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SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE
DIGITAL ISSUE 169C | 2025
Welcome to our latest edition of HQ Magazine!
We’ve made some changes to our format over the past few months, and we hope you’re enjoying the change.
From this month, we’ll be providing the scroll version free of charge and putting the PDF on our website (www.hqmagazine.co.za) for those who wish to download it. Please let us know if you have any questions about this.
From this month, we’re also providing links to the photographers whose photographs we feature in our stories. This is to allow you to purchase your photos from them and support our local photographers. You can also find this page on our website.
But, outside of these changes, everything else remains the same and, as always, the magazine is packed full of the very best equestrian content. We catch up with Savanna Valjalo on her success in both showjumping and now horse racing. We chat to Sam Foley about her experiences as a candidate dressage judge in South Africa, and we look at some of the latest equine research including the effect of shoes on movement kinematics. There’s all this, and much, much more.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to feature in future by emailing lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za
Lizzie and
the HQ team xxx
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
Designer | Mauray Wolff
DIGITAL ISSUE 169C | 2025
CONTENTS
SAVANNA VALJALO
A lady of many talents
OFFICIALS’ OUTLOOK
The Gauteng Dressage Judges’ Seminar and Workshop
RIDER FITNESS
Part 2: Mastering push, pull, hinge, lunge, and squat
PRE, PRO AND POSTBIOTICS
Enhancing equine digestive health
THE HEALING POWER OF HONEY
Treating wounds in horses
WELFARE
Horse welfare in equestrian education – What the experts say
AskHQ
Your questions answered
HORSE AND RIDER
TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE
Savanna
Valjalo
A lady of many talents
If you think you can fit a lot into your day, you might reconsider after speaking to a young rider, aspiring jockey and BCom Student working in the financial markets - Savanna Valjalo. We caught up with Savanna, who not only claimed two big Young Horse Titles last year but also took the win in her first race as a jockey: the Okapi Ladies International Maiden Plate!
HQ: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
SV: My name is Savanna Valjalo. I’m 26 years old and born and raised in JHB, South Africa. My surname is Croatian, and my mom’s side of the family is Italian! I am currently studying my third year of BCom Accounting as my second degree. My first degree was a BA in Marketing Management. I started working in the financial markets during COVID and was lucky enough to work remotely, which enabled me to continue riding. I have recently started at the South African Jockey Academy, working towards building a career in the horse racing industry!
HQ: Wow, you’ve done a lot! How and when did you start riding?
SV: I believe I became very fond of the ponies at a birthday party I had attended; I can’t remember this, but as a result of it, my parents took me for lessons, and I have been passionate about horses ever since! I started riding at Chartwell Stables when I was three years old (2001) and then moved to Farnham Riding School with Tamar Gliksman for my pony rider years. My first pony’s name was Silwan. He bucked me off and took off with me a couple of times, but for the most part, he was a great first pony and clearly made me tough! He was generously given to me by the McHardy’s of Rathmor Stud, and we had him until he passed at over 30 years old.
HQ: Well, maybe he was your first taste of going fast! Could you tell us about some of your greatest jumping achievements to date?
SV: I will never forget my first graded win on my pony, Little Gecko. I was 10 years old and jumped 60cm at Equestrian International in 2008.
Other highlights include:
- Winning the PR1m Spring Fair Youth Extravaganza in around 2009/2010 on my pony Summit Ridge Prince. I also won the Nissan Easter Festival Championship classes, jumping PR90cm and PR1m in consecutive years on Prince.
- Finishing second in my final PR SA Championship in PE jumping the Open (1.10m-1.20m) Classes on my special pony, Ruby Wine.
- Jumping my first 1.30m-1.40m in the Netherlands.
- Being the first clear and one of only three clears in one of the 2018 SA Derby 1.30m classes on The Burgh’s Callaho Lumos. It was an amazing experience being Leoni and Stan Van Der Burgh’s rider and competing with their wonderful horses, including three that they had purchased from the stable I was working at in the Netherlands!
- Producing my first horse, Captain America, from a five-year-old up to the 1.30m classes. He, unfortunately, has boxy hind hooves, and I found he was happier jumping around the 1.10m/1.20m classes, so this is where I have kept him, and we always have so much fun going to shows and being competitive together. Two memorable wins we have shared include the overall 2020 FEI World Jumping Challenge Category B and Nissan Easter Festival in the 1.10m some years ago. I still have him going on 12 years later!
- My most recent memorable achievements are taking home the overall titles for the 2024 YHPS 5yo Sport Horse and Potential 5yo Show Jumper on Beneficent Van Balou. Strix (as he is affectionately known) has been such an amazing young horse to produce!
Personally, though, I must say that my greatest achievements are not the wins but rather the journeys I have taken with the young horses I have produced.
HQ: So, you had a solid background in showjumping. How did you get involved in racing?
SV: My great-grandfather, Nick Van Der Walt, was a jockey dating back to the 1920s, so one could say it is in my blood. But my dad has also owned horses in partnership with some of his friends for as long as I can remember and has taken me to the auctions and the track on Saturday mornings to watch them train.
Racing was, therefore, always something I wanted to try, but I didn’t quite understand how things worked. I was under the impression it wouldn’t be a big deal just going for one gallop down the track, but this is a task done mainly by licensed riders (work riders/jockeys) or capable grooms who spend every day working with the horses. Given the nature of racing being relatively high risk, and possibly because it’s a male-dominant sport, I was never really allowed to give it a try when I was younger.
