2024 Guide to Christmas Gifts: Women’s Edition Looking for equestrian Christmas gifts for women? Then hold your horses, we may just have what you’re looking for in our guide below. Created by equestrians, for equestrians, our Christmas Gift Guide is here to help you out when it comes to choosing gifts for the horse lover in your life. Our top picks Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers The Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers are cordless, quiet and lightweight! Perfect for all over clipping, manes, tails, feathers and other areas. Ideal for young, nervous…
Category: Magazine
Welcome to our online horse magazine articles. Here we feature posts on horse health, training, rider interviews and much more. All of our content is free for you to enjoy, there’s no signup required.
The Different Types of Horse Clip
There are many different types of horse clip here in the UK. You may consider a couple when clipping and wonder which one will best suit your horse. Although there are many variations and adaptations, this list is a good go-to guide for you to keep on hand. Is your horse ready for his first clip of the winter? Is he starting to look a bit woolly? Has he started to sweat more than usual during his regular exercise sessions? If you’re saying yes to any of these questions, then…
Keryn Legg: From South Africa to UK Dressage Success
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…
Stable Health Tips – Get Your Stable Ready for Winter
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,…
Considering Welfare for the Stabled Horse and Pony this Winter
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…
Horse Calmers for Fireworks
With so many horse calmers to choose from it’s hard to know which one to go for, especially when stressful situations such as fireworks on bonfire night. The ingredients all differ, as do the price and effectiveness of each. Often, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, as what will work for one horse, won’t for another. It’s a trial-and-error process for many horse owners, so once you find one that works, keeping a tub in spare is good practice. If you choose a powder over a syringe, it’ll take a little…
The real War Horses
With the National Theatre’s most successful production to date WAR HORSE back on tour, Katie Gilmour sits down with Belinda Day, the Senior Curator of the National Army Museum to find out about the real war horses. In the National Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse, we follow the journey of Joey, a farm horse loved by Albert. The play depicts the horror of war, the bravery of the animals and soldiers on the front line and is an emotional watch for animal lovers everywhere. But what of the…
War Horse: Just how do they make Joey and Topthorne so realistic?
The National Theatre’s most successful production to date WAR HORSE is going on tour. Here, Everything Horse journalist, Katie Gilmour sits down with the Director of Puppetry Matthew Forbes to find out just how they make such magic on the stage. Many will have seen the National Theatre’s incredible version of Michael Morpurgo’s best selling novel, War Horse. Morpurgo’s book sold over 35 millions copies worldwide in 37 languages, telling the incredibly important story of horses in the First World War. Between 2005 and 2007, the National Theatre put together…
Is ragwort really a demon?
To many horse and land owners, the very sight of ragwort is a red flag. Or a yellow flag, if you go by the bright flowers that spring up when the sun comes out. Under the United Kingdom 1959 Weeds Act, ragwort is classified as an injurious weed and considered harmful to agricultural practices. It’s a commonly held belief that ragwort toxicity in horses is very common, but, while there is no doubt that ragwort can, and does, cause fatal hepatopathy in horses, how common is this in real terms?…
Acupuncture for the Horse
A look into acupuncture for horses, which includes what it can be used, a brief history and how your horse may react to the practice. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very narrow solid needles into the body with the purpose of modifying disease and providing pain relief. Acupuncture needles stimulate nerves in skin and muscle and increase the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals act in the pain pathways of both the brain and spinal cord which can result in exceptional pain relief. What can…
5 Calming Herbs For Horses and Humans
Here we examine calming herbs for horses and humans. These herbs form part of a natural approach to relieving tension and anxiety in horses, ponies and donkeys and humans. Herbs can be used on their own or as part of a supplement. The addition to humans using herbs more frequently, it seems to be increasing in the diet of today’s horses. So, what herbs should have a calming effect on not only yourself but your horse too? Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is highly beneficial for both horses and humans, largely due to…
Simple equestrian terms and what non-horsey people think they mean
Buckle up as we take a a look at common equestrian terms, while discovering what non-horsey folk think each one means. Snaffle A simple type of bit, that fits in the horse’s mouth typically with a joint in the middle and used with a single pair of reins. The bit is attached on to the bridle and is used when riding. Non-horsey folk suggestions: Forelock A lock of hair growing from the poll, hanging down over the forehead forming at the top of the man’s, running down between the horse’s…
Stripy Horse Rugs: Bucas Explain
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…
Managing Competition Anxiety
Learn How to Boost Competition Routine to Manage Rider Anxiety Managing competition anxiety will ultimately improve yours and your horse’s performance. Here’s your chance to learn more about how goals, visualisation, affirmations and focus are all key to helping kick showtime nerves to the curb. Picture the scene, you have been practising for months, the competition has arrived, you and your horse are feeling good and performing well, the moment arrives and it’s your turn to compete in to the main ring, but something changes as you are gripped with…
How to Buy a Horse: Guidelines to Keep in Mind
If you’re looking for advice on how to buy a horse, take a look at our article below that considers the different breeds, money and stabling. Some people are content with going to a riding school to ride when they feel the need for some horse-company but equestrians say that there’s nothing as satisfying as owning your own horse. If you’re thinking of buying a horse, keep these guidelines in mind. Breeds There are literally dozens of horse breeds. The breed of horse that you choose depends on your goals…
Janet Devlin: Beyond The X Factor
Singer songwriter Janet Devlin on horses, Russell Crowe and the equestrian walk of shame. By Katie Gilmour. It’s hard to reconcile the confident, accomplished young woman that fills my laptop screen with the shy, whimsical 16-year-old that filled my television screen in 2011. Gone is the fiery red hair, and the hesitant smile. The woman in front of me smiles widely, talks openly and passionately. Her complexion is flawless and my first impression is that the 29-year-old version of Janet Devlin is a woman that you cannot keep down. Devlin…
Horses: Domesticated twice?
According to a report in Nature, researchers believe that horses were domesticated twice, but the first attempt didn’t stick. It’s believed that according to genetic data, Botai hunters in Central Asia may have been the first to domesticate horses around 5,000 years ago for milk and meat, but the farming did not continue. Researchers said that the use of horses varied. North of the Caucasian mountains, horses were first used for transportation 4,200 years ago. This revolutionised travel, and within a few centuries, wild horses in the area were replaced…
Olympic Showjumping: A Deep Dive into Paris 2024
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…
Feeding Young Horses
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…
Wendy Vaughan Part 1: An introduction to Wendy and Ori
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…
6 of the Best Travel Boots for Horses
Here we’ve picked out six of the best travel boots for horses. We’ve based our choices on cost, quality, and popularity; as a boot well-liked, is a boot that has proved it’s worth. When travelling our horses, safety is at the forefront of our minds. Choosing how to prepare them for travel can mean the difference between a happy, safe journey to sustaining an injury should they not be adequately protected. Young horses are especially at risk as they take to the road for their first few outings. Nerves, an…
Summer Hoof Care Tips
**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…
What personality type is your horse?
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…
Spring Fever in Horses: an owners guide
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…
What is the most common cause of horse insurance claims?
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…