Tictac Equestrian Want To Sponsor You!

Have you heard about our exciting sponsorship competition yet? Over the past few weeks, our Tictac team have been working hard to bring our customers an exciting new competition; giving one lucky person the opportunity to win a year sponsorship by Tictac Equestrian, along with lots of fabulous horsey goodies!

We are giving you the chance to win a Mark Todd blouson jacket, a Mark Todd saddle cloth and a hoodie, all embroidered with our lovely Tictac Equestrian logo and also 20% off of all of your orders from www.tictacequestrian.com for a full year! 

We have had an amazing response so far with over one hundred entries. All of our team love to read about all of your successes and look at your lovel pictures. To enter, we would like you to like and share our Facebook page then post a small paragraph on our page, along with a picture of your horse or pony, stating why you think you deserve to win this amazing prize and sign up to our Tictac newsletter on our website (easy peasy!) After a short time, our Tictac team will select the top twenty people that we believe to be the most deserving to be put forward for this prize. Our quarter finalists will then be sent a short list of bio questions that we would like you to complete and submit, along with a few more pictures of you and your horse. We will then post the interview questions for all twenty finalists onto our Tictac Equestrian blog and from then we will select our top four contestants.  We will then make profiles up for our final four contestants on our website as products and our customers will decide from there by adding the person they believe is the most deserving to win to the shopping basket. We don’t want it to be a popularity contest – we want it to be fair and for the prize to go to a hard-working, dedicated person J

Our team wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading your stories. If you have any questions about our competition, please don’t hesitate in contacting us, either through our Facebook or Twitter page or call our office.

Rachael's Corner: Visit Us at Campsie Show!

At Tictac Equestrian, all of our team are excited about the upcoming show season and all of the agricultural shows we are going to be visiting. Our first show of this year is Campsie Agricultural Show, held by Campsie, Strathblane and Baldernock Agricultural Society on Saturday 1^st June.

Our Tictac Equestrian team will be there all day enjoying all of the events going on and meeting all of our loyal online customers! Even if you are not competing at the show, there are lots of different events going on throughout the day for the whole family including light horses (showing and jumping), heavy horses, cattle and sheep, vintage cars and tractors, dog show, a home craft tent, craft tent, children’s entertainment, inflatables, ALBA Falconry static display, young farmers entertainment, Torrance gala parade/crowning of Gala Queen and of course a variety of trade stands including our fabulous Tictac Equestrian stand stocking Mark Todd, John Whitaker, JHL, Fal Pro, Botanica, Carr and Day and Martin, Pikeur, Equino, Dainese, Coolex and many more amazing equestrian brands. 

We look forward to meeting you all and hope that you have an amazing day at the show! If you have any questions for our team, we are more than happy to help J Contact us through our Facebook or Twitter.

Rachael's Corner: Leather Head Collars

With the show season upon us, it’s time to finish off our last minute preparations and buy the last of our summer wardrobes (for us and our horses! J)  At Tictac Equestrian, we strive to bring you the latest products from the top brands at the best prices on the market!

The simplest things can make you look the part at show. A smart leather head collar for your horse isn’t only very smart, but also very durable and easy to look after. On our Tictac Equestrian website, we have a wide range of leather head collars from brands like Mark Todd and John Whitaker. With prices starting from £29.99, why wouldn’t you invest in one? My favourite leather head collar from our range is the Mark Todd leather head collar with Fancy Stitching. I bought this head collar in “Australian Nut” last season for Honey and she definitely looks the part J It still looks just as lovely as the day I bought it as it just needs a wipe down with some leather conditioner to bring it back to looking lovely!

To view our full range of leather head collars, visit our head collar section on our Tictac Equestrian website. If you have any questions or advice for our team or customers, we would love to hear from you! Contact us through our Facebook or Twitter J

Mark Todd Competition Gaiters

In the current equestrian market, it’s very difficult to find a pair of long riding boots that look smart but don’t cost the earth. Well at Tictac Equestrian, we think that we’ve found a solution!

I know personally that I prefer leather gaiters instead of long riding boots as I feel you can get a better fit, they are also a lot more comfortable and you have a lot more movement. Our Mark Todd Competition Gaiters are perfect for any discipline. They look the part and don’t cost a fortune. In fact, we are now selling them at the amazing price of £44.99 - down from £99.99!

Made of soft supple leather with a strong zip with popper tab closure and stretch panel at the back for additional comfort; they are perfect for any discipline. Whether you compete at a high level or simply enjoy hacking and schooling – at this price you definitely can’t go wrong.

