PDS Showtime Covered Leather XCH Dressage Saddle

Featuring Ecological tanned calf leather, cut away panels and outside knee blocks. The PDS SHOWTIME range is designed to maximize horse and rider performance. The cut away panel is designed for horses with typical dressage horse conformation- longer sloping shoulders and set back withers- to allow freedom of movement to the shoulder of the horse. The knee block has been placed on the top of the saddle in order to enable the rider to remain secure in the saddle and to sustain a correct and balanced position, especially when experiencing pronounced movement from the horse. These design elements will result in a noticeable increase in the horse's forward movement and its ability to extend.Also features a Carbon Fiber XCH tree and AMS synthetic wool flocked panels. Comes standard with Standard AMS Panels and Regular Flap Length:. Special Order Panel options: AMS Alto Panels- built for horses with prominent withers and greater height difference from withers to back. The Alto Panels are deeper at the front and back to offer extra support and clearance over the withers and spine. The addition of a front gusset in the panel gives clearance over the withers with extra padding in the region of the panel that sits just behind the shoulder, offering extra support where the horse often lacks muscle. AMS Corto Panels- designed for a more compact type of horse with a well-developed muscular back. The gusset at the back of the saddle is flatter to fit the contours of the horse's back. Special Order Flap Length:s: Short Flap (Reg -1), Long Flap (Reg. +1), Extra Long (Reg. +2)Special Order PDS saddles (Alto/Corto panel & alternate flap Length:s) will be delivered in approximately 8-10 weeks or less. Item Number: 467998 Size: Call for special order 12 weeks,

How to Fit a Tall English Riding Boot

Fitting you tall
riding boot is essential for comfort.  Check out our boots at English Habit

Things to look for when choosing a barn

Choosing a barn can be a daunting task for both experienced and novice riders alike. Finding the perfect barn is important so you can focus more on riding and less on barn upkeep. Here are a few things to look at when choosing a barn.

1.  What is your research telling you? When looking online or calling around to friends, what are the reviews? If everyone is saying the barn is bad, then stay away. Even the nicest of photos and websites can be misleading. 
2. Are they safe? This seems obvious, but sometimes safety can be forgotten. Be sure that the barn hasn’t had any major issues when discussing with friends or reading reviews. Visit the barn you are looking at and take note of things such as cleanliness, condition of the stalls, and storage areas.
3.  If needed, are there certified instructors? Having a certified instructor onsite is a plus, especially if you are a new rider. Make sure that your instructor has certifications from credible institutions, such as the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Also, the more experience they have, especially with beginners, the better.

These are just a few things to look for when choosing a barn. When you’ve settled that, be sure to make sure you have all of the proper equipment. English Habit has a wide selection of products including horse care, English riding belts, English riding apparel, and much more! 

We’ve Added Plus Sizes!

Here at English Habit, we’re proud to announce that we have plus size equestrian products! We’re expanding our products to help any rider find the products they love in the size that’s best for them. Here are just a couple things we carry, but we’ll have more products in soon!

This OV Performance Coat is perfect for competition in any weather. This extremely breathable coat has lightweight fabric that has stretch mesh lining. Additionally, they have metal buttons and an ultra-suede collar. This stylish coat is perfect for anyone who is looking for a fashionable and comfortable performance coat!

We carry an assortment of plus size riding breeches that are sure to fit any style and budget. One of our current favorites is Deer Leather Full Seat Custom Breeches. These breeches are a fan favorite because of their comfort and durability. Also, they come in a variety of colors! The French Terry material comes in 10 colors and the leather comes in 12 different colors. You’ll find the size you need, in a color you love, for a reasonable price!

We’re expanding our plus size equestrian products every day, so check back frequently to see what’s new! Here at English Habit, we work hard to provide English Rider apparel and gear at reasonable prices for everyone! Shop our products today or contact us for more information! 

What horse blanket is best suited for your needs.

It's starting to have a chill in the morning around here.  Time to start thinking about those horse blankets. Which horse blanket is best suited for your specific need??

Check it out at English Habit


Horse Blankets are sometimes used to keep the horse's hair short. If horses are blanketed at the beginning of the autumn, especially if kept in a lighted area for 16 hours a day, they will not grow a winter coat. Horse Blankets also protect horses that are kept with a short clipped hair coat for show purposes. When a horse is given a full body clip, or even a partial "trace clip", it needs to have a blanket kept on at all times if the weather is cool because the horse no longer has the natural insulation of a longer hair coat. If a blanket is put on a horse at the beginning of the winter in order to suppress the growth of a winter coat, or if the horse is kept clipped in cold weather, the blanket cannot be taken off until warmer weather arrives in the spring. If a horse is subjected to cold weather without either a blanket or a natural hair coat to keep it warm, it may become ill, and vulnerable to sicknesses such as influenza.Heavy horse blankets for warmth make up the bulk of the horse blanket market, but lightweight blankets may be used in the summer to help the animal ward off flies and to prevent the hair coat from bleaching out. Such blankets are usually called a "sheet" or a "fly sheet". They are usually made of some type of nylon or strong synthetic fiber, but with the capacity to "breathe" so that the animal remains cool. Most have a smooth nylon lining in front to prevent hair from wearing off on the shoulders.  

