, why would you invest in anything more expensive? It won't make you ride any better... right?
Well that isn't necessarily true!
Lets look at those old breeches.
Typically they retail around the £25 mark, normally made from a rayon/nylon mix they are thick and heavy. You may even struggle to get the zip on your boots to fasten over them. They almost certainly bunch at some area and that can cause them to dig in. How do they make you feel?
You probably feel hot, which naturally leads to you feeling tired, frustrated and generally fed up. You finish your ride early. Tomorrow it's still hot, and you remember how you felt yesterday in the saddle. Do you ride? Maybe not... how does that impact your horses fitness, performance and as a combination the way you feel?
Does becoming hot and bothered in the saddle change the way you ride? Do you put in less effort? tire quickly? become frustrated quicker? How could this impact your horse?
Over the last year, more and more equestrian brands are investing in technological research to design products that make you, as a rider more comfortable.
The equestrian industry has looked to golfers, cyclists and runners to understand those industries and how the fabrics and products they make help athletes perform. Leading brands such as Miasuki and Kingsland Equestrian are utilising this research and creating products that make you as a rider perform better.
Let's compare those old breeches with this pair from Kingsland Equestrian
Retailing from £119 there is no denying these breeches are significantly more money than some but let's look at why.
Made from a breathable fabric - these will keep you cool in the saddle. This unique fabric is also dust and water repellent. The fabric is also thin, without being see-through. No more stuffing your breeches into your boots!
This magical fabric also allows you to flex and move in the saddle as you need to. They even come in a range of silicone options. Full seat for those riders who like to feel super stuck to the saddle and knee grip for riders who like to be able to move.
This superior fabric also comes with an extended lifespan. They stay clean for longer - essential for the white and beige options and we expect them to last around three times as long as cheaper breeches (so long as you follow the instructions)
Buying cheaper breeches really is a false economy.
Lets take a look at some other items that we believe you should consider investing in to improve your performance and comfort in the saddle.
Lets look at your riding hat.
No riding hats are cheap, and that is for a very good reason.
It is expensive to design, develop and ensure that a riding hat meets essential safety standards, but not all riding hats are created equal.
Some are thick, heavy and while they will absolutely protect your head should you fall, they don't feel (and often look) good.
A typical riding hat will weight from around 750 grams, considering that your head is an essential part of your body used for balance, this is quite a significant weight to add on.
Other riding hats, such as the ranges from KEP and Miasuki weigh as little as 500 grams. In addition due to superior engineering they have 5 different safety ratings, rather than the 1 of other brands.
Further more, these hats have unique cooling systems so that horrible hot and sweaty feeling when you take off an unventilated hat is a thing of the past.
Lets look at your socks.
Okay so surely socks are socks? Well when it comes to horse riding they aren't.
High street socks are designed for one thing, to be worn with shoes. They are generally too thick, too loose, too hot and without the appropriate support.
Technical socks keep your feet and ankles cool, supported and are sleek and smooth enough for you to easily zip your boots up. Plus many of them are now made of advanced fabrics that keep your feet smelling fresh! Now that really is worth investing in.
Let's look at your T shirt.
Bought from the high street for around the £5 - £10 mark. Often made from a cotton/polyester mix. Basic without great shape but functional. Washes okay, but quickly loses shape. Is it cool and comfortable? Does it flex and move with you?
Technical fabrics have advanced for t shirts and polo shirts probably more than any other item of clothing. The feel of technical fabrics along with the stretch and sometimes deodorising qualities, make them ideal for equestrians.
An investment into a technical pique polo shirt will help you stay cool and fresh, the quality also lasts and keeps it shape wash after wash.
Alternatively a 100% cotton t shirt that is weaved from the highest quality cotton in a delicate weave is an ideal choice that will last
Here at Equissimo, we passionately believe that it is essential that you invest in yourself and your own performance as well as your horses. Long term investment in quality pieces will save money in the long term as items last through multiple washes.
Equestrianism is a 50/50 sport and if you only invest in the best for 50% of the partnership you can't expect 100% of the performance.
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Here we talk you through why calls are been made for safety standards to be put in place, so we can always ensure that our horses get the protection they deserve.
]]>Here we talk you through why calls are been made for safety standards to be put in place, so we can always ensure that our horses get the protection they deserve.
A Leading equine physiologist is leading calls for an industry wide standard for horse boots. Dr Marlin has previously conducted studies into horse boots and in one test found a "piece of plastic drainpipe roughly cut with a pair of industrial scissors to use as a tendon protector — there’s always the risk if a material isn’t appropriate and it splits, it could cut into a tendon".
