Text: Hayley Kruger Photography: Shutterstock Continued from yesterday's article... Types of blocks The palmar digital nerve block is performed by injecting a small amount of local anaesthetic over the palmar digital nerves on both sides of the pastern, just above the bulbs of the heel and adjacent to the deep digital flexor tendon. Initially, vets believed that…
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Text: Hayley Kruger Photography: Shutterstock One of the biggest mysteries horse owners can face is why their horses may be lame. Lameness has a variety of causes, and it is often very difficult to pinpoint exactly what the cause of it is. With modern technology and extensive research, veterinary practices have advanced to making use of nerve…
Q: Do horses need water in the paddock? A: All horses need water in the paddock, even if they are only out for a couple of hours, and even in winter. Horses must have 24/7 access to water - they do not drink when we would like them to, hence, even if they have had access…
Q: What are the characteristics of the Nooitgedacht? A: The Nooitgedacht has gained popularity due to his train-ability, and amendable temperament, but at the same time has developed into a competition horse to be reckoned with. Affectionately known as Nooities, they have earned their place in the competition and social equestrian world. These days they range…
Q: I just can't sit the sitting trot. How can I improve this? Answered by Elena Jankowitz A: The sitting trot is challenging for everyone and there are numerous factors that can make it difficult to sit. The important point to remember is that the trot has a moment of suspension when none of the hooves are…
By Jax Woods of Jacqui S Photography 1. Clean is the new natural You by no means need to start looking to hire a pro *spit and polisher* (although we can recommend a few) to plait every wayward hair and brush quarter markings in a selection of different designs on your horse's perfectly formed apple-bum, but we…
While we dream of an animal abuse-free world, this is sadly not today’s reality. If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is important to take proper steps to report it. Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU) shares how to best go about reporting abuse or neglect. Identity The HHCU depends on the public to report any and all…
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy used most frequently to treat soft tissue injuries. In this therapy, a high-energy soundwave is produced outside of the body (hence the therapy is referred to as being extracorporeal) and transmitted into the target tissue. The effect of the high-energy soundwave is to stimulate the growth of…
Q: Does my horse need short of long boxing boots? A: Boxing boots are worn when travelling and come in either a short or long version. Short boxing boots fit only around the cannon bones, and offer no protection to the elbows, hocks, pasterns or heels. Front and back long boxing boots cover the leg from…
Q: What is the longest I can leave my horse unworked without him getting fresh? A: This is a difficult question to answer, because so many factors come into play: feed, turnout, breed, way of going, temperament etc. Some horses are no different even after a few weeks' holiday, and others are impossible after only a…
