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Helpful tips on calming a spooked horse

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For novice riders who do not take their horses out into the public for rides, or more experienced riders that just have some issues with a particularly nervous riding partner, here is some help on keeping a calm atmosphere when out on a trail.

A key tip is to act as soon as you notice your horse is slightly spooked rather than letting the situation escalate sending your horse into a panic. Once you notice your horse reacting to an object or situation keeping calm is crucial, as a horse can sense your negative emotions which can cause them to become more nervous.

If you are already riding your horse when it has been spooked try gently petting their mane to comfort them and get their attention fixed towards yourself. It is important to not pull on the horse’s rein suddenly if the situation worsens, as this will shock them and cause an increase negative emotion. Instead try riding with the reins relatively loose but ensuring that you maintain a good grip.

If riding loosely and petting does not work try lightly turning your horse by pulling gently on their rein to change direction, this will cause them to slow and will change the focus of their attention away from the object that is scaring them. If your horse still is not calming shorten the rein on one side a little more so the horse’s head is facing a different direction to its body, causing them to walk in an even tighter circle, reducing their speed and focusing their concentration even more and your horse should eventually start to calm.

If any or all of these techniques work it is ideal to continue the ride checking on your horse to see if they are still calm without making it obvious to them, otherwise you will likely remind them of the earlier incident and possibly rise fearful emotions again. Once the ride is over be happy and positive, act as if the spook had never happened and your horse should feel the same way.

December 23, 2016 |

Great biking trails you may never have heard of

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Bored of the same biking trails? Not interested in searching for hours to find a new one? Save some time looking and check out these suggestions, you may just find your new favourite cycling location.

Rhyd Ddu, Snowdon, North Wales,

Looking for a route with variation? This is your place, with a steep climb to the highest peak in wales to the single track descent towards a lakeside town. This track is is classed as difficult and is about 15 miles in length, so unless you are a fan of steep climbs, various kinds of terrain and riding along the edge of a ridge with a 350m drop this may not be the place for you. But if you are you get to enjoy all those things as well as the scenic but rocky and difficult journey back down the mountain. Not all of the route is completely rideable due to its difficulty, but it is definitely a ride worth the challenge.

Ullswater, Lake District,
Upon first glance riders looking for a more challenging journey may roll their eyes at the mere 8 miles of this route, but do not be fooled, this can be quite a tough route. You start riding with an amazing view of the lake district leading onto a trail that is quiet with no sight of the lake at all, but the peacefulness of this ride won’t last long, the terrain in this area (as well as by the lake) can be pretty challenging and very rocky in parts. Another route where no one would judge you for descending from your bike occasionally. Adding to the physical challenge of this relatively short route there are many ways to follow this path, leading to a slightly crazy journey until you find yourself back in the right direction.
Elan Valley, Mid-Wales,
Elan valley is a vast national park covering a huge 72 square miles, if you’re a cyclist looking for views then look no further. The park features many beautiful views of the natural landscape, a wide variety of wildlife and is home to stunning reservoirs and dams. At the top of the trail you are able to take in views of the surrounding valleys and four reservoirs. The park is remote and quiet, a truly natural environment. As a result of this there are many variations in difficulty of trails, for less experienced riders there are trails that cover only the open rolling hills and flatter sections of the park, and for those of a higher difficulty ones that feature some steep hills and new terrain.

December 23, 2016 |

The caravan community you may be missing out on

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The caravanning community is huge and for the majority largely friendly, as many people are aware, but just in case you are not here is an idea of the sense of companionship you may be missing out on…

There are a lot of caravan clubs, some are free forums to join and discuss your latest holiday or next planned trip, and even get advice from a knowledgeable source. But some require a fee to be a part of, usually these kinds of club members can enjoy extra perks and events. However memberships aren’t always needed to become a part of this community atmosphere.

Usually for a small entry fee clubs or associations team together to run events that are open to the public. At these kinds of shows you will be able to look at and even buy products ranging from motor-homes to tent accessories as multiple suppliers attend and set up stalls or booths. You will also be able to mingle with other campers and caravan enthusiasts while enjoying the shows entertainment, which usually features things such as celebrity speakers, live theatre and music performances, competitions and bingo. As well as all this, shows will quite often have a showcase of the upcoming motor-homes and trailer tents to be released the following year, as a kind of exclusive preview for attendees. The occasional show will also feature bus trips, free entry for children and cooking demos, it simply depends which one you choose to attend.

