Care and Use of a Stockwhip

A stockwhip is a hand crafted item and requires care in the use and maintenance to maximise its life span. Find out how to look after your whip and read about the importance of the whip cracker and fall.

The Benefits of Feeding Your Horse Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 

Have you discovered just some of the many benefits of feeding Apple Cider Vinegar?  It really is one of the wonder products available to horse owners!  It is very reasonably priced and is the answer to many common ailments our horses or ponies can suffer from. In addition, it is safe, easy to feed and a fool-proof way of keeping your horse in optimum health.

So why should you use Apple Cider Vinegar?  Here at Greg Grant Saddlery, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar for horses:

Core Fitness Exercises to Help You Improve as a Rider

Recent studies have shown that your fitness as a rider can affect your horse’s soundness, improve your balance, flexibility and strength and reduce the chance or injury for both of you! 

Greg Grant Saddlery takes a look at some key exercise tips for keeping fit when it comes to equestrian sports. 

First Aid Kit Check List

Is a First Aid Kit one of those things you would like to have on-hand but can never find the time to think of what you might need? We've put together a printable check list to make it easy for you.

Riding the Spooky Horse

Do you have a horse or pony that spooks a lot for no reason? This article gives you some hints on how best to react if your horse spooks when you are riding him, as well as ways to minimise spooking.

Military Saddles and Their History

Horses played a special role of their own in the early wars. The Military Saddles used by the Light Horse Regiments were designed to carry a large amount of equipment with the least discomfort to horse and rider. They are still favoured by some trail and endurance riders to this day with their broad panels to spread the load across the horse's back.

Why You Need to Wear a GPA Helmet

When it comes to horse riding and safety you can never be too equipped. GPA helmets are worn worldwide by elite competitors in many horse sports and all of the Equestrian Olympic Disciplines. GPA tests their helmets to verify the quality, and are so demanding they promise a 20% extra safety score, over the results recommended by the average standard score for most helmets.

Handy Hints for Bandaging Your Horse's Legs

A lot of horse owners are concerned about bandaging their horse's legs and whether or not the bandages are too tight or too loose. We've put together some handy hints to help you when you need to bandage your horse.

Good Feeding Practices for Horses and Ponies

Grazing is the natural system of feeding for horses and grass is their natural food. The horse has a remarkably small stomach so needs to eat his food slowly and continuously. In the horses natural environment they graze for a large part of their day. To assist in encouraging the horse’s natural digestion and feeding habits we've outlined some golden rules for good equine feeding practices.

Horses and Poisonous Plants

Do you know which common plants are poisonous to horses? Most people know Oleander Bushes and Paterson's Curse are poisonous to horses, but what about common fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes?

Read more about these and other poisonous plants

The questions we have answered are:
1.  Will this rug protect my horse from insects/bugs?
2.  Will this rug provide airflow to cool my horse and/or provide sun protection?
3.  What are the Pros and Cons of this rug?

Author:  Skye McLachlan

All About Horse Agistment

Not everybody who owns a horse or pony is able to keep it at their home. This can be for various reasons; they don't own acreage, don't have time to look after the horse on a daily basis, or it may just be that they enjoy the company of other horse riders rather than riding on their own.

Caring for Your Horse’s Rugs

We all know how expensive keeping a horse or pony can be and rugs are one thing that we tend to need to replace regularly, so we need to look after them as best we can. We explain how to minimise damage to your rugs, as well as best ways to store them when not in use.

Staying Safe at Horse Events

Competing with your horse is enjoyable but it can lead to an increase in safety risks we wouldn't necessarily experience when riding, or handling our horse at home.

Horse Events are very noisy places with lots of people coming and going, loud speakers, noisy rides and sometimes even fireworks.   Horse Float and Truck parking can be very tight with limited space between vehicles, and horses tied to floats on both side.   A few safety precautions will help you and your horse to enjoy your day out.

Beat the Winter Chill - Keeping Warm While Horse Riding this Winter

When winter strikes, it’s easy to fall a little out of love with riding. It’s bitterly cold, your lips get chapped and your horse is less than happy.

