When it comes to taking care of horses there are a lot of things to learn & sometimes just reading an article isn’t enough.

Here is a selection of how-to videos that cover many of the basics. Each providing a quick look at common horse tasks and the best methods for doing them.

Online video has made learning easier and more convenient by allowing horse lovers to watch helpful instructions in action.

Bridle & Unbridle Your Horse | Fit a Bridle | Fit a Saddle Dye a Saddle | Clean Horse Tack
Plait Manes & Tails | Muck a Stall | Pick up Horse Hooves | Tie Quick Release Knots
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This video offers helpful tips about identifying & releasing your horses pain points. These clips of information are from a DVD & workbook by Lorri Bracaloni over at Happy Natural Horse.

She offers a look at specific pain points on a real horse and provides simple techniques you can use to help keep your horse pain free. Most of them are quick and make logical sense to those who have a basic understanding of horse anatomy.
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Anyone who has had a massage will agree, you always feel better afterwards. Many horses are athletes and work their muscles hard so it should follow that they would benefit from massage just like we do.

This video provides some of the basics for those who want to take equine massage into their own hands.

If you decide to try this yourself be sure to remember that it’s important to listen to your animal, they will tell you are doing more bad than good.

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Something a little different for the artistic horsey DIY crowd (especially the ones who hate the color of their saddle). Sometimes change is good.

This process isn’t strictly for saddles, almost any light colored leather can be dyed (the darker colors, a tad more difficult). Whether you want to dye your saddle, bridle or that pair of boots, this vid provides some of the basics for the process.

Just remember, dye is permanent (and messy) so make sure you wear grubby clothes & shoes.!

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I hate to glorify people falling off their horses because it happens to all of us and it’s fair to say that it is never very funny at the time. Although those same facts can make it pretty funny later on.

This fall isn’t that funny, however it was executed with such style and grace that I just had to share it with everyone.

His performance actually earns him some well-deserved applause.

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There are many reasons you may want to use a tail bandage, for travel, protecting a clean tail prior to show days or for medical reasons when you need stray hairs out of your way.

The process is easy, you just need to know a few basic tips before you start. Once you get the hang of it you’ll never forget & this is something every horse person uses at some point.

This video provides a brief overview and step-by-step instructions for applying and removing a tail bandage and some general advice.

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Bot flies lay their legs in late summer on the legs of animals (especially horses). The eggs make the animals itch, they lick their leg for relief and into their system the bot eggs go.

Their larvae grow in the digestive system of the animal when they are passed through the bowels into their stool. Along the way they strip the animal of nutrients & can cause other damage like ulcers.

First and foremost using fly spray helps to prevent bot flies from even landing. Second, this quick video provides tips for recognizing and removing the eggs once they’ve been laid.

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Almost every discipline of riding requires tack of some sort & keeping it in good working order is important.

This video provides a brief look at what you need to strip & clean your tack as well as a step by step explanation for the process.

Remember, checking, cleaning and oiling your leather equipment will prolong it’s life and allows you to check for disrepair.

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Two of my favorite cheeky British ladies, Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders (man they are funny) and they are clearly familiar with the British horse world…which seems oddly similar to the American version.

This is an older skit from the French & Saunders Show and one every horse lover can & will appreciate (especially if you’ve had a stubborn horse give you the run around to get your hands on them). Enjoy!
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Not many of us think about warming up before we ride, but really we should. Almost all athletes warm their bodies up before a workout – and anyone who says riding a horse isn’t working out has never ridden one!

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, here is a quick tutorial that provides some key stretches for equestrians. Stretching serves to warm up your muscles which can go a long way to helping prevent injury.
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Due to their isolated location, strict import laws and dedicated breeding practices the Icelandic Horse boosts one of the purest bloodlines on the planet.

This video shows a group of riders on a trek in Iceland, they are accompanied by a herd of horses which they take turns riding.

Icelandic horses are gaited, athletic and known for their happy-go-lucky attitude.

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Being animals of prey, horses are prone to a freak out now, look later attitude, which means there will always be minor injuries to look after. Knowing a little basic first aid is essential, not just for your horse but for the people around them as well.

Here is a quick overview that discusses which products are important to keep in your first aid kit and some of the basics of cleaning minor horse wounds. If your animal has a wound that you question the severity of, be sure to contact your vet.
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