We’re thinking that this old nugget of wisdom could easily be applied to what’s going on in the horse equipment world right now – with one word of caution – if you do decide to buy something that seems too good to be true then chances are that it probably is.
With world wide shortages of materials following the shutdown of factories due to COVID and slow moving shipping lines running at half capacity, supply chains the world over have been negatively affected. Add to that the scarcity of shipping containers and high tariffs, and you have the perfect situation for empty shelves at the tack store and ‘out of stock’ banners online. Even items that are ‘American Made’ usually rely on some components from overseas – many aren’t readily available in the US so delays are compounded across all industries.
So recently, we’ve noticed a worrying trend of non-branded tack items showing up on facebook, Instagram etc. Sometimes these items are being sold in specialty groups, sometimes via targeted ads, but the message is usually the same and goes like this:
New with Tags! Buy Now! Only a Few Colors Left!
The headline is then accompanied by a brief description of the item with a killer price attached. Usually there’s very little detail about the materials, technology and most importantly where and by whom the items are made.
It’s easy to think that if something is offered for sale in a forum or group designed to be seen by equestrians, that the person doing the advertising has done their homework on the items. Unfortunately, this is not always so. There are many wholesale online marketplaces offering horse equipment for sale to anyone with a credit card and shipping address. But what do you really know about the people manufacturing these unbranded items? Do they even know their way around a horse? Have they taken precautions to make sure that their designs are suitable, made from horse friendly materials and safe to use?
While we are not saying that every ad is offering unsuitable items, we have seen a lot that are. Recently we saw an ad in a facebook group offering ‘Eventing Boots’ for sale. Closer inspection of these boots showed that they would really be better described as ‘Brushing Boots’ as they had no proper protection in the areas that are imperative for a boot designed for Cross Country. These particular boots were made of a soft fabric material (probably neoprene but hard to tell with no real description) and looked so flimsy that there was no way they could protect a horse’s leg from any impact. The stitching was shoddy and the design looked like it was just a piece of material sewn together in a rough shape to fit around a horse’s leg. No technology, no ripstop material, no reinforcement – nothing. Yet the (American) facebook seller had them described as ‘Eventing Boots’ – a sad misrepresentation if ever we saw one.
We’ve also seen ‘Jump’ boots made from plastic so hard as to be immovable on a horse’s legs – and shaped completely at odds with a horse’s anatomy – likely causing stress and eventually pain for a horse. Oftentimes the main selling point is color matching or patterns designed to catch the eye. But a closer look shows that beyond the pretty outer material there really isn’t anything that should go anywhere near a horse. Sometimes the sellers may be selling multiple items across various categories – but just because they appear to be a ‘horsey’ person, doesn’t necessarily mean that they have any knowledge about the manufacturing process. Nor may they even know anything about a particular category of items they are trying to sell.
Before jumping headlong into purchasing something from one of these ‘too good to be true’ offers, ask yourself this. How can you be sure that the person designing and making these bargain basement items really has any idea about horses? Will they be able to answer questions about the intricate design and materials of the item? Can they tell you what manufacturing process was used? Do they know if the items will function well for different disciplines – in different climates – what sort of testing has been done along the way? More importantly, is there a warranty on the product? Where do you return them and can you get your money back if they aren’t what you thought they would be?
Because without asking all these questions, you could be setting yourself and your horse up for problems. Remember, horse tack is not the same as buying fashion items. We’ve all been guilty of buying a piece of clothing that looked amazing online but turned out to be nothing like the ad when it actually arrived. The best case scenario is that you were able to return somewhere, even if it took a month to get the money back in your account. The worst – you wrote it off as a bad experience and moved on. But horse equipment isn’t like that. Your horse can’t always tell you if the structure of the item is causing him irritation or pain. He also can’t let you know that the item won’t offer the proper amount of protection until its too late. Suddenly the cheap price of the item doesn’t seem such a great deal.
So while we’re not suggesting that you will never come across a great bargain in a chat room or watching a TikTok video, we are asking you please to stop and pause before rushing headlong. There is a reason that brands build value associated with their products and have a customer base buying over and over from them. Usually the people behind these brands have spent years studying their items, are working with the best riders in the world to develop their product lines and have independent testing to show that they work.
With online shopping at an all time high, it’s easy for anyone looking for a way to make extra money to jump on a band wagon and try to sell some horse safety equipment. But if the helmet, horse boots, bridle, air vest etc doesn’t seem to be made by any reputable brand, please ask the questions and look at manufacturing and warranty details BEFORE YOU BUY. It’s the only way to know if you really are getting a bargain or simply buying something that really does turn out to be too good to be true.
]]>Since we’ve all been spending a lot more time inside recently, it’s inevitable that we’ve also been scanning our computers and probably purchasing more on line.
We receive lots of emails each day with questions about our products and one of the questions we seem to get a lot is “What should I look out for when buying tack and why are there price differences?”
Here is our list of Top Ten Insider Tips to help you to decide when its worth the splurge and when its not.
Sometimes when you go to a barn you may notice that everyone seems to be using the same item. This might be because certain trainers recommend the item or because everyone has seen the same Instagram ad. It could also be just because the local tack store is displaying this item in a prominent place, causing most visitors to overlook any other similar items in the store. Before you rush headlong into buying, stop and ask yourself exactly why you need the item. Is it because you truly believe it’s the best choice for your horse, or is it because everyone else has it? If you’re on close terms with someone you can ask them why they purchased, and perhaps get a closer look before you rush to buy. If after that you still absolutely want and need to buy it, then go ahead, but try to make sure that you at least examine your reason for wanting it.
Back before there was an internet, riders would walk into their local tack store looking to buy tack but not really knowing EXACTLY what they wanted. Tack store owners would show them to the section and there would probably be only a few brands to choose from. So riders bought items based on what was in stock and what the store owner recommended from personal preference or experience.