What horse blanket is best suited for your needs.

It's starting to have a chill in the morning around here.  Time to start thinking about those horse blankets. Which horse blanket is best suited for your specific need??

Check it out at English Habit


Horse Blankets are sometimes used to keep the horse's hair short. If horses are blanketed at the beginning of the autumn, especially if kept in a lighted area for 16 hours a day, they will not grow a winter coat. Horse Blankets also protect horses that are kept with a short clipped hair coat for show purposes. When a horse is given a full body clip, or even a partial "trace clip", it needs to have a blanket kept on at all times if the weather is cool because the horse no longer has the natural insulation of a longer hair coat. If a blanket is put on a horse at the beginning of the winter in order to suppress the growth of a winter coat, or if the horse is kept clipped in cold weather, the blanket cannot be taken off until warmer weather arrives in the spring. If a horse is subjected to cold weather without either a blanket or a natural hair coat to keep it warm, it may become ill, and vulnerable to sicknesses such as influenza.Heavy horse blankets for warmth make up the bulk of the horse blanket market, but lightweight blankets may be used in the summer to help the animal ward off flies and to prevent the hair coat from bleaching out. Such blankets are usually called a "sheet" or a "fly sheet". They are usually made of some type of nylon or strong synthetic fiber, but with the capacity to "breathe" so that the animal remains cool. Most have a smooth nylon lining in front to prevent hair from wearing off on the shoulders.  

One K Helmet Fitting - English Habit

Fitting an English Helmet

Here is a great video on making sure your horse riding helmet fits properly

Watch the video and then click on the link to  purchase your helmet

Watch the Video

English Helmets at English Habit

English VS. Western Riding 101

The first question that can come up when discussing riding is the difference between riding English versus riding Western. Here are a few of the basics to understanding these differences.

·         Saddle – Essentially, a Western saddle is wider, larger and heavier. It can hold more weight for longer periods of time as the weight of the rider is spread out over a larger portion of the horse’s back. The idea would be that the rider can stay on the horse for a full day’s work. The English saddle is smaller and much lighter and has English saddle pads underneath for comfort. It can be worn for shorter amounts of time and gives closer contact with the horse’s back.

·         Riding – The riding styles can seem similar as both require a comfortable and relaxed position for the rider. However, there are a few key differences. First, the most noticeable difference would be that the English rider makes direct contact with the horse’s mouth, through the reins, to aid in movements and direction. In Western riding there is no direct contact to move the horse. It mainly focuses on weight and neck reining for control. Lastly, an English rider takes a rein in each hand, instead of two in one had as Western riders do.  This slight change in position gives a very different appearance to the riders.

Are you looking for more information about English riding and the equipment? Check out EnglishHabit.com today! 

Welcome to the English Habit Blog!

Getting ready to saddle up? Are you new to English riding or a seasoned veteran of the sport? Learn more about the basics of riding, the equipment and the riding fashion here at the English Habit Blog. Here’s a little about EnglishHabit.com and what we carry.

·         Apparel and Rider Gear – Our apparel and rider gear includes boots, boys and girls apparel, English Riding shirts, show coats, helmets, luggage and totes as well as so much more. Our high quality brands include Ovation and EquiStar.

·         Barn Supplies – Barn supplies include arena supplies, blanket racks, bridle hangers and saddle racks. Grooming tools include hoof picks, grooming stones and thinning shears.

·         Horse Care – Our horse care section includes a variety of ear nets in an assortment of colors. We also offer health related products, as well as hoof oil and Himalayan Rock Salt. At English Habit, we carry a selection of leg protection for your horse. Options range from bandages to splint boots. Horse blankets are also popular for when the horse is loose in a stall or when traveling.

·         Men’s Department – The men’s collection includes riding gloves, laces, boots as well as show shirts and riding breeches. Ovation and Mountain Horse brands are both available for the highest quality.

·         Tack and Equipment – Finally, the tack and equipment offered includes bits, bridles, girths, irons, pony tack, saddles and English saddle pads. Our variety of products sets us in front of the competition as we know exactly what an English equestrian is looking for.

Contact us today at 509.667.1192, visit our website or keep checking back on our blog to learn more!