Horse Health

‘SOMETHING’S NOT QUITE RIGHT’

Detecting lameness in your horse Even the most attentive of us can miss the early signs of lameness. Subtle inconsistencies — a slight head nod, a shortened stride, a slight toe drag, or a reluctance to bend — are often brushed off as ‘just how the horse goes.’ But recognising the early signs of lameness…

BylizzieJuly 22, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

THE MID-YEAR CONDITION CHECK

Why now is the right time to evaluate your horse’s condition, topline, and muscle health At the midway point of the year, it’s tempting to push forward, focusing on training plans, competition calendars, and surviving winter’s demands. But July offers a unique opportunity: a quiet reset. This is the perfect time to reflect not just…

BylizzieJuly 20, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUCERNE

Super forage or overrated? Lucerne (also known as alfalfa) has long enjoyed a reputation as a high-quality forage for performance horses. Rich in protein, energy, and calcium, it’s a favourite of many competitive yards and stud farms. But is lucerne really the super forage it's made out to be—or is it sometimes too much of…

BylizzieJuly 17, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

HORE WELFARE IN EQUESTRIAN EDUCATION – WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Text: Amelia Campbell-Horne Last year (2024), fifty carefully selected ‘expert equestrian educators’ from 14 European countries were invited to attend a three-day workshop at the French National Riding School in Samur by the Institut Français du Cheval de l’Équitation (IFCE). The ‘experts’ were mostly members of the Equestrian Education Network (EEN), and several were also IGEQ…

BylizzieJuly 17, 20250Comments

Horse Health

SARCOIDS

Sarcoids are a common condition in horses and can be serious. They are the most common skin tumours of horses, accounting for 40% of equine cancers. They affect horses of all ages. Often wart-like in appearance, sarcoids are skin tumours (fibrosarcomas) that can be locally invasive, although they don’t usually spread to internal organs. Sarcoids typically…

BylizzieJune 26, 20250Comments

Horse Health

PELVIC PROBLEMS – UNDERSTANDING SACROILIAC DISEASE IN HORSES

Sacroiliac disease is a relatively common condition that affects the sacroiliac (SI) region in horses. The sacroiliac joints, located where the spine meets the pelvis, play a crucial role in the horse’s locomotion and ability to carry weight. Damage and dysfunction in the joints and the region generally can give rise to obvious pain and…

BylizzieJune 23, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

THE BIOMECHANICS OF COLLECTION

What really happens when a horse ‘engages’ Ask ten riders to define collection, and you may hear ten different answers: “The horse carries more weight behind,” “He lifts his shoulders,” “She sits more,” or “It’s self-carriage.” While these phrases capture aspects of the concept, true collection is rooted in biomechanics — and understanding what actually…

BylizzieJune 20, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

BLANKETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

In the temperate climates of Southern Africa, the practice of blanketing horses during the cooler months is a topic of ongoing discussion among equine professionals and enthusiasts alike. While blanketing can offer protection against the elements, improper use may lead to adverse health effects. Understanding when and how to blanket is essential for optimal equine…

BylizzieJune 20, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING HOOF CRACKS IN HORSES

Hoof cracks are a common but often overlooked issue in our equine companions. Many of us are guilty of trivialising these issues, with ‘It’ll grow out’ or ‘It’s just because of the nails’, but we need to remember that the hooves are vital living tissues that must be taken care of. As the old and oft-repeated…

BylizzieJune 18, 20250Comments

Horse Health

INTRIGUING INGREDIENTS: FLAXSEED

Flaxseed (also known as linseed) has gained considerable attention in the equine nutrition world over recent years. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and dietary fibre, flaxseed offers multiple benefits for horses of all ages and disciplines. But like any supplement, it’s important to understand when, how, and why to feed it. In this article,…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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