To read more about these gaiters and to view our full range of long boots and gaiters, visit our Tictac Equestrian website. If you have any questions or advice for our team or customers, we would love to hear from you! Contact us through our Facebook or Twitter J

Rachael's Corner: Get a Grip on Grass!

At Tictac Equestrian, we all decide to have our horses fitted with shoes with stud holes over the summer months whilst we are out competing on grass because let’s face it, even over the summer months, in this country the ground is never suitable! I personally think it gives you a little bit more confidence knowing that your horse isn’t as likely to slip and injure themselves or you, making it a much more enjoyable experience (as competing your horse should be! J)

On our Tictac Equestrian website, you will find a large range of stud kits, individual sets of studs, rubber and felt stoppers, hole cleaners, spanner taps etc.; Everything you need to keep your horse’s footing on soggy grass this summer and all at amazing prices of course. I think that for the best value for your money, the Mark Todd Stud Kit is definitely the one to go for! It has everything that you need to get you started including a tap spanner, a brush and pick cleaner, eight show jumping studs, eight eventing studs, screw-in hole plugs with key, plastic push-in plugs – all in a handy storage case to keep everything together. At our amazing price of only £22.49, we believe that this is the best product to get you started J

To view or full range of studs, taps and stoppers, visit our stud page on our Tictac Equestrian website. If you have any questions for us, or any advice for our customers; we would love to hear from you! Contact us through our Facebook or Twitter.

It's Time to Look Out the Lightweight Rugs!

It’s getting to that time of year again when our horses get to shed their heavy winter rugs and wear a nice light rain sheet or fly rug. In the Tictac Equestrian office, we have been chatting about our range of lightweight rugs and which ones we prefer. With brands like Mark Todd, JHL, Fal Pro and Coolex, all at amazing prices you’ll be spoiled for choice!

I have several Mark Todd rugs for Honey and can’t recommend them highly enough. They don’t rub shoulders or manes, slide around and stay remarkably clean! Honey has her Mark Todd lightweight rug for summer time if there are some showers, her Autumner turnout with 150g filling for those chillier summer nights and her Heavyweight Combo to keep her nice and warm in our miserable winters!

To view our full range of summer rugs, visit our lightweight rug section on our Tictac Equestrian website. If you have any enquiries or advice for our team or customers, we would love to hear from you! Contact us through our Facebook or Twitter J

Rachael’s Corner: Be seen on the Roads This Summer

With the light summer nights approaching, more of us will be taking advantage and venturing onto the roads with our horses for some nice relaxing hacking. At Tictac Equestrian, all of our team are all strong believers in wearing reflective clothing whilst on the roads to keep ourselves and our horses safe and seen!

It has been proven that horses and riders wearing even one item of reflective clothing can be seen by motorists up to three seconds sooner than if they were to be dressed in regular clothing. Three seconds may not sound like a long time, but for a speeding motorist, it could be the difference between them hitting you and your horse or having the time to react efficiently!

With such a wide range of quality and affordable reflective clothing for you and your horse currently on the market, there really is no reason for you not to be keeping you and your horse safe and seen! At Tictac Equestrian, we stock lots of the latest products from brands like Mark Todd, HyVIZ, Luna Rider and many more.  To View our full range of reflective products, visit our road safety page on our Tictac Equestrian website.

If you have any questions you would like to ask us, please do not hesitate to contact us on our Facebook or Twitter page. We would love to hear from you J

Mark Todd Acupressure Pad

Our Tictac Equestrian boss Jenny has recently bought a Mark Todd Acupressure Pad for everyday use on her horses and is very impressed overall with the pad and recommended myself and Lauren to give it a try on our horses J

The pad is made up of three layers of 100% natural latex which ensures optimum weight bearing and shock absorbing qualities and also ensures that it moulds perfectly to the shape of your horse but will still retain its original shape (making it ideal for Jenny and her five horses!J) It has little tunnels through the latex which act as a vacuum to suck the hot air away from your horse’s back and replaces it with cool air which evaporates sweat more efficiently than a regular cotton or gel pad.

The pad is carefully designed to gently massage your horse’s muscles, increasing blood flow, making riding a more pleasant experience all round for your horse. This makes it especially effective for a young or more sensitive horse. Having a non-slip lining and also wither relief makes it suitable for any shape of horse, whether it is for a high withered thoroughbred type or one of the rounder variety that you have trouble keeping their saddle in place.

You can read more and purchase the Mark Todd Acupressure Pad at www.tictacequestrian.com for the special price of £59.99, down from our regular price of £69.99. You will also receive a free gift with your order - bonus!

If you have any questions you would like to ask our team, we would love to hear from you! Contact us on or Facebook or Twitter.

