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Equestrians: More than Just Horse Riders

Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays due to the development of technology horses are no longer used anymore. They can be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides. Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them did not falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who are members of the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who participate in a number of equestrian sports.

Equestrians in this day and age are more known for equestrianism. It refers to the ability to ride and drive horses. This definition does not just include the use of horses for recreational activities and sports but also for working and practical uses. Contrary what most people would think the term refers to other skills not just riding them for equestrian sports.

Equestrians before

Horses were used in variety of purposes. They were both used in war and peaceful pursuits. They were used from transportation, agriculture and warfare. In Rome Equestrians were regarded as elite. Horses were expensive at that time so owning one meant that you were rich and does not need to do manual labor. They were members of a social upper class in Rome. This class was most often referred to as knights. They were both a military and a political group because horsemen received financial compensation from the government.

As Rome expanded it relied on its allies for cavalry. There were no use from equestrians and they lost their military functions. They did not engage in war anymore but their titles still remain and indicate nobility. The equestrians were rich and governed the provinces. At that time senators were equal to equestrians.

The senators dominated the magistrate offices but were forbidden to operate business and gain commercial income. The equestrians on the other hand continued to invest in marketing and tax farming companies. Conflicts arose between the two of them. Equestrians made as much money as they can while senators notice rebellions due to overtaxing. During civil wars the two elite collaborated and their orders were defined as reforms were done.

Equestrians today

There are popularly known for participating in equestrian sports during Olympics. Like before horse back riding is reserved for the rich. Even today horses are still expensive and prized.

Equestrian events include dressage, show jumping and eventing. Equestrians should be able to make the horse carry out natural movements on request while running loose during competitive dressage. It is also referred to as "Horse Ballet". Its goal is to develop a horses' athletic ability and its initiative to perform to maximize its potential.
Show jumping is a timed even where equestrians are required to jump over a series of obstacles with the fewest mistakes. Riders and their horses should be able to go through the obstacle with the least knocked over portions of obstacles.

Eventing is the combination of dressage and show jumping. The horse and the rider have to go through a series of fixed obstacles such as stone walls, water, logs banks, ditches with the fastest time possible.

Although the role of equestrians has changed through the centuries it still holds that aura of nobility that it once enjoyed in medieval times.

Equestrian Apparel ? Combining Function and Style

If you are into serious riding or you just want to have the equestrian look, then equestrian apparel is for you.

In choosing what clothing to use, the criteria are functionality and style. The rider must feel both elegant and comfortable at the same time. It is also important that the fabrics used are both light and hard-wearing at the same time.

To start of, choose a cool fabric that allows ease of movement. The more common kinds of fabric used for equestrian clothing is cotton and Lycra.

Choose also a fabric that acts as a moisture wick. This type of fabric works well in both hot and cold temperatures. During hot months, the fabric keeps you cool by allowing you to sweat. In cold months the fabric keeps you warm by moving sweat away from your body, keeping your skin dry. Since moisture does not penetrate the fabric weave, it evaporates quickly, causing the fabric to dry quickly as well.

As an added bonus, you can choose fabrics and fabric weaves that reduce moisture absorption, repel UV rays and insects.

What are the pieces of clothing that make up equestrian apparel? The basic piece is a shirt, usually made of cotton or wool crepe, and is usually white. Then you can add a waistcoat or vest to match.

For the lower body, breeches and jodhpurs are the more popular pieces. While others prefer full-seat riding breeches, there are still others who like jeans and jodhpurs. Make sure that the piece fits well. Also, choose one that can protect you from heavy rains and winds.

While tall riding boots look perfect for shows and competitions, short boots with trouser socks are a wise alternative during training or ordinary days.

To complete the look is a riding jacket. Choose one made of luxurious fabrics like tweed. Take note of details like silk lining or double satin piping, buttons and trims.

Do not forget your riding gloves.

As for the head gear, choose one that fits perfectly. The usual piece is a helmet, although there are others who like to wear black top hats. Helmets have now incorporated easy-fit systems, so it is safe to use. Some riders like to customize their helmets by putting decals or crystals.

