Author: Abby Dickinson

Fireworks can be frightening for horses, but a little preparation can reduce the risk of injury and help you respond if your horse becomes distressed. Here is what to consider before, during and after a display. For many horse owners, the approach of Bonfire Night brings a familiar concern: how will their horse cope with the noise and flashes? Some horses barely react, while others become unsettled, attempt to escape or injure themselves in a moment of panic. Fireworks can also take place beyond 5 November, including at private celebrations and around New Year, so it helps to have a

Equine obesity is now considered an equine welfare crisis by many leading animal charities in the UK. With the rise of equine obesity across a nation of horse-lovers, why are we facing an equine obesity problem? This article starts off by looking at the dangers of obesity in horses before looking at the horse owners’ part in the problem. The Dangers of Obesity in Horses With one study finding that less than 1% of horse owners perceived weight gain as an issue, the dangers of obesity are more of a concern than ever for equine welfare advocates. In horses, obesity

If you’re looking for essential weight control tips for your field-kept horse, then this article is for you. Although turn-out is extremely important in a horse’s regime, struggling to control how much they eat whilst they are out can be problematic. Over-grazing can cause weight gain and a predisposition to laminitis, with owner’s often deciding the stable their horse to prevent these common problems. Weight control tips for field-kept horses are even more sought after, with some having nowhere to turn if they stumble across over-grazing issues. With the grass growing at a prolific rate, we put together a few

All equines encounter horse flies during spring, summer, and early autumn. Horse flies bite and can cause irritation to horses, and they are also responsible for carrying disease and bacteria throughout herds. Horse flies present the major problems of; Therefore, horse owners should do everything possible to prevent horse fly populations surrounding their horses. Types of Horse Flies There are different types of horse flies that affect horses in different ways. Here are some ways you can prevent the different types of horse fly from causing a problem to your horse. Horse Fly (Tabinade spp.) Horse flies bite and feed

Summer sees the onset of blue skies, bright days, and longer turnout times. However, sunny days are unpredictable in the UK climate, meaning it’s easy to forget adequate sun protection for ourselves and our horses. To keep your horse in the sun for longer and reap the benefits of hacking and turnout, we’ve created a guide for everything you need to know about sunburn in horses. What is sunburn? Sunburn causes redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin, much like in humans. The area will cause a degree of discomfort to the horse, but with correct management, the effects will

Are you doing enough to protect your horse’s joints? Joint health is key to every horse performing and feeling at their best, from companion to Olympic athlete! But, with numerous daily factors impacting equine joints, what should horse owners be doing to protect these delicate structures? Incorporating the best management techniques is a step in the right direction to supporting equine joints. In this article, we investigate best management practices and products to support equine joints. Managing Nutrition To protect your horse’s joints, first consider whether their diet supports good joint health. Healthy joints are vital to prevent the occurrence

What is the correct Glucosamine dosage for horses? Needing enough to be effective, yet not too much for it to go to waste, or worse, be unsafe. Here we untangle how much Glucosamine horses actually need in their diet. What is Glucosamine? Glucosamine is an essential component of normal, healthy articular cartilage in horses and humans. Covering the ends of bones when they come together to form joints, healthy articular cartilage is crucial for smooth, functioning joints for movement and performance. Glucosamine for horses is an indispensable supplement, especially for older horses and those with intense workloads, aiding maintenance and