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ASKHQ: WORK RIDING

[Q] What is the going rate for a working rider? Asked anonymously [A] This is a difficult one to pinpoint, because work riders can differ in experience and qualification level. Firstly, ask yourself if you need someone to just take your horse on hacks and do some general schooling, or if you need a more experienced…

BylizzieFebruary 4, 20190Comments

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ASKHQ: COW PHOBIA

[Q] My horse has a terrible fear of cows, and we often come across them when we hack out. He freezes, trembles and then spins and bolts away. What can I do to help him overcome his fear? Asked by Suzanne Grabe [A] Usually, once a horse has seen a cow a few times, he learns that…

BylizzieFebruary 3, 20190Comments

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ASKHQ: KISSING SPINE QUESTIONS

[Q] My horse has recently been diagnosed with kissing spine, but the vets say she can still jump and do dressage if maintained well. Do you have any tips for recommended care or exercises? Asked anonymously [A] I completely agree with your veterinarian! In general, most horses can perform well with kissing spine, even at elite levels. Most important…

BylizzieFebruary 2, 20190Comments

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ASKHQ: THUNDERSTORM ETIQUETTE

[Q] What is the general rule with taking horses in during thunderstorms? Asked anonymously [A] There’s nothing wrong with leaving your horses out in a little drizzle. However, at any sign or warning of lightning, your horses should be taken back to their stables. Horses who live out should be provided with a shelter in the paddock.…

BylizzieFebruary 1, 20190Comments

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ASKHQ: COMPANION FOR MY HORSE

[Q] My horse lives at home with us and I ride to my coach for lessons every week. We would love to provide him with a companion. Keeping a horse can be expensive, so we were wondering what other animals live well with horses? Asked by Christie Boulden [A] Horses are herd animals by nature, so they are pre-eminently oriented…

BylizzieJanuary 31, 20190Comments

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BIT ALLERGY

What are signs that your horse is allergic to a certain type of bit material? Asked by Nicolette Snyman A Allergies to certain metals are not common. Nickel is a material that both humans and horses can be allergic to; fortunately, this is not used in high amounts in bits anymore. Skin rash and itching can…

BylizzieJanuary 28, 20190Comments

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CRACKED HOOVES

Ask HQ: My horse is starting to develop cracks in his hooves. What can be done about this? Cracks can develop for a number of reasons: e.g. when there is excessive hoof growth and flares in the wall; when you have been riding over very rough terrain; during hot and dry conditions; if the ground…

BylizzieJanuary 25, 20190Comments

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REFUSING THE JUMP

Ask HQ: I've had problems with my horse refusing and my instructor says it's because I'm not committed to the jump. Is this true? Horses pick up on our body language, so if you are not committed to the jump in your mind, it's likely that your body is doing the opposite of what it…

BylizzieJanuary 24, 20190Comments

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WHAT IS A WARMBLOOD?

A Warmblood is the result of cross-breeding between pure-blooded horses such as English Thoroughbreds and heavier farm horses to produce a horse for a specific function and purpose such as showjumping or dressage. Careful breeding programmes are carried out to produce a horse ideally suited to the breeders' needs. Much of the world's Warmblood…

BylizzieJanuary 23, 20190Comments

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A SWINGING LOWER LEG

HQ answers your questions Q: Where does swing in the rider's lower leg come from? Asked by Maree Lamorne A: Swing in the lower leg comes from a leg that grips, so the first thing you need to do is to stop gripping with your knee. Your lower leg needs to hug your horse, but…

BylizzieJanuary 19, 20190Comments

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