Dr Marlin would like to see a horse boots standard, similar to that in place for riding hats and body protectors, to help reduce the number of avoidable injuries that horses pick up both at home and in competition.
Unfortunately such a standard hasn't been introduced, but thankfully developments over recent years have lead to technologies from other industries being utilised in equine boot technology. Kentucky Horsewear are one such brand. They have utilised D30 technology that was originally developed for motorbike protection and is now also being used in skiing/snowboarding, ice hockey and mountain biking equipment.
While supporting your horses legs is essential, It is now also understood how important it is to keep your horses legs cool. Overheated legs substantially increase their risk of injury. Finding the right boots that offer breathability and support/protection is essential.
Here we have 4 issues that horse owners worry about when choosing their horses boots and how to buy the right set of boots for your horse and the protection levels needed for different disciplines.
1. I only hack, does my horse even need boots?
If your horse is has fantastic confirmation, only ever hacks lightly and has no pre existing conditions then you may see him coping fine without boots.
9/10 this may be true but we would always recommend that you protect your horses legs. Horses behaviour can be unpredictable. your horse could trip or scrape against something solid. A good basic schooling boot will help prevent from any injuries
Recommendation
Kentucky Horsewear Turnout Boots Solimbra
From Kentucky Horsewear these boots are ideal for hacking and schooling but are tough enough to be used as a turnout boot.
Lined with artificial sheepskin, these boots are very comfortable for your horse and they are 100% breathable so your horses legs keep cool, even on the warmest days.
The fabric is a tough, hard wearing 100% waterproof Solimbra fabric with a luxurious faux sheepskin lining and EVA protective inner.
They are easy to maintain and can be machine washed at 30.
2. There is too much choice, how do I know what boots to get?
There is a huge amount of choice. If you are new to boots we would recommend two things.
1. Research - speak to us, other horse owners and your instructor to see what they recommend.
2. Start basic, you don't need the most expensive boot initially. So long as it is a brand you can trust and it is suited to the discipline you are training/competing, the starter boot in that range will be ideal.
Recommendation
Kentucky Horsewear Turnout Boots Solimbra NEW Equine X Country Lite Kentucky Horsewear Air Tendon Boot Set
3. I showjump a young horse, he can't wear hind boots.
There are rules in place to prevent young showjumping horses from wearing what are commonly known as "pinch boots" as they change the action of horses.
Specially designed young horse boots are available and can be worn by all horses who resent the pinch action of some other boots.
We wouldn't ever recommend leaving a horses hind legs without boots. The risk of injury is too great.
Recommendation
Kentucky Horsewear Young Horse Fetlock Boots
From Kentucky Horsewear these fetlock boots confirm to FEI standards for young horses and offer maximum protection with limited bulk
They are anatomically shaped which offers a comfortable and stable fit. The breathable neoprene mass ensures freedom of movement and comfort while the tough outer shell offers excellent protection.
4. Boots always rub my horse
Some horses really do struggle with sensitive skin and wearing boots causes them constant discomfort.
The great news is there are now socks that can be put on you horse to help protect sensitive skin and further reduce friction. You can even go one step further for extremely sensitive horses and use tesa tape to securely tape the boot to the sock below.
Recommendation
Kentucky Horsewear Tesa Tape, Kentucky Horsewear Tendon Gel Sock, Kentucky Horsewear Tendon Grip Sock
From Kentucky Horsewear, both the tendon grip sock and tendon gel sock both offer protection for horses with differing types of sensitivity.
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Here we address your concerns and explain why it is worth spending more on breeches and how you may impact your performance if you don't.
1. Technical Fabrics
The equestrian world is starting to catch up with other sports and invest heavily in fabrics and technology research that can improve performance. This research understandably costs money which has to be recouped in the price of the breeches. Manufacturer's are becoming more and more aware that different riders have a wide range of needs in their breeches. That is why you can get breeches targeted to different needs. As an example we have breeches that help you
Stay clean - From Kingsland Equestrian the Katja breeches benefit from dust repellent fabric
Stay cool - From Mark Todd, the coolmax breeches feature innovative fabric that wick sweat away from your skin
Stay fresh - From Montar, the yati fabric that is made from bamboo contains anti bacterial properties to help your stay sweet smelling even on the hottest days.
2. Comfort
Traditional breeches tend to be quite thick and warm, all equestrians can relate to the pleasure of peeling off a damp pair of breeches from the skin on a hot day. Well it doesn't have to be that way.
The latest in luxury breeches are incredibly light and thin fabrics (without being see through) The equestrian world is using technology originally designed for skiers and cyslists and ensuring equestrians aren't left behind.
