When you picture the modern-day domestic horse, what do you see? I imagine it’s a comfortable-looking horse eating grass in a small paddock, maybe with a rug on. But how much does this differ from the wild horses of old that existed much more naturally? Looking back, it’s clear how much has changed for the horse, but how much for the be...
Read More
Having said goodbye to 2017 – the UK’s worst year for cases of the deadly disease, Alabama Rot – we are faced with two new incidences in North Devon and North Yorkshire this January. Sometimes referred to as ‘Black Death’ disease, the official name is Cutaneous and Renal Vasculopathy (CRGV). Last year, Alabama Rot was...
Read More
When it comes to training your horse, sometimes it can be difficult to stay motivated throughout the season. Often all it takes is a small setback for negativity to creep in. Below we’ve compiled a list of tips for surviving the season and getting the most out of your training. Believe in yourself. Never say you can’t do something or i...
Read More
It’s a question that many dog owners ask when deciding on the right diet for their pooch: is wet or dry food better? Does one have more nutritional benefits? Should I be feeding a bit of both? Unlike cats who have very specific dietary requirements and can be incredibly finicky eaters, canine appetites are more easily satisfied with either we...
Read More
When it comes to choosing the right bit for your horse, the abundance of choice can make it difficult to decide. With various classes of bit, each with their own subcategories, and then different mouthpieces and cheeks on top of that, it’s easy to lose sight of what you really need. The best thing to do is keep it simple and consider what you...
Read More
When it comes to rugs and whether or not to rug in winter, there are two schools of thought. One is in favour of rugging against the elements – particularly rain – while the other believes horses are hardy enough to withstand even the harshest conditions. But surely it depends on many different factors, including the age and health of t...
Read More
As a horse owner, you may sometimes wish you had the ability to speak the equine language to decipher what your horse is trying to tell you. But actually, understanding their body language is enough, as horses rely on very sophisticated body language to communicate with us and also with each other. There may be the occasional neigh, whinny or snort...
Read More
Fleas are a total nuisance, as those of us with pets will know. They're tiny, quick, and next to impossible to get rid of once they take up residence. But treating fleas effectively would probably be a whole lot easier if there weren't so many myths surrounding them. So, to help you in your quest against these pesky little bloodsuckers and to keep...
Read More
The UK has recently experienced some of the wettest months in history, with December 2015 being described as the ‘wettest calendar month’ since 1910, according to a Met Office report. Such severe weather has wreaked havoc in communities across the country, with rising waters and high winds swamping fields and endangering horses put out...
Read More
If you are someone who regularly feeds a Devil’s Claw supplement to your horse, as of January 1st 2016 you will need to take greater care if your horse competes under FEI or BHA rules. The active ingredient contained in Devil’s Claw is Harpagoside – now listed as a ‘prohibited substance’ by the FEI governing body. Harp...
Read More