In 2021, I had a young stallion, High Street Kensington, aka ‘Shaggy’ (that I tragically lost to colic), who spent December with a wonderful friend of mine at Randjesfontein, training with the Thoroughbreds. When I started introducing him to shows, he would get anxious and sometimes dangerous to handle, so this was the perfect exposure for him! I have four stables at home, so our horses grow attached to one another. Sending him to Randjies made a world of difference when he returned home and went to shows, and this experience gave me another, more recent, taste for the sport.
I then bought shares in my first racehorse in October 2022. My dream had always been to partner with my dad in a racehorse. His name is Twenty Drachmas, and he is currently a two-time winner! As a result, I started spending more time at the track and in racing. I wanted to better understand how Thoroughbreds’ lives differ during their racing careers, as opposed to what I knew from showjumping, having produced a few TBs once they had retired from the track.
At the beginning of September 2023, I was contacted regarding the Okapi Ladies International Race, which was scheduled to be run on L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day 2024. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and was fortunate enough this time round to have trainers willing to support me. I was immediately hooked after my first gallop and went on to win the Okapi Ladies race four months later!
DID YOU KNOW?
Savanna was one of several lady jockeys in the field at the OKAPI LADIES INTERNATIONAL MAIDEN PLATE who had not ridden in an official race before.
HQ: What is your experience with the racing industry, specifically regarding being a female jockey?
SV: I love the time I spend doing racing-related things; it’s always so much fun! I have had a lot of support from many individuals within the industry, and I couldn’t be more grateful. But being a woman in racing has its challenges; I think some still worry about my safety and think I’m crazy, but the sport is incredibly rewarding. I’m encouraged by the growing support for women in racing, and I’ve learned to stay resilient while focusing on improving and proving my abilities. Over time, I think my work ethic has spoken for itself, leading to a growing number of people within the industry being more willing to support me!
HQ: What do you hope to achieve through racing, and do you want to make a career of it?
SV: I have always wanted to have a career in horses but have never quite found the right path in showjumping. Being around and riding horses, as well as seeing the world, are two of my favourite things, so I’ve longed to find a path where both are possible for me, and I knew straight away when I had my first gallop that racing was exactly what I wanted for myself.
My age is my biggest challenge, as jockeys typically begin their apprenticeships below the age of 20. But I have acquired my Work Riders License to be able to essentially race as an amateur, and I am now a student of the South African Jockey Academy, where I will be working towards achieving my professional license as a jockey. Ultimately, I’d love to experience racing worldwide, and I’m excited about the opportunities that racing offers as a sport.
HQ: What does it take to be a jockey? And what would you say are the key differences or skills you need that are different between showjumping and racing?
SV: It’s typical for non-horse people to think riders ‘just sit there,’ but even as a horse person, I would be lying if I said I hadn’t underestimated what it takes to be a jockey! Being a jockey takes incredible fitness, mental focus, and the ability to connect with horses at high speeds. There are no excuses for poor body control, being unfit, and not having well-rounded strength. Compared to jumping, racing demands quicker decision-making, more precise timing and a greater ability to understand pace.
Key differences also include stirrup length, body position, and how you hold your reins - in racing, you have them in a bridge, and in jumping, you hold them in individual hands. Then, the goal in jumping is to keep your hands still, whereas, in racing, you push in the closing stages of a race and must be able to change your stick to use it in both hands if necessary. Finally, in jumping, you are riding from leg into hands, but in racing, you are riding with hands, body position and stick. Oh, and of course, you must be a specific weight in racing. Height is also a factor but less important than weight.
HQ: What does a day in your life look like?
SV: Before I started at SAJA, my routine was slightly different. On the days I would go to the track (three to four times a week), my alarm went off at 4:30am, and I would be on my first horse at the track by 5:30am. I would finish at track, whip out my laptop and log onto the necessary applications to listen into the office and perform my tasks in the financial markets. When I got home from track, I would generally ride my two jumpers. On the other mornings, I was up by 6:00 am and generally spent some time on my studies as well as logging into work before riding my jumpers at home.
Now, with SAJA, on days I am racing, I go home after riding at the track to freshen up and gather my necessities before heading to the Vaal or Turffontein. If I am not racing, my afternoons are typically spent juggling my job in the financial markets, studying, running errands, walking my dogs and miniature ponies, being with my horses, and/or going to the gym. My day would wrap up at roughly 6pm, followed by dinner, studies and bed by 9pm.
HQ: It’s pretty astounding that you fit that all into one day! When can we expect to see you at a race again?
SV: We’ll have to wait and see.
HQ: Is there a specific type of racehorse that you prefer to ride?
SV: I don’t have a preference on which Thoroughbreds I ride. They’re all different in their own way, and each ride is one that I can learn something from, which, to me, is invaluable!
HQ: And for some fun final questions… If you could race at any track in the World, which track would you choose, and which horse would you want to ride if you could ride any in the world?
SV: It’s tough to pick one, but I would say Ascot Racecourse (England); it’s a track one can consider to be at the pinnacle of the sport due to its history, tradition, prestige and recognition. And if I could ride any racehorse, it would be my dad and partner’s formerly owned Feather Boa. There was just something so special about her! She is now owned by Team Valor International and stands in the USA.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Amelia Campbell-Horne
Officials’ outlook
The Gauteng Dressage Judges’ Seminar and Workshop
At the start of the new year, the equestrian calendar is often packed with national seminars and clinics for officials, predominantly our stewards and judges, to prepare everyone for the year ahead.
The Gauteng Dressage Council hosted a Judges’ Seminar and Workshop from January 18 to 20. We caught up with Sam Foley, one of the participants in the three-day seminar and workshop, to learn more about her experience and give you a first-hand insight into the course.
HQ: Can you tell us about yourself and your riding career so far?
