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9 problems to watch for in older horses
Any owners of older horses will recognise known issues, but if you have yet to see a companion through to old age, be prepared for these:
Keeping an active veteran in peak condition this winter
As horses start to age they can show signs of slowing down, becoming a tad lethargic and losing some weight, but that’s no reason to panic or think that their best days are behind them. With the right care, a veteran horse can still enjoy life to the full and offer you exciting riding opportunities.
Horsing around, up in the sky
Given how much international appeal horse riding has these days, it makes perfect sense that horses need to be flown to various locations around the world, in order to compete, but how exactly does the process work? Naturally, your horse won’t have a seat in first class, but you can ensure premium treatment and care for your four-legged companion, whilst flying.
Competing in winter: 5 secrets to success
While the thought of competing in winter can be a little nerve-wracking, not to mention chilly, there are lots of reasons to look forward to this special part of the equestrian calendar. With your horse freshly clipped and keen to exercise, indoor venues promising protection from the elements and a great sense of camaraderie with your fellow competitors, winter competing is a fantastic opportunity to push yourself, especially if you take these tips into account:
Is a rug the only way to stop your horse from feeling the cold?
So many people think nothing of running into the tack room to grab an extra thick rug when the temperature gets a little cooler, but is that the recommended course of action or not? Experts say that in actual fact, you could do with thinking things through a tiny bit more before you commit your horse to that extra layer.
The pitfalls of clipping: what every rider dreads
When the temperature drops, your horse’s hair needs to as well, as clipping season is starting! Any rider will agree that a neat and tidy horse is an absolute pleasure, but removing the hair can be a task that’s hard to master. Everyone has their pet peeve or biggest fear when it comes to clipping, but here’s the top 5 most common:
Mud fever: get acquainted with the facts
The term mud fever is a colloquialism that refers to a large number of skin conditions found in horses, all of which look to be caused by dermatophilus congolensis, an infectious element that is prevalent in wet and muddy areas. Naturally, this means that wet weather and inclement seasons makes it shockingly common. You may have heard mud fever referred to by the medical name of pastern dermatitis, but riders often call it “cracked heels” or “greasy heels” as well.
5 tips for keeping your hay bill under control in winter
It’s no secret that feeding a horse in winter can fast become a difficult and costly endeavour, but there are a host of ways that you can keep a firm grip on your budget, whilst not compromising the health and wellbeing of your four-legged friends. The secret lies with fibre.
Winter riding: what you need to know
As the cold snap seems to have hit us here in the UK, our thoughts are turning to how we can all continue to ride and spend quality time with our horses in the winter. Naturally, plenty of things affect the feasibility riding in the cooler months, such as inclement weather and poor lighting, but they won’t stop the most determined of riders, so when should you grab the tack and go?
10 Reasons to love poo picking...
I hate it. Poo-picking. I hate it with a passion. Almost as much as I hate mucking out straw beds. So today, while spending THREE HOURS poo-picking in the blazing sun, I thought I’d try to come up with some good reasons & methods for poo-picking slightly more bearable. Yes, it really did challenge my brain, once I’d got past the obvious stuff!