Horse Care

Now more than ever we are looking forward to getting out and about and enjoying our horses. Lessons, clinics and, yes, even competition are opening up again – and we can’t wait! However as we come out of lockdown, it’s worth thinking about the challenges faced, particularly at this time of year, and how we can help our horses stay fit and well, and ready for the challenge ahead.

Did you know that horses and ponies turned out 24/7 may consume 3 times their daily calorie requirement from grass alone? If your horse or pony is a good doer we hope the following tips and information help you to keep his waistline in check this spring… 

It’s been a long, cold winter, and – more than ever – we’re looking forward to getting out and about with our horses this spring and summer. However, after a year like no other in 2020, many horse and rider combinations are facing bigger challenges than normal. Whether your aim is to return to competition, get back to that favourite fun ride, or simply enjoy hacking with friends again, our horses and ponies may find it a bigger step up than usual.

Injury and illness can happen at any time. It is a good idea that you have a stocked first aid kit available in order to take immediate action and prevent the situation getting worse while you await veterinary advice. It is wise to have important phone numbers readily available – namely the vet and a friend with horse transport. Having a good plan in place can take the panic out of an emergency situation.

Mud Fever is a bacterial infection of the skin around the lower leg and fetlock caused principally by the bacterium, Dermatophillus congolensis. On un-rugged animals it may also be seen across the back where it is referred to as Rain Scald.

Also known as Pituitary intermedia dysfunction (PPID), Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder involving the pituitary gland. Cushing's syndrome is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorders in horses.

Is your horse or pony a good doer? As many of us know, obesity is a growing problem, and presents a number of health risks. It’s important to work towards maintaining a body condition score of 5. Below we share some tips on how best to do this.

Recently, Spillers introduced Ulca Fibre, a new fibre feed which has been proven to help support horses prone to gastric ulcers following veterinary treatment*. So which of these two British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) EGUS approved fibres is most suitable for your horse

Choose a supplement containing magnesium. The direct relationship between stress & magnesium is well documented. Poor magnesium status has been shown to cause a heightened stress response in horses. Research has shown that magnesium supplemented horses had lower heart rates in stressful situations, such as after transportation. Magnesium is safe and has no adverse effects so is ideal to use a calmer supplement.

Grass may contain high levels of simple sugars (mainly sucrose – the same sugar you put in your tea!) and fructan or ‘stored sugar’, collectively referred to as water soluble carbohydrates or ‘WSC’. For severely laminitic horses and ponies complete removal from grazing may be the only the option, particularly during high risk periods such as spring and autumn.