Clearance Sale Now On at TicTac Equestrian

We're doing a little bit of spring cleaning at TicTac Equestrian, so we've put together a great selection of clearance products, with significant discounts (up to 50% off) on a wide range of items, from gloves, boots, rugs, and other accessories. 

Among our fantastic range of care products for horse, pony and stable owner alike, we have the Fal Pro Bulldog 200g Turnout Rug, reduced from £164.99 to a stunning £131.99. 

Fal Pro Bulldog 200g rug, now reduced!

We also have a fantastic deal on these eye-catching, yet thoroughly functional  tweed-style wellies from Maniera. They will keep you warm, dry and clean when your caught in the rather dismal U.K. Spring weather! Reduced by almost half price, from £89.99 to £49.99, these boots are a steal for any funky horse lover, or fashion-conscious stablehand. 

Funky Tweed-style Wellies from Maniera

These are just some of the many items we have on offer in our fantastic clearance sale at TicTac Equestrian, so don't delay, head over to the official store for some great Spring deals!




If you are interested in horse riding and live near Crieff, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel and Resort's very own riding centre, check out its official website for more details http://hydroriding.com/

Horse Hoof Abcess

We all love horses and one of our main concerns as owners is making sure our horses and ponies are happy, healthy and in tip top condition. There are a few common ailments that are easily treatable if you can spot early signs. 

One particularly trouble health condition in horses are hoof abscesses. 

A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection in the sensitive part of the hoof. Pus is produced as a reaction by the horse’s body to the infection which can accumulate within the layers of the hoof wall and causes increased pressure, causing significant pain. 

Most abscesses are found in the sole of the hoof, but other types of abscess can be found elsewhere. 

Signs of a Hoof Abscess
Typical signs of a hoof abscess include sudden and severe lameness and pain. The horse bears little to no weight on the leg with the abscess or may walk on its toe. 

Other signs include heat in the limb or hoof, an increased digital pulse, and can include a swollen leg and/or a low-grade fever. The tendons in the affected leg can become painful and swollen due to congestion of blood vessels. 

As the abscess progresses, the infection and pressure of purulent fluid (pus) accumulation in the hoof often cause severe pain until the infection works its way up the hoof wall and pops out at the coronary band, or the bulb of the heel or drains out the sole. 

Causes of a Hoof Abscess
A hoof abscess can be caused by a sharp object penetrating the sole of the hoof (such as a nail), or by bacteria migrating in to the defects, fissures and cracks in the white line. 

If the abscess is caused by bacteria migrating in to the hoof from the outside, a particle of sand or soil enters the softer white line area and becomes engrained in the sensitive 'lamina' area underneath the hoof wall, resulting in an infection inside the hoof. The infection can then travel up the hoof and drain at the coronary band or stay close to the sole of the hoof. An abscess can also occur under the bars of the hoof. 

The infection can also enter as a result of a nail driven too close to the white line, a hoof wall defect or hoof separation. Horses that have been shod and then go barefoot tend to have an increased chance of developing a hoof abscess until the hoof becomes stronger. 

Diagnosis of a Hoof Abscess
A hoof abscess can be diagnosed by examining the hoof for heat and pain, swelling and by the presence of a pronounced digital arterial pulse. 

If the horse is shod, the shoe is removed and the hoof cleaned. Hoof testers are often used to test the horses’ sensitivity to pressure in specific areas of the hoof to locate the point of origin. 

Treatment of a Hoof Abscess
While a hoof abscess can heal on its own, this is not recommended. An abscess can be extremely painful for the horse and the healing process will take significantly longer without intervention. It is recommended that you work with your veterinarian and/or farrier to diagnose and treat an abscess. 

If the horse is shod, the shoe is normally pulled. The hoof is then thoroughly cleaned and hoof testers can be used to help locate the point of entry and better determine the location of the abscess. 