However, members of payed clubs are sometimes invited to attend closed, member only events. These events are usually quite similar to open public shows but much smaller and based more around the community atmosphere and bringing old friends together to enjoy a weekend of camping. Such as the National Feast of Lanterns, which is a closed event run yearly in the countryside, where attendees decorate their choice of accommodation in bright lights and hold competitions. The event does offer a trading area, live music and entertainment for children, but the sole focus of the event is to celebrate community and the outdoors.

Whether you choose to be a club member or attend these events as part of the general public, you will be openly accepted and greeted into a welcoming, vocal community. The only question is, are you willing to become a part of it?

December 23, 2016 |

Choosing the best caravan holiday destinination

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Planning your annual caravanning holiday needn’t be stressful, but when the usual resort becomes tiresome a holiday can feel like more of a chore than a break. But finding somewhere new to visit could put the joy back into your getaway.

The kind of holiday you want largely changed the suitability levels of certain campsites, finding your ideal setup can depend on whether you want to relax, explore or take part in activities as this would change the location to either secluded and scenic, to near a busy town or centre.

There are three main things to consider when looking up a campsite after location, the first is the facilities, what are you expecting from your holiday? For a holiday involving a lot of time away from the campsite only going back to sleep, or a holiday aiming for seclusion and serenity a campsite in the countryside with less facilities would be ideal as only the basic necessities are required. However for a holiday involving a lot of sightseeing or activities it is better to have a campsite with less facilities much like for a secluded holiday, but the location is more important as for sightseeing and activities it is better to have a campsite close to a city or place of interest. Another way to holiday in a caravan, is to simply enjoy the campsite and everything it has to offer, this kind of holiday needs a more interactive campsite, with on site activities such as swimming and classes, competitions, and entertainment to keep the holiday interesting.

The second thing to consider is pitch size, who and what are you planning on taking? Are you a small family of three taking a caravan, or a larger family with a bigger caravan and an awning? A tiny pitch would not be ideal for a larger family. It is also good to keep in mind if you would like to have space for activities on your pitch, such as a space for a small child’s pool to keep them occupied, or space for a table to have an outdoor eating area to make the most of your time away in the outdoors. All of these factors change pitch requirements, and if a site does not have a pitch size to accommodate your needs, it may not be the site for you.

Last of all is price, a site may have all the space and facilities you need, but can you afford it? You need to take into account when planning the budget, who you are paying for once you are there, account for extra money to go out for activities and food, how long you are planning your holiday to last and how much money you actually have to spend. Only when you have done this can you start working out if a site is affordable for you. Overspending on a pitch is easy to do, but regrettable, as it can leave you short of money when it comes to actually enjoying the holiday.

Ensuring these decisions have been made rationally and have taken into account everything you wanted from your holiday can ensure you get the best possible experience from your holiday and for an attainable price and also take the stress of your trip, ensuring you enjoy every last second.

December 23, 2016 |

Is life in a caravan for you?

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Spending a lot of time in your caravan and hating going home is a common experience for caravan lovers, the absence of the outdoors in built up cities can make the attachment to your weekend holidays even worse. But have you ever considered that you may be longing to live a different kind of lifestyle?

There are many benefits to life in a caravan, for example there are financial benefits, if you are struggling to keep up with household bills and payments but are already working to full capacity taking up living in a caravan might be a viable option for you. This is because there are no electricity costs, gas is a lot cheaper as you only pay for what you use and you would more than likely use even less in the summer anyway making an even bigger saving. Best of all you will not need to pay council tax, as you would have no fixed address.

Also, some of the stresses of owning a house are taken away. There’s no need to worry about neighbours as you or they will probably eventually and always have the choice to move. There is also the size, downsizing means that there is less space, which may not sound great, but if you’re not a fan of clutter or even cleaning it’s a great solution as with such limited space you have no choice but to not throw away the clutter, and hoovering? There’s barely any floor space to clean.

