Author: Carl Gardner

Carl Gardner is a Three Day Eventer & the founder of Four Star Eventing Gear. Carl started Four Star in the beginning of 2013 to address the challenges of finding well priced, high quality Eventing gear.
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HELMET CRASH REPLACEMENT POLICY

Save 50% Trauma Void Helmets after an unplanned dismount!

Protecting yourself and your loved ones while enjoying equestrian sports is top-of-mind when purchasing personal protective gear including vests and helmets. Trauma Void is a leading line of high quality protective head gear for equestrian sports. These helmets contain cutting-edge protective technology, such as the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which has been utilized in helmets for cyclists, motorcyclists, and winter sport enthusiasts for years to help reduce the rotational force exerted on the brain during crashes.

To Take Advantage of the Trauma Void Helmet Replacement Policy:

  1. Purchase a Trauma Void helmet of any style or color from us.
  2. Once you have received your helmet, make sure it fits.
  3. In the event that you decide a sizing change needs to be made, DO NOT remove the tags, DO NOT discard the protective carrying bag or helmet box that your purchase arrived in.
  4. KEEP YOUR RECEIPT (Transaction Email, Invoice etc.). Keeping your receipt in case of a crash replacement is the only requirement required of you.

IN CASE OF A FALL

CONTACT US! You may reply to ANY transactional email (initial order confirmation, shipping email) or email us directly: GetGear@FourStarBrand.com. Simply tell us about the fall, the date, situation then shoot some images of the helmet. We will respond with next steps.

Our partnership with Trauma Void and their US based distributor allows us to offer our customers this Helmet Crash Replacement Policy. It allows you to purchase a replacement helmet at 50% off your original purchase price. This policy goes into effect from the date of purchase for a period of two (2) years! 

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Using Back on Track Products in the Summer

back on track welltex

Can I use Back on Track Products in the Summer?

We receive this question from customers online and at our Temecula tack store – can I use Back on Track products in the Summer? The quick answer: Yes! Back on Track is the only therapeutic horse product company using Welltex fabric, a highly breathable material. You can use all the BOT products on a daily basis, even in the heat of summer because they don’t generate heat, they’re just reflecting your horse’s body’s own energy. This energy is where the magic is – increasing blood circulation to decrease inflammation.

Why Increasing Circulation Helps

– Relieves arthritis pain
– Reduces tendon & ligament Problems
– Reduces muscle pain (helps keep your horse fresh across multiple competition days)
– Speeds up injury recovery
– Helps injury prevention

When to use Back on Track products in the Summer?

– 30 Minute increments before & after workout
– When horse is in a covered stall
– While Trailering

Awesome customer review from Trust Pilot:

“I swear by their products. The back on track wraps can take down swelling in a matter of hours in legs. I am rehabbing a Grand Prix horse with a suspensory tear and couldn’t do it without their products. I also have a horse with navicular that faithfully wears the bell boots each night and she is maintaining with no shoes or pads.”

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EGO 7 Tall Boot Warranty

tall boot warranty

EGO 7 Tall Boot Warranty

Ego 7 Tall Boot Warranty covers both the EGO7 Field Boots and the EGO7 Dress Boots. Both products are guaranteed for 8 months from the date you purchased them by the manufacturing company. We, independently cover another 4 months against defects. The EGO7 tall boot warranty covers manufacturing defects. Boots with ripped stitching, popped zippers, damaged soles, ripped leather etc. can be replaced or repaired. The decision to replace or repair will come from EGO 7.

To Make a Warranty Claim

Follow these steps:

  • Purchase your tall boots from us – we cannot help you if you did not purchase your boots from us.
  • Find your receipt – from a show we were at or from your email inbox (order number). If you can’t find any proof, we can still help you, using our records. Just let us know when you made the purchase (dates or date range), where it was made IE the interweb or at a show + anything else – like the email address you used.
  • Shoot a picture or two, they’re worth at least a thousand words.
  • Explain a little bit – sometimes, pictures are not worth many words – if it’s not obvious, please let us know what’s going on with the boots. Please include when this happened, it will be helpful.