Luckily, at Greg Grant Saddlery we’ve got plenty of products and tips to ease the winter blues for both you and your horse. 

Help! My Child Wants a Pony - Where Do I Start?

Has your child always wanted a pony of their own? Have you always wanted to get your child a pony but don't know what is involved or where to start? We've come up with some great starting points to help find your new family member!

Caring for Older Horses

It's a sad fact we all get older, and so do our horses. After giving us years of work and loyal companionship, we owe it to our horses to look after them in their later years. Read here about ways to help your friend enjoy their retirement.

Water and Horses - Some Golden Rules

It goes without saying that, as is the case with human beings, horses cannot survive more than a few days without water. Do you know how much water the average horse drinks in a day, or when you should restrict your horse's water supply?

Preventing and Treating Over-reach Injuries in Horses

Horses can cause nasty injuries to themselves by over-reaching, stepping on their front hoof or on the back of their front leg. In all cases, professional advice should be sought from a Veterinarian or Farrier, however this Article is a useful guide for preventing and treating over-reach injuries in your horse.

Buying a Horse or Pony – What to Ask the Seller

Buying a new horse or pony is a very exciting time, however it can also be very stressful.  Have you ever found as soon as you ring about a horse you become tongue-tied and can’t think what to ask the Seller?

We've come up with a list of points you may not have thought about!

How to Correctly Fit a Bridle

It is important to ensure your bridle fits your horse correctly for your own safety and the comfort of your horse. The bridle needs to not only be the correct size, but also to be adjusted correctly for the horse.

It’s that time of year again, when everyone trades in their city attire for their western boots! The EKKA 2017, Queensland’s largest annual event, brings the country and city together. This year will mark the show’s 140^th year, where more than 400,000 people are expected to turnout. With the EKKA in full swing, we’ve got your show day outfit sorted.

Ear Bonnets – Does your horse need them?

Ear Bonnets are a common accessory that is worn on the horse's head to prevent bugs, flies and dirt from entering the horse's ears. Even wind can be annoying to sensitive horses. Ear Bonnets are also favoured by Showjumpers to assist with noise reduction when competing.

Top Ten Melbourne Cup Facts: “The Race that Stops a Nation”

As everyone gets ready for the biggest racing event in Australia, the team at Greg Grant Saddlery has had a look into the history of the race that stops a nation. We’ve rounded out the top ten facts to carry you to victory on trivia night.

Floating Tips For Beginners – Keeping Your Horse Safe During Travel

If you’ve had experience towing a trailer you’ll be familiar with the basics, however a horse float is a different prospect. Ultimately, you are responsible for the safety and comfort of your four legged friends in the back. Approach the drive with a focus on caution and keeping the ride as smooth as possible – you want your horse to enjoy the prospect of going somewhere new, not dreading the prospect of standing in the float. 

The team at Greg Grant Saddlery has assembled some of the top safety and comfort factors to consider before hitting the open road. 

Is it really time to sell my horse?

As we go through life we form a variety of relationships, and for horse-owners, the bond with their horse is often a lifelong trust which strengthens as you grow and learn together. However, circumstances do change and there is no shame in affording yourself and your horse new opportunities!

Greg Grant Saddlery have put together this useful blog for horse owners that are considering selling their horse, to explain some of the situations where moving on may be the best course of action, and to highlight the options available to you.  

3 Hacks to Make Stall Cleaning So Much Easier

We get it. While you probably love your horse like family and riding is your therapy, it’s unlikely that you share the same passions for cleaning your stalls. At Greg Grant Saddlery , we’ve shared our top stall cleaning tips to have you back doing what you love fast - with no compromise on the comfort and hygiene of your horse. 

How to choose a horse

There will be a number of things to consider once you’ve reached a decision to purchase a horse. Firstly, you’ll want to make sure the accommodation you have in mind is suitable for the breed. Secondly, you’ll need to choose between a horse breed and a pony breed, or decide whether buying a particular breed is important to you, or even an affordable option.

And finally – are you looking for a schoolmaster that has already received training, or a green youngster that needs a firm hand?

Greg Grant Saddlery have put together this useful guide to help you decide, so read on for more information on choosing a horse that suits your needs as a rider.