HQ: How did you become involved in saddle fitting? What led you to this work? Amanda: When I was in my early 20s, between undergrad and grad school, I was still a bit unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I took a couple of massage and saddle-fitting courses from Don Doran of…
Horse and Yard
Inspired by the Western Shoppe Saddle Care Challenge, we decided to delve deep into saddle care, maintenance, and storage. Why saddle care matters? A well-maintained saddle is crucial for your horse’s comfort and the longevity of your saddle. Here are our top tips for keeping your saddle in tip-top shape. 1. Maintenance Giving your saddle a quick…
Understanding when calm is care, and when sedation masks a deeper problem The conversation usually starts the same way. A horse owner calls their vet, frustrated and worried. The farrier can't work safely anymore, or clipping has become a nightmare, or loading onto the trailer requires an hour of stress for everyone involved. The question,…
Why strategic rest may be your sporthorse's secret weapon For competitive horses, the show calendar can feel relentless. Between conditioning cycles, travel days, new venues, and the mental pressure of performing, the sporthorse works harder, both physically and psychologically, than we often appreciate. As we wrap up a demanding season, it's worth looking at the…
What’s worth it, what’s not The equestrian world has entered the digital age, and not just in the show office. From rein tension sensors to girth pressure monitors, heart rate trackers, arena cameras, and motion analysis software, the modern tack room is starting to look more like a laboratory. But for every welfare-driven breakthrough, there’s…
Keeping the white bits white Keeping grey and coloured horses’ white bits even white-ish can become a never-ending battle. Wet mud and stable stains dominate proceedings, and many owners give up trying to keep on top of the challenge. But if you desperately want to banish the grime and reveal those pearly whites, then read…
Striving for sustainable horse care in South Africa Sustainability is becoming an essential part of responsible horse ownership, especially here in South Africa, where environmental concerns like water scarcity and soil degradation are major challenges. But, with this growing need to become more eco-friendly, what changes can we make to reduce our environmental impact and…
Monitoring parasite resistance and guiding sustainable control strategies in South Africa Text: Ilsemarie Greyvenstein Abstract Equine parasitic infections present a substantial challenge to the health of horses and the equine industry in South Africa. The rising prevalence of resistance of internal parasites to anthelmintic drugs indicates a critical need for sustainable and scientifically guided parasite control…
Fly control is about more than simple fly spray. It’s a comprehensive and preventative approach to managing the fly population to the lowest tolerable level. Whilst we’ll never be able to eliminate flies completely, there’s a lot we can do to keep them manageable and help our horses tolerate their presence. But before we get started on…
Creating a safe and secure environment for our equine friends is paramount for their wellbeing. Choosing the right fencing is not just about 'keeping them in the paddock'; it's about providing a secure space that minimises the risk of injury. This article explores the elements of safe fencing to ensure your horses can roam and…