Often a black line is identified and the line is followed to locate the infected area. Using a hoof knife or loop knife, a very small hole is made in the sole of the hoof to allow for drainage and provide relief of the pressurized fluid. When the pressure built up by the trapped pus is released from the hoof capsule, often a black or brown exudate will drain from the site and the horse will experience some relief immediately. 

If the point of origin and the abscess cannot be identified or the infection is too deep in the hoof, (the abscess could be deep in the heel/frog/bars region), no cutting or holes will be made. Cutting too much or going too deep can be more harmful than beneficial to treatment. If a drain hole is not able to be made or cannot sufficiently drain the abscess, then most likely the abscess will progress up to the coronary band and the pus will drain there…. a slower and more painful process for the horse. 

Whether a hole is made or not, it is important to keep the hoof as clean and protected as possible and to apply a poultice. If no hole is made, the poultice can help soften the sole. If a drain hole is made in the hoof, then it is imperative that the hole be protected and kept clean while the abscess drains and the hoof heals. A poultice applied to the bottom of the hoof can help pull any remaining infection out of the hoof and help to prevent the abscess from progressing up to the coronary band. 


What you can do
To help lessen the chances of your horse having a hoof abscess, maintain a regular schedule with your farrier or trim your horse on a regular basis. Often hooves with too much toe or excessive bars are more prone to hoof abscesses. 

Act promptly to treat a hoof abscess, as the healing process can usually be expedited and resolved relatively quickly with fast action. 

However, if you ever have any concerns over abscesses or other horse health problems, be sure to contact your vet. 

Mother's Day gift ideas from TicTac Equestrian

Mother's Day is nearly upon us (Sunday 10th March) and we all know how important it is to show your love, affection and appreciation to your mother; perhaps the most special person in your life that doesn't happen to have four legs!! 

Treat your mother, this Mother's Day

This year we are proud of the wide range of Mother's Day gift ideas we have on offer at TicTac, from show gear and other riding accessories, to beautiful healthcare products and cosmetics.

For more information on what wonderful items we have on offer, please head over to the official TicTac Equestrian store. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Be Sure to spoil yours!! 

Clipping your horse for the Winter

It's that time of the year again where it's wise to think about clipping your horse. In their natural state, horses have all the protection they need against the harsh winter weather. However, in order to be able to handle different types of exercise and activity over the winter months, they need some, or in some cases, all of their winter coat removed to enable them to work efficiently and of course, to help us keep them clean! 

Reasons for clipping: 

• For quick drying after exercise
• To allow a horse to carry out fast work without too much stress
• To avoiding adverse effects caused by heavy sweating
• It makes grooming easier
• And it keeps you horse looking sharp!

What sort of clip should I consider for my horse? 
Your choice of clip depends on the type of work your horse will be doing over the winter period, taking into account how much he usually sweats. 

• Trace clip: A Trace Clip allows horses and ponies to be exercised without getting too hot. This also allows them to continue being turned-out in the winter. The coat is removed from the belly and up the underside of the neck. Hair is meanwhile left on the head, the topside of the neck, body and legs for warmth and protection. For a low trace, only a small section of hair is removed from the belly and neck whereas a high trace takes more hair from these areas going further up the horse's flank.

• Blanket clip: With a Blanket Clip, the coat is removed completely from the head, neck and flanks, leaving only an area of hair that looks like an exercise sheet over the back and hind-quarters and on the legs. This type of clip would suit a horse that has regular exercise, is turned-out in the field and does various events at the weekends. 
  
  
• Hunter clip: This is used mainly for horses in heavy work, such as hunters. The Hunter Clip is similar to the blanket clip, except that the hair over the hind-quarters is removed leaving only a patch in the saddle area. The leg hair remains for warmth and protection.
  
  
• Full clip: This is usually given to competition horses that compete in the winter months. The whole of the coat is removed, including body, legs and head. The full clip looks very smart but does require careful stable management. Horses with a full clip need to be rugged up at all times and may need to wear stable bandages in very cold weather.