Breeches are no longer made from large pieces of fabric, they can now offer mesh joins at the knees for greater flexibility. The waistbands are made from multiple pieces to allow you to twist and turn.
These training breeches from Kingsland Equestrian are a fantastic example of what features and comfort training breeches can offer.
3. Durability
The old sayings of "you get what you pay for", "false economy" and "buy cheap pay twice" definitely apply to breeches.
Breeches are worn for long periods of time and the constant movement required puts high amount of stress on them. Areas such as the knees and hips can quickly become loose and baggy. This not only looks unattractive but it can be very uncomfortable.
New and technical fabrics contain snap back properties to prevent this happening.
These Montar breeches are made from a new UV fabric which blocks UV rays and contains shape retention technology to keep them looking new for longer.
New fabrics also have features such as
Our advice will always be, buy the best breeches you can afford. You won't regret it!
]]>Find out why we had to change our logo and how we chose what was right for us.
]]>While we have to wait a while to tell you everything we are delighted that we can introduce you to our new logo.
Why did we change it?
We loved our old logo, and the market research that we did told us our customers loved it too but we had to change it for a couple of reasons.
1.Our old logo had been set up when we first launched, it was a designed in house to launch our business quickly as we wanted to bring our vision of trading a different way by supporting grass roots riders and equine welfare. We feel we have now found our feet as a new business and it is time to have a logo that represents us more accurately
2. Our old logo wasn't copyrighted and we had been aware for a few months of other businesses using it (quite legally). This was flattering as it meant they loved the logo as much as we did but it did mean it was easy to confuse our brand with others.
How did we choose this?
We worked closely with a design company and shared our ethos and the style of business we are and they came up with a wide variety of logos for us.
We also worked closely with our team of brand ambassadors and took their opinions and views on board. We also looked at other businesses and brands that we admire, we wanted to ensure our logo was individual to us but reflected us as a brand.
We are absolutely delighted with our new logo and we hope you like it too!
#teamequissimo
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Each member of the team offers something unique, and we can’t wait to follow their progress and help support them through their ambitions, while indulging ourselves supporting grass roots riders.
Please join us in congratulating,
Michelle - Wing and a prayer showing
Steff -The Adventures of Huckleberry Pie
Sophie - Riding Remington
Amy - Amy Taylor Equine
Karla - Karla Butler Dressage
Plus Zoë - Zoe Boyd - That Sassy Rider who has worked with us representing the south over the last 12 months will be joining our national team.
The equestrian community has always had a reputation for bullying, here at Equissimo almost every response to our #10minutesinthetackroom question, "what do you dislike most about the equine community" is related to bullying. We believe that the equestrian industry has a responsibility to tackle bullying head on, by working closely with the grass roots community we believe that we can make a change.
You can follow Roosa's Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
I’ve recently had a bit of a breakthrough regarding the connection between my own riding, positivity and bullying and I’ve realised that there are always going to be people that you cannot please in life no matter what you do and that no matter how hard you work on something it’s not going to be enough for them – this becomes especially clear when you find mean comments about yourself online or overhear an acquaintance criticising the way you ride and look after your horses. I know that these comments will get me down but nowadays I ignore them and focus on the fact that my horses are happy and healthy and nothing else matters.
Staying positive is even more of a difficult feat when it feels like you are failing. Remember: you will get knocked down many times on the way up and there will be things that seem impossible and that are so hard that you’ll feel like giving up, but you must always remember why you started doing it and carry on! It is all part of the journey that we are on with our horses. I read somewhere online that “fail, fail again and then fail better until you succeed”. It’s great when you do succeed and you need to celebrate your successes, but it’s more important to learn the lessons from your failures. If you failed to jump a clear round because the horse knocked a pole in the last jump, then think of the fact that you managed to jump every single other jump clear! Didn’t get +65% in your dressage test? Think of the fact that you had lots of great movements in that test! This is so important – no rider has ever gotten to where they are now without failing at something and although no one wants to point out when and how they have failed, I think our failures are what makes us stronger and better riders! Every time you fail, you have tried and that is the best thing you can be doing.
Also, please remember that even though you might have a great horse or you might have an average horse but whatever your goal is together, it is yours and yours alone. If your goal is to ride through a novice level test, then that’s your goal and no amount of negativity or online bullying should make you change that. You work towards that goal and you go ride that test when you’re ready. If the horse you bought turns out to be a difficult but talented one, it might take you years to get ready to go out and compete, but so be it! Some people will always be ready to try to pull others down, but you need to live more and worry less about what others might think of you. Until recently, this has been my biggest mental block as I haven’t competed in over 3 years simply because I’ve not felt ready and I always had this feeling that people think less of me for not competing such a wonderful advanced level horse.