Does Your Horse Over Reach?

In the Tictac Equestrian office today, we have been chatting about how some of our horses overreach and what we do to prevent it. Overreaching is a very irritating problem that can cause serious injury to a horse and also cost us all a small fortune in shoes!

For anybody who doesn’t know what overreaching is, it’s when a horse reaches its back foot too far forward and clips the back of the front foot.  Some of the main reasons that cause overreaching are fatigue, poor conformation, lack of balance, poor muscle tone, poor shoeing (loose shoes) or overgrown hooves.

My horse and Lauren’s horse both overreach quite regularly, so we both invested in a pair of Mark Todd Competition Overreach Boots. They are a top quality boot made from neoprene, covered with a tough tear resistant outer. They have a little bulb on the inside which stops the boot spinning around like other cheaper rubber bell boots. I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for a pair as they are definitely well worth the money at £18.99! You can read more about or purchase these boots online on our Tictac Equestrian website. You will also receive a free gift for your horse with every order J

If you have any questions you would like to ask our team or if you have any advice for our customers, we would love to hear from you on our Facebook or Twitter.

Rachael's Corner: Show Season Essentials!

With the summer show season fast approaching, are you fully prepared and stocked up for you and your horse to perform and look your best? Here in the Tictac Equestrian office, we are continuously looking for quality, new and exciting products that our customers will love - all at competitive prices of course! J because we believe that being well prepared, feeling and looking your best, allows you to perform well.

At www.tictacequestrian.com, we stock a large range of quality products from lots of new and exciting brands such as Mark Todd, Le Mieux, John Whitaker, Pikeur, Fal Pro, Botanica, Dainese, Equino and many more; keeping our customers in the equine community stocked up with all of the latest trends and supplied with quality horse care products to keep your pet happy and healthy!

So whether you and your horse enjoy dressage, show jumping, cross country or just hacking and a trip to the beach, we will continue adding quality new products to our impressive range J

If you have any questions or issues you would like to share with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us on our Facebook or Twitter – we are more than happy to help!

Rachael's Corner: Does Your Horse's Saddle Fit?

Coming into the summer months, when we will hopefully be able to ride our horses more as our miserable UK winter weather improves, it is very important that your horse’s saddle fits well. Uneven pressure or pinching can make for a very unhappy and uncomfortable horse so keeping your tack in working order and fitting well will keep your horse pain free and happy throughout the season.

Your horse will change shape throughout the year as they gain and lose weight, and also as they grow if you own a youngster, so it is advised that you have your saddle checked at least once per year by a qualified saddle fitter to ensure it fits well and also to check for any damage to the tree.  Your horse will also benefit from having their saddle re-flocked every two to three years if you have a wool flocked saddle, this will ensure that your saddle is able to mould to the shape of your horse as they move.

I, unfortunately, bought a felt flocked saddle for my horse which means that if she changes shape then I will have to sell it on and buy a different one as these cannot be adjusted. Felt flocked saddles are also very expensive to re-flock as the saddle has to be taken apart to do it.

I’ve owned several Wintec saddles over the years, all of which have had Cair panels. This means that instead of the panels being flocked with wool or felt, they are filled with air which can be adjusted to suit your horse’s shape and moulds to the shape of your horse as they move a lot more effectively than wool so it doesn’t need to be re-flocked! They also have the adjustable gullet system, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust your saddle at home as they change shape, saving time and money! J

At www.tictacequestrian.com, we stock a wide range of quality tack from brands like Mark Todd and many more!

Grooming Horses with TicTac Equestrian

One of the many grooming
kits for horses on offer at TicTac!

We all like to look our best, and the same goes for our horses! That's why, to help you get the most out of your horse's natural good looks, TicTac Equestrian have a great range of horse grooming products to tease those locks, trim that mane, and preen that pony!

For our full range of items, from brushes, clippers and massage mitts to hoof picks, be sure to check out the grooming items section of the official TicTac website.

There is also a great selection of Horse and Pony Grooming Kits on offer at TicTac, combining many of these essential items with lots of other little surprises to help you get the most out of that mane and to enhance the enjoyment you will no doubt already be having tending to your beloved horses and ponies! 

With items from exciting, high quality equestrian brands such as Mark Todd and John Whitaker you'd be silly not to check these out! (Great Gift Ideas too!!)

Head to the Grooming Kit section of the TicTac site now before we run out! 

To rug or not to rug - advice on winter horse rugs

For a great selection of rugs,
check out the Tic Tac Equestrian store

Horse rugs form an essential part of proper modern horse care, and a lot of thought needs to go into deciding when and on what occasions to use different types of rugs. However, this doesn't need to be confusing and does not take long to get into a useful routine. 

