Training

Are you wondering whether your horse or pony is comfortably carrying the weight expected of them? It’s a sensitive subject for many riders, but it’s also an important conversation around horse welfare, comfort and long-term soundness. Understanding appropriate horse and rider weight ratios is not about blame or criticism. Every horse is different, and factors such as fitness, age, breed, conformation, tack fit and rider balance all play a role in determining what a horse can carry safely and comfortably. In this guide, we look at current thinking around horse rider weight limits in the UK, including the importance of

Want to find out more about the Micklem Bridle? Then the below article is for you! In the equestrian world, the relationship between a rider and their horse is built on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. One crucial aspect of this partnership is the equipment used, particularly the bridle. Among the innovative designs gaining popularity is the Micklem Bridle, a revolutionary piece of tack designed to prioritise both the comfort and communication between horse and rider. Article contains affiliate links. To learn more about affiliate links click here. The Horseware Ireland Micklem 2 Competition Bridle | Available from GS Equestrian

Equine gut health has a direct impact on your horse’s condition, behaviour, and performance. When the digestive system is not functioning efficiently, the effects are often seen in subtle but meaningful changes. A healthy gut supports nutrient absorption, energy production, and a stable temperament. When this balance is disrupted, issues can develop gradually and may increase the risk of conditions such as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, as well as broader health complications affecting the whole body. Recognising early warning signs allows for quicker intervention and better long-term outcomes. Early indicators to watch for: Understanding the Equine Digestive System The horse’s

When it comes to equestrian sports, the right saddle can make all the difference in your riding experience. General Purpose (GP) saddles are versatile and popular among riders for their adaptability to various riding disciplines. In this blog post, we’ll explore expert tips to help you select the perfect GP saddle that suits both you and your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, these guidelines will ensure you make an informed decision. Understanding GP Saddles GP saddles, often referred to as all-purpose saddles, are a versatile and indispensable choice for riders involved in various equestrian disciplines. These

We do love our horses; the smell, touch and feel is enough to melt any equestrian’s heart BUT and that’s a big but, as with anything in life, days don’t often go as smoothly as intended. Here we run down 19 points that, if you are a horse owner, you’ll be able to relate to.  

As horse owners, we have all seen horses complete strange and unpurposeful behaviours, otherwise known as stereotypies or stable vices. However, it begs the question, why do horses develop stable vices? Horses are likely to be stabled for extended periods for many different reasons and owners may begin to notice this type of management proves challenging for horses and their behaviours may alter as a consequence. Cribbing, weaving, box walking come under the ‘stable vices’ term, however thrashing around and aggressive behaviour can also be seen as an unwanted behavioural reaction due to being stabled for longer periods. However, other environmental

A horse trailer is a serious investment, so it makes sense to get more value from it than “just” getting from A to B. With a few smart habits (and a couple of simple upgrades), your trailer can become a safer transport option, a more organised base, and a genuinely useful part of day-to-day yard life. Below are six practical, UK-relevant ways to maximise the utility of your horse trailer, while keeping horse welfare and road safety front and centre. 1) Start with safe, comfortable transport Your trailer’s main job is safe travel. Everything else depends on that. Do a

A horse solarium (also called an equine solarium) is one of those yard upgrades that sits firmly in the “dream kit” category — until you’ve used one regularly and wonder how you managed without it. From helping a wet coat dry efficiently to supporting a consistent warm-up and cool-down routine, solariums can be a practical addition for busy yards, competition riders and everyday owners alike. What is a horse solarium? In its simplest form, a horse solarium is an overhead unit that emits infrared (IR) heat via multiple bulbs. Some models are very basic — a small number of bulbs

Gastric ulcers remain one of the most common and concerning health issues affecting horses in the UK today. Despite increased awareness and advances in equine management, recent studies suggest that up to 90% of performance horses and over 50% of leisure horses may experience some form of gastric ulceration during their lives. As we move into 2025, understanding how to recognise, prevent, and treat gastric ulcers is essential for every horse owner and yard manager. This article covers: What Are Gastric Ulcers in Horses? Gastric ulcers are painful erosions or sores in the lining of the horse’s stomach. They can

Livery yard security measures are essential for protecting the horses, other animals, staff and those who live on site. After an enjoyable ride with your horse, it is important that they can return safely. It is also crucial that they rest securely inside their stable. To guard and adequately protect your horse, it is wise to take into consideration the greatest threats to the safety of horses: fire and theft. It may be daunting to think that such ill-fated events can occur, though prevention is certainly better than cure. The following safety measures will not guarantee complete protection of your

Maintaining your horse’s optimal body condition throughout the colder months requires careful attention to diet, particularly the fibre component. Horses naturally tend to carry different proportions of fat and muscle based on age, breed, and workload. It’s important we ensure our horse’s diet provides the appropriate calories to maintain a healthy weight. Alongside correct work, the diet should give them the building blocks for muscle development. Understanding Body Condition Scoring Your Horse Condition scoring is a useful tool for assessing whether your horse is under, over, or at the correct weight. A 1-9 scale is often used. A score of

Which Girth Straps Should I Use? Expert Advice from Helen Reader Quick Answer: Use the girth straps that hang vertically in line with your horse’s girth groove when the saddle is correctly positioned. Typically, this means using the first and third straps on traditional saddles, but modern saddles with up to five straps require professional assessment to determine the optimal combination for your horse’s conformation and comfort. Confused about girth strap selection? Society of Master Saddlers’ President Helen Reader explains how the right choice transforms your horse’s comfort and saddle stability. In this comprehensive guide, Helen Reader—Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker,

If you’re heading off to college and worried about leaving your horse behind—or wondering if you can even manage both—take a deep breath. You’re absolutely not alone in this. Thousands of students across the UK juggle lectures, assignments, and stable duties every single year, and yes, it’s completely possible to make it work. The truth is, owning a horse while studying doesn’t mean you have to choose between your education and your equestrian life. It just means getting a bit creative, staying organised, and being honest about what you can realistically manage. Here are five pieces of advice to help

If you spent your childhood and teenage years at a riding school, you’ll know it was so much more than just learning to ride. It was a way of life, a community, and for many of us, the place where our deepest love for horses truly began. From mucking out stables at the crack of dawn to leading endless beginner lessons around the arena, every moment was an adventure. If any of these memories sound familiar, you were definitely a riding school kid through and through… The Riding School Experience: Those days at the riding school shaped who we are

Here are 5 Top Tips for anxious horses to help manage fright this Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night fireworks can be fun for some when organised in a way that safety is considered for all – including animals in the surrounding areas. However, as many horse owners know, the week leading up to, alongside the night itself (and thereafter) can be a very unpleasant experience for both equines and pets at home. If you’re an owner and understandably worried, discover our top tips on how to manage anxiety and safety for your horse or pony in our article below. 5 Top

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