But now, I know that I have been on a journey with my horse, one which I am still on and there is nothing wrong with that!
We have all had bad rides but when you go out to ride the next time after this, take a moment to really focus on positivity and begin your ride with a positive attitude because horses can sense your attitude and they feel what you’re feeling. They feel your stress, your negativity and your frustrations. Don’t ruin a good ride today because of a bad ride yesterday, and if you want your horses to perform well, think “good vibes only” because negative thinking attracts negative energy whilst positive thinking attracts positive energy. Stop being hard on yourself and your horse, and bring some lightness and happiness into your ride!
Oh, and for dealing with the haters or those stupid ‘equine shade rooms’ on Instagram? If it feels like you can’t block them out of your mind, then write about them. Writing is SO therapeutic for dealing with nasty negative people, not only can you call them out for their behaviour (I don’t name names but if they are reading my blog posts they’ll know I’m writing about them!) but it also serves as a stress relief as you can turn their negativity into positivity by expressing what they have made you feel and how they are wrong about you. We need more love and positivity in the equestrian world, especially online.
Remember that tomorrow is promised for no one so go live your life and ride your horse. When people say bad things about you, just prove them wrong!
With lots of love and positivity,
Roosa
]]>That love can be shown in so many ways, from Shire horses to Shetland Ponies, hacking to eventing, some people have pet horses while for others horses are their job. There are groups that are passionate about promoting welfare and improving living conditions across the globe while others are passionate about fashion and style both in and out of the saddle.
As you know, here at Equissimo we are incredibly passionate about equine welfare, grass roots riders and equestrian style we give each of these a stage on our 10 minutes in the tackroom blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. It is fantastic to be able to join up with other equestrians who are enthused about their part of the equine world. Every member of the equestrian community has a valid contribution to make and everyone, regardless of your particular equestrian passion can enjoy other people’s fears, learnings and general ramblings and take inspiration from them.
Here Equissimo lists our 5 favourite equestrian blogs (it was hard! There is a wealth of fantastic content out there)
A Country Lady
Follow Abi, an amateur showjumper as she talks about her favourite products, how she achieves her gorgeous style, alongside the ups and downs of her equestrian life.
You can follow A Country Lady via her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.
Diary of a wimpy eventer
Follow the inspirational Vic and her lovely Irish Thoroughbred Pat on their journey through lost confidence, sobbing and undivided loyalty.
You can follow Diary of a wimpy eventer via her Website, Facebook, and Twitter
Happy Hooves
Nikki is passionate about equine welfare, she discusses issues that are caused by nature, nurture, environment and current scientific thinking. Her intelligent and researched musings can be trusted as she holds a BSC(hons) in Equine Therapy and Rehab and is currently studying for her Msc in Equine Science.
You can follow Nikki via her Website, Facebook and Twitter.
Holly Lenahan
Holly is a young showjumper based in Ireland she creates VLOG’s about her and her horses and her success at competitions. She also VLOG’s about life around home and how she fits her competition schedule in.
You can follow Holly via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
Equestrian Lifestyle
This luxurious and seductive blog is aspirational and shows the finer side of the equestrian world. They showcase beautiful products and for the fashion forward equestrian.
You can follow them via their Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
]]>Nikki is a passionate blogger on all things equine, but she is particularly passionate about equine welfare, which is a cause very close to Equissimo's heart.
You can follow Happy Hooves via their
Over to you Happy Hooves.
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We are all aware of the importance of maintaining good standards of welfare when looking after our horses but do we have a thorough understanding of what this actually means? Is equine welfare ensuring you feed and water a horse? Is it to ensure your horse is kept happy at all times?
Well yes but there are so many other factors to consider in determining the welfare of the horse. It is of use to understand the definition of welfare in this case so here goes:
" Equine welfare describes the acceptable conditions of life and use for domesticated horses, in contrast to suffering produced by voluntary or involuntary actions of others, whether through physical abuse, mutilation, neglect, or other forms of ill-treatment".
So what is the definition of GOOD welfare?
Well according to the Farm Animal Welfare Council Good welfare states the physical and psychological well-being and have identified the Five Freedoms when assessing animal welfare. These include the need for:
Detecting possible welfare issues
So although there are obvious cases of poor welfare there are also more subtle signs which may indicate a problem. It is so difficult to detect a potential welfare issue in horses as this can be totally subjective at times and truly misunderstood by the handler or owner and sometimes involve innocent individuals in equine welfare cases.
So are there any guidelines for this issue to identify poor welfare?