Sam: Hi, I'm Sam Foley. I'm an Open Grand Prix dressage rider in South Africa. I've been riding my entire life since I was very young, so over 30 years, and it's my passion. I love dressage; I love the sport, but most importantly, I love the horse.
It all started because my parents were good friends with an equestrian couple who bred Hanoverians, and they went for lunch with them. They put me on one of their Hanoverians, even though I was only about two and a half or three years old, and I loved It and didn't want to get off. They quickly realised that I was hooked and told my parents that they were sure I would be a horse rider one day, so they better start taking me for lessons. And then, slowly but surely, I went for lessons in a lunge arena at Broadacres Stables with Simon Burns, who I think owned it back in the day, and I got walked around on a pony named Rebel, and that’s how it began.
I have ridden to Grand Prix dressage level and competed internationally. I've done some Showing, such as Open Showing, and I used to jump as a Junior. Right now, I’m riding Lucas 911 in Grand Prix; Damon 50 has just been upgraded to Elementary, and Sira Queen has just been upgraded to Medium.
HQ: What made you decide to do the Judges’ Course?
Sam: I wanted to give back to my sport in a functional and progressive way, and I also wanted to learn more and become more knowledgeable about what I do and why I do it. I also think it's interesting and will benefit and aid my riding. So, that was my main focus on doing the Judges’ Course.
I ultimately plan to be a judge. Obviously, it won't be easy with my riding, so I have to either ride at a show or judge, but it's pretty nice to be able to do both. Some of our shows are multiple days, so I could judge one day and ride the other, so I think I could make it work. Our country definitely needs some more judges, so I’d love to get involved.
I plan to take it further and one day travel as a judge to various countries and judge CDIs (International Dressage Competitions). That would just be incredible and really would open my horizons.
HQ: What was your experience of the Judges’ Course?
Sam: I haven’t studied in years, and it made me realise how much mental stamina one needs to judge for a full day. I cannot believe how much I didn’t know or even think about in terms of the riding. The information supporting what we do and the reason behind it is fascinating. I felt that the course was a lot harder than I expected, and it was jam-packed with a lot of information, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend it not only to people who want to be judges but to riders as well and to coaches, especially because I really learned a lot in terms of the polish and finishing of each movement and what the judges are looking for.
HQ: Do you know how to become a dressage judge? If so, could you explain it to us?
Sam: So, basically, because I'm a Grand Prix rider and I've ridden past Prix St. George, I've been fast-tracked, which is quite nice. The fast track is part of a movement to encourage the progression and advancement of judges so that we get more up-and-coming judges in the country, which is what we need and will be valuable to our sport.
The process of becoming a judge would usually be that the judge would write their exam, which is something that I will write next week. For this, there’s a lot you need to know, but you must also have a good knowledge of the FEI rule handbook and the DSA handbook rules for 2025. You obviously have to learn the definitions and the purpose of various movements and regulations. It's a three-hour online, open-book exam, and then once you do that, you have to do three shadow judging sessions. In other words, you sit and judge a rider, and the main judge, the mentor judge, will compare your scores to her scores and see your difference. You’re allowed a slight difference in scores from the main judge; otherwise, you are not on the correct threshold of the judging code.
Once you've done your three shadows, you must do at least three sit-ins per grade. Sit-ins involve scribing, listening, hearing what the judge says per movement, and asking relevant questions. Then, of course, each grade has an exam you write first. As you go along, you repeat the process for each level.
However, being fast-tracked, I could complete Prelim, Novice, and Elementary in one go. I have just completed one shadowing, so I have two more to do after I write the exam next week. Then, I'll have to complete my three sit-ins. Once all this is done, I will be a Prelim, Novice, and Elementary judge. So, that's what it takes to become a judge.
HQ: From what you learnt, has it been valuable to you as a rider, and will you be able to implement it?
Sam: Yes, of course. It's been extremely valuable to me as a rider. I'm excited to try and put everything I've learned into practice. We go into the ring to get higher marks, and hopefully, these things stay in my mind while I put them into practical use, and my scores increase accordingly. It was a great experience, and I really hope that everything has sunk in!
HQ: We wish you all the best in your exams and look forward to seeing you in the ring and the judges’ box this year!
Rider fitness
Part 2: Mastering push, pull, hinge, lunge, and squat
Equestrian sports demand a unique combination of strength, balance, and mobility. Incorporating foundational movement patterns such as push, pull, hinge, lunge, and squat into your fitness routine is therefore a great way to enhance your riding performance and reduce the risk of injuries. In this article, we’ll explore a variation of each movement, focusing on the chest, back, abdominals, glutes, legs, and even the often-overlooked ankles!
LET'S DIVE IN!
THE PUSH: PUSH-UP
The push movement strengthens your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. A strong upper body ensures better rein control and posture. Here are three variations to suit different fitness levels:
1. Wall push-up:
- How to perform:Stand facing a wall with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart at chest height. Lean toward the wall, bending your elbows, and then push back to the starting position. Remember to keep your glutes and abdominals (core) tight in a plank type position throughout.
- Benefits: Ideal for beginners, this variation builds foundational strength with minimal strain.
2. Push-up on knees:
- How to perform: Start in a modified plank position on your knees with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Lower your chest toward the ground while keeping your core engaged, then push back up. Remember to engage the core and maintain a plank type body position.
- Benefits: A step up from the wall push-up, this variation strengthens the upper body while reducing the load compared to a full push-up.
3. Standard Push-Up on Hands:
- How to perform: Begin in a high plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body toward the floor, as far or as little as you are able, keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle. Push back up to the starting position.
- Benefits: Builds chest, shoulder, and tricep strength while engaging the core for stability.
