For the horse

For the horse - make the right choice in the Sportano shopThe horse is not only one of man's most valued companions in sport, but also a true friend and partner in many areas of life. To ensure the comfort and safety of our four-legged friends, it is crucial to equip them with the right accessories. In the offer of Sportano sports shop you will find high quality accessories and equipment intended for horses from renowned brands such as FERA Equestrian, Eskadron, Veredus, Over Horse, Prestige Italia or TORPOL.Basics of the collar: meaning and typesThe collar is one of the most basic elements of horse equipment, which plays a key role in communication between the rider and the animal. The stallion not only allows you to control the horse's movements, but also influences its comfort while riding. It is an assembly of leather or fabric straps that is worn over the horse's head, allowing control of the horse. There are many different types of stallion, each with its own unique use. A bridle is the most basic type of stallion, which consists of a metal part placed in the horse's mouth, connected to the reins. This allows the rider to communicate with the horse by gently pulling the reins in the appropriate direction. The halter, on the other hand, is a more versatile collar that does not have a bridle. It is often used when leading a horse to groom, when grazing or during longer transports. The Mexican halter is a specific version of the halter that is particularly popular with showjumping riders because of its stability on the horse's head. The choice of the right collar is crucial for the comfort and safety of both horse and rider. The right equipment can make a significant difference to the quality of training and the wellbeing of the horse.Riding reins and aidsThe reins are an integral part of most stallions, allowing the rider to communicate with the horse. They are an extension of the rider's hand, used to communicate commands, directions and to maintain balance while riding. The reins must be strong enough to withstand pressure, yet flexible enough not to cause discomfort to the horse. The use of the reins requires precision and feel. Pulling the rein too hard can cause pain and stress to the horse, while holding it too loosely can lead to a lack of control of the animal. A key aspect is the ability to read the horse's response to the signals given by the rein. In addition to the reins, riders also use other riding aids such as spurs and whips. Spurs are used to precisely motivate the horse to work, while the whip can be used as a training aid. Both tools should be used with caution and only by experienced riders, as incompetent use can lead to injury and stress to the horse. The correct use of the reins and other riding aids is the key to working harmoniously with your horse, as well as to achieving success in the various equestrian disciplines.Ear muffs for the horse: why are they important?Ear muffs for the horse may seem at first glance to be just an aesthetic accessory, but they actually perform important functions, both during training and in the daily care of the horse. These simple ear covers for the horse are designed to protect the animal's sensitive hearing organs from all sorts of external influences. Horse ears are extremely sensitive. For this reason, protecting them from annoying insects, especially in the warmer months, is crucial. Insects can cause not only discomfort, but also infection and inflammation, which can affect the horse's overall health and well-being. Earmuffs are effective in preventing these problems. In addition, earmuffs help to isolate the horse from loud noises at various equestrian events, such as competitions and shows. Reducing excessive noise helps the horse to concentrate on working with the rider and reduces the risk of stress or panic caused by violent noises. In recent years, many equestrian brands have started to produce earmuffs in a variety of colours and designs, allowing riders to match them with the rest of their equipment, emphasising their horse's individual style and character. However, choosing the right earmuffs is not just about aesthetics; it is important that they are made of breathable materials and fit snugly around the horse's head for maximum comfort.Canthals and tethers: key elements in the daily care of the horseCanthals and tethers are essential tools that are used to control the horse, both when riding and in daily activities such as leading the horse or tying him up in the stable. Without them, working with the horse would be much more difficult and potentially dangerous. The halter is a tool that consists of straps and belts that are worn over the horse's head. It allows the rider or handler to guide the horse with a glove, controlling the horse's movements and direction. The halter is indispensable in many situations, such as leading the horse out of the stall, transporting it to the pasture or when loading it into a trailer. Tethers are special ropes or straps that are used to secure the horse in a specific place, such as in the stable, during cleaning or feeding. They allow the horse's keeper to work around the horse while allowing the animal a degree of freedom. Secure tethers are key to ensuring that the horse is in a safe place while performing various activities. In addition to their primary use, both halters and tethers also have a communication function. The rider or handler uses them to communicate specific signals to the horse, for example to stop, move or change direction. Knowing the correct technique for using these tools is crucial to building trust and understanding between human and horse. Canterails and tethers are available in a wide variety of styles, materials and colours to suit the rider's individual needs and preferences. Whatever the choice, the most important thing is to ensure that they are suitably strong, durable and safe for the horse.Chaps: aesthetics and functionalityChaps are some of the most recognisable equestrian accessories. They perform both practical and aesthetic functions, often becoming