Category: Magazine

Equestrian life hacks for any horse, rider or beginner! It seems like there are never. enough hours in the day when you work with horses. When you are trying to keep up with the care of your horse and the duties that need to be done in the barn, it may not be easy to manage to ride and spend quality time with your equine companion. The good news is that with a little planning, ingenuity, and some unusual horse hacks, you can reduce the time you devote to chores,…

Whether you’re new to horse riding or have years of experience, there’s always much room to learn. Horse riding is such a joyous and inexplicably fulfilling experience that it’s hard to put it into words. This article lists six of the best YouTube channels you should subscribe to if you want to become a well-informed and knowledgable horse rider. These horse show vlogs will help teach a lot if you’re a beginner. First, however, you can also learn briefly about how to improve your horse riding skills. However, watching YouTube…

Bridle and Bit Fitting Advice from Experts in the Field Written by Catherine Baker and Frances Roche, SMS Qualified Bridle Fitters and Bridle Fitting Lecturers. Looking for advice on bridle and bit fitting? Confused by recent changes in equipment shape and want to know more? Here, SMS-qualified bridle fitters and lecturers, Catherine Baker and Frances Roche iron out some issues riders are having surrounding bridle and bit fitting. There is an increasing amount of chatter about bits, bridles and the correct fit of both.  Riders are becoming more aware that…

Combine your love of travel with opportunities to visit equine-centric destinations. You can traverse gorgeous trails, meet impressive horses, stay at all-inclusive ranches, and watch exciting races. Explore cities and national parks across the United States on horseback or stand in the shadows of American equine legends. Think about the following places for your next trip within the United States, from the Pacific Shores to Mid-Atlantic pastures. Half Moon Bay, California Visitors to California can sign up for scenic trail rides around the Half Moon Bay area. Consider guided horse…

The Mollichaff Complete Range *Sponsored* The Mollichaff Complete range has been developed alongside our range of chaffs, and provides three high fibre ‘complete’ feed options for horses and ponies. Horses feeding needs are complex, and whatever their lifestyle and level of work, they require a careful balance of nutrients to remain fit and healthy throughout their lives, from protein and fibre to vitamins and minerals. Our Complete feeds are high in fibre and offer a more natural and healthy way of feeding. These feeds encourage chewing and therefore are eaten more…

What’s in a Whinny? When horses talk, we listen but how good are we at deciphering what they have to say? According to a recently published study (Nov 2021) by Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph, and her master student Haley Belliveau, we are faring well. Using an online survey, participants categorized 32 equine whinny audio samples as positive and calm or negative and excited. Knowing the difference and being able to act on this feedback could have positive equine welfare applications regarding how…

written by Kay Hastilow Master Saddler, Master Saddle Fitter. Have you been wondering whether a saddle can be too long for a horse? In this article, Master Saddler Kay Hastilow offers a lending hand to explain the safe length of a saddle over the horse’s back and what can be done to help the rider get more seat without impacting the horse. Can the saddle length cause a problem? Without a doubt, there are dangers of using a saddle that is too long for your horse’s back, however, there are…

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Here’s a chance to win a tub of Turmeraid, from the Golden Paste Company. Perfect for recovery from hard ground, TurmerAid is a natural supplement for horses which supports healthy joints, aids digestion and promotes a healthy skin and coat! Use the form below to enter your details. COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Product Information: A Natural Approach to Aid Recovery from Hard Ground Over the summer months prolonged periods of dry weather can make natural surfaces hard and compacted which can increase concussion to the horse’s limbs. Hard…

Classic vs Western Saddles – what’s the difference between English and American saddles? Are you wondering what the difference between the English and Western saddle is? Read on to find out more … Horses have been present in people’s lives for thousands of years, keeping up with our daily activities and duties. Formerly, horses were companions in agricultural works, courageously pulling heavy machinery, using their strength and resilience. They were also used as means of transport. People used to travel on horseback or with the use of carriages and surreys,…

Are you considering building a career in the equestrian industry? Then you should know that you could pursue an equestrian degree in college. There are quite a few options to choose from in the UK and many of them have the facilities you need to learn, practice and perfect your skills. Horses are wonderful and gentle animals. Although many people are afraid of their size, they can offer you incredible health benefits and a rewarding career should you choose to work with them. They are animals that need quite a…

Bridle Fitting – Know-how from the experts Bridle fitting is certainly on topic. There’s a huge selection out there to choose from, each promising different benefits for the horse – and then there’s the ones that look supreme, and really grab your eye. But, how do we know which one is best for the horse according to fit? Here Master Saddlers and Master Bridle Makers, Frances Roche and Catherine Baker highlight the rights and wrongs in terms of placement of the parts, and overall fit, courtesy of the Society of Master…

Is your horse sensitive to accepting the bit? Or, do you think there’s a problem but you’re not sure where to start in working it out? In this article, Sprenger Bitting Consultant, Lindsay Middleton takes a look at the new Pronamic range and how they can help a sensitive, more established horse, accept the bit better. What to look out for All too often horses can encounter problems with the bit, no matter how thorough their training. Owners and trainers can find difficulties in the horse moving forward into self-carriage,…

