Buying a horse is a lot like buying a used car. Both take a lot of research, plus some experience and smart buying strategies, to make a purchase you’ll be happy with. Use this guide and tips, developed by equine legal experts, to get prepared for your first horse. Too many first-time horse owners select […]
Looking for a polework exercise to really get your horse thinking? Check out this exciting layout – its benefits definitely outweigh the set-up time Our expert Elizabeth Allen BHSI UKCC3 is part of the Bristol-based Collective Equestrian team. She’s a BHS, Pony Club and BD accredited trainer, and has competed internationally at Under 25 Grand Prix […]
Warmer weather means rapid grass growth, so it may be time to rethink how much your horse has access to. Rachel Dyke explains the benefits of strip grazing and how to implement it While you’re probably familiar with strip grazing as a method of restricting grass for tubby ponies, you may not be aware that […]
Whether you’re stepping up to the next competition level, bringing your horse back into work or just want to ride him for longer, a proper fitness routine is key. Whether you hack, school or compete your horse, in order to really enjoy your riding, it’s important that he’s fit for the level of work he’s […]
1. Decide What You Need Before you start looking for a horse, be clear how you will use it and the type and temperament you require. Be honest with yourself about your ability and how much time you have to invest in the horse. Many people make the mistake of buying a horse that is […]
Before you bring your new equine companion home, you’ll want to learn about the basics of good horse care. Learn how to feed, house, and care for your horse or pony. Discover how pony care differs from horse care, what good health looks like and when to call the vet. At the very least a horse […]
This is a great article for the non-horsey people in your life! While everyone knows about horses, you’d be surprised at how relatively uninformed most people are. Myths abound and everybody has an opinion. To help clarify any misunderstandings, here are a few essential tidbits you need to know about horses, especially if you are considering taking riding […]
There are more than 350 breeds of horses and ponies. From working and racing to casual riding and equestrian competition, each horse has its special qualities. But there are five particular breeds and five general horse categories that stand out and capture the hearts of horse lovers everywhere, thanks to their versatile abilities and good demeanors. Here are 10 […]
Lameness brings out many emotions, including fear and frustration, particularly when its cause is a mystery and the horse doesn’t heal. Those are just some of the emotions that Barb Robinson, an avid trail rider from Aston, Penn., felt when her partner, an 18-year-old Icelandic gelding named Ari, went mysteriously lame.Ari was performing well in […]
Digestive System Limitations Horses are non-ruminant herbivores (hind-gut fermentors). Their small stomach only has a capacity of 2 to 4 gallons for an average-sized 1000 lb. horse. This limits the amount of feed a horse can take in at one time. Equids have evolved as grazers that spend about 16 hours a day grazing pasture grasses. The stomach serves […]