To help you with this area of horse care, we've compiled a series of helpful tips, highlighting notable differences between all common rug types and when or when not to use them: 

Turnout Rugs

A horse turnout rug is generally used throughout all seasons (with the exception of the middle of summer) to keep the horse warm and dry out in the pasture. Of course, horses are naturally built to withstand winter weather by growing thick coats and as a result, they have the ability to stay warm in the winter without the use of turnout rug, if they aren't clipped. However, many horse owners tend to use rugs anyway.

Winter Turnout rugs

Throughout the winter, you will likley need a turnout rug that is much thicker; one which is both windproof and waterproof to keep your horse warm in all conditions. For a full selection of winter rugs, feel free to visit the Tic Tac store.

Spring/Summer rugs

On milder days, your choice of horse rug will need to be less thick, as there is less need for maintaining a horse's body heat. Many rugs that fall into this category are generally just meant to keep off summer showers and breezes although some of these, which have extra layers underneath, can still be used in the winter.

Stable blankets are also an essential piece of horse equipment to ensure comfort, care and protection throughout the winter months and as the name suggests, they are designed primarily to be used in the stable to keep the horse warm. Stable horse rugs are generally not waterproof, however, these can be used underneath a turnout rug to increase warmth.

As for other types of horse rugs, fly sheets help to keep off flies in the summer which can cause irritation or even lead to potentially serious diseases in horses. Whereas Show Rugs are used to protect a horse’s coat before a horse show to ensure that you don’t have to do any extra grooming.

Winter Rugs from Tic Tac Equestrian

Mark Todd Combo Under Rug

The Mark Todd under rug combo (£65.99) is ideal for extra warmth in the winter and is suitable for use under Mark Todd or any other brand of Rug. The under rug combo has been designed with a cotton outer to stop other rugs slipping over it. This Mark Todd rug has a non-slip channel quilted cotton outer, a cotton lined 250g filling inner, a single breast strap, double hook and loop neck fastening and low cross surcingle’s (fillet string not supplied). The Combo neck design of this under rug can be worn as a neck cover or folded back according to your horse’s needs.

Mark Todd Deluxe Heavyweight Turnout Rug

The Mark Todd Deluxe Heavyweight Combo turnout rug (£139.99) is the warmest and toughest rug of the Mark Todd Range, designed to ensure your horse is kept warm and dry in the middle of the winter. The Mark Todd Deluxe Heavyweight Combo is extra tough, waterproof and breathable.  It packs a punch with its extra tough 1680 denier outer and super warm 420g filling. This rug is ideal for winter use, particularly on clipped horses and will keep your horse warm and dry but allowing freedom of movement. The built-in gusset between the neck cover and main body of the Mark Todd deluxe heavyweight combo turnout rug allows the horse total freedom of movement. This is a very tough and durable heavyweight combo turnout rug for total weather protection.

Fal Pro Viking 200g Turnout Rug

The Fal Pro Viking 200g Turnout Rug (£231.99) is tough and durable and is one of Fal Pro's most popular turnout rugs. This rug has a superbly comfortable fit and offers a layered construction with 1000 denier ballistic waterproof and breathable nylon outer, silver interactive lining, separate duvet liner, absorbent blotting layer, no side seams, matrix belt fittings, easy clean fillet string and detachable neck cover. Unique to the Viking rugs is a layering system. The dual purpose of this construction is to make the rug completely waterproof whilst as the same time virtually eliminating condensation. 

These are a just a few of the fantastic Winter rugs we have on offer, so for more information, head over to the Tic Tac Equestrian Store. 

CHRISTMAS COMPETION - WIN A FABULOUS EQUESTRIAN HAMPER!!!

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION  - WIN A FABULOUS PRIZE!!

WIN THIS BULGING CHRISTMAS HAMPER!!

It's the time of year for gift-giving and spoiling yourself, so here at Tic Tac Equestrian, we've teamed up with The Equine Vet Clinic to bring you Christmas competition of epic proportions!! Together, we're giving you the chance to win a beautiful wicker hamper full of goodies for both you and your horse from your friendly neighbourhood suppliers of high quality equestrian brands for all your horsey needs!

This wonderful winter bundle includes:

• Loveson half chaps
• Mark Todd riding gloves, socks and headbands
• Herbal horse treat
• Likit bars
• Vetrap,
• Carr & Day & Martin mane and tail co
  nditioner
• An Equistro jacket 
• A £50 voucher to spend on TicTac Equestrian’s online store

JUST ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION!