That all changed when we all gained access to the ‘web. Suddenly riders became aware of hundreds more brands that they had never heard of. Now we can all can see reviews and know what world class athletes use, just by looking at the ‘tagged’ products on our accounts. But….amazingly some riders still don’t do a lot of research before they buy. If you have an idea of the type of item you want, compare features, materials and look at blogs and You Tube videos to really get all the background info. This will give you a much better idea of what you want. If you are shopping in a traditional tack store and don’t see what you want, ask the staff. Don’t settle for what they have in the store or get pushed into another brand just because its what they sell. Most tack stores can special order items for you so don’t be afraid to ask!
Going back to #2, when you start researching on line don’t just look at the images. Most Companies have a few ‘hero’ shots of their images that make them look really good, but when you get them in person they may tell a very different story. It’s super important to like the look of something, of course, but also take the time to read the description and understand the technology inside. One of the things that makes us different at Majyk Equipe are the proprietary materials we use. These materials aren’t just what’s available at every mass factory, they are materials that were painstakingly developed and refined through our network of world leaders – the same people who develop materials for the top sporting goods companies in the world. These materials can make all the difference to the feel and fit of good tack and surprisingly it’s not always the most expensive choice either. So before you rush to hit the ‘Buy’ button, take a look at really what you’re buying.
A wise man once said:
“At the end of the day, what did you pay?
And what have you got, is it really a lot?”
When we started our company, one of the main reasons for doing so was because we felt like there was no real ‘middle ground’ when it came to horse tack. We had so many friends who ‘invested’ in show boots, but left them in their tack trunk year round only to pull them out a few times a year when they were competing. Meanwhile, they had a cheap, basic pair of boots they used all year in their home barn. Of course, this is just crazy!! The chances of your horse taking a knock during the hundreds of ‘training’ days is far greater than the 15 minutes in the ring. By not using a good pair of boots year round, you really could be playing Russian Roulette with your horse’s legs. A few things to remember when deciding how much is too much…..
Many tack brands buy a basic item from a factory that's making the same items for multiple companies. It’s easy to see whether or not the items you are purchasing are mass produced by taking a quick look at the finishes. If the item looks pretty standard but has a basic company logo sewn or screened on to it, chances are this is an item that is mass produced for multiple brands and then just ‘customized’ for each company. While that doesn’t always necessary mean it’s a bad thing, it does mean that the brand usually hasn’t had a hand in the actual design of the item. If you can see some actual uniqueness in the material itself, chances are that it has been designed by the company you are buying from. For instance, our XC boots all have an ‘M’ embedded in the actual outer shell material – our jump boots have custom vents and a unique strike plate with an ‘M’. This helps you to see that the item was custom designed and engineered by our team – not just ordered ‘off the shelf’ from a mass producer. Also check the stitching. Consistent, neat stitching will show you that care has been taken in the overall manufacturing. Haphazard stitching may be a sign of low quality control, and may mean the company you are buying from doesn’t even check the product before it ships to you.
Examples of basic boots purchased 'Ready Made' from a Factory .
If you own a piece of tack that you absolutely love, see if the same brand has other items you might love too. It might sound simple, but we are often surprised when people say “Oh I never thought about buying ‘XYZ” from you.” So if you have purchased and been happy with something from a particular tack manufacturer, chances are that the same quality will be applied across their whole line. Conversely, if you have been sorely disappointed then its probably better not to keep trying new items from the same brand, even if that’s the one your local store favors. Another great thing about living in the internet age? If you purchase something and hate it after a few rides then you can always list it or swap it for something you do love. There is a whole new world of internet tack exchange sites that allow you to make a few mistakes and then set you on the right path to getting exactly what you need for your horse.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when purchasing tack is not checking out the sizing, especially online. If you are shopping on line and the site you are on only shows ‘small, medium, large’ type options then hunt around the site for a size chart. If you don’t see one, it is worth looking for the same item on other sites so that you can find a detailed size chart. The cost of shipping items back and forth can eat into any budget, especially if the site charges a restocking fee as some do. Much better to know the exact measurement that you are looking for BEFORE you purchase. (For more on this subject read our blog “Why Size Really Does Matter.”)
Today’s top riders have their pick of hundreds of tack brands. If you compete in a certain discipline and see more and more nationally ranked riders using that brand, then it’s a good indication that it’s something you should consider. Remember, top riders will usually only choose to endorse something that they really believe in. You can bet that, if it has stood up to the sort of wear and tear that top rated riders put their tack through, then it will be great for you too. When we started our company, we first started working with Eventers because we knew that they needed to have the best equipment for Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping. In other words, we needed to be able to make products for three completely separate disciplines. Now that so many of our riders are in the top 1% in the word, we feel honored to have been the choice from the beginning.
Fashions come and go but quality lasts forever. While there may be fads in tack, there are a few things that never change. Its always good to look to newer brands for the latest styling and up to date technology, but remember that some traditional styles become classics too. There’s a difference between picking good traditional materials that last, and using something that was the ‘best of the best’ in the 1970s but has now been superseded by superior technology and design. So shop around, know what you look for and don’t be afraid to experiment. While you're at it, look out for special deals or 'free product' promotions. Often if you're buying something of higher value, there may be a promotion that gives you something else for free to help you round out your tack trunk. So keep your eyes peeled and don't always just look for discounts, look out for other special offers too.
10. Listen to Your Horse
Your horse will quickly tell you his or her tack favorites. For instance, when you put a soft, good fitting girth on your horse you will find that they are much less fussy about being girthed. Likewise, it may take a few tries to get the best bit shape for your horse's mouth, and it may not end up being the one you first thought of. Also, once you own a piece of high quality tack, remember to clean it regularly to get the longest life span and make sure that dirt build up isn't causing abrasions on your horse.
So don't be afraid to veer off the well beaten path and try a few different set ups before you get it absolutely right. Remember every horse is an individual and their tack fit is unique to their shape and size. So, with a little forward planning and research you should be able to save yourself money and get the best tack choices so that you and your horse can have a happy partnership. :)
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Girths have been around in various forms since riding horses began. Some of the earliest girths were used as decorations for saddle cloths – a basic type of girth can be seen in artwork from as far back as 600BC showing Persian and Assyrian Warriors.
