Product Reviews Archives

Choosing The Best Barrel Racing Helmet: Troxel or Tipperary

The Right Horse Back Riding Helmet

A helmet is a personal prefference in barrel racing. Choosiing the right barrel racing helmet isn’t just about protection—it’s about comfort and embodying your unique style in the arena. Renowned brands like Troxel and Tipperary leading the charge in equestrian safety. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two popular helmets, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.

Understanding the Importance of a Barrel Racing Helmet

Fallon Taylor “I’ll be wearing one for the remainder of my career.”

Your horseback riding helmet is not just another piece of gear—it’s crucial for your safety and well-being. In the high-stakes world of barrel racing, your helmet is there to protect your most valuable asset: your brain.

There are different rules when it comes to a helmet. In Canada, I know for sure you have to be 18 and over to choose not to wear a helmet; all youth must wear one. In the USA that is a different story. I am 99% sure any age can choose not to wear a helmet while competing.

Troxel, the trailblazer in modern lightweight equestrian helmets focuses on providing superior impact protection without compromising on comfort or style. Their helmets are SEI certified, giving you the confidence that you’re protected. Tipperary, on the other hand, is focused on comfort and one you will see at a lot of barrel races. Their ventilation systems ensure that even during the most intense rides, you stay cool and collected.

Getting the Perfect Fit

Every rider’s head shape is unique, and finding a helmet that feels like a natural extension of you can make all the difference. Start by measuring your head accurately—this means using a soft measuring tape to gauge the circumference of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows.

When you try on helmets, make sure to wear your hair as you would during your rides. Slip on the helmet and adjust the straps to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. The helmet should sit level on your head and not tilt backward or forward. It should feel secure without being tight, providing a gentle embrace rather than a squeeze.

The helmet that works wonders for your friend might not offer the same comfort or security for you. Your ideal helmet will feel supportive, staying in place as you move without causing pressure points. Your comfort and safety are worth every moment spent in finding the perfect riding helmet.

Troxel has a great fitting guide here

Comparing the Features of Troxel and Tipperary Helmets

even when starting horses, it is important to be safe

Troxel helmets stand out with their comfort and a variety of styles to choose from. Each helmet is SEI certified, providing peace of mind that you’re well-protected. With a focus on a close silhouette fit, Troxel helmets are crafted to stay secure through every take off and turn.

Tipperary’s Sportage helmet is big on it ventilation and lightweight design. Featuring 11 mesh-covered vents, it guarantees great airflow, perfect for keeping you cool during those high-intensity barrel races.

Troxel brings a blend of safety and sleek design, making you look and feel great in the arena. Tipperary prioritizes keeping you cool and comfortable, maybe a little less fashionable. With these choices, you can find a helmet that meets your safety needs and complements your riding style and personality.

Making the Final Decision: Troxel or Tipperary?

Troxel has a wide variety of helmets from different styles, fits and functions

Making the final choice between Troxel and Tipperary helmets ultimately hinges on what matters most to you. Troxel’s helmets stand out with their chic design and secure fit, ideal for riders who appreciate a blend of safety and style.

On the other hand, Tipperary’s Sportage helmet excels in comfort, especially in hot or extended rides, thanks to its superb ventilation. If staying cool and comfortable is your top priority, the Sportage is a fantastic choice, offering a breezy experience even during intense competition.

Both brands deliver on their promise of safety and quality. Whether it’s Troxel’s fashionable edge or Tipperary’s cooling comfort, your ideal helmet is out there. So, which one will it be?

Why We Love Mad Barn Equine Nutrition

by shelbyolyschlager | Healthy Horses, Product Reviews

A Top Choice in Equine Nutrition

When it comes to equine nutrition, the right supplements can make all the difference in your horse’s performance, health, and overall well-being. Mad Barn Equine Nutrition has emerged as a frontrunner in the industry, offering customized nutritional solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each horse. My journey with Mad Barn began years ago when I started using their products for my barrel horses. After interviewing Scott, the founder of Mad Barn, on the We Can Hustle podcast, my admiration for the brand deepened. Here’s why I believe Mad Barn deserves a resounding 5-star rating.

