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.

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. 

Changes to Helmet Safety Standards

Are you confused about changes to Helmet Safety Standards and how this affects you? You aren’t alone!

New Biosecurity Laws for Horse Owners in Queensland

Biosecurity Queensland is urging horse owners to be aware of new biosecurity laws that will take effect in Queensland, Australia, on July 1.

• Tick Zones
• Property Identification Codes (PIC)
• Changes to Horse Movements

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. 

Safety 101: the latest in horse riding essentials

Horses are beautiful animals, but like people, they can get temperamental, make mistakes and cause accidents. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you’re informed, practised and prepared equipment-wise before you jump in the saddle! 

Greg Grant Saddlery brings you the key things to consider regarding your safety (and the safety of your horse).

Breaking In a New Saddle

You’ve spent months researching, testing and exploring saddleries, searching for ‘the one’, and finally, you’ve found it. Investing in a brand new saddle can be exciting, and it can be all too tempting to want to jump straight into a long ride. But, hold your horses – literally! New saddles take time to be broken-in, to ensure optimum fit and comfort for both you and your horse.

At Greg Grant Saddlery, our team has shared their top tips for breaking in your new saddle.

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.  

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. 

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. 

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

Author: Amanda Grant-Innes

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!

Author: Amanda Grant-Innes

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.

Author: Joanne Taylor

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.

Author: Wroxton Innes

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?

Author: Joanne Taylor

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.

Author: Amanda Grant-Innes

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. A few safety precautions will help you and your horse to enjoy your day out.

Author: Amanda Grant-Innes

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!

Author: Joanne Taylor

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.

Author: Amanda Grant-Innes

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.

Author: Wroxton Innes