Shoot us over an email with the items above to: GetGear@FourStarBrand.com with the Subject: EGO 7 Warranty Claim.

What We Will Do

Handle the process for you

We’ll take your information and work with the manufacturing company on your behalf. Once we have a decision from the manufacturing company, we’ll provide options for you.

What Will The Outcome Look Like

New boots or repaired boots

Once the manufacturing company has determined that the claim falls under the warranty protection, a recommendation for repair or replace will be handed down to us. We will share with you your options.

How Long Will This Take?

A month or less from broken to replaced or repaired

Once we have received the necessary information from you, we’ll pass it along. Please allow a week or so for options. For repairs, please allow 3 weeks.

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Double Ended Snaps Vs. Carabiners Vs. Stall Hooks

carabiner to hold water buckets

What’s Best?

When it comes to securing things in your horse’s stall, safety and reliability are the two most important factors. What do we secure to stalls? Both at home and at shows we secure water buckets, slow feed hay bags and feed tubs. At shows, we secure stall guards. There are two traditional ways to secure these items: double ended snaps and stall hooks. We’re introducing another way – carabiners. Each of the three have their pros and cons.

Double Ended Snaps

The double ended snap is an equestrian staple. It’s found everywhere – including the garbage can. These pieces of hardware are made of cheap metal with a cheap spring to hold the latch shut. They have the strength to hold about 100 lbs before breaking.

brass snap

Pros: 

  • Safe when pointing the correct direction
  • Inexpensive
  • Multiple uses
  • Widely available
  • Holds just enough weight
  • Fast on / off (assuming there is no rust / corrosion)

Cons:

  • Unsafe if pointed the wrong direction (in image, wrong way!)
  • Will corrode over time – either open if spring is broken or rust closed
  • Spring will break over time or the snap lever – like in the image
  • Only holds 100 lbs, max

double ended snap fail

Stall Hooks

Stall hooks are made of powder coated wire. They have no sharp edges and come in different lengths. Stall hooks don’t close / lock so they’re only good for holding water buckets and grain buckets.

stall utility hooks

Pros:

  • Long lifespan
  • Safe
  • Won’t corrode, no moving parts
  • Won’t easily bend
  • Will fit over side of temp stall that doesn’t have D-rings
  • Fast on / off

Cons: 

  • Will only hold water buckets and grain buckets
  • Take up a bit more space than carabiners or double ended snaps
  • No way to lock in buckets – a playful horse can disconnect buckets and “play” with them… break… them

Carabiners

There are multiple carabiners out there. We’re suggesting using any of the various locking carabiners on the market. Twist lock carabiners are easy to snap onto D-rings in temp stalls or onto your fense at home. With an extremely high tolerance to the elements, the higher cost will pay for itself.

carabiner to hold slow feed hay bag

Pros: 

  • Locking carabiners are safe to use in stalls
  • Extreme tolerance to the elements – won’t rust, corrode
  • Will work to secure buckets and stall guards
  • Will hold a ton of weight – great for slow feed hay bags that are pulled all day

Cons: 

  • About twice as expensive as a double ended snap
    • with the long life, it will pay for itself
  • Thicker metal may not fit all d-rings or stall guard chains
  • Slower on / off with twist lock. Can overcome this with a tri-lock / auto lock carabiner
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Fitting EGO 7 Semi Custom Tall Boots

fitting your semi custom tall boots

Fitting EGO 7 Semi Custom Tall Boots

Fitting EGO 7 Semi Custom Tall Boots? If you’re considering purchasing a pair of semi custom field boots or dress boots by EGO 7, this post will help you find the perfect fit. Please review this page before making your purchase so you can get using your boots asap. Measure twice, order once but rest assured, we will work with you to find the best fit, even if the first pair doesn’t work for you.

