Category: Horse Health

Glucosamine for Arthritis in Horses Glucosamine for arthritis is a go-to solution for many owners with horses showing symptoms. But, can glucosamine supplementation actually help our horse’s arthritis? We unraveled whether glucosamine for horses actually works to reduce arthritis symptoms and whether we should be using it alongside quality nutrition, appropriate farriery, and correct exercise management to maintain joint health? What is Arthritis? Arthritis is the inflammation of the joint. Showcasing visible symptoms of joint inflammation, with pain, heat and stiffness, arthritis can be classed as acute or chronic. Acute…

Horse herd dynamics are complex, and the behaviours of individual horses can be confusing or easily misinterpreted at a glance! We took a look at recognising social behaviours, behaviours signifying dominance, and how you should manage these behaviours within a horse herd. Socialising Whether your herd is ten horses or just two, socialisation is essential for good horse herd dynamics. Horses use a variety of subtle cues to communicate with each other, as well as ourselves, conveyed most noticeably through body language and vocalisation but also scents and pheromones. Horse…

Preventing horse injuries in the field can seem like an impossible task for an owner. With injuries after spending time in the field being the most prevalent in horses, it’s no wonder some owners are apprehensive to turn their horses out. However, with the endless benefits of turnout for horse health, taking steps to prevent injury during turnout is a more sustainable and healthy strategy to implement into your horse’s routine. But, what are the steps we should be taking toward preventing injuries in the field? Create And Maintain A…

Glucosamine for horses has proven to be very effective in treating joint pain and arthritic symptoms as well as thoroughly protecting and cushioning the joints for long term results. Glucosamine may be an ingredient you have heard of before and it is regularly used in supplements for both human and animal consumption. It is a powerful, fast-acting ingredient that is commonly used as the first ingredient in many horse joint supplement formulas. Want the Top Rated Glucosamine Supplement for Your Horse? Click here to see the best products! Here we take…

Written by Abby Dickinson Companions for horses are commonplace on any yard, but does a horse need a companion or have they evolved to survive without the security blanket of a herd? Whilst some horses thrive on time alone, others become worried and upset when away from their friends. So, we investigated whether companionship an essential in our horses’ lives and what to do if we can’t provide buddy to accompany them? Is a Companion Horse Essential? Horses are herd animals. Therefore, they thrive physically and mentally when accompanied by…

Here’s how to cool down a horse after riding at a competition. Competition after-care for your horse is just as important as the preparation. This vital step in routine can prevent discomfort, injury, and ill health, but it is very often overlooked. So, how can we optimise our horses’ competition after-care to ensure they stay in peak condition? Cool Down Cooling down after exercise is one of the most important steps for horse riders to take after competition. Although you and your horse may be tired from a strenuous session,…

Glucosamine for horses? Until recently you may have not realised or known of the benefits this ‘amino sugar’ offers the horse. Fast forward to 2020 and it’s available in an abundance for horses and is regularly used in horse joint supplements. Here, we take a closer look at what Glucosamine is, the types available, how it works, and the overall benefits of taking this ingredient for the horse. What is Glucosamine? Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar. It can be most commonly found in and around the fluid and tissue (cartilage)…

Reducing horse tension can combat one of the major pitfalls riding combinations suffer during the competition. So, we’ve put together some pointers on reducing horse tension during competition. Why tension in your horse is bad Whether you’re a cross-country fanatic or a dressage lover, tension can hinder your horse’s performance all the way up the levels. Tension in your horse’s body can be a sign of nerves or excitability, and it feels as though all the muscles in your horse have become stiff and tight. With contracted, tight muscles, you…

Looking for a simple way to get your horse to drink more water? Whilst some horses won’t drink at shows, others seem to reduce vital water intake when the weather becomes cooler. But with this simple trick, courtesy of British Horse Feeds, you’ll never have to worry about dehydrating your horse again! Horses and ponies need to stay hydrated all year round. However, maintaining hydration can be particularly problematic during the warmer periods of the year, when water is lost through sweating. Dehydration is a common summer health problem, and…

Horse travel can be sweaty work! So, here are six horse travel tips to keep your horse cool! Travel for horse owners is essential when competition season is in full swing. As hot summer days approach, keeping horse’s cool whilst travelling becomes increasingly harder. Whether you’re travelling to your next show, a session with your coach, or headed to the beach for a gallop, these tips are essential for combatting the heat and keeping cool during horse travel. Check The Forecast Although it seems habitual to most horse owners, checking…

Reduce stress and load a nervous horse with these helpful tips. Get your horse used to transport and encourage them to step onto the ramp or inside the trailer. Find out how to load a nervous horse. Whether your horse is nervous about loading due to a break from travel or has just never got on board with the idea, we found great ways to reduce unnecessary stress. So, pack your travel essentials and get out and about this summer with these nerve-busting tips! Get Used To The Trailer Spend…

Feeding a good-doer with HorseHage and Mollichaff. Here, the experts at Mollichaff help to guide our choice for feeding a good doer. The leading, ‘go-to’ alternative for high energy feed, the brand has designed the perfect feed for those struggling to keep the pounds off their horse. With years of experience and knowledge under their belt, the team also gave us their top tips on weight management! Choosing the Right Feed… Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is ideal for good doers as well as horses and ponies prone to laminitis, as it…

When horses sustain an injury, their entire body adjusts to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. Therefore, the way horses utilise different energy stores changes in order to survive. Normal, healthy horses will utilise approximately 90% of their energy from the fats produced during fibre fermentation (VFAs). Meanwhile, the injured horse will draw 50% of their daily energy from VFAs. The remainder of their energy being taken from stored carbohydrate (glycogen) and the breakdown of body tissue. This shift in energy sources utilised by the injured…

Rusty on how to stable bandage your horse’s legs? Now is the perfect time to brush up on unpracticed skills, such as stable bandaging! Follow our step by step guide on how to stable bandage your horse’s leg. Then, practice on your horse or even friends and family! How To… Firstly, ensure your horse’s legs are clean and free from debris that may cause discomfort once bandaged. Use a body brush to reduce a build-up of grease under the bandage. Wrap one piece of Gamgee (or a bandage pad) around…

** Sponsored Post ** Box rest is tough, so let us help take the blues out of box rest with HorseHage. Backed with years of credible research and experience, they shared their advice on tackling a period of box-rest, covering everything from nutrition to mental stimulation. Box rest is a frustrating situation that most horse or pony owners will have to face at some point, and this will mean vital changes to your horse’s feeding routine as well as exercise. Of course, providing excellent quality forage is the most important factor in a…