THE PULL: BENT OVER ROW
A strong back improves your posture in the saddle and reduces the risk of lower back pain. The bent-over row is a versatile exercise that can be performed with various equipment or household items.
1. Barbell row:
- How to perform: Hold a barbell with an overhand grip, feet hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back flat. Pull the barbell toward your torso, squeezing your shoulder blades together, then lower it back down.
- Benefits: Builds upper and mid-back strength while reinforcing proper hinge mechanics.
2. Kettlebell row (one in each hand):
- How to perform: Hold a kettlebell in each hand, palms facing in. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips. Row the kettlebells toward your torso, keeping your elbows close to your sides, squeezing the shoulder blades together, then slowly lower them.
- Benefits: Strengthens the upper back and arms, and the separate weights challenge stability.
3. Household item row (e.g., ball or bag):
- How to perform: Use a sturdy household item such as a bag of books or a ball. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips. Hold the item with both hands and row it toward your torso, squeezing your shoulder blades together, then lower it back down.
- Benefits: Makes the exercise accessible and practical for those without traditional equipment.
THE HINGE: GOOD MORNING
The hinge movement primarily targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, essential for absorbing shocks and maintaining alignment.
- How to perform:Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hands placed behind your head or holding a light weight across your shoulders. Keep a slight bend in your knees and hinge forward at the hips, lowering your torso until it’s nearly parallel to the ground while maintaining a flat back. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to return to standing. If you battle with engaging think of this movement as pushing your hips forwards and backwards.
- Benefits: Strengthens the posterior chain and improves hip mobility while reinforcing proper hinge mechanics.
THE LUNGE: REVERSE LUNG AND STATIC LUNGE
Lunges improve balance and strengthen the legs, hips, and core.
1. Static lunge - Beginner:
- How to perform: Start in a split stance with one foot forward and the other foot back. Lower your body straight down by bending both knees to 90 degrees. Keep your torso upright and your weight evenly distributed between both legs. Push back up to the starting position and repeat.
- Benefits: Focuses on building strength and stability in the legs and hips without the added dynamic movement, making it ideal for beginners or those recovering from injuries.
2. Reverse lunge – More advanced:
- How to perform: Step your right foot back into a reverse lunge, bending both knees to 90 degrees. Return to standing and repeat on the other side.
- Benefits: Enhances single-leg stability, hip mobility, and core engagement, all of which contribute to a secure seat.
THE SQUAT: HEEL-ELEVATED GOBLET SQUAT
Squats develop lower body strength, including the glutes, quads, and ankles. Squats also engage the core for stability and encourage mobility through ankles, knees and entire pelvic area.
- How to perform: Hold a weight close to your chest. Place your heels on a small elevation (e.g., a weight plate or a sturdy book). Squat down, keeping your chest upright and knees tracking over your toes, then return to standing.
- Benefits: Targets the quads and glutes while promoting ankle mobility, crucial for proper foot positioning in stirrups.
THE CORE: SINGLE LEG DROPS WITH ALTERNATING ARMS
A strong core is essential for balance, stability, and maintaining proper posture while riding.
- How to perform: Lie on your back with your legs raised to either a tabletop position (knees bent at 90 degrees) for beginners, or legs extended towards the roof for advanced. Arms extended toward the ceiling. Lower your right leg toward the floor while simultaneously extending your left arm overhead, keeping your lower back pressed into the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite leg and arm.
- Benefits: Strengthens the deep abdominal muscles, improves coordination, and enhances core stability, all of which are critical for equestrians.
BUILDING CONSISTENCY IN YOUR ROUTINEConsistency is key when it comes to fitness, especially for equestrians who might not be used to regular exercise. Rather than aiming for long, infrequent sessions, incorporate these movements into a daily routine. Short, 10-15 minute sessions can be highly effective, helping to build strength and stamina gradually.
Start with two to three sets of 8 -10 repetitions for each movement, adjusting as needed based on your fitness level. Over time, as your strength and confidence grow, you can increase the intensity by adding weight, resistance, or more repetitions.
Making exercise a daily habit ensures that it becomes a natural part of your lifestyle, helping you stay consistent and achieve better results.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating push, pull, hinge, lunge, squat, and core movements into your routine strengthens the whole body, with the aim of enhancing your riding performance and minimising your injury risks.
By breaking your workout into manageable, consistent daily sessions, you can build strength and stamina steadily without overwhelming yourself. Use the above foundational movements to structure your daily exercises—whether it’s a quick 10-minute morning session or a slightly longer evening routine.
Remember, every small effort adds up. Regular, smaller bouts of exercise will not only boost your fitness but also improve your riding posture, balance, and endurance over time.
Stick with it, enjoy the process, and celebrate the improvements in both your fitness and your equestrian skills.
FOR MORE LIKE THIS REACH OUT TO ANDREA VON HOLDT AT FIT 2 RIDE.
Instagram: fit2_ride
Facebook: FittoRide
HORSE AND HEALTH
PRE, PRO
AND POSTBIOTICS
ENHANCING EQUINE DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Pre, pro and postbiotics are popular supplements for our equine companions, but how familiar are you with the differences between the three and their roles in your horse’s health?
In this article, we look at the basic role of each component and how they work together in our horses’ bodies.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are live microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, intended to have health benefits within the body. In the human world, we consume probiotics through things like yoghurt, fermented food or just dietary supplements. Horses, on the other hand, become inoculated with these probiotics or live microorganisms within the first few days and weeks after birth. This inoculation occurs through the foal using their mouth to explore the outside world. For example, nursing foals orally explore manure from other horses, soil, grass, bedding, hay, etc., all containing microorganisms that contribute to developing the foal’s microbiome. In older horses, with more exposure to environmental bacteria, probiotics tend to be given as dietary supplements, just as they are in humans.
