Product Review: SaddleBox

SaddleBox knows what equestrians want and gives it to them, all while giving back to the horse community. 

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

With all the monthly subscription box services available, it should serve as no surprise that equestrians now have one that caters directly to us. SaddleBox does just that — it caters to equestrians by fulfilling our practical needs and appealing to some of our aesthetic, whimsical and moral desires.

Horse Nation was given the opportunity to test out SaddleBox and here’s what we learned.

First, SaddleBox aims to provide horse owners and caretakers with practical items for use on our horses, our tack or in our barns. For instance, the SaddleBox I received contained a Tough-1 Great Grips Triple Blade Spring Curry, an Epona All Purpose Grooming Mitt, a Decker face brush and Fiebing’s Saddle Soap.

Of course I immediately tested out the grooming products on my horse. I have a Thoroughbred mare who is … particular about the curry combs she will accept. Typically, I use flexible rubber curry combs on her — doing so makes life more pleasant for both of us. Her sensitive skin makes her somewhat impatient if  a curry comb doesn’t meet with her approval (clearly, I am well trained).

Therefore, I was skeptical about how she would react to the metal bladed curry comb in the SaddleBox. Frankly, I assumed I would be gifting it to a friend with a more stoic horse. However, in the name of providing an honest and accurate review for Horse Nation readers, I forged ahead. I was pleasantly surprised. My less-than-tolerant mare stands quietly to be curried and this has become my go-to curry comb.

Tough-1 Great Grips Three Blade Curry.

Another grooming item in the SaddleBox was the Epona All Purpose Grooming Mitt. Again, I was pleased with the way my mare responded to the mitt. Although it likely won’t be effective for stubborn, caked-on mud (and, to be fair, that’s not its intended purpose), it works well  on less determined dirt — especially on the face and lower parts of the legs.

Epona All Purpose Grooming Mitt. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

The Epona All Purpose Mitt (with the oh-so-sensitive mare in the background). Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

The final grooming supply included was a Decker face brush. These have always been a favorite of my horses. The pampering that comes with the gentle caress of the brush on their faces relaxes them. They drop their heads, close their eyes and I can usually see the tension leaving their bodies. As a result, I was thrilled to receive one, as my other was getting quite worn.

Decker face brush. Photo by Colleen Long.

One of the other practical items in the SaddleBox was Fiebing’s Saddle Soap. Truly, this is one of those products of which equestrians can never have enough. We always have tack to clean. Always.

Fiebing’s Saddle Soap

SaddleBox also makes a point to include an item that will help equestrians improve their horsemanship or knowledge regarding managing horses. In my box, Karen Bush’s book Handy Hints for the Horse Person: Hundreds of Tips to Save Time and Money was the item of choice. It offers advice on ways to save time it comes to stables chores, tack, apparel and much more. 

The more you know… Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

SaddleBox recognizes that horses do love their treats. The have gourmet treats that are only available through SaddleBox as well as Buckeye treats. My box had Buckeye Peppermint Nutrition Treats. My horse may be picky about her grooming, but she is not picky when it comes to her treats, so she is thrilled with them. Even from an objective perspective, the treats are a good choice because they are all natural and have no added sugar. This makes them suitable for nearly all horses.

Buckeye Peppermint Nutritional Treats. Photo by Katie Katkowski.

Although this may seem like a series of reviews of the individual products received in the SaddleBox, the point is actually to underscore that the company does an excellent job of recognizing what equestrians can use and choosing products that we will appreciate.

This also goes for knowing that equestrians like our swag.We not only like to pamper our horses, but also we like to let the world know who we are. Thus, SaddleBox makes a point to include products that appeal to our whimsical, humorous or domestic aesthetics. For instance, my SaddleBox had decals.

One of the fun stickers included in the box. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

Did they read my mind?

SaddleBox includes awesome products to keep both horses and riders happy, but the best thing about the company isn’t the grooming supplies, the treats, the swag or even the giddy feeling you get when you see it waiting for you at your mailbox (although that’s pretty great, too). No, the best thing about SaddleBox is that when you subscribe, you know you’re doing some good in the horse world.

SaddleBox partners with organizations like the Right Horse Initiative to help increase the number of successful horse adoptions in the United States and Canada. Every SaddleBox comes complete with a postcard letting you know about the horse you helped with the purchase of the SaddleBox.

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

There’s nothing that we like more than seeing companies that give back, and SaddleBox does just that.

Overall, I had a great experience with SaddleBox. I was pleased with the items that were included and appreciated the thought that went into finding products that nearly all equestrians can use. And, knowing that a whole new set of useful, informative and fun items are on their way each month is enough to keep me coming back for more.

If you’re interested in getting a SaddleBox subscription, a one-time order and/or a gift for a friend, you can find out more on their website.

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.