Worried about the environment? There’s always the plus of a lower carbon footprint, as you will use less energy resources because supplies would either be scarce or there would be less in your home to power. The bonus of being able to set up home wherever you feel is also a factor, so your commute to work can be shortened at will, saving driving distance and time.

Overall life in a caravan in a little less stressful and a little more serene. But before you look at living full time it is important to realise there are downsides of this kind of lifestyle and should look into every aspect, good and bad before making such a life changing decision.

December 23, 2016 |

Ideal places for that perfect horse ride

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Keeping horses in familiar environments is usually best for their comfort, but occasionally the scenery gets boring and there are so many places out there to visit and explore. So if you have an especially brave or venturesome horse these three may be places worth visiting.

Whatever kind of scenery you require, The New Forest in southern England can provide. The trail is a vast national park district covering 753.2 km² so you’ll never run out of places to explore. There are trails across various forms of terrain covering heathlands, coastlines and woodland, so whatever kind of scenery you require, or whatever level of riding experience you are at there is something to suit you. It is known for being able to cater well for all experience levels with both flat and more challenging trails. As riders there are expectations to stick to tracks, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest such as pubs and restaurants and new things to experience while riding, such as the wildlife in the woodlands.

If you prefer more of a challenging landscape try Dartmoor in the south west of England. Difficulty of the trail depends on which section of the park you are in, with one section being ideal for beginners and people new to open outdoor riding, and two other sections for more experienced riders, one a lot more difficult to navigate than the other. Whichever part of the park a rider ends up in they will be greeted with spectacular scenery and a peaceful setting, perfect for a solitary or calm group ride. There are no rules to stick to paths as riders can trek over open moors, woodland and bridleways depending on preference.

For a more peaceful quiet route you can wander through Radnor Forest in the Welsh countryside. Radnor forest is an open space and has very few man made buildings. The walk offers stunning views of the surrounding areas and hillsides and features a decent amount of narrow valleys. Places to rest and eat are available but are much more scarce than in some other riding areas, but for a rider who is looking for somewhere to explore and enjoys finding their own bearings it is a great place to visit.

December 23, 2016 |

Safe loading of a horse trailer

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It’s common knowledge that horses are notoriously skittish animals, with sensitivity toward sudden noises, movements and strange situations, they can be quite hard to keep under control and comfortable when trying to load them into a horse carrier. For this reason keeping a horse calm during transportation is highly important as feeling worried or scared during a journey in a confined space makes it highly likely they will cause a lot of damage to their trailer and themselves by acting out, and could even cause danger to driving conditions if the trailer is shaking.

Before loading it is important to ensure a horse has the right clothing to prevent distress or injury while on the road, they should always be given good headroom in trailers but a poll guard is always a good idea to prevent head injury. For leg protection it is a good idea to use some kind of protector or bandages to help with rubbing, but it is important to make sure that they fit your horse well and you have fitted them correctly. Similar to legs, protection for their tail can be bandages or a suitable guard that will help with rubbing.

There are a lot of things that can be done to help keep a horse calm during loading, to begin with be sure they are comfortable, you can do this by loading them in a familiar setting where they feel safe and less likely to find anything different or strange to be scary, try not to show the horse any personal stress and be sure you have their full attention by petting or talking to them prior. While loading ensure the trailer is sturdy, as any movement as the horse boards may spook or deter them, a well lit interior is also a good idea, as a horse will be reluctant to willingly enter a dark unclear setting if they are unfamiliar with it. All of these tips will greatly aid in keeping a horse calm, but the most important part of the loading process is to make loading quick and unnoticeable, making the horse feel like it is not a big deal.

Once loaded it is easier to keep them comfortable, simply give them regular checks to provide them with food and water to prevent dehydration, as horses can sweat quite a bit during transportation.

December 23, 2016 |

What to pack for a caravanning holiday

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Sometimes when packing for a holiday it is impossible to know where to start, do you take extra supplies just in case? Or do you trust your instincts to just take what you need? Well you are in luck! here is a bit of reassurance about whether those extra pots, pans and plates are really necessary.

Whatever the size of your caravan one factor will remain the same, there will always be limited space, so when packing it is better to only take the basics. The only required items are really linen, towels and toiletries as depending on how you keep your caravan stocked or how advanced it is everything else should be provided already. If your caravan is not so advanced extra kitchen equipment is also good to take.