The name ‘girth’ is actually derived from the Proto-Germanic source “Gertu” which also makes up the basis of words like “Girdle” and “Gird”. Western riders use the term ‘Cinch’ which also describes the action of tightening the apparatus around the horse’s stomach.
Since the beginning of time girths have been made from a variety of materials. Everything from a basic rope or mohair construction to the latest lightweight water resistant materials.
In the same way that Horse Boots started to be mass produced in the 1960s and 1970s, so girths also followed the same pattern. With the need to manufacture large numbers quickly and cheaply, Neoprene was favored by lots of manufacturers. This was a material that held up well, was cheap and readily available and used by most of the Asian factories churning out girths by the thousands.
But, just as neoprene is no longer the ideal material to wrap around your horse’s legs. So there are some considerations to make before using a neoprene girth.
Below we break down each category of girth and what to consider:
These girths are made to be used with an All Purpose or Jumping Saddle and usually come in lengths between 42-54 inches. AP girths can be made in lots of different outer materials with fixed or roller buckles. They usually have elastic on both ends but can sometimes have one side only. With an English girth, the important thing is to have something lightweight and breathable, with roller buckles so that you can adjust from your saddle if you need to. The more modern girths have an ergonomic shape to clear the horse’s shoulder when jumping. Heat under the girth is a real issue so look for a non neoprene liner with breathable construction. Fleece can work well as can more modern bio foam materials.
These girths are designed to work with a monoflap saddle and may have elastic ends or non elastic ends. These girths are shorter and often come with a belly guard area. Sizes are usually 20-32 inches. Monoflap girths can be synthetic or leather.
This type of girth is short like the monoflap girth but likely to be shaped for comfort. They can be made from leather or synthetic material and are usually black in color. The shape of a dressage girth is extremely important as the horse bends and stretches its body in a variety of ways and needs a girth to flex and not interfere with movement. Traditionally these girths have been made of leather, but top riders are now starting to favor synthetic girths with lightweight breathable liners. These girths are sized for a monoflap saddle.
Horses can show intense reaction to being girthed. We have even coined the term ‘girthy’ for horses that may back up, kick or show even more extreme reactions to being girthed. Sometimes this reaction is from a memory of harsh handling in the past, but sometimes it may be your horse’s way of telling you that its uncomfortable. Did you know that a large number of horse’s are allergic at some level to neoprene? While some may show a severe reaction with hive like bumps, lost coat or sores, others may show very little outward reaction but still feel the effects of the allergy. If your horse has a tendency to be ‘girthy’ even without showing any outward symptoms, it may be a good idea to switch your neoprene girth out for a non neoprene version to see if it makes a difference. We have seen many horses that were sensitive to girthing completely settle down and work calmly and safely when we have switched out their girth for a Majyk neoprene-free version.
top: allergic reaction to girth
bottom: ill fitting, badly made girth
These three words are extremely important when it comes to choosing an ideal girth. For everyday schooling and jumping you need a lightweight girth that will not interfere with your horse’s movement. You may also have a need to attach training aids so look for a girth that can accommodate that. Majyk Equipe girths are the only girths with magnetic D rings that can be used for training but then tuck neatly away when not in use.
All our girths are also ergonomically shaped to make sure that they sit exactly where they should. Our dressage girths have a ‘moon’ shape and also feature spur save buckle covers – a common complaint when your spur is clanking against the buckles on your girth. The biofoam inner liner on all our girths is designed to overlap with a 'buffer zone' giving your horse a cushion all around the girth and protecting it from any sharp edges.
Many eventers favor our monoflap girths for their extremely lightweight construction. These girths have an extra large stud guard ‘belly’ plate to protect the horse as it tucks over a jump. Our D rings tuck nicely away with a magnet so there is no chance of a stud getting caught up in the girth. Because they are so lightweight, the girths don’t weigh your horse down – especially important when competing during a rigorous cross country round where every gram of extra weight counts.
So the next time you look into girths, try to look for the following:
If you follow that advice you can’t go too far wrong. A well fitting girth can make an enormous difference to your ride and make for a happier horse so remember to really consider all of the above when purchasing a new girth.
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Recently we received a message via social media. The message, while brief, asked us why we had not put out any supporting messages for the current movement sweeping the country in the wake of the George Floyd murder.
To be honest, we were shocked to receive the message. We are proud to be a 100% American company, based on the West Coast of America. The West Coast has become renowned as the home of many of the most innovative sporting goods manufacturers on the planet. Everything from Nike, Converse, Callaway Golf etc are all designed and engineered here. As an American company, we recognize the diversity of our country. But it goes further than that. Our core ownership and management is represented by executives from three different continents and races.
We thought we were secure in the knowledge that we had been one of the first to post a message of solidarity with the nation’s anger at the terrible images we have all become so acutely aware of. As we posted images and messages of support on our Facebook page, we weren’t thinking about our followers on other media who might not see it. Instead we chose a medium we felt would be most suited to convey our message adequately without the need to post videos or risk the dreaded swipe up. We also assumed our hardcore fans would understand that this was not something we were doing in reaction to the country’s outrage, but rather something that is so deeply ingrained in our beliefs as human beings that we felt, it would go without saying where we stood.
Clearly we were wrong.
So for any of you that are new followers, or only see our posts sporadically, let us tell you a little about who we are. Our Founders, Michael and Beverly Sirjani are a mixed race couple (Beverly was born and raised in Europe and Michael is of Middle Eastern descent.) They have a mixed race family and an even more blended extended family. Both Michael and Beverly have been Presidents of other major companies and are equally accomplished in their respective careers. The rest of the Majyk Team is a mix of all kinds of ethnicities, from Asian to Hispanic, Black and White. We are based in Southern California, a melting pot, and we hire women and men equally, with equal pay and equal prospects.
