Yard Beauty Products

This may be a little off topic, but being on the yard on cold wintry days can certainly leave us looking a bit worse for wear. So I've been looking at a few essential beauty products to give you that extra bit of TLC to be able to survive the winter months!

Firstly, lip balms are an essential for every day use, whether you've been busy mucking out since 6am or not! It's important to look for a moisturising balm to help stop them becoming chapped.

This Nivea lip butter is one I've been using for almost two months now, and I love it! It smells amazing, is really moisturising and isn't too sticky or thick like some lip butters. It's only £1.49 from Superdrug, and lasts ages too. Buy it here

Another great one is the classic Chapstick, which comes in a range of flavours. My favourite is the cherry, around £1.05, which is perfectly sweet and refreshing, and great to apply on-the-go. Where to buy

As well as lip balms, we're all familiar with the unavoidable dry skin on our hands that results from our daily yard chores. Therefore, everyone should have some hand cream to keep them feeling soft and supple. Neutrogena is one of the most well-known skin nourishing brands, and is available in many shops. Plus, it's not too pricey either, with a 50ml tube costing £2.45 from Boots. Find out more                  Slightly more expensive is Soap and Glory Hand Food; around £5 for an 125ml bottle. It claims to have a lovely scent- with fennel and lotus flower extracts- and a non-greasy hydrating formula. Plus, it's meant to be absorbed easily and quickly, which is important for when you want to top it up throughout your day at the yard. 

So, needless to say, there are are few beauty products out there that are vital for equine enthusiasts, and luckily they won't break the bank either!

Riding Bareback

Chances are that most riders have whipped off their saddle during a Pony Club gymkhana, or during riding lessons as a child, or even just to mix things up at the end of a schooling session. But have you ever considered doing your entire flatwork session saddle-less?

It all seems a little bit 'hippy-ish' to go cantering across the fields with no tack to support you other than your bridle (unless you're really out-there and decide to give that a miss too!)

But riding bareback can be of benefit to every rider, not just those who 'dare to be different' as Dublin preaches, or those who are into Natural Horsemanship. For the dressage rider, learning not to depend on the saddle will do wonders for the seat and balance in all paces; which will benefit showjumpers too. Even for the happy hacker, ambling along the country roads- just you and your horse- will help to strengthen your bond and give you a rare sense of freedom. It also establishes trust between you both, and once that connection has formed, it is difficult to break.

So next time you're heading for the arena, why not unbuckle that girth and give both you and your equine friend a bit of a break. Just have fun, take it slowly at first, and enjoy your time with your horse!