What are the trends and forecasts in equestrian apparel? As for the colors, the trend is softer, more subtle pastel tones of blue, green, pink and purple. The same goes for show breeches. Light tans are also in for breeches, although white continues to be popular. Show coats and dressage coats can be in any color, although the trend is towards darker navys and black instead of the more common light shades of brown and khaki. You can also see stripes and patterns in the coats instead of the plain, solid-colored ones.

As for accessories, you will see glittery accessories like stock pins and jewelry. Swarovski crystals in belt buckles, spurs, helmets and everything else are also becoming popular.

Tall leather boots with zippers are the more popular footwear for shows. Back zippers make the boots easy to take off. For those who are into serious training, half chaps and paddock boots are still in because of their durability.

Equestrian apparel is all about fashion and ease. With the many styles and designs available, finding one that suits you perfectly should be no problem at all.

Riding Hats: Safety Guaranteed

Equestrians also need their own set of gear for the competition. Each equestrian sport is unique which demand different skills from the rider. Their clothing is not just used for presentation but also to help them move freely during competitions. There are many types of clothing that equestrians need. There is corresponding clothing to protect the rider from head to foot.

The main clothing of an equestrian are composed of riding hats, jackets, boots, jodhpurs and breeches, body protector, chaps and gaiters. For a beginner it is essential to know each of this clothing. Each individual's preference may be different but it important to know the basics before buying any clothing. Horse back riding can be expensive and its clothing is not exemption.

The most important clothing is the riding hat. Obviously it protects the riders from falls which can be experienced whether you are in or out of a competition. Although horses can be trained they can still be unpredictable.

The rider's clothing

The riding hat

It is the most important piece of clothing which offers protection for your head. These hats are made of a hard shell which is lined with a material that absorbs shock. This is essential to provide protection for the rider in case he or she falls. It's also important to wear them even though they are not riding because the horse may kick them instead. It's advisable to wear them when handling horses on the ground.

If the rider suffers from a fall the hat should be replaced immediately. The fall can diminish the hat's protection. The protection also decreases over time as the padding compresses from daily use. Riding has should be replaced ever three to four years.

Three basic hats are available for the riders:

The first one is the classic riding hat. It's a traditional velvet hat available brown, black, or navy. It has a hard peak.

The second is the skull cap which is also referred to as the jockey cap. It has no peak and is usually worn by jockeys. It's now popular with other riders for leisure and competition. Silks which are peak covers can be placed over the skull cap. This gives them the appearance of a riding hat. There are also novelty silks available for children such as eyes and ears sewn on them.

The third one is the skull protector. It's a riding hat similar to a cycling helmet. It's very lightweight and ventilated. The hat is usually worn during the warm weather or summer.

Riding hats have chin straps and should conform to the riding hat safety standards. The United Kingdom has 3 safety standards. Riding hats should follow one of these standards for optimum safety of the rider. The chin traps should be able to secure the hat safely and securely on the riders head.

Riders should always remember to secure their hats. Beginners should also buy which is comfortable for them. Riding hats is a piece of equestrian clothing that should be regarded with importance. Sever falls can be very fatal. Riding hats can decrease the severity of the injury of the rider.

Rides should not buy a second hand riding hat. Although the damages cannot be seen from the outside it is most likely that they have reduced protection. Buy new hats for guaranteed protection.

Equestrian Supplies: The Horse Grooming Kit

Apart from the horses clothing equestrians should also take care of their horses. After all, the performance of the horse has a major impact on the scores. No matter what sports the horse is going to participate he must be well prepared before the event. This entails not just proper but also grooming. Riders are not the only ones who should look their best but also the horse. There are many supplies out there for the horse. Riders have a wide array of choices for their horses.

One of the most important of these supplies is the grooming kit. This is an essential kit when grooming and preparing the horse. With it riders will be able to maintain their horse's coat in good condition. This will also be a good time for them to check for any injuries, scratches and bruises on the horse. Grooming will also massage the horse and promote circulation.