The fact that we even have to say that, in today’s world is abhorrent. Yet we know that not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy the same things that we do. This is nothing to do with politics. Majyk’s own close circle is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats, Independents, Far Leaning Liberals and Conservatives. What we all share in common is our love of horses and a gentleness that we believe all animal lovers share. We have found that, no matter where we travel in the world, the same kind nature and willingness to help each other is evident. From riding cowboy style across the pampas in Argentina, to playing polo in Spain, eventing in Ireland or watching dressage in Germany – we have seen it all and met some extraordinary people along the way. We have been lucky enough to sponsor riders with disabilities in the para Olympics and cheer as our diverse Ambassadors from around the world compete. But what we have learned more than anything is that horse folks are pretty much the same all over the world and we’re all equal when we’re mucking stalls side by side.
The messenger made us stop and think. While we don’t have many ‘people’ images on our web site, the ones we have do depict blond European and American women yes, but also Asian, African American and Middle Eastern models (in fact, one of them is the Founders’ own son.) Interested by the link we had been sent to an article about how underrepresented people of color were across the equine industry, we started to look at other similar companies. Sure enough, we found that many of them did not have much representation.
We all talk about encouraging diversity in our sport, but surely the first step to that is to show people of color riding and competing? Some may argue that. in reality there is a much higher number of white Americans competing in horse sports than other ethnicities, but how about around the world? How about the gauchos of Argentina, where we have been many times to visit the leather manufacturers who provide us with some of the best leathers in the world for our horse boots? How about the Spanish Doma Vacquera riders we have watched effortlessly spinning their horses around in Southern Spain? Recently we were made aware of a program in Chicago that is helping young underprivileged youth in Chicago learn the sport of polo. Many of these young men and women are African American from inner cities who might not ordinarily get the opportunity to learn without access to horses and teachers.
We have always been an inclusive company – its in our very blood and that of our children, but we also realize its not enough just to ‘know’ that about ourselves. We have to help change this industry and make extra sure to include all types of images in our advertising and social media. We are luckier than most in having real fundamental roots of diversity in our company. By our example we hope to be part of the change and help remind everyone that, like horses, we are all created equal and all have something different to offer. We all know that it doesn’t matter if you ride a Quarter horse or a Warmblood, an Arabian or a Thoroughbred, there is something that every horse can shine at given the right opportunities. All they need is someone to believe in them and help them gain access to everything they need to be successful.
Its our collective duty to make sure that the same can be said for people all over the world too. After all, don’t we all deserve to share in this wonderful world of horses?
Are you a minority rider who uses Majyk Equipe products? We would love to hear from you! Please send your images and story to info@majykequipe.com.
Majyk Sponsored Rider, Anand Patel
]]>Of course it stands to reason, that by now, you should have dedicated tack for each of your horses and definitely not be sharing any school tack with others. It also might be a good idea to invest in a tack bucket or trunk with a lockable lid so that you can keep your items clean and stored out of common areas.
Inside your horse's stall, start by vacuuming or brushing spiderwebs etc then regularly clean the walls, doors and metal areas with a non toxic solution. Even a basic wipe down can help prevent sticky surfaces that can attract microbes, so its best to have a bucket and cloth close by for cleaning and switch them out often.
Once you are back to a normal riding routine again, if you share a communal tack area, try to store your tack in a place on its own, so you can quickly and easily get to it without having to wade though a bunch of other riders’ stuff.
Remember, a large amount of tack is made from materials that can naturally harbor microbes during the best of times – neoprene is a good example of a widely used material that isn’t microbe resistant. One of the reasons Majyk Equipe decided to make all our liners from materials that are anti microbial was because we had seen studies on how microbes including bacteria, fungi and viruses can live on neoprene and other similar materials and continue to grow. If you have ever noticed a ‘funky’ smell in your horse’s boots after a while, this is likely the cause. A 2018 study by the Polish Hyperbaric Research Center 1(62)2018 found bacteria, viruses and fungi in multiple neoprene diving wetsuits - all having been transferred from skin onto the material.
When we decided to design our line seven years ago, we had the privilege of having previously made human sporting goods for leading manufacturers of world renowned sports shoes and equipment. We knew that, these companies had moved on from basic neoprene years ago and were only using the best anti microbial materials. We were lucky enough to have access to partners who helped us develop our unique anti microbial material. Many companies are still using a neoprene type of material in their horse tack or using an anti bacterial spray treatment on these same materials – unfortunately these sprays wear off with use and you are back to square one.
So although there is no better solution than regular cleaning and avoidance, if you can choose tack with anti microbial materials, this is a great choice for longevity. Once you have switched out your old neoprene tack, it’s time to take care of it. Remember to lightly hose boots after wear as much as you can, and give them a deeper cleaning at least once a month or more frequently if you ride every day. Leather tack should also be cleaned with leather cleaner designed for the purpose.
If you work at a barn with shared tack buckets, now is the time to avoid them. Microbes can easily spread among tack and you need to make sure that, even if your boots are anti microbial, they aren’t in with a lot of other boots that might be hosting a whole lot of trouble. Of course it goes without saying that feed and water buckets should be cleaned frequently too.
It’s worth noting, that even if you aren’t currently riding but are just visiting your horse, you should take care once you get home from the barn to take off your boots at the door and wash your hands thoroughly.
This situation won’t last forever, but it’s a great reminder for all of us to take these extra cleanliness precautions every time we ride. After all, doesn’t your horse deserve a clean environment to help protect him against contact dermatitis and other skin conditions that can pop up and cause damage and big vet bills? Now may be the time to do some spring cleaning and make sure that everything is ship shape for when we can all get back to our normal riding schedules.
In the mean time, stay safe everyone!
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So the idea started to percolate. During our many years in the Sporting Goods Industry we had worked on product launches of some of the most iconic sports shoe brands. Most of these brands grew up on the West Coast of America but were renowned worldwide for their style, technology and design. We knew what materials were used, which factories were innovating, and where the best Research and Development Teams were. The more we looked into making a line of equestrian horse boots, the more it made sense. Endless cups of coffee and late nights followed and pretty soon everyone around us got the message that we were serious about this. We consulted with vets, military trauma experts, horse trainers and more. Eventually, armed with cad drawings and material selections we went into production.