Where do I start? 

• First of all you need to purchase a good quality pair of clippers. However, there are many different types available depending on the job you need them for so you wont be stuck for choice. Your choice of clippers depends on the type of clip as well as personal preference. 
  
  
• It's often wise to give your horse a bath first if they are particularly dirty. However, usually, you just need to make sure they are well-kept and thoroughly groomed, making sure you remove any and all dirt and sweat that could potentially clog up the clippers. 
  
  
• Have a rug ready to put on your horse after you finish clipping - we guarantee they'll notice the difference in temperature after their nice new haircut!
  
  
• If possible, try to have someone on hand to hold your horse and comfort them if they become agitated. 
  
  
• Use chalk to outline the area you are going to clip, particularly if you have not clipped a horse before. 
  
  
• While clipping the body, the clippers must run flat over the coat - don’t use too much pressure otherwise you will create lines known as ‘tram-lines’.  On the other hand, when clipping the legs and face you will need to clip against the hair as it is shorter than the rest of the hair on the horse’s body. 
  
  
• Start from the top of the neck and head and then work your way along the rest of the body. With experience you can develop your own clipping methods to suit both you and your horse, creating the least amount of stress possible. 
  
  
• Be firm, but gentle when working around the head. It is probably best to use a pair of finishing trimmers as they make less noise and are less likely to startle or cause stress. 
  
  
• After you have finished clipping, make sure that your horse is nice and rugged up and apply stable bandages if necessary - oh, and be sure to give them a well deserved treat! 
  
  
• If all else fails, get an expert to do it for you. It won’t cost you very much and it could cut out a lot of stress for both you and your horse.
  
  

For more info on our great range of clippers and other horse grooming items, be sure to check out the Tic Tac Equestrian store.

Mark Todd Competition Over Reach Boot

The over-reach boots designed by Mark Todd are the boots I have been looking
for a long time, and these just tick all the right boxes. The boot I designed to fit
the horse’s hoof without turning therefore it offers the maximum protection
against over reaching. The use of a tough tear resistant outer fabric allows for a
longer lasting product using a neoprene inner. The Mark Todd Competition boot
is features include touch and close fastening with Mark Todd Logo. This over
reach boot is ideal for high levels of all equestrian activities due to its durability
and strength. The Mark Todd Competition Over Reach Boot is available from
TicTac Equestrian for £18.99.

Mark Todd mediumweight stable rug

I have a horse that competes every weekend, which is therefore stabled inside every night meaning I was on the hunt for a stable rug. I purchased the Mark Todd mediumweight stable rug because it suited the job perfectly. The 600 denier rug features a 250g filling with nylon lining. I find that this rug is great for keeping the horse cosy with a snug fit, which provides breathability, but also incorporates a tough outer layer making the rug durable preventing any rips and tears from occurring. The Mark Todd mediumweight stable rug also features a sheepskin wither pad providing additional comfort for the horse.

The shape and design of the rug allows it to fit the horse neatly around the front end. I find that an issue with some rugs is that they can rub the shoulders of the horse creating ugly bald patches, however this rug eliminates this problem due to the inner layer of the rug which is made from re-inforced nylon creating an anti-rub shoulder lining. This reduces the friction between the rug and the horse’s shoulders when it moves due to the ‘lubricated’ material. The mark todd mediumweight stable rug also incorporates d-rings for an optional neck cover to be attached which has anti-rub lining and fleece poll protection. This creates a versatile aspect, which also attracted me to buying the rug. The Mark Todd mediumweight stable rug is available to purchase from TicTac Equestrian from £59.99.