The Mad Barn Story – From Founder to Feedroom

Scott, the mastermind behind Mad Barn, didn’t just wake up one day and decide to revolutionize equine nutrition. His journey began in the trenches of the equine industry, where he saw firsthand the challenges horse owners faced in finding reliable, science-backed nutritional solutions. Fueled by a genuine passion for equine health, Scott embarked on a mission to create products that combine rigorous research with top-notch ingredients. Mad Barn’s evolution from a passion project to a trusted name in equine nutrition is a testament to Scott’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of horses everywhere.

Personalized Nutrition – Custom Solutions for Every Horse

Mad Barn truly shines with its personalized nutrition plans. They take into account each horse’s unique dietary needs based on age, activity level, and health conditions. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Mad Barn’s team collaborates closely with horse owners to craft a tailored nutritional strategy. This attention to detail ensures your horse gets precisely what it needs to thrive. Imagine having a nutritionist for your equine friend who’s as invested in their well-being as you are! This level of customization and care is rare in the industry, making Mad Barn a standout choice for conscientious horse owners.

The Science Behind the Supplements – Free Hay Analysis

Mad Barn recognizes that understanding your horse’s feed is key to optimal nutrition. That’s why they offer a free hay analysis—an invaluable tool for any horse owner. This analysis dives deep into the nutritional composition of your hay, uncovering details that you might miss. Think of it as getting a report card for your hay! With this data in hand, Mad Barn can craft precise supplement recommendations tailored to address any gaps in your horse’s diet. It’s like having a mini-laboratory dedicated to your horse’s nutritional needs, ensuring every bite they take is packed with the right nutrients.

The Benefits – Why Mad Barn Stands Out

The benefits of choosing Mad Barn for your equine nutrition needs are numerous and noteworthy. First and foremost, their products boast high-quality, meticulously sourced ingredients, ensuring your horse gets top-notch nutrition. Their customer service is nothing short of stellar—always ready to assist with any questions or concerns you might have. Mad Barn’s diverse product range caters to various health needs, from digestive support to joint care, allowing you to address your horse’s specific requirements effectively. Plus, their constant innovation and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends means you’re always getting the best possible solutions for your equine companions.

Possible Downsides – Are There Any?

While Mad Barn Equine Nutrition is packed with benefits, it’s fair to say no product is perfect. One potential downside is the commitment required for their personalized nutrition plans. Gathering detailed information about your horse’s current diet and health status might feel like a homework assignment, but hey, a little effort goes a long way. Additionally, some folks might balk at the higher price point compared to generic options on the market. However, remember that you’re investing in top-notch ingredients and scientifically-backed solutions. It’s a trade-off—quality over convenience. And let’s be honest, when it comes to our beloved equine friends, quality usually wins.

My Experience – Years of Happy Horses

Having been a loyal Mad Barn user for years, I can attest to the incredible benefits their products have brought to my barrel horses. Initially, I was skeptical—like any horse owner bombarded with endless supplement options. However, the tangible improvements in my horses’ energy, coat sheen, and overall vitality soon quashed any doubts. My interview with Scott on the We Can Hustle podcast (which you can listen to here) gave me deeper insights into the brand’s approach to education and nutrition. Thanks to Mad Barn, my horses are not just surviving—they’re thriving.

Final Verdict – A 5-Star Rating for Mad Barn

Mad Barn Equine Nutrition is the real deal. From my years of using their products to my enlightening chat with Scott on the We Can Hustle podcast , I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact they can have. The free hay analysis is generous, providing invaluable insights into your horse’s diet. Sure, the personalized plans might require a bit more effort and come at a higher price point, but the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences. My barrel horses are living proof—thriving with more energy, better coats, and overall vitality. If you want a supplement that genuinely cares about your horse’s unique needs and backs it up with science, Mad Barn is the way to go. They’re not just selling a product; they’re offering a partnership in your horse’s health and well-being.

Want to try out some Mad Barn for yourself?

Use the links below or code WECANHUSTLE to get 5% off your purchase.

USA – https://wecanhustle.com/madbarnusa
Canada – https://wecanhustle.com/madbarncanada

Enjoy!

The Best Sport Medicine Splint Boots For Barrel Racing

by shelbyolyschlager | Barrel Racing, Product Reviews, Tack & Equipment

The Best Barrel Racing Leg Protection

When it comes to barrel racing, choosing the right leg protection for your horse can be overwhelming but also very important. Getting started in barrel racing itself can be daunting, something I help with here in the guide to barrel racing The right splint boots not only protect the legs from potential injuries but also offers support. There are many to choose from with new brand poping up all the time. hey all in essence do the same thing, but which is best for your horse, and also you.

