Photoshop fake or genuine zorse?

Hebra or Zorse, whatever you call it, this equine beast is causing a stir amongst the horse world. With many believing it the work of photoshop, and others sure it is real, 'Eclyse' the half horse, half zebra creation of Italian ranch owners is certainly an interesting sight. With a white body and broken up by patches of brown stripes, whatever it is no amount of horse supplements could get its coat looking like that!

What do you think? Genuine zorse or photoshop fake? click here

Introduction to horse boots

Horse boots are used to protect the horse's legs whilst being ridden or while travelling. Many equestrian activities place heavy demands on the muscles and tendons in the horse's legs so boots are used to give extra support.
Boots can also be used to correct problems such as over reaching, cutting and brushing. There is a wide array of boots available to suit all equine disciplines, each providing protection to a different area of the horse's leg.
Brushing Boots
Also referred to as splint boots, these are for horses with the tendency to brush their legs together whilst being ridden. With strong 'strike pads' running up the inside of the boot to absorb the shock, brushing boots protect the legs from injury. The boot should start just below the knee and finish just below the fetlock or ankle joint. Leather boots are stronger than synthetic versions but must be cleaned regularly to maintain their condition.
Tendon boots
As the name suggests, these boots protect the horse's tendons which run down the back of the lower foreleg, so are normally open-fronted. They should sit high enough to protect the tendon and extend low enough to protect the fetlock joint. They have a thick pad sewn into the boot which can both correct over reaching and support weak tendons. They are also used in wet, muddy or extreme conditions when extra support is needed to protect the leg from injury. Open-fronted boots are normally favoured by show jumpers as they provide the protection needed whilst still allowing the horse to feel the poles of the jump.
Over reach boots
Some horses are prone to 'over reaching'. This occurs when the toe of the hind foot strikes into the heel or coronet of the front foot which can cause injury. The over reach boot prevents this by forming a protective shell over the front hooves. Non-fastening rubber overreach boots can be hard to get on but once in place, they will stay put. However, they can flip up which prevents them providing any protection.
Fetlock boots
Similar to the tendon boot, fetlock boots are designed to give specific protection to the vulnerable fetlock area. Fetlock boots are shorter than tendon boots and are normally only fitted to the back legs.
Cross Country Boots
These boots offer all round protection which is necessary for hard impact and demanding equestrian sports such as cross country. Also suitable for hunter trials, national hunt racing, team chasing, eventing and hunting, these boots support the cannon bone, tendon and fetlock as well as giving protection from brushing.
Travel boots
Travel boots offer protection from the knocks and bumps that can occur in the horsebox or trailer and are easier to put on and less time consuming then travel bandages. Travel boots are either made from simple square pads or from shaped boots which run from the coronet up to the knee and hock and so are much longer and more padded than other horse boots.

Keep your horse happy in its leather bridle

A good quality leather bridle should be viewed as an investment. With the right care, a leather bridle can last for years and will certainly look and feel nicer for your horse. As the bridle is one of the main points of communication between horse and rider, ensuring your horse is happy in its bridle is paramount for a contented and willing mount. As well as buying the right bridle and fitting it correctly, other checks need to regularly be made to prevent any discomfort to your horse that could lead to injury and behavioural problems.

Before fitting the bridle, check for any dirt or signs of wear and tear - broken reins are the last thing you want when galloping across the downs or halfway over an oxer. Many riders forget to check the bit, but sharp edges or rough patches could harm your horse so ensure that you take the time to thoroughly inspect it.

Tips for keeping your trusty steed's mouth happy

Your horse's teeth should be checked or rasped every six months. Not dissimilar from filing one's nails, 'rasping' is where the vet will simply use a rasp inside the horse's mouth to smooth down any sharp edges of the horse's teeth. As horses' teeth grow at different rates, some may need their teeth rasped more often then others. Although this is a painless procedure, some horses don't like it and may have to be sedated beforehand.

The 'bars' of the horse's mouth should also be checked. These are the spaces on the horse's gums between the front teeth and molars and are where the bit will sit. Check that there is no bruising or swelling which could indicate a poorly fitting bit.

Finally ensure you are using the correct bit for your horse. Using the wrong bit could harm your horse and hamper your ability to effectively communicate with it. You shouldn't change your horse's bit or leather bridle> without first consulting an expert.

Finest tweed jackets and equestrian clothing

The tweed jacket has long been established as an essential item of equestrian clothing for any discerning rider. Regularly worn by Prince Charles and more recently by Ben from 'The Apprentice', tweed jackets are best known as a hunting garment but are not uncommon in the show ring due to their simple, understated pure equestrian elegance.

Originating from islands surrounding the Hebrides, tweed has been used by highlanders for centuries because of its warmth and natural moisture repellant properties. Although the exact date the tweed came into fruition is unknown, it is believed to date from around the 14th century when weavers would intertwine the wool from their black face sheep to create closely-woven, durable garments to combat the harsh Scottish climate.

Although there were numerous mills along the River Tweed on the Scottish border, the word "tweed" is believed to actually be an English corruption of the Scottish word "Tweel". One account suggests that "tweed" was a spelling mistake by a busy London clerk who no doubt knew of the mills along the river and wrongly assumed that "tweed" was the correct spelling. In spite of this, the term was in popular usage from the mid-19th century onwards. Gentlemen would don tweed garments for visits to their Scottish hunting estates, favouring them for their warmth and smart appearance.

Tweed sporting garments became the standard attire for Victorian and Edwardian gentlemen alike and they still maintain an important part of equestrian attire today. Available in either herringbone or checked patterns, they come in a variety of different colours with the most common being greens, browns, mustards and grays.

Traditional tweed jackets

Caldene's Men's Windsor Tweed Jacket is a prime example of tweed at its best. Made from only the finest pure new wool, this three buttoned green check tweed men's jacket is beautifully fitted and has side vents to allow it to sit without hindrance on top of your steed. With a jacket like this you can rest assured that you will always look your best.

As with the men's jacket, the Caldene Belvoirladies and juniors traditional tweed jacket has all the perks of modern craftsmanship and comfort whilst retaining the traditional style of the customary tweed riding jacket. Available in both the Derby Tweed and the Keepers tweed designs, this jacket will be sure to complement your equestrian attire wonderfully.