As most of us know, horse boots are worn to protect and support the front and back legs during training, competition, turnout, stabling, therapy or travel. The work you choose to do or your horse's circumstantial needs will determine the type of boots he should wear. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to boots,…
Ask HQ
Q: What could be causing the mould that I've found in my tack box? Asked by Jay L. A: It's easy for mould to grow and develop in a yard environment, especially when you might be throwing damp towels, sponges or wet boots into your box. By the time you discover it, you'll probably be cringing and…
Q: How can I tell how big my foal will be when he is an adult? Asked by Tamryn Moolman A: In essence you can't. There are a variety of methods that certain people swear by, but unfortunately none of these is entirely reliable. The reason that none of these formulas can be relied upon is because…
Q: How can I teach my horse to be more careful with his feet? He just doesn't seem to pick them up properly. A: Picking the feet up comes from an engaged, forward and uphill motion of the horse. If you feel like your horse is slow, dragging his feet or lazy in general, transitions are…
Q: I have a tendency to tilt forwards and arch my back when I ride. How can I learn to sit up straighter, with a straighter back? A: Tilting forwards and arching of the back can be related issues. Arching of the back can cause a rider to tilt forwards and make it easier for your…
Q: What does swing in the rider's lower leg come from? A: Swing in the lower leg comes from a knee that grips, so the first thing you need to do is to stop gripping with your knee (easier said than done, we know)!! Your lower leg needs to hug (not grip!) your horse, but your…
[Q] Why is linseed oil the new thing to feed? [A] Oils have been available on the equine market for years now, yet there is still some confusion over which oil to use. While there is technically no 'bad' oil, there may be some that are better options for your horse than others. The reason for…
[Q] How do I clean my grooming brushes? [A] Cleaning grooming brushes is vital, not only for your horse's health but also for keeping the brushes in good shape for longer. Firstly, dislodge as much of the dirt and debris as you can by dragging a curry comb (preferably a metal one) over the bristles or rubbing…
Q: What is MSM? A: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an effective anti-inflammatory ingredient that has far-reaching effects on the ability of muscle tissue to rebound from exercise stress. MSM is a source of dietary sulphur, a mineral involved in collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair, joint fluid and important enzyme functions. MSM works to reduce swelling, improve muscle recovery…
Q: What causes splints in horses? A: Splints are inflammation or injury of the splint bones in the lower leg and/or the adjacent bones (such as the canon bone) and/or the associated ligaments. Splints are most commonly seen in young horses training at very high intensity levels, such as Thoroughbreds. Splints also occur from working on…
