Horse riding apparel differs greatly for the people who spend some time on the back of a horse. Horse riding apparel for the cowboys who work on ranches is much different than the jockeys who ride in famous races. The cowboys on the ranches wear horse riding apparel that helps them survive in difficult conditions and horse riding apparel that makes them more comfortable. Most cowboys riding the range wear blue jeans that are nice and comfortable because they are well worn. Most cowboys spend hours every day on their horses, and their jeans do not stay new and stiff for long.

The cowboys on ranches usually wear boots that protect their feet from cactus and critters such as rattlesnakes. If a cowboy steps on a cactus without a sturdy shoe, he is going to be in pain. Horse riding apparel for a cowboy includes a good hat with a wide brim that will keep the sun out of the eyes and face. These hats are not fashion statements for a real working cowboy, but these hats are valuable to protect them from harsh conditions in the sun. Some cowboys also use chaps which are leather pieces that cover a portion of their legs and protect them from the treacherous terrain.

(more…)

Nowadays, the only time a modern American sees a horse is on TV or the movies. Usually, the horse shown is a Thoroughbred racehorse. Recent movies that have done extremely well include Seabiscuit, The Black Stallion, Phar Lap and Dreamer. All of these films feature modern Thoroughbred racing. This can lead to the conclusion that all horse riding and racing are one and the same. This has also lead to many animal rights groups protesting all forms of horse riding, racing especially.

Horses for Courses

Animal rights groups are right to call Thoroughbred racing cruel. The horses are incredibly inbred (90% can trace their ancestry back to one stallion, The Darley Arabian, born in 1700). An estimated 60% of all Thoroughbreds alive trace back to Northern Dancer, who was born in 1961. The horses in racing cannot support their own weight, let alone that of a rider. They are forced to race before their bones have hardened. After their racing careers are over, they are usually slaughtered. The Blood Horse reported that 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand was slaughtered for meat in Japan.

(more…)

Horse riding has remained a popular activity for many, many people as it is a very popular pastime. There are a few common misconceptions, however, regarding horse riding. The most common misconception is as follows: for one to enjoy this sport and activity, the person must own their own horse and ride it either in the vicinity near where the horse is kept; or the person who owns the horse must transport it to an area where the horse can be safely ridden. Now, this is a completely accurate description of one of the ways in which horse back riding can be undertaken. However, it is not the only way! In fact, there is a great variety to the manner in which horse riding can be enjoyed.

Do You Need To Own Your Own Horse?

The answer to the above question is: no, you do not. There are a number of horse back riding trails that provide ‘rental’ horses and guides. Needless to say, this infers that on does not have to be an expert when it comes to being able to ride a horse. After all, everyone must start somewhere and numerous people become introduced to the sport through a weekend pursuit of giving horse riding a try. While many novices may be somewhat nervous about hopping on a horse, those horses that are rented to a beginner are usually docile and accommodating to beginners. Plus, there is also the added benefit of having a guide along to make sure that all goes smooth. Now, some may automatically assume that such a diversionary activity may be expensive to take part in, but in reality it is quite affordable and inexpensive.

(more…)

While kayaking has quickly become a popular choice of water activity and recreation, it’s by far one of the oldest forms of transportation. People have been traveling by kayak for centuries, mainly because it was once the only method of water transportation. But over time, it evolved from a necessity to a recreational sport, leading to the development of kayaking gear and accessories. If you are planning to participate in a kayaking adventure for the first time, you may be unsure of what you will need. Here are a few tips for finding the best kayaking equipment.

Obviously, you will need a kayak. If you are going through a kayaking tour company, chances are you will have the opportunity to rent a kayak as part of your package price. But if you’re going independently, or with friends and family, you’ll need your own kayak. Kayaks come in many different sizes, and you need to determine how many people will be traveling with you. Even if you’re planning to kayak alone, consider purchasing one with two or more seats. This way you will have room for others on future trips and you can still distribute the weight by using heavier items for leverage if you want to paddle alone. Speaking of paddles, you will need those too. Choosing a paddle takes time and there are factors to consider when looking for paddles. First of all, be sure the paddle fits the specific type of paddling you have in mind. For example, if you plan to paddle through white water, you will need a paddle with a stronger and thicker blade. You also need to make sure the paddle fits your body strength and height, as well as the height and width of your kayak.

(more…)

Braving the waters “au naturel” is something we would normally think of doing when taking a shower or soaking in a bath. But have you ever gotten the feeling to do something crazy and unforgettable? Do you love the outdoors and the water? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you may just be the right person to experience nude kayaking. After all, it’s an excursion that isn’t likely to be forgotten in your lifetime!

Even if you have no experience with kayaking but still want to try this bold approach to fun and good times, you have absolutely nothing holding you back - except maybe your clothes. Kayaking is an activity that is considered safe for people of all ages and ability levels. It requires little physical exertion (provided the weather cooperates) and some would even consider it to be a relaxing experience. With that concern out of the way, if you’re willing to paddle your way through the water wearing your birthday suit, then all you need to know now is where to go to experience this thrill.

(more…)