Horse owners rarely consider how much they control their horse’s life and the impact that could have on their behaviour and temperament. Most aspects of our horses’ lives are controlled. We decide everything for them – where they go, what they eat, who they socialise with, even how they move their bodies and for how long all those things occur.
Read MoreOne of the toughest pressures to deal with in the horse world is 'other people'. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what is best for your horse – telling you what you should do and where you are going wrong in your horse's management and training. This can often lead to horses being bullied and abused both mentally and physically.
Read MoreHorses are grazing animals that have evolved over millions of years to eat low value, high fibre food for up to 18 hours a day, browsing on bushes, trees and shrubs. It is critical for both their physical and mental health that horses have access to low calorie food round the clock – and that includes night-time.
Read MoreJapanese researchers have investigated whether horses try to communicate with humans during a problem solving task and found they ask us for help.
Eight horses and their student caretakers at Kobe University took part in a clever experiment looking at how horses communicate with their handlers.
Use of the whip in horse sport has become a hot topic as the public are starting to question ‘normal’ equestrian practice.
Two studies looking at different aspects of whip use were presented this week at the International Society for Equitation Science conference in Guelph, Canada…
Does your horse react when you put his saddle on or girth him up? If so, it could be sign of underlying pain that needs to be addressed urgently.
'Girthiness' is so common that some horse owners consider it normal behaviour, but if your horse reacts when you are tightening his girth then he will be trying to tell you something isn't right.
Read MoreChestnut horses have had a reputation for ‘bad’ or excitable behaviour for some time, with chestnut mares being perceived as particularly difficult. This stereotype of them being hot-headed and crazy is often quoted amongst horse owners, but is there any truth to it?
Read MoreWe often see riders slapping their horse on the neck enthusiastically at the end of a showjumping round or dressage test. Patting is considered by many to be a way of telling the horse that they have performed well – but is this the reward we think it is, or could it cause them discomfort?
Sleep is essential for life.
The quality and quantity of a horse’s sleep directly affects their health and well-being. However, sleep is rarely considered as part of a horse’s management plan. A new study has found that poor management or physical problems can lead to horses becoming sleep deprived and at risk of serious injury.
Read MoreHorses communicate primarily using body language and they display a number of facial expressions.
Their eyes, in particular, can be very expressive and are thought to reveal how a horse is feeling. Many equine behaviourists and horse owners believe the wrinkles above a horse’s eye may be associated with discomfort, fear, stress or anxiety – they are often called ‘worry lines’.
Read MoreA recent Danish study has looked into the injuries caused by bits, nosebands, whips and spurs in 3,414 competition horses and the results are fascinating.
Read MoreAre you considering sending your horse to a trainer to be backed or reschooled? If you are then please think long and hard about where and who you send your horse to, or even if you send them away at all. Many horses come home with worse problems than they started with, and understandably so.
Read MoreGreat film looking at the causes of gastric ulcers in horses. Equine vet Dr Kerry Ridgeway states "We do know that there are basically only two kinds of horses – those who have ulcers and those who will have ulcers!"
Read MoreSome trainers base their methods on the idea that every horse needs a 'leader' as they believe horses would have an 'alpha' or a 'leader' naturally within the herd. Is this really the case?
Read MoreIt's not often that we get to see images like this - a tolerant stallion humours his son – colt Wildwych Pirate – while he climbs all over him.
Read MoreIt has become common practice for many horse owners to use crank, drop, grackle, Mexican or flash nosebands to strap their horse's mouth shut.
Read MoreAs the summer temperatures rise and we all rush outside to get some sun, it is important to remember that our horses may not feel the same as we do and often struggle in the heat.
Read MoreEver wondered how your horse's life may impact on his behaviour? If you have, I would wholeheartedly recommend you watch this film.
Read MoreA recent study has suggested that many horses 'may not be sufficiently prepared for competition in line with the FEI code of conduct guidelines.'
Read MoreI'm not a huge fan of horse walkers, but this is a novel idea. This device is an interesting way of changing a horse's motivation to move.
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