What’s New | AMZ Saddles, Supreme Products and Masta launch new goodies Ready to find out what’s new this week in the world of horse? Take a look below to discover a selection of goodies for horse and rider (p.s we particularly like the lemon fly rug from Masta!).  All prices and links were accurate at the time of publishing. The Platinum, from AMZ Saddles  County Durham-based AMZ Saddles has unveiled a new jump saddle design which offers exceptional freedom of movement for the horse with unrivalled comfort and security…

Code Red for Riding The colours you choose to ride in could mean the difference between being seen by a driver or not – and it might not be the usual yellow, orange or pink that work best.  Equisafety’s Nicky Fletcher explains more…. Have you ever wondered why traffic lights, brake lights and warning signs are red? The retina of our eyes has two types of light-sensitive cells called rods and cones, found in a layer at the back of the eye which processes images. These cones are receivers for…

David Doel on Ice cream, truck driving and British Team ambitions. David Doel is going to his first Badminton Horse Trials with a plan, and from there has ambitions to make the British Team. His CV says it all, and this charmingly modest, mild-mannered farmer’s son sees Badminton as the next logical step in his hopes for team glory with the GB equestrian team. I need consistency with results,” he explained. I’m aiming for the top 15 at Badminton now. That should be realistic.  And then a year at the…

Are you looking to take that leap and study for a career in Equine Physiotherapy? The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES) have announced they are now accepting enrolments for a Level 6 Equine Physiotherapy Diploma Programme, which is a four-year blended learning course. Aimed at higher education students that are looking to start a career in equine physiotherapy, the programme is accredited by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT). The Equine Physiotherapy Diploma…

Hopes, dreams, idols and relationships – A Q&A with defending champion Steve Guerdat written by Louise Parkes Defending champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, has won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup title three times during his sparkling career. Here, he talks about his hopes for the 2022 Final in Leipzig, Germany this week….. How is the lead-in to this year’s Final? “My horse (Victorio des Frotards) is feeling good, for a few weeks now he seems to be in the right place and I’m happy that it’s starting and that I…

What can we learn from horse herds? Horses evolved as a herd animals, and even the most domesticated individuals still have a deep-rooted need for companionship. Helen Whitelegg, Senior Campaigns Officer at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, explains how our understanding of herds has changed in recent years, and why a shift in thinking about horse management can reap rewards for the equestrian world. Written by Helen Whitelegg To understand horses, we need some insight into the way they think. And they think socially. As a prey species, horses live according to…

We all have a soft spot in our hearts for horses, isn’t it the reason why you’re here? Horses are known for their intelligence, and we’re sure most of our readers have considered this before. The intellect of horses may be fascinating to contemplate, whether you have your own or follow equestrian competitions on the TV. Even though there isn’t a scientific scale by which to measure a horse’s intelligence, we may make some educated guesses based on what we do know, such as how much of a horse’s ability…

What are the main points I need to look for in a well-fitting saddle? Here, Society of Master Saddlers’ Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Master Harness Maker, Registered Master Saddle Fitter and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter, Helen Reader, provides advice on the saddle fitting. Q, What are the main points I need to look for in a well-fitting saddle/how do I spot signs of a problem? A, Although the saddle must be assessed ridden, it first needs to be looked at statically. It is really important when doing this to…

Some incredible combinations have won the iconic Hickstead Derby over the years. With the 60th Al Shira’aa Derby taking place this year, Victoria Goff takes a look at some of the standout performances from the past six decades.

5 Holiday Destinations Horse Race Lovers Can’t Miss There’s much to love about being a fan of horse racing. When you follow the sport, you’re signing up to meet new friends, dive into the culture, celebrate the history, and, of course, watch some world-class racing. And it’s not just world-class racing that you can enjoy, but worldwide. Horse racing is popular right here in the UK, but it’s also got a massive presence in virtually all corners of the world. And that’s good news for people that have been bitten…

Horse Trailers and Horse Trailer Insurance  Whether you are an equestrian or a pleasure rider, peace of mind is possible by having Horsebox and Horse Trailer Insurance that removes the financial burden should there be a problem in the transportation of your animal. One of the primary reasons to have horsebox insurance policy is for the owner to be protected against events and circumstances out of their control. These events can be man-made or natural.  Horse Trailers and Horse Trailer Insurance  The necessity of the horse trailer insurance policy The vital reason a…

Livery Yard 101 – What to ask and consider when looking at livery yards Have you ever arrived for a viewing at a livery yard and found yourself overwhelmed with everything you need to take in? Do you fail to think of essential questions that need to be asked so you can make a well-informed decision on whether or not it’s suitable for your horse? If so, it’s perfectly natural and our Livery Yard 101 article is here to help. In this feature, we ask the experts at LIVERYLive to…