In 1964 which British bred, Irish trained, thoroughbred racehorse won the Irish 2000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby and the Irish Derby and earned himself the title of British Horse of the Year?

A. Santa Clause
B. Rudolph
C. Christmas Cheer
D. The Snowman

Please email A, B, C or D along with your name address and telephone number to horsevet@tiscali.co.uk.

The closing date for all entries is 15 December 2012. 

For more info on these products and dozens of other great Equestrian supplies and leisurewear, you can visit the TicTac website: www.tictacequestrian.com

GOOD LUCK!!

Stable Boots

We thought we'd give you a few Christmas Gift ideas over the next few weeks, so here's a selection of Stable/Yard boots to help give you some ideas on practical gifts for today's style-conscious horse owner!

The Saddlecraft Yard Boot (£34.99) is a practical and sturdy everyday yard boot with suede upper. They feature a snug fleece lining and are available in a lace up or velcro fastening. Durable and long-life, these boots do the job while keeping you comfy and warm. 

The Mark Todd Kepler paddock boots (£64.99) are designed to ride in, but are equally suitable for outdoor activities. A lace-up paddock style jodhpur boot that allows you to adjust the tension around the foot and ankle enhancing support and comfort, the Mark Todd Kepler short riding boots feature a "Scotchgard" treated water-repellent outer and are made from a strong and durable nubusck leather with a shock absorbing "TDR" inner sole. The "Derma Dry" lining, shaped sole to stimulate blood circulation, light "TPU" sole, spur rests, and padded ankle support.

The Mark Todd Mountain Riding Boot (£85.99) is a practical work boot with complete waterproof outer along with a waterproof membrane sock. The EVA moulded sole provides added support and cushioning while the boot features 3M reflector tape at the quarter and heel.

For more information on these products and more, please visit us at Tic Tac Equestrian

Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet

I’m sure you all know that British weather is not the best at times, and there is nothing worse than having a soaking wet horse that you have to wait for to dry before putting a rug back on. This is why I believe that the Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet is a must when it comes to riding outdoors, especially in winter. The Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet is designed to keep your horse warm and dry during exercise in the rain. The problem with some exercise
sheets is that they may not be breathable, however this 600 denier polyester sheet provides breathability with the additional benefit of a fleece lining, which
provides comfort for the horse and extra warmth. There is a filet string at the back of the exercise sheet to prevent it from being blown about in the wind. The
Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet features a cut away area to accommodate the rider’s leg. Another feature is the reflective piping, which creates an extra safety aspect, as well as the twin reflective strips. This additional feature makes the product more versatile as it could be used to hack out on the road to make cars more aware of you. The Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet can be purchased from only £32.99 at TicTac Equestrian.

Mark Todd Fleece Exercise Sheet

This is defiantly not a product that I will every regret buying, for those extra cold
winter months this is the perfect way to keep our horse warm whilst in work,
especially a clipped horse. The exercise sheet has an outer and inner made from
fleece which is a very breathable material which is excellent for keeping the air
circulating and reducing any sweat build up. The Mark Todd Fleece Exercise
Sheet has many attachments, which will prevent it from slipping off or rubbing
onto the horse. The fastenings are hook and loop whither attachment, with a filet
string, which will give that extra secure hold. The design of the exercise sheet is
completely made to fit within the rider’s legs there is a cut away area that will
allow for the correct position whilst riding. The Mark Todd Exercise sheet has
gold piping colour and a bright blue outer binding set on a navy background; this
is a very eye catching colour combination. This product is available from TicTac
equestrian for £26.99.

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 Under Rug

For extra warmth in the winter months this is the perfect treat for your horse
to keep cosy. The Combo under rug is ideal for using under other Mark Todd
rugs, as it will act as a great complimentary rug. The unique design incorporates
a cotton outer to stop the rugs slipping over it making sure that it is securely
fastened with a single breast strap, double hook and loop neck fastenings with
low cross surcingle’s. The outer areas has a non-slip channel quilted cotton
with a 250g filling and a cotton lining which will act as a barrier for the hot air
to keep in circulation making sure your horse is kept warm during the winter
months. This product as a combo neck design can be worn with the hood or
folded back according to your horses needs. The design of the neck on this Mark
Todd Under Rug incorporates extra material at the withers, which will allow the
rug to stay secure when the horse is eating from the ground ensuring that there
is no rubbing or pulling of the rug that may cause discomfort to the horse. This
is defiantly a under rug that will ensure your horse is kept in good condition
through the winter season. This Mark Todd Under Rug is available at TicTac
Equestrian for £65.99.