Tag Archive

Some veterinary practices offer particular facilities which classify them as a good equine veterinary practice. What type of veterinary practice does your local vet operate and are they the right vet to help you keep your horse healthy

The double bridle is the bridle for the educated horse in the hands of the educated rider. Here’s why your horse must be balanced and established while working in a snaffle before a double bridle is ever considered

A short guide on the development & history of horse saddles and stirrups and how the demise of mounted warfare is moving riders back to close contact saddles and riding in a more relaxed and comfortable way for the horse

All riders should do something physical other than riding. The exercise ball routines we detail here are a simple way to improve your rider fitness and warming up before you ride will also enhance your ability to ride well. Fitness is important in any sport and if you take your sport seriously its important you take your own fitness seriously too

Groundwork training skills tips and techniques to improve both your horse and you the rider. Set and achieve training goals and build the horse you want. Happy Hacker or Dressage superstar its all achievable if you begin the right way

Very few of us consider the practicalities of owning and using a horsebox or trailer before we buy one and if we are honest quite a few of us expect that our horse will instantly recognise a horsebox

It doesn’t matter were they’re placed or how well they do, competing in horse shows is an excellent way for young riders to develop confidence and improve their horse riding abilities. Equestrian competitions are were they learn good sportsmanship and how to cope well with success and failure

Useful horse riding tips and equestrian advice including homemade horse treat recipes and different ways to think while riding. Plus resources to help you and your horse become a better partnership, and hopefully some that will save you a little money

Lunge lining is a method of horse training that involves driving your horse in a circle on a 20-meter rope called a lunge line, while using your voice and body language to control the horses movement and direction. It is an essential part of all good horse training programs.

Horse hoof conformation is the result of 50 million years of the evolution of the horse and both wild and domesticated horses share a similar hoof shape even though they live in quite different conditions

A guide on using the appropriate horse saddles in your preferred equestrian discipline. The uses and differences in saddles ranging from the general purpose saddle to the specialist dressage, racing and side saddles

Do you know that your horses feet have a landing side and a loading side or that your horses front feet should never be steeper than your horses hind feet? Or that your horses hoof quality is directly related to its moisture content, or the main essential functions the hoof performs? No! well isn’t it about time you did.

Jumping on a horse and going hell for leather over a cross country course is fine when you’re young and fit, but getting back in the saddle when you’re older can offer some challenges. Older re-riders are a growing part of horse shows and equestrian centres are slowly recognising the need to cater to them. So, what are you waiting for?

Breaking down on a small country lane or on the motorway in the pouring rain with one or more horses in your horsebox, isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. The next time you’re organising your show schedule or busy checking your horse or pony, give a thought to your horsebox maintenance

Before tacking up with that double bridle consider whether it is really necessary and if you know how to fit the bridle properly and use it as it was meant to be used. Riding in a double bridle is not for the novice horse or rider

Just sitting on an exercise ball at some point during the day, is a form of simple exercise and it helps to strengthen the core muscles that support your spine. And, that will get you fit to ride and improve your riding.

Whether a novice or experienced horse rider we can all benefit from improving our seat position. A good seat can solve a lot of problems from wobbly legs to your hip collapsing on one side and problems with insecure rein contact

You’ll be a better rider and a better competition team if both you and your horse are fit to ride. Some equestrian disciplines, such as polo, eventing or classical dressage demand a higher fitness level than others, but any rider who is fit to ride will actually have more fun riding. No matter what equestrian discipline they prefer

Above all the ideal horse head conformation in all horse breeds is a head with a relatively broad forehead. Beyond that their are horse breeds that are known for distinct head shapes and others that are prone to certain faults. Dished profiles, Roman noses, large or small nostrils and a good throatlatch are among the many things the horse owner has to know and consider …