a key piece of equipment for any rider. A cap is a special pad that is placed directly under the horse's saddle, providing an extra layer of protection and comfort for both horse and rider. The main purpose of a cap is protection. It protects the horse's skin from abrasions and pressure caused by the saddle. In addition, a properly fitted cap absorbs perspiration, helping to keep the saddle dry and preventing slipping. Today's chaps are often equipped with anti-slip technology and are also breathable, contributing to greater comfort for the horse during work. However, chaps are not just about functionality. For many riders, the aesthetics of the chaps are equally important. They are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and materials, allowing riders to express themselves and their style individually. They are often used to highlight the colours of the riding club, stable or country in international competitions. The final choice of cap depends on the individual rider's preferences, but also on the needs of the specific horse. It is important to remember that the horse's comfort and safety is paramount. Therefore, when choosing a cap, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the materials, the type of filling and the appropriate fit to the specific saddle and horse.Horse coats: protection in all conditionsHorse coats, although at first glance they may appear to be a simple piece of equipment, perform an extremely important function in protecting the horse from various weather conditions. The horse blanket serves as a cover for the horse, protecting it from rain, snow, wind and also from the cold in the winter months or from the sun and insects in the warmer seasons. Choosing the right rug is crucial to your horse's health and comfort. There are winter derrieres that are designed to keep the horse warm during cold weather. These are often padded and made of water-resistant materials. In the warmer months, lighter derrieres are used to protect the horse from insects and UV radiation, while still providing breathability and cooling. Just as important as functionality is the fit of the rug to the horse. An ill-fitting rug can cause chafing or be uncomfortable for the animal. It is therefore important to pay attention to the size, shape and fastening of the blanket. There are also specialised derrieres available on the market, such as therapeutic derrieres that promote blood circulation, magnetic derrieres that help with muscle regeneration, or moisture-wicking derrieres that ensure faster drying after intensive training. As with other equestrian accessories, the aesthetics of the derriere can be important to some riders. Riding derrieres are available in a variety of colours, designs and accessories to suit the rider's individual preferences. Whatever the choice, the most important purpose of the rug is to provide protection and comfort for the horse in a variety of weather conditions. A well-chosen blanket will make the horse feel better and be in better condition, whatever the weather.Protectors and wraps: protecting the horse's legsProtectors and wraps play a key role in protecting the horse's sensitive legs from injury during training, competition or everyday activities. A horse's legs are prone to a variety of injuries, such as bruises, strains and cuts, making them one of the most vulnerable areas of the horse to potential injury. Protectors are specifically designed to protect the horse's legs from external impacts. Made from a variety of materials, such as leather, neoprene or rubber, protectors protect against impacts from other legs of the horse or from obstacles during jumping. There are different types of protectors dedicated to different disciplines, such as protectors for jumping, dressage or endurance. Wraps, on the other hand, have a more universal role. Made of soft material, they are wrapped around the horse's legs, providing support for tendons and ligaments and protecting against abrasions. In addition, wraps act as additional cushioning and thermal insulation, particularly useful in the colder months. Choosing the right pads or wraps depends on a number of factors, such as the riding discipline, type of training and the individual needs of the horse. It is important that the products fit properly, as ill-fitting protection can do more harm than good, causing abrasions or even allergies. By taking care of your horse's legs, you ensure that they are not only protected, but also comfortable when working. Good quality protectors and wraps are an investment in the health and sporting longevity of our horse.Grooming and cleaning the horse: a routine for the health and beauty of the animalGrooming the horse is not only a matter of aesthetics, but above all the health and well-being of the animal. Regular cleaning and grooming of the horse helps to keep its skin and coat in good condition, preventing a variety of diseases. Cleaning your horse starts with thorough brushing, which helps remove dead hair, dirt and sweat. Brushing increases blood circulation in the skin, which promotes healthy coat growth. In addition, it allows the detection of any injuries, abrasions or other skin problems. Bathing is equally important, although it should not be carried out too often so as not to dry out the horse's skin. Using the right shampoos and conditioners for horses helps to keep the coat in good condition, making it shiny and soft. Hoof care is another key element in your horse's care routine. Checking, cleaning and lubricating the hooves regularly prevents cracks, infections and other hoof problems. Cleaning the horse's eyes, ears and nostrils is equally important. It allows early detection of infections and other health problems, ensuring the horse's health is at its best. In addition to the above practices, regular checks on your horse's health, visits to the vet and proper nutrition are key to keeping your horse healthy and well. Caring for your horse is an investment in its health, wellbeing and appearance, which also translates into better cooperation and relationship with the rider.