Obviously as it is a holiday for yourself and possibly others there is going to be a need for personal belongings such as clothes and electricals, but again, don’t over pack as you will only have limited space per person, less space the more people attending the holiday. Among these items it is a good idea to pack some things you and your company will find entertaining, whether for indoor or outdoor use as there is the car journey to get through and you can never count on whether there are going to be rainy or sunny days once you arrive.

Another good idea, just in case of emergency, is taking any necessary tools for the repair of either your car or caravan, as there is nothing worse and more stressful on a caravan holiday then becoming stranded as a result of car or caravan issues. Because of this, torches and extra batteries are also a good idea, in case you break down at night on a dark country road.

Something to avoid however is food, moderation is key with a caravan holiday and stocking up for the whole duration of your trip isn’t always ideal, especially when you have to drive the caravan to the campsite too, as movement may cause a lot of issues and mess for you to clean up once you arrive. The same goes for unnecessary extra amounts of pots and plates, as their movement could cause some issues, and also you’re on holiday, one plate each is more than enough to keep clean if you plan on eat out a lot, better yet, take paper ones!

December 23, 2016 |

Your winter holiday survival tips

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Are you a fan of winter? Caravan holidays aren’t always just for summer, and if you’re looking at taking yours away for a festive winter getaway there are a few extra things to consider that don’t apply all year round.

It is extremely important to pack properly for this kind of holiday, thick jackets, extra layers and spare blankets are always a good idea, however they will take up a lot of room so it is good to ensure all your extra items have space to be stored, you don’t want to spend your entire break tripping over your duvet. Water and food are also a good thing to keep a store of, you never know where you might end up or what stores may unexpectedly close, and no one wants to be stranded in the snow hungry and dehydrated.

Should you get stuck by breaking down or in snow there are a few essentials you will want to have with you, such as extra gas bottles, to ensure you can stay warm, and a shovel and rock salt, should you hit thick snow and get stuck or get snowed in, as this will enable you to dig your way out and dissolve the remaining bits of more solid snow, freeing your vehicle to continue.

A final safety precaution covers travel, if travelling somewhere with deep snow chains for wheels are a good idea to help with grip. It is also a good idea to consider the weight of all your extra winter packing, as you may have unknowingly exceeded your tow weight, doing this is highly dangerous and not to mention illegal in normal conditions, but can be even more deadly when driving on ice.

Winter holidays require a large amount of consideration and planning, but when done correctly that ideal cosy winter break is perfectly executed and better yet, it becomes more likely to become stress free.

December 23, 2016 |

Brink Towbars

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Brink Tow bars are a well established company, running for over a century. As one of Europe’s largest companies they annually produce close to one million tow bars, a selection suitable for most car manufacturers on the market. Approximately 35 million vehicles are currently equipped with a Brink towbar and / or cable set.

With their head office located in Staphorst, Netherlands Brink also feature other production and sales branches across the Uk, France, Denmark, Italy, Poland and South Africa. The company offer a range of over 1,500 different towbars including fixed towbars, detachable towbars, retractable towbars and flange ball towbars and just as many cable sets. All of which are customised to suit individual models and makes of car and meet all available quality standards.

Creating innovative, suitable designs is important at Brink, as they have specialists that work on the towbar to fit a car two years before it goes into production, working closely with the manufacturer during the design and production processes to ensure towbars match vehicle design and need perfectly. Ensuring the longevity, safety and smoothness of operation within their range of products they invest continually in towbar solutions and their company, constantly expanding to suit customer needs,

Brink strive to converse and engage with clients to learn and use their activities to further knowledge into the market and adaptable personalised service, with an aim to respond to any communication within 24 hours.

Expanding their company further they have created partnerships between themselves and private entrepreneurs called ‘Brink Installation Partners’ in a huge effort to provide convenience for customers by creating more installation branches and continually satisfactory installation. These partners aim to provide a personal approach across multiple branches, all fitters are specialised and personnel are all trained by Brink.

Brink towbar prices are all upfront and when installed by one of their Installation partners you don’t pay for fitting until it is done. Alongside this they offer a 5 year guarantee. However, if a Brink towbar is installed by any other provider a guarantee of a year is still provided and payment options will vary.

December 21, 2016 |
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