Christmas is coming, and New Year's Day is not far away. At this time of year, we want to buy some good things for those horse lovers in our lives.
In the experience of equestrian enthusiasts buying and buying, they have also stepped on many big pits. Here are four categories of hard-hit areas where inappropriate equestrian supplies can make equestrian training feel uncomfortable or inefficient, so please take a detour when giving Christmas gifts to your loved ones.
1. Inappropriate breeches
In the world of equestrianism, there is perhaps nothing more of a topic of discussion than breeches. Whether the riders are satisfied with this one or not, they are always looking for the perfect pair of breeches - the "unicorn" of the world of horse clothing.
When discussing breeches that have been eliminated or shelved, riders use them most often for the following reasons:
Too elastic: The longer the breeches of this type of fabric are worn, the more they cannot maintain their shape, and the pants will become looser and bulge at the knees
Too stiff: not comfortable enough
Too difficult to take care of: professional cleaning is required
Too short a life: Wear is too fast, meaning the cost per wear is high
Too exposed: too transparent (especially white breeches), easy to see sweating, or cut too low at the waist
Limited use: Either too thin to wear cold, or too thick to breathe
Too bulky: the calf part is not easily tucked into the boots
Another debate about breeches has focused on whether to buy all-silicone breeches or an old suede version.
The general consensus is that many riders will feel that silicone adheres too much and believe that it will be better to use more traditional breeches. They will eventually throw away breeches with silicone on their hips unless they can reduce adhesion by washing or other treatments, but that loses the original intent of spending hundreds of dollars on extra silicone portions. It is generally considered sufficient to use silicone only at the knees.
However, some equestrian riders who ride mostly, such as more advanced dressage riders and those who want more adhesion, will adopt breeches with more silicone added.
Prices are usually, but not always, representative of a rider's sense of well-being. Overall, riders believe that high-end breeches are more comfortable, adhesion is more appropriate, and does not cause saddle wear or discoloration.
2. Uncomfortable helmet
For some riders, choosing a helmet is actually as difficult as choosing a horse.
The first step is to narrow down the options based on safety features, such as helmets with MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) technology that reduce the chance of brain injury. But at this point we still have hundreds of models to choose from.
This is probably not the best way to buy online. Many equestrian enthusiasts report that ordering beautiful and expensive helmets often finds their satisfaction low when they arrive. Factors most often criticized include:
The helmet is too large for the rider's head
The jaw snap is uncomfortable
The inside of the helmet is difficult to adjust to accommodate different hairstyles or headbands
Poor ventilation
There is too little padding around the inner band
The internal material collects sweat and produces a sweaty smell
Price doesn't always equate to quality or user satisfaction. Trying on a helmet in person or shopping online with easy returns may help you find a helmet that will last for years, regardless of the price.
3. Boots are too hard or too soft
Like breeches, boots are a point of contention among riders. Track obstacle riders often require softer boots because they use shorter stirrups when riding. The boots of the dressage riders are a matter of opinion.
Some advocate wearing soft boots, while others will only wear "hard boots" to ride a horse. Some people who compete in triathlons or prefer multiple equestrian events may switch between different riding boots.
When a rider thinks a pair of boots is regrettable, a number of factors are involved:
Some horses respond better to certain types of boots.
Shorter riders and riders with short legs tend to prefer soft boots because hard boots can make them look or feel uncomfortable.
Stiffer boots can cause the rider's calf support to be applied in the wrong position, especially if the rider is short.
More advanced riders wear stiffer boots for a better handle of subtle leg support than just "leg on" and "leg off."
Riders with too thick calves or old injuries may need to be customized when wearing hard boots, and if you don't have enough budget, choosing softer boots is more suitable.
Riders with thin calves sometimes feel that soft boots are too loose to give them the neat look or precise feel they want.
Obviously, there are actually very few riding boots that are useless, they just don't fit a particular rider. But a pair of boots that don't feel right can be a double waste of time and money.
solution? Try to try them on before you buy, or let the owner know exactly what you like and dislike about your previous boots. If ordering or customizing boots online, measure them carefully.
Also consider buying unlined riding boots, which may not last long, but can be a good choice between hard and soft.
Before you go to the stables in your new riding boots, walk around in them for a feel. Changing different socks can also provide varying degrees of comfort.
4. Carriages without changing areas
It's a big gift. Because becoming a horse owner is already very expensive.
When you decide to spend the money, think clearly about the cost and utility. Many riders invest in horse trailers and think they can use them for at least a decade or more. But then they get a bigger horse or buy a second horse, and they have to face the dilemma of buying a new carriage.
Because larger carriages are more expensive, they often sacrifice dressing room/wardrobe areas, which proved to be a huge mistake.
This is a common problem for riders in the United States and Australia, where horse-carrying trailers are often pulled behind cars. In the UK and much of Europe, one-piece van carriages are more common, which provides more space.
There are many benefits to having a dressing area. First, it provides a private space to change clothes in different situations such as horse inspections, races, veterinary check-ups, etc.
In addition, it provides a storage space for not only clothes, but also extra harnesses, hay nets, snacks, emergency supplies, and more. Because it is a dedicated, permanent space on the carriage, it can be kept as it is between races, which is very convenient.
Equestrian enthusiasts agree that once they have experienced this luxury, buying a carriage without a locker room is the biggest pit they have ever stepped on. Don't let this disappointment happen to you!
Chinese platform