Today, looking back at those early days we find ourselves still seeking the same things. Now that so many world class riders have switched to Majyk Equipe products, we have the luxury of consulting with them anytime we are introducing anything new. This helps us stay in touch with the ever changing world of top level competing.
OK, so you may not be at the upper levels just yet, but you still want good protection for your horse. So what makes a good jump boot and what should you look for?
1. It All Starts with Design.
We expect you would be surprised to learn that some well known brands don't actually design or make the things they sell. That's right, they really have no real idea what they are selling beyond how it looks and feels on the surface. There are quite a few horse brands that buy their products from factories that will happily add a company's logo to their basic products for a little extra. If you've ever seen boots that look to be identical but are sold under different brand names, that's the reason. Without understanding the dimensions, size, fit and structure of a horse boot from the ground up, companies can't really tell how it will perform. Add to that the fact that many have no real idea on whether the materials selected are really suitable for horse use and you can see why there might be problems.
Early sketches from our vaults. Yes we really do work on every aspect of our unique designs!
2. Materials Matter.
You wouldn't expect that a designer dress would be made from the same materials as something you purchase from a mass market retailer so why assume that all horse boot materials are the same? Quick tip. They're not. As a general rule of thumb, less expensive synthetic boots are molded from cheaper plastics that don't have the same ability to flex and mold to your horse's leg as well as the better TPU types. They also tend to be heavier.
If you're looking at leather boots, the cheaper end generally uses lower level grades of leather that's mineral tanned. Lots of countries like China and India have home grown leather that they can use to cut cost, but these countries also import more expensive hides from countries like Italy and Argentina. It's no coincidence that Auto makers like Porsche and Audi use Argentinian leather for their upholstery. This sort of leather is designed to look super luxurious but also stand up to lots of wear. Cheaper leather may start off looking good, but is more likely to show wear faster or discolor. Some European leathers are farmed and so the hides tend to be thinner but there are also some good quailty European leathers on the market - you can usually feel the difference. Also don't be fooled by names of materials that may sound like leather but aren't. If its 100% leather the description should say so. Otherwise its likely faux leather even if its a fancy name that sounds like leather. If you're unsure, look at the detailed materials description - it's usually hiding in there somewhere. When it comes to leather, look for the country of origin of the actual leather, not where its manufactured, as these may be two different things. Try to find out as much as you can about the basic material so you know you are getting a good quality product.
When it comes to using the best materials we're pretty transparent about how we feel. When we started in this industry we were looking at companies that had been around for 40+ years. The staggering thing we noticed was how many of them were still using materials and technologies that came up in the 1960's and 1970's. Take neoprene as an example. Neoprene was first made popular by the wet suit industry to insulate against the cold for divers submerged for long periods in cold water. Basically, neoprene was preferred for keeping the heat in. Does that sound like the ideal choice to wrap around your horse's leg as it works? There have been many studies on how just overheating your horse's legs by a few degrees can contribute to lameness and tendon problems, yet still so many boots are lined with materials not designed to breathe. Neoprene also won't protect against bacteria and fungus growth. Ever wondered why your horse's boots get stinky after a while? That's right - its the bacteria growing inside. If you train at a barn with communal horse buckets it's even worse as the bacteria and fungus can spread from horse to horse. Now, saving a few dollars doesn't sound like such a good idea when you factor in the potential cost of multiple vet bills! So why wouldn't a company bother to research to find better alternatives? Again, it often comes back to not being in control of the initial production. If the brand you like is buying their boots from a factory that uses neoprene because its cheap and plentiful, then neoprene is what they will get in their finished products.
Generic Leather Boot Good Quality Leather Boot (Majyk Equipe)
2. Technology is Important and Comes at a Price.
If you are planning on doing more than basic trail riding with your horse then some form of protection is important. Generally, boots with a very low price point are usually mass produced and have little technology. With so many different technologies out there it can be confusing but generally you want to look for impact protection that is specifically designed to work against any blunt trauma or direct strike. Older models usually have older technologies so be on the look out for newer technologies (ours have ARTi-LAGE technology that you can read about here.)
3. Boots Should Breathe But Not Take in Water and Dust.
Its so important to choose a lightweight boot that breathes. Dermatophytes, or microorganisms that cause fungal diseases, thrive in warm, moist environments. A boot that doesn’t "breathe" can increase the horse’s susceptibility to conditions that cause sensitivity. While many boots claim to be 'ventilated' or 'breathable' many boots offer very little. When we designed our boots we looked at lots of other things that needed to breathe for inspiration - everything from natural items to car venting systems - and we came to one conclusion. Bigger is better. Just as a smaller window provides less ventilation than a larger one, so smaller vents let in less airflow than larger ones. Added to that the placement of the vents are equally important. Large vents on either side of the boot will allow air to enter on one side, circulate around the leg and exit at the other creating ongoing cooling. Minuscule vents on the back of the boot may trap any air circulation which won't provide for optimum air flow. With any sort of vents comes the opportunity for particles to enter the boot. We line our vents with a special micro mesh material that filters out particles while letting the air flow. The result is a boot that really breathes but keeps out dust and drains fast if it gets wet. Our neoprene-free liners are made of a breathable bio foam that's also perforated for ultimate airflow efficiency so the whole boot works together to create a horse boot 'ecosystem' for your horse's legs.