  • Fit your foot (EGO 7 fits Men & Women)
    • For half sizes, order a size down & use included footbed for half size modification (works really well)
  • Fit your ankle
  • Fit your calf
  • Fit the height

Fitting EGO 7 Semi Custom Tall Boots takes only a few steps!

EGO 7 Measure Guide

Fitting Your Foot (Men and Women’s Sizes)

The EGO 7 line of boots come in whole sizes EU 34 – 45 /. This size range covers mens and womens for EU sizing. For US conversions to mens and womens sizes, use the generally accepted size conversion chart. Yes, these boots can be worn by men and women.

For half sizes, use the included footbed – its works very well. Be sure to buy the next size up and install the footbed: If you’re a male rider, size 10.5, get the size 11 (EU 44) and install the footbed for a size 10.5.

EGO 7 was designed to accommodate a wide range of food widths and arch heights. For those with a slimmer foot, we suggest using an insole. The boots come with an footbed but you might want to try something like SuperFeet for the best fit possible.

superfeet insoles for tall boots

Once you find your foot size, you can move onto the ankle size. Note – when you receive your boots, you will know that the foot fitts if there is no heel slip – up or down or excessive squeezing. A bit of break-in period is normal for a better fit but if your feet are really hurting right away, you should go with a larger foot size & modify as needed with insoles.

Fitting Your Ankle

The ankle on the EGO 7 is highly fitted. The fitted ankle results in less boot drop and more comfort and control. Far less wrinkles around the ankle is not just an aesthetic perk to the EGO 7. There is not a specific boot for a specific ankle and no measurements are needed but… when you receive your boots, we want you to put them on for the first time keeping the fitted ankle in mind. When putting them on for the first time, pull the elastic towards the zipper while zipping the boot. Using the buddy system might help in this task the first time. Once you’re zipped past the ankle, the rest will be easier – unless the calf is just too small or large (which is fine, we can do something about that). Once the boots are zipped up, go ahead and walk around, giving the boots 10-15 minutes to stretch out a bit, forming to your ankle. If they’re still too tight around the ankle, take them off and take out the footbed -that might be the issue. Try the boots on again and walk around for another 15 mins. If that works, you will only need to buy a thin footbed – we suggest REI.

Fitting The Calf

Each foot size (EU 34 – 48) comes in 16 different calf sizes. This is the circumference of the boot around the thickest part of your calf muscle. On the product page, you will find the various measurements. This is a pretty simple measurement and most people will fit right into the molds. For those with a large, strong calf muscle that tapers off significantly towards the knee, there might be a fitting issue at the top (see below).

Fitting The Height

Each foot size comes in 16 different heights: XS – Extra Short, S – Short, M – Medium, Large – L. The measurements for each of these differs based on the shoe size. See the size chart for more information. If you’re between sizes for height, go UP – these boots will drop just a bit so you want to be sure they stay tall enough but not too tall – don’t want them banging into the back of your knee while you ride or your kneecap while you walk.

Fitting The Top

It’s called “capping” when your tall boots have a gap between the outside of your knee and the top of your tall boot. This can be caused by a few things but mostly it’s because you have some well defined calves. The EGO 7 has a great, contoured fit that accommodates most calves – even those built ones… to an extent. If you find that the boot sticks out at the top too much for your liking, these boots might not be for you – you might be stuck with shelling out for the custom variety. If they only stick out a bit, you might be in luck – hold on to them and in a few months, your boots will break in and will drop just a bit, taking a better shape around your leg, lessening the gap.

fitting your semi custom tall boots

Questions about Fitting EGO 7 Semi Custom Tall Boots?

Here is the EGO 7 tall boot size chart (PDF doc) If you have any questions, please shoot us over an email and we will take care of you:

GetGear@FourStarBrand.com

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USEA 2016 Renewal Special

Receive A Free USEA Renewal

It’s that time of year again! Renew your USEA membership (full or supporting) for free when you purchase $500 worth of product from us between now and December 15th, 2015. This offer is valued at $85 for a full membership or $40 for a sustaining membership (no competing). International shipping needed? No problem! We will use our Solana Beach, Ca. address to receive your documents and you will save an additional $47 on postage! Once you’re at your first US based show, we’ll forward your documents or include them in another gear shipment to your home country at no additional cost.

