Horse Training

ARE OUR HORSES TOO FIT?

Striking the balance between peak performance and soundness In a world of precision breeding, state-of-the-art conditioning, and elite-level competition, equine athletes are arguably fitter than ever before. But a growing number of veterinarians and riders are asking: is there such a thing as too fit? And could over-conditioning be quietly compromising the long-term soundness of…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

Horse Training

TRAINING SHORTS – STRETCHING

Stretching is often a neglected aspect of flatwork, but really is a great way to end off a session. A quality stretch A quality stretch has your horse’s body in a convex shape with his poll the lowest point, his back lifted, and withers raised. A quality stretch does take time to achieve and usually involves…

BylizzieMay 27, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

CANTER CIRCLES

Text: Farryn Day This is a wonderful exercise that can be adapted to suit most horses. It helps to develop rhythm and balance and a disciplined approach to working in a confined space. Normally ridden in a canter, the exercise can be performed at a trot for very young horses that have not yet established their…

BylizzieMay 20, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

REBUILDING YOUR CONFIDENCE AFTER A FALL

Getting back ‘on the horse’ after a fall or near-miss can be a scary experience. To compound the issue the equestrian industry is, at least generally speaking, a ‘tough love’ environment when it comes to coping with a fall, encouraging a ‘get straight back on’ approach after an incident. And yet, as much as ‘the flesh’…

BylizzieMay 19, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

THE PHILIP SMITH CONTENDERS – REBECCA HUDSON-PEACOCK

The four competitors for Philip Smith in 2025 were Hamza Minty from Kwa-Zulu-Natal (KZN), Rebecca Hudson-Peacock from the Western Cape, Alexandra Ric-Hansen from KZN, and Olivia Roberts from KZN. We caught up with the four of them ahead of the Philip Smith. REBECCA HUDSON-PEACOCK HQ: ⁠Please tell us a bit about your equestrian background. Rebecca: I’m lucky…

BylizzieMay 8, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

EQUITATION AND THE PHILIP SMITH MEMORIAL TROPHY EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS

A history Photography: Merlynn Trichardt from 2024 Philip Smith Memorial In 1969, George Morris visited South Africa to clinics in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Salisbury (Harare, Zimbabwe). At this stage in Southern Africa, a great variety of riding styles and theories were practised. This likely stemmed from the diverse sources of horsemanship; namely farming, military and…

BylizzieMay 6, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

‘EVENTING FOR DUMMIES’ – GETTING TO GRIPS WITH OUR NEW FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE

We’ve always enjoyed eventing, but after watching Badminton last year, the addiction to the sport has become VERY real in the HQ office. To ensure we’re all up to speed, we’ve put together this quick crash course on eventing for all those keen to learn more about this fascinating (and highly addictive) discipline! A crash course…

BylizzieMay 5, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Training

ASKHQ: STANDING AT THE MOUNTING BLOCK

Q: My horse never stands at the mounting block. I didn't mind initially, but now it's really making me nervous. What can I do to fix this? A: First and foremost, rule out pain or discomfort as a reason for this behaviour. It's possible he is moving around to avoid pain when you get on. Consult…

BylizzieApril 14, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

BUYING A HORSE? SOME DO’S AND DON’TS

Text: Rhiannon Cecil Whether you've bought a horse before, own more than one horse, or are thinking about buying a horse for the first time, taking the purchase plunge is a huge decision. The horse market is fraught with scammers and chancers, and sellers will often resort to every trick in the book, making commissions their…

BylizzieApril 14, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: HINDQUARTER DRIFT

Q: My horse brings his hindquarter into the inside in the canter, and I was marked down for it in my last dressage test. How do I fix this? A: Cantering in this way, with the quarters in, is usually a strength issue. Building strength is therefore vital in helping your horse to straighten up. However,…

BylizzieMarch 24, 20250Comments

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