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In our increasingly stressful world, mental health support comes in many forms – but one of the most surprising and effective therapies involves four legs, a mane, and an extraordinary ability to understand human emotions. Recent research from leading UK universities and international studies reveals that horses offer remarkable mental health benefits that go far beyond traditional therapy approaches. From reducing anxiety in vulnerable young people to helping individuals manage depression and PTSD, the science behind equine-assisted therapy is both fascinating and compelling. Here are five evidence-based mental health benefits that horses provide, backed by the latest research findings. 1.

The equestrian world is embracing a green revolution. As climate consciousness grows across all industries, horse owners and yard managers throughout the UK are discovering that sustainable stable management isn’t just good for the planet—it’s often better for their horses and their wallets too. From renewable energy solutions to innovative waste management systems, modern yards are proving that environmental responsibility and excellent horse care go hand in hand. Here’s how you can transform your equestrian facility into an eco-friendly powerhouse. The Business Case for Sustainable Stables Sustainability for horse owners is more feasible than you think, according to recent industry

The equestrian world is experiencing a digital revolution. From AI-powered equestrian apps to sophisticated wearable technology, modern riders and trainers are embracing innovative tools that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This technological transformation is not just changing how we train our horses—it’s revolutionising the entire approach to equestrian sport. The Rise of AI-Powered Training Equestrian Apps Artificial intelligence has entered the stable yard, and it’s making a significant impact. AI-powered apps that analyse riding techniques and provide personalised training plans are becoming increasingly popular among riders of all levels. Ridesum, founded in Sweden and launched in 2019, exemplifies

Undoubtedly, the most powerful tool for someone wanting to pursue a career with horses is equestrian education. Students get the chance to connect with the equine while also realising their own potential in the field. Equestrian education develops students’ knowledge, self-control, accountability, and keen empathy in addition to their riding skills. In this article, we’ll explore the world of equestrian education and examine how it aids in overall development. The Bond Between Horse and Rider The core of equestrian education revolves around equine welfare and the extraordinary bond that forms between the horse and rider. This bond goes beyond simple

Written by Everything Horse Magazine guest author, Donna Harrison Stübben sponsored Dressage rider, Keryn Legg, has a long and rich history in the equestrian industry. Starting riding as a young child while living in South Africa, Keryn is now a well-respected coach and trainer here in the UK, earning her stripes over several years through the recognition of her natural ability in, and out of the saddle. Keryn regularly trains with a number of coaches, two being Levi Hunt and Sue Cottrell (BD List 5 judge and BD coach for over 20 years). She attends clinics with Dane Rawlins and

With the sunshine month’s coming to an end and half of us holding out for an Indian summer, we’ve decided to turn our thoughts to stable health. Here we’ve listed some great tips and products to help you get your stable ready for winter. Why clear out? Stables are dark, damp places that attract mould, fungi and other harmful organisms. Ammonia in particular can cause upper airway problems breathing problems in horses, as well as having an awful smell! Regular maintenance and a good overhaul a couple of times a year, often at the start and end of each winter, will

With the winter fast approaching, we’ve already seen yard owners and landowners struggling with flooding and persistent rain. The current weather conditions are making it more difficult for yard managers to plan for safe and suitable grazing over the winter months to come. Many yards save specific grazing fields for certain times of the year. Unforeseen rain and weather can often affect these plans, leaving yard owners and horse owners reconsidering their options when it comes to the provision of turnout and grazing over the winter months. This may lead to making alternative plans which can often, unfortunately, mean prolonged

Here, we welcome popular equestrian brand Bucas to explain the phenomenon of stripy horse rugs, including why and how the zebra print came about. Zebras know best The evolution of the zebra’s striped coat has been a hot topic amongst scientists for over 150 years with many in-depth studies carried out by scientists on why Zebras have stripes and the connection with flies.   The Science One of the earlier studies to Bucas’ knowledge is that of scientists painting wooden pallets containing vegetable oil, in different patterns. There was one painted with black and white stripes to mimic a zebra,

Get ready for the excitement of Olympic showjumping at the 2024 Paris Games. Explore the competition format, top riders, and thrilling team and individual events. The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will showcase the pinnacle of showjumping talent from around the globe. The event, scheduled from July 27 to August 11, will feature top riders and horses competing for individual and team honours. With the British equestrian team aiming for top spots, let’s trot straight into the details of the competition, the athletes, and what to expect. Competition Structure The Olympic showjumping event lasts several days and includes team and

Feeding Young Horses – Hints for Optimal Health and Growth Whether you’re rearing a foal to sell on or to produce at home, the aim of feeding young horses should be to achieve a sound, healthy and successful athlete for whatever level and type of equestrian use. Many factors influence the growth and development of foals. However, we are increasingly realising that how we feed and manage our pregnant and lactating mares, as well as their young stock, can have a profound effect on health and welfare. Some of the main issues affecting the growth of horses, which can be

This month we welcome founder of the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy to Everything Horse for a regular column about the journey of rehabilitating her new horse, Ori, who came along following the sad passing of her dog. Wendy’s column will not only be a journey for readers to enjoy, but it’ll offer invaluable advice on the rehabilitation process of horses. And so the story begins… Part 1: An introduction to Wendy and Ori I hadn’t planned on adopting a horse, let alone rehabilitating one, but when my precious pup Hank passed in the same week as the opportunity arose I