Bonus Points!!! We’ll also include a unlimited use, 10% off coupon good between February 2016 and October 2016. You can use the 10% off coupon as much as you like throughout the season.

Step 1) Go shopping! Fill your cart with at least $500 worth of product

Step 2) At checkout, be sure to “create an account”.

Step 3) Checkout – in the “notes” section, please enter “USEA Membership”.

Step 4) We will contact you for the details. We’ll then contact the USEA on your behalf and take care of all payments for 2016 – or 2017 if you have already paid for 2016.

Make your $500 Go Even Further

These deals are not advertised anywhere else. If you want to take advantage, shoot us an email and let us know what you would like and we’ll take care of you.

SupaStuds – take 10% off manufacturer’s prices

We’re bringing in some fantastic new studs from the UK called “StupaStuds”. They’re made of hardened, stainless steel that’s tougher than tungsten. They’re designed to be easier, faster and safer to insert by not requiring a t-tap (one less thing to buy!).

  • Completely self-cleaning – no need to re-tap
  • Specially hardened, producing a metal that’s tougher than tungsten
  • Rust resistance makes them last longer than what’s currently available
  • Available in multiple flavors:

supastuds selection sheet

A) Dome Stud – soft ground stud, oval shape for good grip

B) Medium Conical Stud – ideal for grass or greasy surface on a hard base

C) Large Conical Stud – designed to give a precision response in deep footing

D) Mini-sharp stud – Like a road stud but with extra penetration – a running spike for horses! Particularly suitable for the sun baked ground of Southern California.

E) Polo Stud – conforms to polo regulations but useful in any sport in a variety of good to soft conditions

F) Dressage Stud – Conical, small radius stud designed from the feedback of dressage riders all over the world. High utility, hard ground stud.

G) Road Stud – good for use on road and hard ground

H) Small Conical Stud – used in a variety of conditions where a bit more grip is required IE for sharp turns and jumping

I) Travel Stud – for keeping your stud holes clean from dirt and debris

J) Bullet Stud – useful in a wide range of good to soft conditions

K) Maxi Dome Stud – Sot / Deep footing stud with oval shape for good trip

L) Sharp Stud – the best option for the firmest ground

M) Large Road Stud – Similar to the other road stud (G) but slightly larger

N) Small Polo Stud – Approved by the HPA for Polo, smaller size for ponies

O) Arena Stud – Designed specifically for use on artificial surfaces. Also great for grip in muddy conditions

You can view the manufacturer’s prices on their website: http://www.supastuds.com/category_106.html Click on the little American flag down in the left side of the page for prices in USD.

IRH Helmets – take 20% off MSRP

20% off any IRH helmet. We’ll be making a big order of these in January and will be able to deliver to you in mid February. Let us know which type and what size. We’ll send you a discounted invoice you can pay online using any CC or PayPal.

You can find IRH’s entire line at their website: http://www.irhhelmets.com/

Here is a list of MSRP prices for IRH Helmets:

Elite with nylon harness: $221

Elite Extreme, leather wrapped harness: $260

Elite EQ, suede, leather wrapped harness: $290

Elite Ultra (all): $390

ATH SSV $260

IR4G, suede: $150

IR4G Matte Black: $140

Equi-Pro (all): $52.95

Equi-Lite (all): $55

SKULL CAP: $209

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Getting the Right Sized Mattes Pad

mattes size chart

Measure Twice, Order Once…

Getting the right sized Mattes pad is easy if you take the time to do the measurements. Custom Mattes pads come in small – XL sizes that are cut to fit dressage saddles, all purpose saddles and jumping saddles. To select the correct size of Mattes pad, take these steps first:

mattes size chart

  1. Measure the length of your horses top line, be sure to include the curvature of the top line – don’t use a rigid measuring stick – try a flexible measuring tape. Using the image above, measure A to B
  2. Pull out your saddle and measure the flap length from the lowest point of the top line to the lowest point of the saddle (C to D)
  3. Using your saddle again, measure the width of the rear panel from the lowest point of the panel to the top line (E to F)
  4. For contoured pads, measure your saddle’s flap width horizontally across the widest part of the flap (G to H)

