Some Riding Tips from The Horse Mall & The Western Mall - and a few special offers!

Going to Riding Camp, or on a Riding Vacation? Read these tips first!

Hints and facts to make your riding trip more fun! Follow these comfort and safey tips and you'll find you will enjoy your riding trip more than any other vacation!

If you havn't ridden before or havn't ridden in a long time you'll enjoy your trip far more if you get some riding in before you go. Ideally take two lessons a week for the six weeks before your trip or 10 to 12 lessons some other way in the weeks before your trip. Training your muscles "muscle memory" this way will let you spend your time enjoying your riding, the horses and the scenery. Remember, it doesn't matter if you take english or western riding lessons. At the basic levels either will work just fine. Feel free to call us toll free at 800-888-USA1 (8721) a list of stables near you.

Boots with a proper heel are a safety feature, not a luxury. No sneakers, no loafers, no work boots. No sneakers because they have no heel to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup; and the soft toe doesn't protect your toes from being stepped on. No loafers because they can fall off your foot. No work boots because the lug soles can get caught in the stirrup and keep your foot from slipping out. Make sure you get your boots early enough to break them in.

C: Make sure the pants you wear have smooth inside seams. Most jeans have the heavy seam against the saddle and the smoother seam on the outside. Wranglers and Santa Fe jeans usally have them with the smooth seam against the saddle. But don't think you have to wear jeans. Your old wool dress slacks that are shiny at the knees will actually work very well. So will khaki's that don't fit to tight or to baggy. Make sure your slacks are long enough as they will ride up while riding. If you have children riding make sure of there pants also.. remember the little ones have extra sensitive skin. A pair of tights under the little ones pants often helps them, or get them a pair of regualar riding pants.

Gloves will make the trip easier for everyone. Soft cotton riding gloves with "gripper" insides are ideal for warm climates, leather for cooler weather. Your old dress gloves that don't make the grade for Wall street will work just fine too!

Layer your clothing. T-shirt, long sleeve cotton shirt, button or zip front sweater and windbreaker, canvas or similar jacket. By picking open front instead of pull over sweaters or sweatshirts you make it easy to add or subtract layers while riding. Over the head shirts and sweats meen you have to take your hat off to add or subtract layers. Not something you want to while riding a stange horse in a strange location.

Wear long sleeves. if your going to be in country that has lots of flies long sleeves will give you extra protection. And in woodsy and brushy country long sleeves keep you from getting scratched and cut.

Raingear is a must for most areas. Don't get a poncho that flaps in the wind and scares the horses. Long "duster" style raincoats are great. Or if you have a good sailors two piece rain suit be sure to bring that along. Again, make sure if you have little ones that there rain gear fits them well over layers and is practical. Be sure that if your going into country side were rain is possible what you get is waterproof..not just water-repellant.

Fly spray and suntan lotion. Flies are common in most horse country. Be sure you bring fly spray (Off! or similiar) and suntan lotion. Particulary for the back of your neck at the edge between the ends of your sleeves and wrists. Watch the perfumes and aftershaves you use. Certain ones attract insects.

Allergy's to pollen, etc are usually less troublesome in the outdoors. But everyone is different, so be sure to bring what you need. If you are sensitive to bee stings be sure to wear your medicine in a belt pouch with clear instructions. Never put a heavy "unbreakable" chain or string around your neck. If you fall anything that can get caught may choke you. This goes for large dangle earrings and rings with high settings. There is more than one diamond scattered on the most popular mountain trail.

Bring one of the new panoramic camera's. The wide open spaces are made for the wide picture format (or is that the other way around?)

Drink plenty of water. If your in desert or dry, high country you'll find that having a canteen on your saddle will make it easy to stay hydrated. To often, being tired or sore at the end of a days ride is mostly just being dehydrated.

Take the time needed to make sure your saddle really fits you well. It can sometimes be a hassle for the wranglers to adjust your stirrups for you. But, having them the right length can make all the difference. Too long, and your sitting on your crotch instead of your seatbones making for a very sore ride. Too short and your knees will hurt at the end of the day and your not as secure in the saddle as you should be.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us toll free at 800-888-USA1 (8721) even if you just have question were glad to help you with your riding.

Stuff you need!

English - Western

English
Safety Helmets to protect your head!

White plastic riding helmet with large ventilation slots. This helmet is approved to ASTM-Pony Club required standards. This helmet has a large built in sun visor and adjustable foam size paddding. Sizes, S-M-L. Call us to help you get the correct size for your family. Please have the person(s) wearing the helmet and a tape measure available........... $49.98

Black velveteen traditional style English riding cap. Approved to the same safety standards as #1. As always call us to make sure you get the correct size. 6-3/8 to 7-3/4.........$79.98

Item #3 Deluxe genuine velvet traditional style English riding cap. Approved to the same safety standards as #1 & # 2 but covered in luxurious genuine velvet. As always call us to make sure you get the correct size. 6-3/8 to 7-3/4............$106.98

Item #4 Ankle high lace-up riding boots. While hiking boots have the wrong sole to ride in; these have such good leather that they will be perfect to ride with.... and use as hiking boots. Sizes for boys and girls and grown-ups. Tan, brown and black. Not all sizes in all colors.