We will compare some of the top splint boots, some that I have personally tried and some I still use today; Including the Classic Equine Legacy2 Support Boots, Professional’s Choice 2XCool Sports Medicine Boots, Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots, and Weaver Prodigy Athletic Boots.

Splint boots offer essential support to the tendons and ligaments, in barrel racing we know it is a high demanding sport. The right boots will help from the legs from getting too hot and full of dirt that can cause discomfort and potentially further issues.

Let’s gear up with the best splint boots and make every run the best it can be.

Classic Equine Legacy2 Support Boots

If you go to a race you will see lots of Classic Equine Legacy2 fronts and the newer release of the Flexion Legacy2(pictured above) for good reason. They are made from 100% virgin neoprene, these boots are easy to use and countour around your horses legs really nicely.

For those riders who are really particular about fit, the inner rib is a game-changer. Positioned between the tendon and the cannon bone, this rib ensures the boots maintain perfect alignment, ahh yes, we love that for you!

The C lassic Equine Legacy2 Support Boots or any of their Legacy line boots are a good choice for any level barrel racer. They fit great, are easy to put on and just look good!

Professional’s Choice 2XCool Sports Medicine Boots

If breathability are high on your checklist, then the Professional’s Choice 2XCool Sports Medicine Boots are for you. Ditching the traditional neoprene, these boots are made from ultra-lightweight, super-breathable materials that make them different in the world of barrel racing.

But, also beware, I did hear that the material isn’t as protective as neoprene due to the mini air pockets that allows them to be more breathable. Overall, Professional Choice does have quality porducts and you can’t go wrong with this choice.

Tough 1 Extreme Sport Boots

These boots are designed to give your horse full support with the suspensory sling, which offers flexible support to the fetlock and tendons. Plus they look cool!

The boots also come with nicely places velcro that help them shape perfectly to your horse’s legs. Keeping out dirt and debris which is always a treat for the horse.

In a nutshell, if you’re after a pair of boots that offer good protection, cost effecient and a fit that feels custom-made, the Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots are definitely worth trying out.

Weaver Prodigy Athletic Boots

These boots are designed to offer support and protection with their innovative Dynamic Sling System, which cradles your horse’s suspensory tendons and ligaments like a well-fitted glove (they say).

The combination of a neoprene liner and stretchy binding creates a snug fit that feels almost custom-made for your horse’s legs.

I have not personally used them but these boots have been tested and fine-tuned by a variety of industry professionals. If its good for them it must be good for us, right?

They’re easy to put on, and provide your horse with the freedom to move naturally. The Weaver Prodigy Athletic Boots are worth a shot!

How to Choose the Best Splint Boots for Your Horse

There are so many option out there. Econoclast, relentless, Tacktical, and many more smaller brands that I will share below.

Evaluate your horse’s specific needs. Are they prone to injuries, or do they need extra support? Do you just want to look good with funky paterns and colours?

Breathability is another thing to consider. You don’t want your horse to work with hot legs as it can cause injury. A lot of boots get hot naturally so it’s important to take those bad boys off your horses leg as much as possible. This means after your runs too, take them off. This also included the overreach boots too!

Other Choices Good Choices

There are lots of high end leg wrap options out there. Here are a few others you can choose from.

Iconoclast

Josh Andrews Dura Boots (would like to try these)

Tacktical Leg Wraps

Polo Wraps

Then of course there are polo wraps. Some use them on all four legs, some use them only in the hind legs, some say they dont offer enough protection. They are less convenient then the splint boots as they need to be cleaned and rolled up before each use.

They are also better suited for the more advanced as you can mess up applying polo wraps quite easily. (But, if you want to learn, there will be a blog and video showing you how to properly put them on soon)When it comes to our horses precious legs and tendons, we really want to get things right! Having said that, polo wraps have a place, but my opinion is id say stick with more protection and convenience alone, these do not get my vote for barrel racing.

Explore the many options out there, you will find the ones that work for you and your horse.

Let us know below which ones you have tried which ones you like in the comment section below.