Good horsemanship habits don't always have to be expensive. In fact, some of the best barn hacks don't even require a trip to the tack store. From buying sponges in the automobile section of your nearest superstore to using ketchup as a tool to help whiten the tails on a gray horse, there are tons of ways you can up your horsemanship game on a budget without sacrificing the quality of care for your horse. We asked the USEA membership to chime in with their favorite barn hacks and you did not disappoint. Check out some of the suggestions below!
Marilu J: "Spray pine oil mixed with some water all around your stall walls, it keeps flies out."
Polly G: "Using all synthetic brushes so that you can throw them in a bleach bath to clean them without having to worry about ruining them. Good for large programs where you need to avoid cross-contamination when a horse gets fungus."
Jenny L: "Epona Tiger Tongue grooming tool is the best thing ever for speed grooming/tacking/post care. It’s a cheat I actually feel a little guilty using!"
Haily B: "Dryer sheets for static! Rub [the horse] down with them to help prevent those nasty shocks in the dry winter months."
Margaret M: "For horse shows one of my favorites is to buy two pop up hampers and set them up outside my trailer dressing room. One is for dirty horse laundry and one is for dirty rider laundry. It makes unpacking at home a lot easier!"
Addi M: "Skin so soft, rubbing alcohol and a little witch hazel takes out sweat marks instantly!"
Morgan M: "Vaseline in the corners of the horse's mouth works the same as bit butter to keep cracks away!"
With the holiday spirit in full swing and the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for the 2024 eventing season. From paperwork to packing, there’s quite a bit to do before you’re ready to get out there and enjoy the season with your horse. Check out these tips from the team at STRIDER, and get your 2024 season kicked off in the most organized way possible.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2024, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Emerging Programs. In addition to these Eventing Pathway Program updates, several opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes.
The United States Eventing Associations’ (USEA) Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is pleased to announce the dates and location of the upcoming 2024 ECP Symposium. The annual ECP Symposium, which is held in the southeast to accommodate the migration of eventers for the winter season, will be hosted at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida, on Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2024. This three-day immersive educational experience is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about eventing coaching, including current coaches, riders, parents, owners or avid supporters. Click here to download the registration form today!
The USEA is incredibly proud to allow the thrill of the 'chase to live on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic long format three-day event through our USEA Classic Series events. Long-format events from the Beginner Novice to Preliminary levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. In addition, educational activities are offered at the USEA Classic Series Events to help prepare competitors, especially those who are contesting their first-ever long format event.