Three Equestrian Enthusiast Websites

August 5, 2014 by francis

Riding horses is a beloved pastime for many people around the country, and owning horses is even a way of life in some areas. Whether you’re a longtime horse owner or a beginning rider, these informative and beautiful websites will quickly become your online resources for horseback riding information.

Equestrian Mag
An online magazine designed for the serious equine enthusiast, Equestrian Mag is dedicated to providing the very best information and resources to the riding community. Users can browse the website by riding topics like competition, training, or racing, or even other topics from breeding to diet. Equestrian Mag also contains long-form articles that horse lovers will find interesting and thought provoking.

Horse & Rider
Horse & Rider is one of the most popular print magazines for horse enthusiasts, and its online version is just as helpful. Here, you’ll find horse care guides, riding and training tips, and reviews of the latest tack and apparel items for riders of every focus. The website also contains online extras that aren’t in the magazine, so even subscribers will find something new.

HorseChannel.com
If you simply can’t get enough horse discussion, HorseChannel.com is an online resource full of discussions, tips, and news from all areas of the horse owner community. The site is divided into English and Western disciplines, so there’s something for every type of rider to enjoy.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/willg willg.photography

Pedal Power: Tips for Beginning Cyclists

March 4, 2014 by francis

Whether you want to bike to and from work or go on competitive, long-distance rides, there are a few universal truths about beginning cycling. When you take the precautionary measures and keep yourself safe, cycling can be an incredibly fun sport or mode of transportation, but you need to consider these tips before you get started.

Start slowly.
You may think that because you already know how to ride a bike, you can jump right into things. This can be very dangerous, however, and all beginning cyclists should start out with simple, two- or three-mile rides at a steady but leisurely pace. This gives your muscles time to strengthen and you some time to find your footing (or rather, your wheels).

Stay safe.
Even if you’re aware of your surroundings, that doesn’t mean that drivers in cars are as attuned. Wear protective headgear and brightly colored clothes, cover your bike in reflectors, and be sure to only ride during daylight hours. Also make sure you know the traffic laws.

Understand how your bike works.
Become familiar with the three front gears, the seven back gears, and how to shift from one to the other. Make sure you know where your brakes are, and always carry a small repair kit that attaches to the bike in case of a flat tire or other mishap.

Beginner Cycling Tips [Bicycling]
Beginner's Guide to Cycling [zenhabits]