Equiport Saddlecloth Forward Cut

Equiport Saddlecloth Forward Cut are by far my favourite saddlecloth for my close contact jumping saddle. As I had difficulty selecting the correct fit for my saddle when I came across this on TicTac Equestrian. It is a more forward cut saddlecloth adding to the style and comfort for my horse. With an extensive choice of fabric, outer binding and rope piping colours you can literally pick any colour combination in your imagination, which helps the picky customers and searching for the right colours to suit your taste. Velcro attachments for the lowergirth straps allows for easy attachment to the girth.

The reason I love this saddlecloth so much is the durability of the saddlecloth and that it washes up like new every time it's put in the washing machine. As standard these Equiport saddlecloths are made from 100 per cent quilted cotton, which add to the comfort for the horse. The saddlecloth is priced at £34.99 at TicTac Equestrian.

Saddle soap and tack cleaners

Now that the sun is out, the horse event season has kicked in and horse shows are really picking up many are looking for a good leather cleaner and leather care. Working full time, whilst trying to keep horses fit and compete at the weekend is no simple task, especially if you have multiple horses like myself. My favourite approach therefore is the lazy cow tack cleaner approach to cleaning saddles and bridles, with maximum leather care to keep the clean tack lasting and supple.

My favourite range for this is the Lincoln Range with their spray saddle soap, Lincoln glycerine spray soap (http://www.tictacequestrian.com/lincoln-glycerine-spray-soap.html) priced £6.99 which I then follow up with the most amazing of leather dressings, the Lincoln leather balm. 

Another favourite soap of mine is the spray tack soap Belvoir tack cleaner also priced £6.99. If, however, you prefer the old fashioned but reliable glycerine saddle soap bar try the Lincoln classic soap bar priced £3.79.

All can be bought from TicTac Equestrian and Equestrian Discounts

Formula 4 Feet

My thoroughbred horse has terrible hoof growth and as such I was recommended to put him on to Farriers Formula. He was on it for around 8 months, by which point I was at my wits end – he hated the Farriers Formula and had decided to stop eating his dinner too as a result – not good for a thoroughbred. I tried everything, from mint and molasses to hand feeding and making tasty horse cakes… nothing worked.

I was then recommended Formula for Feet, or Formula 4 Feet, which was apparently made by the same person who created Farriers Formula, but was designed to be more palatable to horses – apparently not liking the taste of Farriers Formula was a common issue for horse owners owning horses with poor feet. Formula for Feet is amazing! My horse loves it and his feet have come on leaps and bounds, he now has normal hoofs with no cracks!

Whats more is that the Formula 4 feet is an incredible a general supplement. Shortly after putting my horse on formula for feet his coat and eyes brightened and he became full of spark and energy. His condition was incredible and now I merit formula 4 feet not only for it's hoof improvement qualities but also as a top quality general horse supplement.

I now have all my horses on it as it is such a good all-round supplement! Buy it here at TicTac Equestrian or here at Equestrian Discounts. Both only £33.99 for a tub or £84.99 for a sack.

New Rok Riding Boots

Just bought a pair of the New Rok riding boots after a friend telling me they are just like the Tyne Muck Boots but cheaper. These boots have really impressed me as they are exactly the same but thirty pounds cheaper.

 I live in this type of boot all year round because they do for every job. I ride in my boots but not only that I can walk in the muddy fields and through puddles without being worried that water or mud will get in. All you need to do is hose all the dirt off before you jump on board.

The boots are fully waterproof and the neoprene top can fold down for when it’s a hotter day. The removable insoles also help to keep your feet nice and toasty. The boots have reinforced toes and a spur rest. They are definitely a must for stable life!

Cavallo Boots Customer Review

This customer very kindly wrote a very detailed product review for us. Below is her experience of the Cavallo boots.

Review 

You kindly supplied me with sport boots and Simple boots 1 year ago. I have used them most weekends. I ride on roads and on rough heathery ground. The boots have performed well. They are slightly large for my mare so we use the orange inserts. Despite the fitting issue they have been incredible. I honestly am amazed.....




