Helping your horse?
EQUESTRIAN retail is a flourishing market, with new products appearing frequently. Many are promoted as therapeutic, while others accessorise conventional tack in order to protect or enhance performance. Finally, there are the unashamed “fashion” items, for those who like to be colour-coordinated and “current” – and why not!
The range of items available can be bewildering, especially when accompanied by convincingly persuasive marketing and endorsed by elite riders. It therefore pays to do some independent research on the product before splashing the cash, so that a properly informed decision can be made as to whether you really need it.
This overview focuses on some of the performance-related “accessories” only.
Hear no evil
EAR PLUGS are effective in muffling loud, distracting or sudden noises, helping to keep the horse focused and calm. They may also have a slight acupuncture effect, inducing further relaxation.
They are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, lambswool, acrylic and foam, with some manufacturers claiming that “normal” tones, such as