4. Boots Need to be Hard and Soft at the Same Time.
This is where it gets tricky. Most plastic horse boots are molded in one piece, even the more expensive ones. This means that the plastic poured into the mold has to be the same hardness all over. Cheaper boots tend to be made from harder plastics so they can offer basic shell protection without adding technology, but this can mean a less than perfect fit as a stiff boot can't adequately hug your horse's legs. If you opt for a softer, thinner plastic, then the strike areas also have to be soft as the boot shell is the same hardness all over. Great for comfort - not so great for protection. The ideal boot would have a soft shell where it touches the horse's leg but be harder in the areas that need to protect against a harsh strike. When we set out to make ours, we realized that the only way to achieve this was to make a boot with two different hardness levels - softer where it wraps around the leg and firmer in the strike zone areas. It's extremely complicated to do which is why you won't find many boots made this way! If you look at pictures of our boots you will see that it really hugs where it needs to but has a super sturdy strike guard area.
Lauren Kieffer, Olympian
5. You Should be Able to Use Your Boots All the Time, Not Just for Shows.
It stands to reason that if you care enough to protect your horse's legs then you care enough to protect them all the time, not just some of the time. Super expensive boots that cost upwards of $500 to cover all four legs may make you think that you're making a good investment, but its no good if you only use them in the show ring then use $30 boots for schooling. Let's face it, you're more likely to have an accident on the 150 days of the year you're at your home barn practicing, not the few days when you're competing - so why not buy boots that can be used for schooling and for showing. One of our goals when we started Majyk Equipe, was to make a well priced boot so riders could easily afford to have a couple of pairs in their tack trunk. Despite the higher cost of manufacturing to combine the best elements all in one boot, we have managed to keep the costs down by cutting out the middle men. Often the high price tag you see attached to some boots is not necessarily because they are better quality, but because their price reflects import costs and the cost of a sales force to sell them. You might be surprised to find they aren't such a premium product in their actual country of origin.
Madeline Backus, Rolex 3 Day Event 2017
Boyd Martin, Olympian, Red Hill 2018
So whatever you choose in the end, try to remember that your horse's legs are paramount when it comes to keeping them fit. In the racing world there is a saying that goes 'No leg, no horse' - something it would be wise to consider when you set out to purchase your next pair of horse boots! :)
You can see our line of jump boots here
]]>https://www.littleponybigjump.com/blog/2019/5/10/why-i-chose-majyk-equipe
]]>Over the years there have been studies published showing the benefits of one type of boot over another and also why a particular boot type is bad for your horse. Although these studies might look to be published by a reputable source, on closer inspection it sometimes becomes apparent that the study was actually paid for by the very company that the study praises without any other company's products in the study for comparison!
So in this month's blog, we shall endeavor to lay out some very simple concepts and leave it to you to draw your own conclusions.
A good protective horse boot should do a few things. It should keep your horse's legs cool and well ventilated, it should keep your horse's legs protected from a hard strike or outside elements, it should support the rigors placed on the horse's legs during work and it should be comfortable for your horse to wear.
Let's start with the first point. Horse's legs breathe better without any boots. That's a fact. If heat and ventilation were the only considerations then no boots would be the answer. But....horse's legs are also delicate as anyone who has faced a large vet bill knows. When we ask our horses to jump, canter, gallop at speed or do most of the movements associated with horseback riding, then we need to consider some sort of protection as well as ventilation.
So....in order to get the most breathable environment for your horse's legs, you need to start with a material that breathes. Back in the day when the local farrier made boots, each pair was hand crafted for its owner and was usually made from leather or fleece - materials found in nature. During the 1950s and 1960s a new type of manufacturer emerged and, realizing that there was a need, mass production became necessary. Finding materials that were inexpensive and plentiful was a tough job, but luckily for them there was a material that had recently been introduced for the wet suit industry - a material made to keep out the cold and act as an insulator. That material was neoprene.
Hugh Bradner, a University of California, Berkeley physicist is often considered to be the original inventor and "father of the modern wetsuit." In 1951 he realized that a thin layer of trapped water could be tolerated between the wetsuit fabric and the skin, so long as insulation was present in the fabric in the form of trapped air bubbles. The air in the fabric meant water would quickly reach skin temperature and continue to act as thermal insulation to keep it that way. The suit did not need to be dry to be insulative. Dr. Bradner clearly understood that the air (gas) in the wetsuit fabric provided the best thermal insulation. In the same way, neoprene wrapped around a horse's leg will retain heat.
During the 1970s and 1980s more manufacturers appeared and they too chose neoprene for their horse boots. Cheap and readily available, it was the ideal choice of a lot of the Chinese factories that were now starting to manufacture to satisfy the growing demand from competition horses. In the 1990s after a few alarming studies on the effects of overheating in horse's legs and how excess heat could be a contributor to bowing of a horse's tendons, a few companies started punching holes in their neoprene to be able to make the claim that it was 'breathable.' Although in comparison to unperforated boots this was an improvement, the overall structure of neoprene still remained closed - hardly ideal for a material wrapped around a horse's leg during intense exercise.
More recently 'Limestone based' neoprene has been touted by some companies. Although limestone based neoprene is not made from petroleum base like regular neoprene so is kinder on the environment, tests have shown that it actually improves heat retention by as much as 40% over regular neoprene. Great for wetsuits - not so great for horse boots. Neoprene is also not anti bacterial or anti fungal. Ever noticed that funky 'barn smell' in your horse's boots after a few months? That's all those nice little critters living in them.
Dermatophytes, or microorganisms that cause fungal diseases, thrive in warm, moist environments. Horse boots that don't "breathe" can increase the horse’s susceptibility to conditions such as contact dermatitis, irritation and hair loss. Fungus can survive in a pair of boots and can spread from horse to horse through the tack.
Good horse boots will use antimicrobial fabrics in their liners. An antibacterial compound incorporated during fabric manufacture inhibits growth of microorganisms associated with disease of the skin.To reduce heat and encourage evaporation, look for breathable fabrics. Obviously Majyk Equipe has made the choice to avoid neoprene in its products. Our liners are all made from a proprietary bio foam material - highly breathable and cooler than neoprene.