Our Cavallo Journey

2010 First outing. 6 weeks of ice and snow....
We had bolted round 2 sides of a ruin. Made a sharp "S" bend the opposite way in the dark, in the snow/ice and even though I was certain that death or injury was inevitable. We arrived home safe, boots intact - truely incredable

2011 - Jan / Feb. 2 months rain....
Living out with very soft feet. Required to protect hoof wall - so turned horse out on dry hill with Cavallo boots on.(not recommended I know) SHE WORE THEM DAILY FOR A FORTNIGHT - TURNED OUT ON THE HILL, AND BROUGHT THEM BACK INTACT EACH EVENING

2011 SPRING riding most weekends....
Across seriously steep contours with no injury slippage or even hesitation. THEY STAY PUT - NO MATTER WHERE YOU TAKE THEM

2011 SUMMER....
Asisted on trail ride for 6 days 20 miles per day. Feet hard and dry by now and even smaller than normal. Wore hoofgloves day one and spent whole day replacing them even on easy ground. Felt concerned about trying cavallo boots due to her feet being too small for the smallest boot had no option tried them on Day 2. We were thundering up forest tracks, tip toe-ing through bogs, galloping on the beach and swimming across lochs. I never looked back and NEVER LOOKED DOWN - you don't need to look down in Cavallo boots - they will keep up with you what ever your doing. In August I ordered boots as a present for my friends horse. Brenfield Mairi is an Irish cob she won the World Trec Championships in 2000. She is a very special horse. I ordered her the boots as I felt sure that a routine of barefoot trimming might improve the condition of the feet, and boots would protect her from further injury. She has taken to them immediately and her owners are already impressed with the performance of the boots. These are the people who taught me extreme riding - to impress them the Cavallo Boots must be something special

Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Chaps

Magnetic Chaps are a fantastic equestrian product that helps treat the cause of pain. Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Chaps are perfect for when your horse has an arthritic issue, trauma, injury caused by a hard or repetitive workload. These magnetic pads are also lightweight, easy to clean and easy to fit. Magnetic Chaps come with 4 very powerful magnetic bands in the pockets.

A friend of my uses these on her mare durimng winter months. Her mare has osteoarthritis and her legs swell up at night when shes stabled. The boots stop her legs swelling and keep them warm during the cold nights

Equestrian Breeches/Jodhpurs

For this weeks equestrian shopping blog I have been trying out a variety of different ladies breeches, and there is a huge range out there.  I am currently a show jumper, training to become an eventer.  I have 5 horses (3 of which are youngsters) and spend a lot of my life in ladies jodhpurs.  For this discussion I tried out a rage of ladies breeches including, Pikuer, Tagg, Dainese, Derby House own brand cotton and 'jean' jodhpurs.

If you are looking for comfortable, cheap jodhpurs for day to day wear around the yard I recommend the Tagg Texas Ladies Denim breeches. These are amazing jean material breaches with a embroidered designed back pocket and coloured stitching. I love these fashion jods, they are really comfortable for everyday wear and are really sexy – good quality, cheap breeches. They also do a similarly good range of budget competition breeches; the Tagg Adelaide Ladies Piped Breeches. With these breeches you can choose your colour of piping and stitching.

The Dainese breeches (an Italian brand famous for their protective ski and motorbike ranges, but new to the equestrian world) are by far the sexiest jodhpurs I have ever owned! They have lots of cool features and attention to detail, like the silicon grip sunrise shaped knee pads, non slip-up lycra ankle grips, and the special popper design around the waist. They are, however, sized very small and are very thin (so not the warmest winter jods!!) but are great summer breeches – and will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

My favourite breeches, however, by far, are the Pikeur legana ladies breeches. They are so comfortable and the Full McCrown soft leather ankle to bum seat gives you a great contact with the horse. They pockets are spacious, the material is robust and warm and they are easy and quick to wash and dry. I love these Pikuer breeches.