Horses have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years, serving as reliable work partners and skilled athletes. Being closely linked with humans has affected how modern horses are. While I’m not suggesting we’ve significantly altered their evolutionary make-up, horses have been bred for all kinds of …
Groundwork exercises for horses are an essential aspect of horse training that every equestrian should utilise. Groundwork involves working with a horse on the ground to establish trust, respect, and communication between horse and handler – and I mean both ways. It’s a great way to strengthen the relationship with …
Horses are herbivores, meaning that they eat plants. They eat grass, hay and haylage. Salt, supplements, concentrates, vegetables and fruits enhance their diets, depending on their energy requirements and amount of work they do. Your horse has an extremely long — and sensitive! — digestive tract that requires him to …
Imagine going to mount your horse and as soon as you put your foot in the stirrup, the saddle gives a great big squeak. You settle into the saddle, thinking, “Phew! Glad that’s done!” and pick up your reins. But as soon as your horse takes a step, that bloody …
Your saddle is an essential piece of equipment used to provide support, stability, and comfort to both you and your horse. The saddle serves as a platform for you to sit on and helps distribute your weight evenly across your horse’s back, allowing for better balance and communication. A broken …
You’ve been searching for months to find the perfect horse. You’ve scoured online listings and visited countless barns, but nothing quite felt right. You’re starting to lose hope, until a friend recommends a horse agent. At first, you’re sceptical. Why would you need someone else to find your horse? But …
One thing that I always keep my eyes out for is how people lead their horses. I remember when I was learning, in riding school, we were routinely taught to lead horses by holding the reins or lead rope as close as possible to the horse’s jaw. And while I …
The language that we use can colour the way we see things, this is why I advocate being mindful of the language we use, especially around horses. The word “discipline” can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context and individual perspectives. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the …
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for horse riders is the helmet. The right helmet helps protect against head injuries in the event of a fall or other accident. However, finding the right horse riding helmet can be a daunting task. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand …
Working with horses can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about these magnificent animals. Horse enthusiasts can pursue a range of career options that allow them to interact with horses on a daily basis, from caring for their basic needs to training and competing with them in …
If you’re considering donating your horse, one option to consider is donating them to a veterinary school. Veterinary schools use donated horses for a variety of purposes, including teaching students and conducting research. Horses are an important part of veterinary education because they are large, complex animals with unique healthcare …
In the realm of things we do with our horses, there is a practise that we must stop: the shaving of our horses’ sensory hairs. Your horse has special tactile sensory hairs, known as whiskers. Her whiskers play an important part in her awareness of the world around her, filling …
