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 …
Have a squeaky leather saddle? Don’t put baby powder on it!
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 …
Horse riding saddle care 101: how to store it, take great care of it & when to replace it
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 …
Why you should consider using a horse agent when buying a horse
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 …
Are you leading your horse with fear or confidence?
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 …
How to discipline your horse like a proper horse whisperer
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 …
How to find the right horse riding helmet for you
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 …
30+ jobs for horse lovers: what kind of work can you do around horses?
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 …