Common probiotic strains used for horses include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (a yeast used to improve fibre digestion)
PREBIOTICS
Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds that serve as food for beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, in the gut. They are typically dietary fibres or complex carbohydrates that resist digestion in the stomach and small intestine, reaching the hindgut, where they are fermented by the microbiome. By supporting the growth and activity of these beneficial microbes, prebiotics contribute to better gut health and overall well-being.
Prebiotics are particularly beneficial for horses due to their reliance on fibre fermentation in the hindgut. Common sources of prebiotics for equines include:
- Beet pulp: A natural source of fermentable fibre.
- Oligosaccharides: Often added to commercial horse feeds.
- Chicory root extracts: Rich in inulin and used as a supplement.
POSTBIOTICS
Postbiotics are the beneficial substances produced when the postbiotic microbes feast on prebiotic fibres. These postbiotics, which are effectively the byproducts or metabolites produced by the probiotics, are very valuable to the health of the horse’s body.
They are not living organisms but include substances like:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which are produced by the fermentation of fibre in the horse's hindgut. These compounds are a critical energy source for the cells lining the gut and contribute to gut health.
- Vitamins: Some gut microbes produce B vitamins and vitamin K.
- Enzymes and peptides: Certain enzymes and antimicrobial peptides help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
- Exopolysaccharides: Compounds that can support immune function and gut barrier integrity, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream through the intestine wall.
Therefore, these postbiotics contribute to improved gut lining health, more efficient digestion, reduced inflammation, reduced risk of infection, and enhanced energy metabolism.
Optimising postbiotic production in horses
To maximise the natural production of postbiotics, focus on the following:
- Provide a high-fibre diet: Fibre is the cornerstone of a horse’s diet and provides the prebiotics that fuel the fermentation process in the hindgut.
- Minimise high-starch feeds: Excess starch can disrupt the delicate balance of the hindgut microbiome, reducing the production of beneficial metabolites.
- Support a healthy microbiome: Introduce probiotics into the diet as needed to encourage a thriving population of beneficial microbes.
- Hydration is key: Adequate water intake supports healthy digestion and fermentation processes.
- Use targeted supplements: Consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to determine if postbiotic supplements would benefit your horse’s specific needs.
SYMBIOTICS
This term refers to the collective grouping of pre-, pro- and postbiotics, all working together.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Postbiotics offer a non-living yet highly effective way to support the horse's digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. By fostering a healthy microbiome through diet and supplementation, horse owners can unlock the full potential of these bioactive compounds. Whether you have a performance horse, a senior, or simply want to optimise your horse’s gut health, understanding the balance of pre-, pro, and postbiotics can help you to make a positive difference to your horse’s health.
The healing
power of honey
Treating wounds in horses
Honey has long been celebrated for its medicinal properties, and records of its use date back to ancient civilisations. Yet, unlike many ‘ancient’ remedies, honey has stood the test of time. In recent years, its role in veterinary medicine, particularly in treating wounds in horses, has gained significant attention. With horse owners increasingly seeking out effective and natural remedies, honey is being used more and more in the treatment of wounds.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
The primary benefits of honey are its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions:
Antibacterial
Several properties of honey help it kill bacteria. For one, it is acidic, with most honey varieties registering between 3.5 and 4 on the pH scale. Animal tissues, in contrast, are slightly alkaline, with a normal pH in the range of around 7.4, and most bacteria found in wounds thrive best in a neutral to alkaline environment, with a pH of around 6 to 8. The honey works to lower the pH on the surface of the wound to a level that inhibits bacterial growth.
Honey is also hygroscopic, meaning its sugars readily absorb moisture and pull it from the surroundings. This allows honey to draw pus, waste products, and other fluids out of the wound while keeping the exposed surfaces moist. This, in turn, encourages fresh lymphatic fluid to flow into the injured area. Most species of bacteria do not survive in this hygroscopic environment.
FAST FACT
People who receive radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck often experience painful inflammation of the tissues inside the mouth. In one trial, 20 people were asked to hold pure honey in their mouths 15 minutes before, 15 minutes after and six hours after the radiation treatment. Only 20 percent of the honey-treated patients experienced significant inflammation, compared to 75 percent of 20 control patients not given honey.
Honey also produces hydrogen peroxide, a common disinfectant.
As part of the honey-making process, bees secrete an enzyme called glucose oxidase into the honey. This enzyme remains stable in its original form in sealed, pure honey. However, once the honey is opened and exposed to oxygen and water, a chemical reaction occurs that releases hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide gives a high level of antibacterial activity.
Anti-inflammatory
Although inflammation is a natural part of the body’s response to illness or injury, if it becomes chronic, it can prevent healing. The methylglyoxal (MGO) found in manuka honey, combined with another protein the bees secrete, acts on white blood cells in the tissue to produce an anti-inflammatory effect. This effect has been well-documented in clinical trials.
Antioxidant
Honey is rich in polyphenols, a class of chemical compounds with an antioxidant effect—that is, they tend to bind with potentially damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated as a byproduct of inflammation. In chronic wounds, the normal inflammatory process that heals can generate too many reactive oxygen species, which in turn stimulates additional inflammation, which can become constant and inhibit healing. Honey’s antioxidant qualities can break that cycle and allow healing to proceed.
NOT ALL HONEY IS CREATED EQUAL
Just about any pure honey will have some medicinal effect from the acidity and hygroscopic action of the sugars, as described above. However, there can be considerable differences in the amount of potentially beneficial compounds that different varieties contain. Manuka honey, made from the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) trees native to New Zealand and parts of Australia, has received the most research attention. Manuka honey has been found to contain many times more polyphenols and MGOs than other varieties.