In truth no there aren't, according to Science there is still a lack of conclusive evidence.
We can look at the five freedoms as guidelines to help us which still raises questions. To me welfare is to try to look at life from the animals point of view taking into account its nature, its role in a domesticated setting, its physiological and psychological requirements as a horse.
I am not a horse I hear you say and therefore is totally subjective to which I agree, however this should not deter you from looking at the facts about horse behaviour and try to gain some understanding about the way horses think.
My horse has a nice warm stable free from drafts and the cold
We all want to look after our horses and they are our babies, when we think of how cold it gets in winter and how rainy and miserable it is to be outside we project this onto the horse. However if you could ask your horse had the choice what would he choose?
Well a study into horse behaviour focused on this issue allowing the horse choices while monitoring their reaction to the choices . Schatzmann (1998) gave horses free access to indoor and outdoor environments available straw and hay, choose the type of standing they prefered and whether they wanted to be in the company of other horses.
The study concluded that the main priority of the horse was to be in the company or view of other horses, eating hay or grass outside with more time spent on hard surfaces softer for rolling regardless of whether it was raining or not.
Choice Not an option?
In an ideal world we ALL would have yards which were set up to allow this much choice and freedom but the truth of the matter is many people don't. I think the important thing here is to at least try to provide choice and ascertain what suits your horse as this depends upon what he has previously been used to.
An interesting study conducted in America on the wild horse population found that domesticated horses who escaped or were released into the wild to join the wild horses didn't thrive and eventually died.
This is interesting as it indicates just how much of a horses nature can be weakened or removed through domestication by being managed by humans. The horse becomes totally dependant on the human and loses its ability to survive without our intervention anthropomorphising our horses may do more harm than good.
Are we contributing to equine health issues?
Think of some of the most common equine related health issues we face colic, gastric ulcers, arthritis, stereotypical behaviours, injuries, obesity to name but a few, most of these can be caused by insufficient management practices and that's NOT because owners/handlers are cruel or mean! it's just the risks of such issues increase as a symptom of domestication but can be managed with knowledge and understanding.
We should try to minimize the risks by offering choice where possible and try to understand the needs of the horse mentally and physically allowing us to minimise any problems surrounding the well-being of the horse.
The mental health and welfare of the horse goes hand in hand with its physiology and should be balanced in terms of feeding, grazing and time spent with other horses, exercise and training. If there is an imbalance between any of these factors it will make itself known through behaviour and in health.
In a Nutshell...
There is so much more I want to talk about regarding this issue as it's certainly not a straightforward topic. I hope that what I have mentioned so far has provided food for thought and can be used as a basis for further study into the horse.
This article is not a blame game! made to make you feel guilty! it is something we all have and will continue to experience with our horses if we could raise our awareness we could help to minimize the risks.
It's worth remembering that sometimes what's best for you is not for them. Offer choice, environment and work suited to the individual based upon the nature of the horse and the goals you want to achieve. We all love horses and want the best for them try to "Think like a horse".
Thanks so much!
Nikki @Happyhooves
We don't really know what else to say.
Last Friday we launched our new business Equissimo and we are so proud and humbled at the response we have had.
We are so passionate about equine welfare and grass roots riding and it's fantastic that we have had so many messages via our social media from people that share our passion.
We are delighted to announce that our future blogs will be a mixture of content from Equissimo and from grass roots riders and people who are working hard to improve equine welfare.
Thanks again for reading.
Team Equissimo
]]>Thank you for visiting Equissimo.
So what on earth is it all about I can hear you shouting.
Well you have probably guessed we are an equestrian retailer. So what? well we are a little bit different.... why? well read on.
Equissimo has been founded because after a career in senior equestrian retail management we became frustrated at the lack of support, and welfare awareness that large retail companies were giving to riders, in particular grass roots riders.
This frustration alongside a passion for premium product and customer service lead to Equissimo.
Equissimo is a premium equestrian retailer that works hard to build links in the local community and support and educate grass roots riders. Equissimo will only offer products that will either directly or indirectly be neutral or improve equine welfare. We have seen multiple instances of risk of harm to either riders or their horses driven by lack of education and we want to use our position, knowledge and wide contact base to educate and support horse owners and change the way that the Equine Retail Industry works.
To prove our intent we have already started supporting our local riding club Homestead Riding Club who can be found HERE We are also supporting two local riders EMILY and SOPHIA and we will be featuring their blogs here and across our FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM pages.
Not only that but we will be reaching out to the grass roots equestrian community, offering them the opportunity to be guest bloggers.
We hope you will support a new business who's focus isn't profit and shareholders but equine welfare and education.
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