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Fair play for crib biters

Fair play for crib biters

New research supports the theory that crib-biting relieves stress and should not be prevented. Instead, we must try to keep horses who practice the behaviour in ways which minimise their need to do so.

 

Researchers at the Royal Agricultural University and Aberystwyth University have found mor...

Fair play for crib biters

When pressing pause is the only answer

I am on box rest again. This time, I have to stick to it, because my husband is seriously considering having me put down.

 

It isn’t the pain from damaged muscles that’s causing me the problems, but the fact that I can’t ride. It’s driving me crazy and him crazier, because he has to put up wit...

When pressing pause is the only answer

In praise of horsey teenagers

Teenagers. Just that one word is enough to make you sigh, roll your eyes and flounce out the room. And that’s if you’re a parent.  However, horsey teenagers have many saving graces. Here are ten reasons to be cheerful – well, most of the time – if you have one in your household.

 

1.      When...

In praise of horsey teenagers

Wallace sets a wonderful example

So, who is the UK’s most famous four-legged dressage star? 

 

A few years ago, Valegro was the name on everyone’s lips. Now, the most famous ears looking through a dressage bridle are rather larger.

Yes, it’s the wonder of Wallace. Wallace the Great, to give him his full title – the charism...

Wallace sets a wonderful example

Weighing up the value of ponies

Is a horse too big for you? Perhaps you should consider riding a pony. There are some that say ponies should only be ridden by children but small adults who don't exceed the recommended weight guideline..
Weighing up the value of ponies

Seeing old advice in a new light

Advances in science and research have improved our knowledge of horses by light years – but sometimes, the most valuable advice is timeless.

 

My secret weakness is collecting old horse books. Some exhortions are fearsome; one recommends that owners ensure their grooms plait straw inside the d...

Seeing old advice in a new light

Triple success and stand out performances

I am glad to report that the evergreen, ever wonderful Ever So Much (below) has continued his rich vein of form this year, and gave himself his third win of the year, at Hexham, in June. He is an absolute delight to have around the yard, and to see him record the tenth success of his career, all ach...

Triple success and stand out performances

Don’t sweat it out at summer shows

You look after your horse in the heat, so give yourself the same consideration, says Carolyn Henderson

 

This summer has given a whole new meaning to hot competition. So why are so many of us sweating it out in black or navy jackets and hats?

Obviously people don’t want to miss importan...

Don’t sweat it out at summer shows

Will microchipping law make a difference?

New regulations will only work if they have more teeth, says Carolyn Henderson

 

From 2020, it’s going to be chips with everything. All horses, ponies and donkeys will have to be microchipped and owners who don’t comply could be fined £200.

 

In one way, it’s good news in that it should ...

Will microchipping law make a difference?

Keep cool when the heat is on

Make the most of this summer with advice from the Feedmark team

 

If there’s one topic guaranteed to cause hot debate when temperatures soar, it’s how we should work our horses and the best way to care for them afterwards.

 

In the early 90s, general consensus was that we should protect ...

Keep cool when the heat is on

The cost of happiness

Horses are worth their weight in gold, says Carolyn Henderson

 

An innocent question posted on an equestrian online forum has sparked hilarious insights into horse owners’ mentality: “How do you stop your non-horsey partner knowing how much you spend on your horse?”

 

Some answers were s...

The cost of happiness

Keeping the fun in competition

Pushy parents have a lot to answer for, says Carolyn Henderson

 

When a friend broke her ankle and asked me to help her seven-year-old daughter at a local show, I thought it would be a fun day out.

 

Children…ponies…friendly competition. All enjoyable, character-building stuff, right?

...
Keeping the fun in competition