Category

Horse Care

13/04/2026

What are Fly Masks for Horses

At Oakfield Saddlery, we often hear from concerned walkers or new owners who worry that a horse in a fly mask is essentially being blindfolded. It’s a natural reaction: after all, to human eyes, some of these masks look like solid fabric! The truth is much more “eye-opening.” Since we’ve been supporting the equestrian community since 1988, we’ve seen fly mask technology evolve from simple fringes to high-tech, UV-blocking gear. Here is everything you need to know about how horses see through their masks and why they are a summer... Read More

17/01/2026

Mastering the Moult: How to Manage the Spring Coat Shed

As every horse owner knows, there is a specific time of year when you leave the stables wearing almost as much horse hair as your equine friend. Welcome to horse shedding season, that transition period where your horse’s woolly winter defence makes way for a sleek summer shine. At Oakfield Saddlery, we know that whether you are a “happy hacker” or a competition rider, dealing with the “great moult” is a universal experience. While it requires a fair bit of elbow grease, it is also a fantastic opportunity to assess... Read More

16/01/2026

Best Horse Joint Supplements: A Guide to Keeping Your Horse Moving

At Oakfield Saddlery, we know that nothing is more important than your horse’s comfort. Whether you are a “happy hacker” enjoying the local bridleways of Lancashire or a competition rider chasing rosettes, the health of your horse’s joints is fundamental to their happiness and yours. As a family business established in 1988, we have seen equestrian trends come and go, but the need for quality joint support has remained constant. With research suggesting that up to 60% of equine lameness is related to osteoarthritis, finding the right support is a... Read More

15/01/2026

Spring Grass Success: The Ultimate Guide to Horse Supplements & Health

As the days lengthen and the first flush of spring grass begins to appear in March, excitement builds at the yard. However, for many of us at Oakfield Saddlery, this season also brings a note of caution. The transition from winter forage to lush spring pasture is one of the most critical times for your horse’s digestive system. While we all love seeing our horses enjoy turnout, the sudden intake of sugar-rich grass can significantly increase the risk of digestive upsets (colic) and laminitis. Maintaining your horse’s gut microbiome balance... Read More

19/12/2025

How to Survive This Winter With Your Horses

Winter brings its own set of challenges for horse owners. From muddy fields to freezing temperatures, ensuring your horse stays healthy and happy requires extra care and attention. Everyone’s horse has a different routine, whether it’s fully kept at grass, partially turned out, or stabled. Winter horse care typically involves using winter horse rugs or providing extra feed, and often includes adjustments to exercise, with limited opportunities for hacking out. This guide will walk you through the key areas of equine cold-weather management, including feeding and hydration, rugging, and hoof... Read More

16/10/2025

How to keep a horse calm on bonfire night

Bonfire night can cause stress and fear in many animals, and horses and ponies are no exception, making it a worrying time for their owners. The bangs from fireworks can be very unsettling, and it is hard to know how to deal with the situation to comfort the animal. Horses are flight animals that typically try to avoid all stressful or frightening situations. This could result in them injuring themselves by attempting to jump a fence or climb stable doors. We have put together some top tips to help protect... Read More

21/07/2025

How to Keep You and Your Horse Cool in Summer

While the sunshine and warm weather are welcomed after the relentless cold and wet months, summer poses its own challenges to horses and riders alike. Keeping your horse cool can be difficult, but it is crucial to their health and well-being. Here, we are discussing how to recognise when your horse is struggling in the heat and ways to keep you and them cool, safe and hydrated so you can enjoy the sunshine.  Table of contents What temperature is too hot for horses? How do I tell if my horse... Read More

18/07/2025

How to Measure and Fit a Horse Bridle

Once you have chosen the correct bridle for your horse, you must measure your horse to get the correct size and ensure you fit it properly. This one-stop guide will help you measure and fit your bridle so you can get back out in the fields with your companion, knowing they are safe and comfortable.  Table of contents How to measure a bridle for a horse How to put a bridle on a horse Bridles at Oakfield  How to measure a bridle for a horse You need to take a... Read More

01/07/2025
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How to Braid Horse Hair

Depending on your equestrian experience and the level you ride at, you might have never thought about having to braid your horse’s hair. Usually reserved for competition, braiding can be a tricky skill to master. This guide will break it down, step by step, to help you create show-worthy plaits on even the most unruly manes.  Table of contents History of horse braiding  How to braid horse hair  How many plaits should a horse have? Can horse braids be left in? History of horse braiding Horse braiding has been around... Read More

24/02/2025

How to Wash & Store Saddle Pads

A clean and properly stored saddle pad will serve you well for many years. Keeping them in good condition is important for their longevity and your horse’s comfort, leading to better performance and a bond between horse and rider.  Here, we will run through the best ways to clean your saddle pads and store them properly to ensure they perform at their best and are comfortable for you and your horse.  Contents  Why is saddle pad care important? How often should saddle pads be washed? How to clean a saddle... Read More