Hey guys,

Hope everyone is enjoying the start of fall and getting ready for thanksgiving next weekend :) This week's blog is going to be focused on products made out of merino wool for riders, and Back on Track products for horses. It will show the relationship of products that are comfortable and beneficial for both riders and horses. 

Firstly, merino wool is a material that comes from a specific kind of sheep called Merino sheep. These sheep are known for their coats because they produce the finest and softest wool available. Merino wool is softer and more finely crimped compared to any other wool. There are five basic wool grades, "strong, medium, fine, super fine and ultra fine." Measured in micrometers, the finer the fibre depends on the lower the measurement of the wool in micrometers. Because of how breathable and durable the wool is, it is used primarily for athletic garments. For riders, clothing made out of merino wool is super for riding apparel because it is breathable while sweating and extremely comfortable. In the winter months specifically, it is important to wear proper clothing that doesn't keep you wet and sweaty in order to prevent catching a chill or cold. At Baker's, we carry a variety products made of merino wool such as a variety of socks in both merino wool as well as organic wool, sweaters by Horseware and long sleeve shirts by Asmar. You can't go wrong with these products made by merino wool because it is lightweight and has the ability to keep the rider warm, while allowing perspiration to breathe through the wool garment and dry quickly. Here is a photo of a merino wool sweater that looks great in an equestrian ensemble. 

Similarly to riders comfortable merino wool clothing, are the Back on Track products for your horses comfort and for helping injuries. These products combine modern textile technology and traditional Chinese medicine which is supported by scientific studies, to achieve a more active and comfortable life for horses, dogs and people. Back on Track's, "joint and muscle support are all made of functional textiles with heat reflective properties. The textile is a synergy of ancient Chinese experience and modern scientific textile technology. During the manufacturing of polyester- or polyester fibers, the ceramic particles are fused into the fibers. When heated, the ceramic particles radiate a heat back towards the body. This reflected heat is long-wave heat radiation, which is also known as long wave infrared radiation."At Baker's, we carry a variety of Back on Track products such as blankets and saddle pads. Taken from the Back on Track website, Olympic rider and gold team medalist McLain Ward posted his opinion on these products by saying, "Everything has been excellent, by using the Back on Track leg wraps. We do a better job of the horse’s legs and we’ve stopped using poultice so it cuts down on the problem of drying out the legs and skin irritation. When using the Back on Track blankets, we’ve noticed a great difference in the horses’ backs.We can go longer between the chiropractic treatments. This is a wonderful product that keeps our horses in great shape." For more information about Back on Track products check out their website by clicking the link below. 

http://www.backontrackproducts.com/