Finding a good bridleway is like finding a good walking route - you can revisit time and again, whatever the season, enjoying the same familiarity but always discovering something new. As we step into summer, there's plenty of time to find an exciting bridleway for you and your horse to enjoy. Whether you want a laid-back, relaxing ride, stunning s...
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As most of us bird-lovers know, lovebirds are small parrots native to Africa. With their peach-coloured faces and vibrant green feathers, they are truly a sight to behold. But while they might be among the smallest parrots on the planet, they have the intelligence to match the biggest! It is unsurprising that so many people choose to keep them as p...
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Going on holiday isn’t easily done when you have horses, but there’s no reason why you can’t combine the two and enjoy a short break together (COVID rules permitting). These days, trail and trekking holidays are increasingly popular as they offer ample opportunity for adventure in an unexplored part of the country and allow you to...
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Grieving is both natural and personal... When we think of the incredible and intense bond we share with our pets, it is unsurprising how much their loss can prompt feelings of utter devastation and grief. For most of the animal-loving UK, pets form part of the family and when they pass away, the emptiness they leave behind can be felt as hard as if...
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In 1991, following a series of savage dog attacks on children, Parliament took the decision to enact bans on four breeds of dog in the UK. This included the notorious Pitbull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro (the bans also extended to their mixes and any dogs boasting typical characteristics of the breeds). The...
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Everyone knows that cats go wild for catnip, but why? Considering many people compare its hallucinogenic effect in cats to marijuana in humans, isn’t it surprising we happily expose our animals to it? Of course the two are gulfs apart; catnip doesn’t have any detrimental health impacts, for one thing; neither is it addictive. Yet, cats...
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When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, weighing up the options and knowing what to look for can be a difficult task. Today, there are so many commercial diets on the market, each claiming to improve or support this, that and the other, and navigating our choices can be a confusing process. In theory, we shouldn’t need a PhD to...
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"The thoroughbred race horse is a genetic mistake. It runs too fast, its frame is too large, and its legs are far too small. As long as mankind demands that it run at high speeds under stressful conditions, horses will die at race tracks." (Bill Finley, columnist) After Seedling's fatal fall at last year's Grand National event, it is worth revisi...
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So many times I’ve heard it said – ‘crossbreeds are healthier than pedigrees.’ The argument is everywhere, but is it actually true? From what snippets I’ve read online, pedigree dogs cost more to buy, maintain and insure, get sick more often and live shorter lives. Crossbreeds, on the other hand, have intelligence and...
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During winter, caring for our horses takes longer thanks to shorter days and poorer weather. Trying to juggle work, home life and horse care is difficult at the best of times, let alone when it’s dark by 4pm and pouring with rain. With this is mind, any time that can be saved day-to-day is definately worth it. If you plan your week in advance...
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