As riders, we ask horses to do a job that involves coordinated movement of the musculoskeletal system and therefore a degree of fitness. Of course, different disciplines will involve different degrees of exercise intensity. However, whenever we ask a horse to carry us it is important to consider how best to train, maintain fitness and reduce unwanted injury or soreness.
With the festivities behind us we, and our horses, can get back to the day to day of enjoying our riding, and looking forward to longer days with better weather ahead. However, that is not always easy when we are still very much in the grips of winter. Icy, or very wet and boggy, conditions can mean longer time spent stabled for our horses, limiting their natural exercise; while the cold, damp weather seemingly heads straight to their joints at this time of year. This is particularly true for our senior horses, where joint stress is recognized as being prevalent in more than 50% of horses over fifteen years old, rising to around 80-90% in older animals.
The challenges and changes experienced by horses can put a lot of stress on their immune system. Whether you're planning to attend the BRC NAF Five Star National Championships in Lincoln, a local show's final, or just going on some fun rides, it's crucial to ensure that your horses and ponies remain healthy and fit during these challenging times.
Maintaining the condition of the hoof is vital for the performance and functioning of your horse particularly when the ground conditions are hard. It's important to keep in mind the impact of concussive forces when hydrating a horse's hoof. Even simply landing after a jump can result in a force that's more than twice the weight of the individual on the load-bearing landing limbs.
As an owner of any animal, we have the legal commitment to endorse their five essential freedoms, which includes the freedom from pain. Nevertheless, to maintain and manage their comfort levels, we must be able to identify the signs and behaviours when your horse is not feeling quite right. In people, it is much easier, as we can say what we’re feeling, but in our animals, it comes from careful observation.
The foundation of a laminitis-prone horse's diet is conserved fodder, such as hay and haylage, as they typically spend longer periods in stables or areas without grass. People frequently choose bucket feed first when thinking about food for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. However, because it makes up such a sizable portion of the diet, it is equally crucial to make sure the forage is suitable.
Making sure your horse stays well hydrated and that any fluids lost via sweat are effectively restored is one of the most crucial parts of summertime health for horses, particularly when they are in the peak competition season.
Some people may tell you that clipping your horse in the summer can ruin their summer coats. However, some of the heavier, thick-coated horses may require clipping all year round to stay comfortable when the weather gets hot.
Laminitis can affect any horse or pony of any age, weight, or time of year. It is one of the biggest causes of lameness and it can be fatal, so every horse owner needs to be alert and be aware of the signs of laminitis in their horse, all year round.
The nutritional requirements of a foal will increase as they grow and will begin to exceed the supply that the mare is able to provide. Ensuring your foal is consuming enough nutrients early on in life will allow for a greater start post-weaning.
