In honour of Earth Day being this month, we wanted to talk about environmentally friendly practices for equestrians.
As an equestrian, you likely spend a lot of time around horses and in the great outdoors. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of riding and competing, it's important to remember that we all have a responsibility to protect the environment. In this blog post, we'll explore some ways that you can be more environmentally friendly as an equestrian, and how to reduce your plastic use.
Use reusable water bottles
Are you really still using plastic water bottles in 2023? It's important to stay hydrated when riding or working with horses, but disposable plastic water bottles can quickly add up and harm the environment. Instead, invest in a reusable water bottle. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will keep your water colder, and larger bottles can hold enough water for even the longest days.
Say no to single-use plastic
Whether you're buying horse feed, supplements, or grooming products, try to avoid using single-use plastic bags. Instead, bring your own reusable bags to the feed store or tack shop. You can find equestrian-themed reusable bags that are both stylish and eco-friendly. Buying in bulk is usually an excellent way to get what you need, and it has the bonus of being kinder to your wallet.
Horse treats - SO many options!
There are so many ways to give your horse a tasty treat that helps the environment a little more. Buying in bulk saves you money and time. Baking your own horse treats saves money and is tons of fun. Even growing your own carrots could be a challenge. If you do opt to buy the pretty, fancy treats, we honestly don’t blame you – they’re the best. We do recommend buying local to save on shipping and those gas emissions.
Choose eco-friendly care products
Many horse care products, such as fly sprays and shampoos, contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment. Look for products that are eco-friendly and made with natural ingredients. Not only is this better for the environment, but it is also so much better for your horse! Some brands even offer refillable containers to reduce waste.
Say no to overconsumption
This may be ironic coming from a brand that sells equestrian clothing, but we really mean it. Do you really need 40 saddle pads and the matching polos and bonnets for all of them? Investing in fewer, high-quality items can save you space, time in your outfit decisions and of course, the environment.
By taking these small steps, you can help reduce your plastic use and be a more environmentally friendly equestrian. Every little bit helps, and together we can make a difference in protecting the planet we love.
What do we do to keep up on our environmental promises? Take a look at the practices we've adopted over the past few years on our journey to being as environmentally friendly as possible on our Climate Commitment Page.