Medihoney, the first commercial product approved by a regulatory authority, was released in Australia in 1999. By 2008, a British company was distributing medical-grade honey products throughout Europe and other countries worldwide. In 2007, the FDA approved the sale of Medihoney as a medical device in the United States. All of these products use medical-grade Manuka Honey, which has been sterilized, is free of contaminants, and has guaranteed levels of therapeutic substances.
You can buy food-grade manuka honey from a grocery store, and sometimes, these products are labelled for their biomedical potency. However, what is inside the jar doesn’t always match what’s on the label. Honey is a natural product, and unless the bees are sealed in greenhouses, they don’t always choose the expected flowers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Surveys have shown that some food honey labelled as manuka may derive less than 70 per cent of its content from actual manuka trees.
Contamination is another concern with supermarket honey. In 2013, a University of Glasgow researchers investigated the antimicrobial properties of various kinds of honey. They gathered 29 types, including commercial medical products and honey purchased from supermarkets and beekeepers. All were first cultured for contamination, and 18 were found to be positive for aerobic bacteria or fungi. The researchers, therefore, concluded that only medical-grade honey was safe for use in managing wounds.
OTHER HONEYS SHOWING POTENTIAL
It had been thought that manuka was the most potent antimicrobial honey, but research has found several others that are equally good, if not better, at killing microorganisms. Heather honey, for instance, is especially good at killing bacteria. Tualang honey, derived from the tualang trees in the jungles of Malaysia, was found by researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia to be higher in phenolics and other compounds and more effective than manuka against gram-negative bacteria, and two other Malaysian honeys—sourwood and longan—were better sources of antioxidants. Researchers from the University of Thessaly found that several Greek and Cypriot honeys performed as well or better than manuka against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
NOTE
Whilst honey has many excellent properties, we advise consulting your vet before using honey for wound care purposes.
A NATURAL CHOICE
As awareness of honey's healing properties grows, more horse owners and vets are incorporating it into their wound care protocols. Its natural, non-toxic nature makes it a safe and effective option for equine care. Whether dealing with minor cuts or more complex injuries, honey offers a versatile, time-tested solution to support your horse’s recovery.
Text: Amelia Campbell-Horne
Horse welfare in equestrian education – What the experts say
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 (International Group for Equestrian Qualification) members. They had extensive experience and expertise within the equestrian sphere as coach educators, international riders, academics, members of National Governing Bodies and leading equestrian specialists.
The participants attended four expert-led presentations, which provided perspective on the workshop's purpose of addressing Horse Welfare in Equestrian Education. The participants identified four specific topics for further discussion; these were:
1. Understanding/explaining the relationship between horses and humans
2. Diversity of perspectives vs. common ground/shared values
3. Training philosophy
4. Dealing with social acceptability
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2023, a review of horse welfare literature (from 1980-2023) was conducted, which found that equine welfare research literature had grown exponentially in recent years, especially in Europe, with most studies focused on equine pain, stress and equitation. However, there are still significant gaps in equine welfare research.
The experts engaged with each other in smaller groups on each of these points, with a moderator who would ensure time management and that everyone’s contributions were heard and valued. Six months later, a post-workshop focus group was held online, allowing participants to reflect on the workshop and discuss developments in the equine industry since the workshop.
The data was analyzed, and here we look at the findings and takeaways related to the initial four discussion topics:
1. HORSE-HUMAN INTERACTION
‘Where we came from’ versus ‘where we are now’ was an essential consideration within this topic. The role of horses has changed, with horses originally being necessary for agriculture and transport but now being primarily used for leisure and sport. Historically, horses were viewed as tools, and their value was based on their ability to perform. Nowadays, horses are considered partners and companions, hence a greater emphasis on ethical treatment of them. So, the horse-human relationship has changed dramatically, but we need to be aware of history and culture when educating equestrians.
Secondly, the horse-human relationship requires communication and interaction, and how this occurs should be an integral part of equestrian education. The research emphasised that ‘horses do NOT think like humans’ and such anthropomorphism can compromise equine welfare.
Anthropomorphism attributes human characteristics or behaviour to a god, animal, or object. So, in essence, it is the ‘humanisation of animals.’
The outcome of the workshop also found a need for greater knowledge about the horse-human relationship, which needs to be driven by evidence-based scientific research. This research needs to be more widely disseminated to the equestrian community and correctly applied. While much traditional knowledge is valuable, new knowledge from an equine welfare perspective is also important.
COACH QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. How do you teach your students to understand and interpret the horse’s body language? Do you encourage your students to read, listen and observe their horses?
2. Researchers felt strongly that matching the horse with the most suitable rider (size, ability, temperament) is essential to horse welfare. How do you do this?
3. Adapting training practices to the individual horse and not going too fast with a horse’s education were also highlighted as important. Are you predictable and precise in your coaching while remaining flexible to the horse’s needs and development?
2. SHARED VALUES
As the workshop included representatives from multiple countries across Europe, several differing perspectives were highlighted. These brought to light numerous important considerations for us in South Africa:
- There were many similarities between riding instruction and horse education across the countries, and in general, coaching qualification systems were linked with the IGEQ’s international levels. The IGEQ constantly updates its requirements to ensure the highest standards of Equine Welfare are taught. This bodes well for South Africa, whose EQASA pathway is aligned with and recognised by the IGEQ.
- There were differences, particularly in Young Horse classes, which would also be evident here. Regarding showjumping, our Young Horse Performance Series (YHPS) is generally at a lower level (height) than in Europe, but this is specifically to give our horses more time to progress and develop.