Now that you have the measurements, use this chart to select the correct size:

Mattes-Pad-Size-Chart

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Differences between PEI Original and PEI BL1 XC Boots

BL1 vs PEI Original XC Boots

PEI Original XC Boots and PEI BL1 XC Boots

We get the question a lot, “What’s the difference between PEI Original and PEI BL1 Cross Country Boots?”

At first glance, or from 10 feet away you won’t notice any difference between these two styles of PEI boots. Their signature blue vents, form fit and professional look are the first thing you will notice. Getting closer you might notice the the biggest difference between these two boots: the amount of microfiber leather used.

BL1 vs PEI Original XC Boots

The Similarities

  • Designed by Premier Equestrian International (“PEI”) of the UK
  • Both models have the same number of air vents
  • Contoured shape, moulding to the leg
  • Don’t retain water
  • strike protection using PE Polycarbonate strike plates
  • lightweight eva lining
  • nylon lycra binding, double zigzag stitching for added durability

The Differences

  • BL1 cost a little more
  • BL1 have 2 layers of of microfiber leather as outer protection of boot
  • BL1 have additional layer of microfiber leather to reinforce impact areas
  • Originals cost a little less
  • Originals use 2520D ballistic nylon as outer protection of boot
  • Originals feature single layer of microfiber leather that reinforces ballistic nylon at impact areas

The Outcome

Both these boots perform very well – even at the professional level where they are used on multiple horses several times a month for schooling and HTs. It’s been difficult to get a “side by side” performance comparison due to so many variables but we can assure you that we have only had these boots come back one time due to faulty stitching. A $6 application of new nylon stitching put the boots back into action. Like many horse boots, the velcro will be the first thing to go.

The Suggestion

When it comes to the best XC boot, first comes fit, then comes budget then looks. If these boots fit and they’re in your budget it really depends on your personal preference which to choose: BL1 or the PEI Originals. We don’t suggest either one over the other – they’re both great boots.

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Black Friday Horse Tack Deals

black friday horse tack deals

Black Friday Horse Tack Deals 2014

We’re jumping on the Black Friday deals band wagon! Our Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale will last from Friday, 11-28 through Monday, 12-1-2014 and include multiple brands with savings of up to 35% off. With so many opportunities across the internet to save money before Christmas, this list serves as a quick way to compare our deals to whatever other deals you can find out there.

Girths (Short & Long) 25% off

Stirrup Leathers 25% off

  • Amerigo Calfskin Stirrup Leathers (Nylon Core)
    • Super strong yet soft on your saddle & boots
    • Regular price: $180
    • SALE: $135 (25% off)
    • Available in…
      • Black: 58 / 60 / 62
      • Brown: 50 / 52 / 54 / 56
      • Oakbark: 52 / 54

Stirrups up to 27% off

  • Amerigo Stirrups
    • Regular $285
    • SALE: $215 (25% off)
    • Available in…
      • Silver (4.75″)
  • MDC Ultimate Stirrup
    • Regular: $205
    • SALE: $150 (27% off)
    • Available in…
      • Stainless, 4.75 (1 in stock at this price)
  • MDC Comfort Stirrups
    • Regular $155
    • SALE: $120 (23% off)
    • Available in…
      • Stainless, 4.75 (1 in stock at this price)

Bell Boots 34% off

Breastplates 25% off

Many more deals will be posted on Friday / Saturday / Sunday & CYBER MONDAY!!!