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.
Mares can be so rewarding, but also challenging, especially when you need them to perform. Why are mares so tricky and how can we help them? First and foremost, we must always remember our mares are ‘entire’, just like a stallion, they will always come with those hormonal challenges.
NAF have designed and formulated their own no rinse body washes that enable owners to effectively target and remove unwanted grime, while creating a healthy coat without the continuous need for bathing.
Your horse’s skin is part of their ‘Integumentary system’, which is the largest organ in the body and often faces some of the biggest challenges especially during the winter months. The skin has a protective role for the rest of the body and particularly provides the first line of defence against any potential attack – so it’s imperative that it remains strong and healthy at all times. Not just the coat but also the mane tail and hooves are all part of this complex system and supporting both internally and externally will be the key to success.
Autumn can be exciting with bonfires and fireworks which are great fun for us, but not always so easy for our equine friends. Horses and ponies thrive on routine and calm, consistent management. Sudden changes to that routine can cause stress and anxiety. However, with good management and appropriate targeted nutrition we can help our horses cope!
Soundness issues are recognized as the number one reason why working horses retire, downgrade their work level or, sadly, have to be euthanized. Therefore, if we want our horses to remain sound and stay active well into their teens and beyond, then joint care will be high on our list of priorities.
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. 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.
