Know How

ASKHQ: LIFECYCLE OF A FLY

Q: What is a fly’s lifecycle and are there ways in which we can control it? A: Flies thrive in stable yards, as horse manure is the perfect environment for them to feed and breed. A fly’s lifecycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. It takes approximately two to four weeks for a…

BylizzieJuly 13, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: CURRY COMB CONUNDRUM

Q: I have recently heard that plastic curry combs can do damage to horses' hair, removing its natural oils. Is this true? What should I be using instead? Asked by Sam Waite A: Recent research has suggested that cheap plastic curry combs, especially those with sharp teeth, can cause damage to the hair and in some cases…

BylizzieMay 21, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: LEG UP

Q: Why do people say that it is best to mount from a mounting block rather than from the ground? A: Mounting from a mounting block is generally preferred by most riders and instructors as it places much less strain on a horse’s skeleton and muscles. Most horses in fact find riders mounting from the ground…

BylizzieMarch 2, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: HEAD HELD HIGH

Q: What is a good bit to try for a horse with very high head carriage? He is in an eggbutt snaffle at the moment. Asked by Sarah Perome A: Whenever you're bitting a 'special case' horse, or in fact any horse really, it's highly recommended that you get a qualified bit fitter out to assess his…

BylizzieFebruary 27, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: COLOUR BLIND

Q: Are horses colour-blind? A: It's a common misconception that horses are entirely colour-blind. Horses perceive colour differently than humans with normal colour vision, but they are not colour-blind. Horse colour perception is quite similar to that of a colour-blind human (which is where some of the confusion comes in). However, this does not mean that…

BylizzieFebruary 21, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: HERBS

Q: I've heard that some herbs can be planted around my horse's stable to reduce the number of flies - is this true? A: There are several herbs you can plant that naturally repel flies. Basil, bay leaf, lavender, chives, rosemary, mint, wormwood and lemon balm have all been proven to repel flies. Plant them in…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: CLIPPERS

Q: Do you need special clippers to clip a horse? Or can you use human clippers? A: Although human clippers may work, it's not a good idea to clip horses with them. Horse clippers are specifically designed to remove large quantities of thick hair, over a much wider area. Human clippers are not designed to remove…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: CONFORMATIONAL FACTORS

Q: Which conformational factors are considered important to look for in a riding horse? A: When looking at the conformation of the horse to assess his rideability, the following factors should be considered: The back and ribs A relatively short back is generally strongest for taking weight, as it has shorter, stronger coupling than a longer back.…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: CORNS

Q: What are corns? A: The 'seat of corn' is the area of sole between the bar and the heel wall, and a bruise in this area is called a corn. Corns are a big problem in shod horses with collapsed heels. When the wall folds under at the heel and the bars become bent, pressure is…

BylizzieFebruary 15, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How Lifestyle

ASKHQ: PILATES

Q: Why does everyone recommend Pilates for horse riders? Answered by Bonita de Klerk, Pilates instructor A: Riding requires you to have strong core muscles. The core is made up of a series of abdominal and spine-stabilising muscles. These muscles help keep you upright, strong and stable. These muscles also influence your posture. Pilates is focused on…

BylizzieFebruary 13, 20200Comments

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