Next you want good protection. Interestingly, most horse boots are made in a single mold process, meaning the material is formed in one mold to make the entire boot. This means that the durometer of the material used has to be all the same consistency - there can be no harder or softer areas. This creates a dilemma - do you want a softer boot that will be comfortable for your horse or a harder, stiffer boot that will offer better protection in the delicate areas? Majyk solved this problem by making a dual density jump boot - harder in the areas where more protection is needed and softer where it wraps around your horse's leg. This results in the perfect combination of protection and comfort - something that's very hard to achieve.
In Cross Country boots, most protection is provided by hard plastic inserts (strike guards) that are inflexible and made of one piece of hard plastic. While this type of protection is good at protecting the soft areas of your horse's legs, it doesn't move with the horse during normal movement. We faced this by making a 'four way' flex guard that is super hard when struck, but moves with the natural gaits of your horse. These strike guards are ideal for horses that need stronger protection but don't want to be inhibited in their stride. While this might be enough for most horse boots, we also use another material - ARTi-LAGE- inside our strike guards. This material is a soft foam based material that is soft and pliable in its natural state but forms a hard wall when it gets struck. The material is 'dilatant' meaning the molecules inside are constantly moving - slowly during regular movement but fusing together to form a hard barrier if a hard strike occurs. Once the impact threat is over, the molecules return to normal. This provides two levels of protection, and explains why our Cross Country Boots are the choice of so many world class riders.
Whatever you choose to put on your horse, the more education you can get on the subject, the better. So read up and then make your choice - after all when it comes to your horse's leg protection, the wrong choice can be an expensive mistake and your horse can't tell you his preference. Make sure you check sizing thoroughly (don't just buy the same size you have always bought in another brand's boots - check out each company's size chart for detailed sizing) and follow guidelines for fit. If a manufacturer's web site doesn't have detailed sizing or explanation of its manufacturing process then move on. Your horse deserves the best research so before you reach for the cheapest option or the one you have seen on your friend's horse, take the time to read up and see what the best choice is for what you intend to do with your horse. Many of the horse boots on the market today are designed in far away factories by non equestrians that make one stock design and sell it to multiple companies. That's why you'll see the exact same boots around with different brand names. Ask yourself this - if the company that sells you boots doesn't know what goes into making them then how can they be sure they are suitable for your horse? Answer this question and your equine partner will thank you.
*Check out our Technology page for more details.
https://majykequipe.com/pages/horse-protection-technology
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So you love to ride. Riding is everything and you know that you and your horse are special. When your friends are out at the mall there you are at the barn, mucking, cleaning, clipping, exercising, basically spending all your time with your horse. Plus you've noticed that you and your horse seem to excel at every course your trainer sets and you've got a fair number of ribbons under your belt to prove you must be doing something right.
The only trouble is, between the cost of keeping your horse, the show fees, hauling fees and cost of show gear, tack and supplements, your 'habit' is starting to cost a lot. So, you think....wouldn't it be wonderful if you could just secure some equestrian sponsorships to help with the costs and let the world know that you have what it takes to represent some top notch brands?
Before you go rushing off firing random emails to a bunch of companies, we would like to help you to be successful by giving you a glimpse from the other side of the table.
As a popular equestrian brand, we get requests for sponsorship daily, A few years ago, we decided to streamline our processes to make it fairer on everyone who went to the trouble of reaching out to us. For that reason, we now have different programs. Our Sponsored Rider program is open to riders who compete at the highest levels, usually have ridden for their country or placed regularly at nationally ranked shows and are 'recognized.' These riders all hold Professional Level status and make their living solely from competing and training.
Next we have our 'Trainer' Ambassador program. These riders usually run their own barns, have 10 plus horses in training and have their own stable of students. They too are Professional Level status and make their living solely from competing and training.
Our Social Media Ambassadors are riders who have managed to obtain 'influencer' status by having a following of 5,000+ social media fans with a high percentage of engagement. These Ambassadors are constantly posting and reviewing, and may write blogs. They are watched by riders for the latest and greatest introductions in the equine world.
Last of all we have our Brand Ambassador Program. These are amateur level riders who are competing regularly and are up and coming riders looking for some help.
It's important to note that, under USEF guidelines (based on FEI guidelines) you can lose your amateur status if you are not very careful. Once you have lost that status you can no longer compete in a lot of the shows and will only be allowed to compete as a professional. USEF currently shows these rules:
GR1306 Professional/Amateur Status 1. Amateur. Regardless of one’s equestrian skills and/or accomplishments, a person is an amateur if after his 18th birthday, as defined in GR101, he has not engaged in any of the activities identified in paragraph 4 below.
a. In the Dressage Division, individuals are only eligible to compete as amateurs from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach age 22, see DR119.3.
b. For Amateurs in Jumper Sections, see JP118.
c. For Amateurs in Hunter Sections, see HU136-HU137.
d. For Amateurs in Eventing, see EV Appendix 3-Participation in Horse Trials.
2. Remuneration. Remuneration is defined as compensation or payment in any form such as cash, goods, sponsorships, discounts or services; reimbursement of any expenses; trade or in-kind exchange of goods or services such as board or training.
3. Permitted activities by Amateur. An Amateur is permitted to do the following:
a. Accept reimbursement for actual expenses associated with conducting classroom seminars for a not-for-profit organization, therapeutic riding programs, or programs for charitable organizations approved in advance by the Federation.
b. Act as a camp counselor when not hired in the exclusive capacity as a riding instructor; assist in setting schooling fences without remuneration; give instruction or training to handicapped riders for therapeutic purposes.
c. Appear in advertisements and/or articles related to acknowledgement of one’s own personal or business sponsorship of a competition and/or awards earned by one’s owned horses.
d. Accept prize money as the owner of a horse in any class other than equitation or showmanship classes.
e. Accept prize money in Dressage.
f. Accept a non-monetary token gift of appreciation valued less than $300 annually.
g. Serve as an intern for college credit or course requirements at an accredited institution provided one has never held professional status with the Federation or any other equestrian National Federation. In addition, one may accept reimbursement for expenses without profit, as prescribed by the educational institution’s program, for the internship. At the request of the Federation, an Amateur shall provide certification from the accredited © USEF 2019 199 educational institution under whose auspices a student is pursuing an internship that he is undertaking the internship to meet course or degree requirements.
