Training

Equitation scientist talks about the use of nosebands and tongue-ties in horse sport, and the equestrian world’s social licence to operate.

Horse owners in the northern hemisphere are being urged to review basic strategies that will help their horses avoid heat stress, as summer begins to cook up.

Research into improved healing of tendon injuries leads team to the innovative use of shock wave therapy on stem cells before they’re injected into horses.

Canadian researchers are investigating novel new methods to potentially repair tissue rather than just suppressing the signs of joint disease.

“Unfortunately, many horse owners think their horse is in harder work than it actually is, warranting increased rations but hard work would actually be an advanced eventer or racehorse in full work.”

Findings add further weight to the possible existence of a so-called gut-brain axis in horses.

“Measuring salivary chromogranin A concentrations in donkeys may represent a promising tool for obtaining information about their stress response.”

Hemp as horse bedding is said to have many desirable qualities.

The break-over phase starts after the loading phase when the horse lifts its heel, causing a rotational movement around the toe, and ends with hoof lifting off.

Dr Hilary Clayton shares some tips and insights into the best ways of bringing our equine athletes back into work.

“We would, however, warn owners to make sure their pony’s teeth are in good shape before introducing straw as it does take more chewing – this will also reduce the risk of colic.”

Information will ultimately help educate NZ horse owners on what physical and rehabilitative therapies are used, who provides them, and how they contribute to health and welfare.

Owners are worrying about the risks of weight gain and laminitis under Covid-19 restrictions.

Could non-horsey people successfully apply the well-known scoring system with only half an hour of training?

The most common complication was hair loss under the noseband.

Findings show that while there are many different shoes and approaches, it is important to look at the effect of changes in shoeing on the symmetry of movement, rather than the other way round.

“Pre-determined arbitrary heart-rate recovery values may not allow for fair competition during Endurance racing.”

Study involved eight Pure Spanish stallions who work for the Municipal Police of Barcelona.

Researchers say an automated risk calculator could be developed to identify Endurance horses on a path to elimination.