Children's..........$59.98
Ladies..............$69.98
Mens................$99.98

Item #5 Styled just like #4 but in synthetic Equi-leather. Brown or black.

Childrens...........$30.00
Ladies..............$40.00

Item #6 Lace-up boots styled like #4 & #5 but in deluxe quality. Soft but strong leather. Water-repellant finish. Repairable soles and heels. Hard to find sizes available!

Childrens.....$99.98
Ladies.......$139.98
Men's........$179.98

Item #7 Black rubber tall riding boots. They look like leather and are 100% waterproof. They make great rainboots too!Childrens...$39.98 Ladies......$39.98 Mens........$49.98

Item #8 Styled like #7 but with finer detailing. Cushion lined for coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. Finer shaping than most rubber boots. Childrens...$59.98 Ladies......$69.98 Mens........$69.98

Item #9 WIDE CALF rubber riding boots. Built with an elastic gussett to fit the wider leg. Measure your leg at the widest part and and tell us your normal foot size. Wide calf up to 17 inch. Extra-wide calf up to 19 inch. Ladies or Mens Wide......$89.98 Ladies or Mens X-wide....$99.98

Item #10 Genuine Leather tall black riding boots. We have many different models to fit every person. Call us toll free and we can go over all the options with you.

Click on the photo at left for more information!

Western

Item #12 Childs Cowboy & Cowgirl boots. We have boots for children with narrow, medium or wide feet. Let us know what shape your childs feet are. Choose black, white, red, pink, brown or tan. Genuine leather feet breathe. Non-skid soles are good for walking as well as riding.

Little kid sizes................$49.98
Big kids sizes (1-6)............$59.98

Item #13 Plain working cowboy & cowgirl boots for grown-ups. Built soft like a sneaker inside for easy break-in. Brown or black leather. Medium or wide. Made in USA.

Ladies....$139.98
Mens......$139.98

Item #14 Our most basic starter boots. Solid leather with waterproof soles. Great boots to see if you like riding; at a starter price.

Ladies $99.98
Mens $99.98

Item #15 Heavy duty working western boots. Thick strong leather, leather lined, shock-absorbing cushion insoles. Resoleable stiched on rubber soles. AAA to EEE, brown or black. Made in USA.

Ladies..$150.00 Mens....$160.00

Item #16 Lots of fancy boots for dress up. Check out the Tony Lama, Nocona and Justin sections at The Western Mall.

Item #17 Great deals on boots from our "Treasure Chest" these are sample, demo and limited availability boots. Choose black, brown or fancy colors. Tell us your size and will pick a pair for you. Just let us know if you prefer a pointed toe, medium or broad round toe. Brands include Tony Lama, Abilene, Justin, Santa-Fe, Nocona and many others. Satisfaction guaranteed! Save an extra $20 to $75 off our already great prices - and try your luck for something extra fun. AAA to EEE sizes 4 to 15 Ladies and Mens sizes..

Basic leather regular $170 to $250............"Treasure Chest" Only...$149.00
Genuine snakeskin regular $225 to $300 .."Treasure Chest" Only...$189.00
Genuine lizard skin regular $268 to $350..."Treasure Chest" Only...$229.00

Item #18 Boot socks, extra-thick padding at the arch and heel. designed to give your toes extra room........................................per pair..$8.98 Six pair for $49.00

Item #19 If your really going to spend alot of time on a horse: Working on a ranch or going for long trail rides you need at pair of chaps. Not, fancy rodeo chaps, but good solid work chaps. These give your extra grip in the saddle... and protect you from scrapes and sores. Strong, but soft brown suede........................Childs...$69.98 Youth sizes.$79.98 Adults.S,M.$139.98 Adults.L...$149.98 Adults.XL..$169.98

Item #20 Need a great hat! Try one of our lightweight western straws..Open weave keeps you cool ...XS,S,M,L,XL Childrens..$19.98 Adults....$29.98

Item #21 If your taste runs to more casual looks our great crossover style straw hat is a little cowboy..a little beach hat perfect for the ranch or in town. In sand, grey, brown, or black edge finish...............................................Adults.....$59.98

Item #22.. A seat saver of pure lambswool will cushion your tender spots if the dude ranch saddles are not as soft as one would like. One size fits all..............................................................................$69.98

Item #23.. Our ultimate pair of luxury boots. Handmade to your feet in just 21 days! These boots are made by copying the fit of your favorite pair of boots or shoes. Call for the details on the ultimate in handmade boots.

Fine Calfskin from $635.00 - $750.00
Genuine snakeskin $750.00 - $950.00
Genuine lizard skin $850.00 - $1250.00
Genuine Alligator $1850.00 - $6000.00

Item #24 Try our western shirt grab bag special. Tell us your size, will pick out two shirts for you (regular $50 to $60 each) Mens or ladies: Now two for $49.00 - Three for only $59.00

Item #25 Get $150 worth of trail riding supplies for only $14 with the purchase of select Action brand saddles. Call us toll free at 800-888-USA1 (8721) when your ready for your new western saddle....$150 worth of gear ( with saddle purchase).......$14.00