Dictionary pet peeve noun INFORMAL something that a particular person finds especially annoying. Equestrians are very different from non-horsey people. The things that bug us, a non-horsey person would never even understand let alone notice. But equestrians are a special breed of hardworking, determined and rather particular people. Which pet peeves would you like to add to the list? Email them to sable@eventingconnect.today. 1) “Fellow borders who habitually borrow (and never replace/return) basic, ‘should-be-in-everyone’s-tack-trunk’ necessities like your thermometer, Bute, Banamine, Ace, vetrap…” – Marybeth 2) “When people leave their stirrups down when they aren’t mounted!” – Jennifer Fox 3)…

  Consistent lessons and coaching definitely can improve your riding. But when you head into the show ring or out on cross-country, you are on your own – your coach cannot offer you any further assistance. As a young rider, I was a ‘good puppet’ during lessons and following my coach’s plans in competition. But when the unexpected happened, my reaction times were poor and things came unhinged fast. For example, at an event in 2015, I got my record worst dressage score on my horse, Kermit, because I rode the horse I HAD in warm-up, not the one I…

  Your average equestrian spends more time grooming horses than riding them. Over the years we all learn new, exciting and revolutionary grooming tips and tactics. Check back regularly for more grooming tips as we are on the hunt for the best.  There’s nothing sloppier than rocking up to the show ring or horse inspection with a horse that is sporting some less than glowing white socks. Wow the judges, ground jury members and your fellow competitors alike with your horse’s freakishly glowing white socks. All you need to do is take some white chalk and add water to it….

  Winter riding is unavoidable for most equestrians. With work and school, few riders have the ability to flee south for the harsh winter months. I was born and raised in Northern Ontario, Canada so I know all about toughing out the winter months with horses. During my dealings with winter I have discovered a few tricks of the north to make things are pleasant as possible. 1) Hand/feet warmers – Sometimes it does not matter how winter-proof your gloves and boots are, they just don’t cut it. For the bitterest days you will need air-activated hand/feet warmers. Putting these…

  Your average equestrian spends more time grooming horses than riding them. Over the years we all learn new, exciting and revolutionary grooming tips and tactics. Check back regularly for more grooming tips as we are on the hunt for the best.  Are you sick of scrubbing away at bits that never seem to come that clean? What about taking a toothbrush to stirrup irons? Quit wasting your time scrubbing away by hand and simply throw your bits and stirrup irons in your dishwasher to get them spotless in no time. Just make sure they are made out materials that…

  The 2019 competition season has come to a close for most eventers in the world. Although the off-season has just begun, it is already time to start planning for next year. Getting a head start on planning for 2018 will help you enter the year prepared and will give you something to look forward to during these cold and eventless months. Consider these goals for 2020 and start figuring out how to achieve them: 5) Volunteer at an event at least once. Volunteering at events is a great way to give back to our sport and it can also…

  Laundry sucks and there is plenty of it if you are a horse person. Horse slobber and hair on your clothes, filthy horse blankets, sweaty saddle pads, tangled polo wraps, etc. Simplify your life by using these super handy laundry hacks to save yourself time, money and energy: 1. Vacuum hair off of saddle pads and blankets before washing them. It will keep your washing machine cleaner and do a better job of getting the hair out of your blankets. 2. To get wrinkles out of dry show shirts or polo shirts in a flash, put them back in…