**Sponsored Post** It has been a difficult winter and spring for horses’ hooves, with the nonstop rain creating fields that resemble mud baths. The knock-on effect of the muddy conditions has seen many horses developing a hoof abscess. With the summer months on the horizon, the warmer temperatures present a whole new set of issues for hoof health. Unlike the constant wet conditions, we have recently experienced, the challenge during the summer months is the sudden weather changes, with a typical UK summer consisting of a mixture of warmer temperatures and spells of rain. During periods of wet weather, which

What personality type is your horse? Here we take a comical look at some of the most typical horse-type personalities most yards have to offer. The Drama Queen, or King I see a leaf and jump in the air; a height equivalent to a four-story building. I hack out with my head higher than an HGV, with my tail swinging from side to side, ready to whinny my heart out at the sight of another horse as I suffer from extreme anxiety. Grids could very well end your life, and don’t get me started on that wheelbarrow that’s moved 1cm to

Spring fever in horses is a term used to describe mood and behavioural changes in equines during … well, spring. Our equine companions are sensitive creatures, reacting to even the slightest adjustment to their diet, environment, or weather conditions. With the arrival of spring (finally), you might be noticing some changes in your horse’s energy levels. This is called spring fever and is entirely normal but, as it can present some challenges, you’ll be glad to know that there are some steps you can take to support your horse. The experts from Horse & Country share their 10 top tips for soothing

Even with the best-laid plans, accidents, injuries and illnesses are all part and parcel of owning horses. It is possible to take precautions such as risk assessments, education and training. Still, we can’t prevent the unexpected from happening, so having suitable horse insurance is important to protect ourselves, our horses and others who may be affected by our actions. Taking out a horse insurance policy gives us peace of mind should our horses become ill or sustain an injury. While there is a huge range of advice available on avoiding certain equine illnesses and injuries that can lead to horse

New from Toggi for Summer 2024 are the Arden Ladies Breeches, available in dark green or grey. Designed for riders to stay comfortable and secure in the saddle no matter what the summer throws at us. After months of wet weather, horse owners across the British Isles are crossing their fingers for warm, sunny weather to enjoy summer competitions, long hacks and lazy yard days. But as we all know, British summer doesn’t always play by the rules. Luckily, Toggi has ridden to the rescue with a new riding legwear designed to cover every eventuality.  The new Arden Ladies Breeches

What’s new for equestrians this March? Here at Everything Horse Magazine, we love to discover what’s new in the world of equestrian goodies. From new supplements to hats, gloves and other types of riding accessories – we keep an eye on it all. So, without further ado, here’s a selection of new products and goods in the world of equestrianism this March. This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, we may earn a commission. With this in mind, we will only link to products that we believe are true

The rise of eco-friendly equine housing reflects a growing awareness among horse owners of the importance of sustainability in the care and management of their animals. As stewards of our horses and the environment, it’s crucial to consider how stable and shelter choices impact the world around us. Choosing eco-friendly options benefits your horses’ health and well-being and contributes to a healthier planet. Incorporating sustainable practices into equine housing involves more than just selecting the right materials; it’s about adopting a holistic approach that encompasses energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. Choosing an Eco-Friendly Field Shelter for Your Horse

Experiencing swollen feet can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. Whether it’s after a long day on your feet, in the saddle, during pregnancy, or a result of a health condition, swelling in the feet is a common issue many of us face. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through some simple and effective strategies to help reduce swelling and enhance your comfort. So, grab a cozy seat (and elevate those feet!), as we dive into the world of managing swollen feet. Understanding Swollen Feet First things first, let’s understand why our feet swell. Swelling, also known as edema,

Looking at the whole horse, with equal importance on their physical, mental and emotional well-being will help them to thrive. We can improve well-being and increase our horses’ sense of happiness by factoring in their emotions with a compassionate approach to horsemanship. In this article, Carey Khan from ‘One with the Horse’ looks at factors relating to equine well-being, while discussing how empowering the horse can help it deal with situations more effectively. The Five Domains of Assessment “The Five Domains of Assessment” is a phrase that refers to the different areas that need to be evaluated to gain a

For travellers seeking a holiday filled with temples and tombs, pharaohs, and phenomenal experiences, Ride Egypt (described by a previous guest as the Red Bull of horse-riding holidays) invites you to join their “Palms, Pyramids & Pharaohs” adventure-packed itinerary. Egypt, the land of allure and mystery, beckons intrepid horse loving travellers to explore its wonders through an exhilarating journey that combines horseback riding, cultural exploration, and historical discovery. Throughout this incredible adventure, participants will immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, cuisine, and history. From riding fabulous horses through local Bedouin villages to exploring ancient temples up close,

Embracing Sustainability in Equestrian Practices: A Gallop Towards a Greener Future The equestrian world, with its profound connection between humans and horses, is increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices. As environmental awareness grows across various industries, the equestrian community is galloping towards a greener future. From horse care to facility management, riders and enthusiasts alike are embracing sustainability to ensure a harmonious balance between their passion for horses and environmental stewardship. Businesses are choosing to be more transparent with their practices to show improvements being made to operational practice. Here are a number of ways sustainability can be

Ideas to help get your stable yard organised for the year ahead There are visual, functional, and safety benefits to maintaining a clean and orderly stable yard. Having a well-organised and tidy yard will help relieve tension and save time for everyone involved. It’ll help adhere to safety regulations, and make for a nice environment to be in. Here are five ideas to help you get your barn in order. Categorize and Label Everything Sorting your possessions into appropriate categories is the initial stage in clearing out your yard. Classify things according to their use, for example, tools, feed, cleaning