Natural ability can get horses only so far in the human world
The system traps riders and horse owners into an artificial world where the value is winning at all cost.
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Training
Too heavy for your horse? There are consequences, pilot study finds
“The results do not mean that heavy riders should not ride, but suggest . . . they should ride a horse of appropriate size and fitness.”
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Rider-weight research may not ultimately deliver an ideal ratio, researcher says
“It depends on so many factors,” says Dr Sue Dyson, head of clinical orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust’s Centre in England.
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Excitable Thoroughbreds show a higher stress response to track workouts – study
Researchers in Hungary measured plasma cortisol levels in study involving 20 Thoroughbreds.
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Vertical challenges: Saddle fitting for shorter riders
There are considerations for all body types, male or female, which unfortunately too many saddle manufacturers do not look at in their saddle designs. Too many saddles are still very much ‘cookie-cutter’ models.
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Elastic fantastic: How horses get the spring in their step
Looking at equine locomotion and performance in terms of dynamics verses kinematics deeply modifies riding and training principles.
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The evolution of the saddle tree: Is yours doing the right job?
Saddle-making history shows us that saddle trees looked almost the same for 4300 years.
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“Whole horse” approach the key to preventing lameness
The principles of riding and training that created the problem cannot be used to resolve the problem. This is the paradigm shift that responsible riders and trainers, as well as horse owners, have to face.
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Downhill training and the competitive sport horse
If you only ever compete over flat courses you may be putting your horse at a disadvantage if you train uphill or downhill.
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Equitation science: Does it baffle too many horse owners?
Researchers in Australia look at how horse riders perceive it.
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Stretch your imagination, not your horse
Concepts of stretching, relaxing and releasing muscles, are simplistic and even, in some instances damaging.
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“No hoof, no horse”: The farrier’s three basics of equine foot care
Attention to the trim, center of rotation, and the heels are the basics of hoof care.
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Nature of warm-up affects showjumping performance, researchers find
More jumps and higher obstacles during the warm-up were found to decrease performance in competition, as measured by the final scores achieved.
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Rubber shoes get sport horse foal on the home straight
High-tech hoof care helps young horse straighten up.
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Ulcer prevention the key to keeping your competitive horse happy
For the competitive equine, the stress of traveling and showing, as well as any change in environment or increased work, can increase the chances of ulcers forming.
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Signs of ivermectin resistance seen in small strongyles on large British stud
“Overt anthelmintic resistance will likely emerge in future, should the current regime of ivermectin administration continue.”
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Current training regimes may be too hard on the legs of racehorses, findings suggest
Horses might need more time off from intense training than is currently the case to minimise the risk of bone injury, according to the researchers.
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Video: Is your horse struggling with an ill-fitting bridle?
Experts explain the various areas that can cause pain and discomfort due to ill-fitting and overly tight head wear.
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From the horse’s mouth: Look out for my Umwelt
Chazot sees many of his species betrayed by their confidence in humans. “One major issue is genuine ignorance, which humans often label as ‘tradition’.”
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Spooky horse? Feeding more fat could be the answer
Gram for gram, fat provides more than double the calories than what carbohydrates (or protein) can offer. And it is well digested. But there’s an added bonus: Fat has a calming effect on horses’ behavior.
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