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 …
Why veterinary schools need horses: the importance of equine donation for education and research
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 …
Please stop trimming your horse’s sensory hairs, it’s a cruel practise that only confuses your horse!
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 …
Some of the most common challenges of beginner riders and how to resolve them
Just like when learning any new thing, there are those typical challenges that beginners tend to cycle through as they’re improving their skill. These are all things I’ve done myself, I’ve discussed with other riders, and have encountered over and over again when teaching someone how to ride. These are …
Horse communication points & how to use them like a horse
Your horse is full of pressure points that he regularly uses to communicate with other horses. It’s incredibly beneficial for you to know what these points are and how to use them for more effective communication with your horse. Let’s first talk about volume. This is similar to how you …
Maximising your horse’s health: the importance of using a mounting block
For many horse owners, mounting their horse may seem like a simple task that requires nothing more than a little leg power and a saddle. However, mounting your horse without the aid of a mounting block can have serious consequences for both you and your equine companion. What are the …
Riding to success: how important it is to find the right teacher for you
When I was younger, I had two riding instructors that were like day and night. One was nicknamed “The Whip,” and she liked to bark and yell at me constantly. She would shout at me from across the arena, where she’d stand sipping her coffee, nitpicking every little thing I …
Managing Mustangs: the untamed legacy of Mustang horses
The Mustang is a breed of feral horse that is native to the western United States and it holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Mustangs are known for their hardiness, agility, and stamina – traits that they have developed over generations since their ancestors arrived …
Breaking barriers: the inclusive nature of equestrian sports in the Olympics
Unfortunately, there are only a small number of sports where men and women compete against each other equally, regardless of sex. In these sports, the physical differences between men and women are deemed not to have any effect on the outcome of the competition. Equestrian sports in the Olympics are …
Exploring the Quarter Horse, a timeless American icon
From the vast plains of the American West to the bustling streets of modern cities, the thundering hooves and steadfast spirit of the Quarter Horse have woven themselves into the fabric of American history. Proudly bearing the title of America’s first native horse breed, the Quarter Horse has left an …
The enduring contributions of mules and donkeys to society
Mules and donkeys are fascinating animals that have played an important role in human history for thousands of years. While they are often lumped together, mules and donkeys are two distinct species that have different physical and behavioural characteristics. Mules and donkeys both belong to the genus Equus, which also …
The evolution of equines: how did horses evolve?
The evolution of the horse is a fascinating subject: it covers over 50 million years of geographical and biological changes. While such an expanse of time will always leave some questions open and some puzzles unsolved, the horse is comparatively well studied. This means that there’s a lot of information …