So basically for any Amateur Level rider (Brand Ambassador) remuneration must be capped at $300 or the equivalent in products. This is the reason that we offer different level sponsorships.
So assuming you have read all of the above and decide that you would like to reach out to see if you might qualify, how best to go about standing out from the crowd? Based on our own experience and from talking to other brand owners, here are some common themes to help you have a good chance. Introducing the 'Ten Do's and Dont's of Successful Sponsorship,'
1. DO Know enough about the brand you are contacting. That means spelling their name right, knowing about their products and actually owning at least one item from the line. We're always surprised by people that send us emails telling us how much they love our products only to find that these potential 'Brand Ambassadors' don't even ride in anything from our line, or don't have horses that would fit into anything we make. Remember all companies want to have Ambassadors who truly love and believe in what they're doing so its important you're clear on that when you approach us.
2. DO check out the brand's website and see if you can get any ideas of the best way to apply for Sponsorship/Ambassadorship. While you're on the site, read up on technology, riders that already use the brand, new items etc, etc. Treat it like an entrance exam and make sure you have studied your subject!
3. DO get on social media. If you are thinking of applying to be a Brand Ambassador, we have to see that you are able to promote and represent. The best way is to start following us and like our posts so we become aware that you are already a fan. It also means you will be aware of how and when to apply to be an Ambassador because it's where we post most of our announcements. Meanwhile you should be thinking about building your own following. It shows us that you are already thinking how best to spread the word, how to reach the largest number of people and how to stay in touch with other like minded equestrians. More than any other tool at your disposal, Social Media is a great way to share who you are, what you're up to and gain followers who admire and respect your achievements. Once you become a Brand Ambassador we also expect you to tag any post you share that features our products, create dedicated posts highlighting certain items, repost our sales, specials and events and generally let everyone who follows you know that you are a proud Brand Ambassador.
4. DON'T write an essay. When you first reach out, a simple email asking for details is the best way to go. The essay can come later when we ask you for more information....but ...DO show some effort. A one line lower case email sent from your phone asking 'Do you need sponsors?' does not mean what you think it does, even worse it tells us that if you put so little effort into reaching out to us, that this is what we can expect from you as an Ambassador. A nicely written email of five or six lines with your name, where you're from and how you know about us is always good.
5. DON'T send pictures of you and your horse competing wearing another brand's items. We'd rather see a nice picture of you and your horse standing together than a super fancy shot with you wearing every other brand than ours. (Of course a super fancy shot with you and/or your horse wearing our brand is always welcome! :)
6. DO only contact brands that you really feel you can promote. Ambassadorship is not just about a company giving you things and you riding in them at your barn. Usually companies have Professional Level riders that they rely on to simply showcase their items. While visibility at your barn is important, it's just a tiny part of what you can do. We view our Ambassadors as our warriors - the ones who actually have the time to talk to people, explain the technologies and give them up close demonstrations of why they love our items. It's also about directing friends to our site, telling them which stores stock us and letting trainers know about any special offers we may tell you about. Don't forget to visit local tack stores, checking if they are stocking and asking if they know about the line if they don't have it on their shelves.
7. DON'T try to be an Ambassador for a whole bunch of conflicting brands. Sure its great for you if you can get five different saddle pads, ten pairs of boots and multiple items but it dilutes the message if every day you are promoting a different brand. It doesn't come across as authentic if one day you are telling people to buy a non-neoprene girth and the next day taking a selfie with your horse wearing a neoprene girth from another brand. As an Ambassador you need to pick and choose what's important to you and stick with what you believe in. Even Olympic level riders have to make choices and remain loyal to products they can stand behind.
8. DON'T think your job ends when you receive your Ambassador Packet. Every year we get applicants who sound really great but once we send them their items they disappear only to rear their head a year later asking if they can get more stuff from us. Let us put it plainly. THIS DOES NOT WORK FOR ANY COMPANY. Sponsorship is a two way street....we wouldn't send you an empty box and expect you to be our Ambassador - please don't sell us on empty promises of what you're committing to. If you don't think you have the time, energy or will to really get out there, then please don't apply.
9. DO Keep in touch. Our best ambassadors are the ones who regularly reach out to us, send us leads to their local tack store, refer customers to us and let us know their names, tell us what's happening in their local areas and send us suggestions for events we might want to get involved in. We love to hear from you, so don't be a stranger!
10. DON'T forget that to be an Ambassador is to represent the brands you are promoting. Any time you are chosen to represent a company they are relying on you to inspire and encourage other riders around you and be a positive force, so remember to keep smiling and always have time for younger riders who look up to you and want to know all about what you're doing.
So there you have it. If after reading all of this, you think you are still up for the challenge, then it's time to make a shortlist of the companies you want to represent, get researching and prepare to reach out to them. Being an Ambassador is a great way to get a glimpse of what it takes to be a Professional Level rider with Sponsors and business skills so its the perfect place to get started. It's also a good avenue to get your name out there and help you to stand out from the crowd. Good luck on your search everyone!!!
About our own Programs
Our Professional Sponsored Rider Programs are open all year. Please contact sponsorship@majykequipe.com for details.
For all other level riders, we conduct our Ambassador Search every October and announce on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter usually.) The application period is usually open for three-four weeks and we post a few reminders during that time. IF YOU ARE ACTIVELY FOLLOWING US YOU WILL NOT MISS IT. We assess all our applicants in November/December then announce the successful applicants at the beginning of the following year. Ambassador packets usually go out in January/February so that our Ambassadors are ready for the upcoming season. Ambassadorships last for a year at a time, but we have many Ambassadors who have been with us for 4 or 5 years as they are awesome and we just invite them back every year. If you missed the open application period, it's a great idea to start following, liking and commenting on our social media posts and tagging your own images. That way we'll already be aware of you when you apply this October and you will have a leg up on the competition!
The Majyk Equipe Team
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