Horse care

The grooming kit is made up of different combs and brushes to keep the horse clean. Each of these combs and brushes has a different purpose when cleaning the horse.

These are some of the basic brushes and combs in a grooming kit:

Dandy brush
These brushes are used to remove dirt on the surface of your horse's coat. They are used in the less sensitive parts of the horse. This brush has long bristles.

Body Brush
These brushes can be either hard or soft depending on your need. They have leather back. It is used to remove grease and dusts from you're horse' coat. They can be used in the sensitive areas of your horse's body.

Metal curry comb
This is not used on the horse but is rather used to clean the body brush when grooming. It removes dust and dirt from the brush so that you can use it again on the horse.

Rubber Curry Comb
They remove mud and loose hair from the mane and tail of your horse.

Water Brush
You are going to use water when washing or dampening your horse's coat. This brush is used when applying water on your horse.

Mane comb
As the name suggests these are combs used on the main and tail of your horse. They come in plastic and metal. There are variations of these combs for different purposes. Short metal combs are used for pulling manes. Other special combs are used to cut the mane thinner.

Hoof pick
They are used for removing dirt and stones that are packed into your horse's hooves. Dirt and stones usually collect on the underside of your horse's hooves when you go riding or when he's out there in the field. The hoof pick can be easily lost under your grooming kit so it's advisable to type in a baline twine.

Cotton Sponge
Used for cleaning the eyes, nose and wounds of your horse.

Sweat scraper
Wipe away sweat from the horse or excessive water when washing.

Stale rubber
Used for doing the finishing touches on the horse. They are used for polishing the coat of the horse. Stake rubber or linen cloth can be used.

Grooming kit box
Last but not the least, is the kit box. It can be any container or bag with ample storage for the brushes. You can also use a canvas bag with a drawstring.

Equestrian Singles ? Where to Meet Them

A horse lover, or any animal lover, would want to find someone who likes horses like themselves. While it may seem petty for some people, an equestrian who ends up with someone who dislikes horses or does not understand their partner's passion for horses is doomed to have a lot of potential relationship problems in the future. Weird but I've heard of some people feeling jealous of the partner's love and attention towards their horse. That is why horse lovers would want to find someone who shares the same love for the animal. But where do equestrian singles meet and mingle?

A primary venue where equestrians may find other equestrians is in a horse show or competition. There are also local horse-riding groups in the community which conduct meetings with members. Through regular meetings and competitions, you get the chance to see other horse-loving people in your area.

Unfortunately, few people find love in these places. Because horse riding is a competitive sport, it is hard to develop any romantic feelings for anyone in such arena.

That is why there are websites where horse-loving single men and women can meet. Through online dating websites, many couples have met and found "true love." The site works by asking any single adult horse lover to register and upload details for his profile. Or he can be asked to make a personal ad through video. The information is added to the database which members browse through. If they are attracted to anyone of the other members of the website, he may send messages to the person, and later on, meet her.

Aside from the regular online dating services, some sites have special match-making services. Using the information that you provided, the host website runs a program which can then check which couples have more potential of becoming lovers than others. Once they've found your "match," they would then set you up on a date.

Some websites are not mere dating sites but online equestrian communities where people with the same passion and love for horses meet and exchange ideas. Upcoming events in the community are posted in the website, so people will know if there will be a show, rodeo or competition anytime soon. They also have chat rooms and forums, perfect venues for equine lovers to interact and talk more.

Here's a word of caution, though. Never give personal details of yourself like your name, work or home address, and others, unless you've developed a deeper trust with the other person. The thing is, you are the only person to judge if the other person is trustworthy or not. You need to trust your instincts and be mindful of all details that you may gather. If your gut tells you that he is lying, then it is better to stop communicating with him during such early stages. Learn to be more attentive, and at times, investigate on the background of the other person.

Like horses, relationships have needs, too. As horses need to be fed and cared for, relationships need to be nurtured and loved. Meeting equestrian singles, in any possible way, is just the first step. If you want to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with someone, you have to work on it. Soon enough, you will find your special someone to share love with.