- The rules and regulations differ. For example, several proactive (welfare-wise) stances have been taken recently. These include British Showjumping’s new stricter ‘use of the whip rules,’ which allow riders to only use the whip three times in the arena and never after a disobedience; Swedish Dressage, which allows riders to ride without nosebands on single-bit bridles; and the Dutch, which allow bitless bridles up to the equivalent of medium-level Dressage!
- One major concern is that anyone can buy a horse, which raises significant questions about knowledge and horse management. The Animal Protection Act governs horse husbandry regulations in South Africa, but how do we regulate to ensure high welfare standards?
- A further challenge is the variety of disciplines in equestrian sport. Some disciplines are more popular than others, and the different ethical standings are often based on tradition, history, culture, and economics.
- Another challenge identified was that due to viral news stories over the past few years, the Olympic disciplines have lost some appeal, and many individuals are turning to various forms of ‘natural horsemanship’. The danger highlighted was related to social media influencers who are copied due to popularity despite not always prioritising safety and welfare! In this regard, education is essential, and equestrians are urged to think critically before blindly following and applying what they see!
COACH QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. How do culture, history and economics affect your chosen discipline, and do these influences contribute positively or negatively to horses’ welfare?
2. Do you critically evaluate new information, coaching ideas and ‘horsemanship’ tools you are exposed to before using them?
3. Where do you get your new resources from? Are they evidence-based and current?
3. TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Two key areas of concern regarding ethical training philosophy were raised: those associated with young horse competitions and high-level performance.
The concern with young horse classes is the concept of testing horses against an educational standard level. While such classes have developed over the years, there is still room for adjustments that ‘strengthen young horses' training and preparation’. Often, prevailing norms govern a horse’s educational progression, but if our horse does not progress in line with these norms, perhaps we need to scrutinise whether the norms are realistic or whether flexibility and adaptation are required.
As for the high-performance level, there is growing concern around the ethical treatment of these athletes and a call to ensure that the training to this level prioritises the horses’ welfare. Equines are athletes, but unlike humans, they are unable to speak and express any discomfort (psychological, physical or emotional), so it is up to us to ensure that training is gradual, with periods of rest and recovery, and that they receive the physical, psychological and emotional care they require. This incorporates the current five domains of equine welfare: nutrition, environment, physical health, behavioural interactions and the animal’s
mental state.
Furthermore, the idea of training a certain way ‘because that’s how we’ve always done it’ was challenged. It was suggested that our whole training philosophy needs to become welfare-based. One interesting suggestion put forward was the use of zones in horse education.
Zone 1: Resting Zone - the horse is resting, not working
Zone 2: Comfort Zone - the zone where the horse is usually worked
Zone 3: Training Zone - this is when something new is introduced. The horse can familiarise itself with the new element/environment
Zone 4: Panic Zone - to be avoided! Normally related to a horse’s tendency to flee from a cause of discomfort.
COACH QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. How do you teach your riders to consider the horse's welfare and ensure they do not push the horse beyond his ability or education to achieve their goals?
2. How do you customise your coaching to meet the needs of not only individual riders but also each horse?
3. Do you actively teach your students how to identify positive and negative behavioural cues from their horses?
4. How do you manage your riders’ expectations of their young horses’ progression?
5. How do you teach your riders to prioritise their horse’s care out of the saddle, e.g. ensuring their horses’ physical and social needs are met?
4. SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
Education is not only required for equestrians! In light of the growing concerns and the increased social media attention, we need to educate not only those involved in equestrianism but also laypeople. There is a need for transparency and accountability, with individuals encouraged to speak up and challenge if they encounter training or handling that could be considered abusive. Furthermore, lay people need to understand the benefits of working with horses; children can learn life lessons, horses can be used for rehabilitation, and they are important for social life as they help people grow.
Social media needs to be used for positive purposes, i.e., to educate and disseminate knowledge. However, this knowledge must be complete and correct, and much of what is currently online is not! People also need to be taught to think critically about the information they receive and learn self-reflection skills to ensure we are doing what is best for our horses.
COACH QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. How do you use social media to make an impact and encourage better equine welfare?
2. If you share training techniques, do you genuinely reflect on their benefit to your riders and horses?
3. How are you continuously learning and developing as a coach? And do you prioritise this?
4. Do you, as a coach, reflect on your practice (and whether it is ethical?)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Many factors, including anthropomorphism, lack of knowledge, differences in standards between disciplines and countries, and the changing relationship between horses and humans, threaten equestrians’ Social License to Operate (SLO). While we might be considered behind the times here in South Africa, we must not fool ourselves into thinking that we will not soon face challenges similar to those in Europe regarding the SLO. We must proactively communicate ‘good news stories’ that showcase evidence-based knowledge in training and competition. We need to stand with a unified voice and shared purpose, and we ask you to start now!
We would love to hear your ‘good news stories’
that promote equine welfare -
be sure to tag us in them! #HQGoodNews
References
Torell Palmquist G, Känsälä Alveheim N, Huot-Marchand F, Ashton L, Lewis V. The Role of European Equestrian Institutions in Training Professionals: Outcomes from a Workshop on Horse Welfare in Equestrian Education. Animals. 2025; 15(2):183. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020183
YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How does an adjustable tree work?
The tree of the saddle is essentially its framework, and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the horse’s back.
Saddle trees were developed more than 2000 years ago, and whilst their role remains the same today, there have (thankfully) been many developments in how they are made and work.
There are three types of adjustable saddle systems: saddles with a gullet system that have metal bars of different widths that are bolted on, saddles with synthetic fibre trees that don’t change over time but can be altered by an expert on an infrared heat bench; and lastly, some saddles are made on a unique adjustable tree, which can be adjusted by a professional on a pressurised machine by one width in either direction of the original width. These systems allow your saddle fitter to adjust the saddle to suit your horse’s shape as it changes.
How is asthma diagnosed in horses, and what is the treatment?
Clinical signs of asthma occur when a genetically susceptible horse inhales an allergen to which they’re allergic. This results in airway spasm and the production of inflammatory cells and mucus within the airway. Dust in forage or the stable environment is frequently implicated as the allergen, but some horses develop asthma associated with pollens from summer pasture.
Clinical signs of asthma occur when a genetically susceptible horse inhales an allergen to which they’re allergic. This results in airway spasm and the production of inflammatory cells and mucus within the airway. Dust in forage or the stable environment is frequently implicated as the allergen, but some horses develop asthma associated with pollens from summer pasture.
Affected horses can show increased breathing rate and effort, coughing, and decreased exercise tolerance. White or cream mucus may be seen in the nostrils, and abnormal chest sounds, like wheezing, might be heard through a stethoscope. If clinical signs are only seen during exercise, the vet may ask you to ride or lunge your horse during the examination.
Asthma is often diagnosed based on historical findings as well as a positive response to treatment.
Blood or swabs may also be taken, but full confirmation is based on the laboratory analysis of samples of airway fluid, usually taken following an endoscopic examination of the airway.
Treatment of asthma is centred on relieving airway spasm and inflammation using drug therapy, usually via either an oral or inhaled route. Management changes will also be recommended, such as improving ventilation in the stable, steaming or soaking hay to reduce dust exposure and potentially changing bedding if this is a contributing factor.
How does jumping help build up my horse’s muscles?
All kinds of exercise help to build muscle in horses, just as in humans. Every discipline requires a separate skill and muscle base, and jumping is no exception. To build muscle in your horse, you need to put his muscles under stress, increasing the load on them. Jumping does that, quite literally, because you’re putting extra demand on the gymnastic muscles by asking them to do more.
DID YOU KNOW?
You don’t need to jump high to reap the physical benefits of jumping, and it’s just as important to build your horse’s confidence and technique as it is to build muscle.
The act of jumping requires your horse to ‘compress’ his hindquarters, using greater flexion at the lumbosacral joint and then support with his forelimbs. At the point of take-off, the forelimbs use the stored energy from muscles, tendons and ligaments to lift the forehand upwards and over the jump. The hindlimbs then power through, compressed and ready to create the push of the upward thrust. The bascule over the fence requires elasticity, followed by the landing, which puts the thoracic sling under strain. The whole jumping process puts the axial skeleton through its full range of movement. Jumping requires eccentric, concentric and isometric contractions, using the gymnastic muscles to their full potential and building the extensor and flexor muscle chains.
Jumping engages more muscle fibres and increases the speed of muscle contraction. It works many muscles, from those supporting the axial skeleton to the iliopsoas, hamstrings, and thoracic sling, making it a full-body workout.
My horse has suddenly started being spooky – could his eyesight be deteriorating?
Horses can suffer from age-related sight deterioration, as can humans, although the changes are much more difficult to diagnose in horses than humans!
DID YOU KNOW?
This loss of fine visual detail with age is due to a reduction in the flexibility of the lens over time and usually will start to happen in most horses from age seven onwards, although there is significant individual variation.
Lots of things could cause an increase in spookiness, and it is certainly worth speaking to your vet about them. However, eye issues are definitely one thing to rule out. Speak to your vet about an ocular exam. Some vets do this themselves, and others refer to specialists. Either way, it is worth getting the eyes checked.
Some conditions, such as cataracts or epithelial iris cysts, can affect vision and can sometimes be treated surgically. Age-related changes, on the other hand, tend to have limited treatment options. However, as horses rely less on seeing fine details (visual acuity) than humans, they generally adapt well to these changes, especially given their powerful senses of smell and hearing.
What is a CT scan used for?
CT stands for computerised tomography, a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of different body parts. CT scans provide three 3D images of internal structures, allowing vets to visualise and assess various anatomical regions in more detail.
CT is often used for:
- Diagnosing lameness, as it provides detailed images of bones, joints and soft tissues to help identify fractures, joint abnormalities, or soft-tissue injuries, as well as other orthopaedic conditions, including bone cysts and developmental abnormalities.
- Head and neck imaging when assessing dental issues, sinus problems, or any other abnormalities in the skull.
- Planning for surgical procedures to help provide precise information about the location and extent of abnormalities.
Typically, the horse is anaesthetised for a CT scan to ensure he remains still, during which the CT scanner rotates around the area of interest. X-ray beams are set to pass through the body at different angles, and the detectors on the opposite side of the body measure the amount of radiation that passes through. This gives information about the structures in between, and a computer processes this information to create detailed cross-sectional images.
What is a heart bar shoe used for?
A heart bar shoe is a remedial shoe used for many different purposes. They are mainly designed to spread the load across the horse’s frog and give support to the back of the hoof. They tend to relieve pressure on the toe and encourage more weight to be carried on the frog.
Today, however, many farriers prefer other methods of achieving this same effect, so they are seen a little less commonly. Many farriers now prefer frog support pads with hoof packing as a more modern form of load sharing. These pads, made of either plastic or leather, have anti-concussive properties, and the tensile strength of the packing can be changed to suit the horse.
However, it is worth noting that the heart bar shoe provides more rigidity, allowing the farrier to stabilise the hoof capsule and stop excessive independent bilateral movement. This can be helpful when treating certain foot conditions.