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SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE
DIGITAL ISSUE 172B | 2025
Welcome to HQ172B
The past few weeks have been nothing short of exhilarating for South African equestrian sport. From the Toyota South African Dressage Championships to the Toyota South African Derby, and SANESA Nationals, our sport has been in full flow!
As the season continues, there’s still plenty to look forward to on the competitive stage, with the World Cup Qualifiers and World Dressage Challenge legs on the horizon, and more opportunities to celebrate the horses and riders shaping South Africa’s competitive landscape.
In this issue, we’ve curated something for everyone, whether your swept up in the competitive excitement or simply wanting to learn more about your horse. You’ll find our review of the Callaho Auction, exploring what this year’s results reveal about South African breeding and buyer confidence; a technical look at the counter-canter and why it’s such an essential tool for developing balance; and a science-based piece examining the role of salmon oil in equine diets.
So whether you’re schooling your horse at home, competing at the top level, or simply fascinated by these incredible animals, this edition offers insights to inform and inspire.
We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.
Lizzie and
the HQ team xxx
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
Designer | Mauray Wolff
DIGITAL ISSUE 172B | 2025
CONTENTS
THE FINE ART OF CONTACT
Understanding the biomechanics behind connection
THE CALLAHO WARMBLOOD STUD AUCTION 2025
R21 million and a new benchmark for SA sporthorse auctions
MOVE OVER IMPORTS
SA equestrian brands are stepping into the ring
MARE FAMILIES THAT MADE THE SPORT
Fragance de Chalus - the mother of modern breeding
PARASITE-DERIVED ENZYMES
And their role in equine gut function
SALMON OIL FOR HORSES
What you need to know
INTRIGUING INGREDIENTS
Brewer’s yeast – a humble powerhouse for gut and coat health
SOFT STARTS
Bright futures with Ruconu Appaloosa Stud
ASK HQ
Your questions answered
HORSE AND RIDER
The fine art
of contact
Understanding the biomechanics behind connection
Contact is often described as a soft, elastic feel on the reins, but in practice, it’s the visible reflection of what’s happening through the horse’s whole body. True connection doesn’t begin in the hands; it starts in the hindquarters and travels forward through the spine, back, neck, and poll before reaching the bit. The reins are simply the endpoint of that chain.
WHAT CONTACT REALLY IS
Ask ten riders to define contact, and you’ll hear ten different answers: ‘the weight in the rein,’ ‘the dialogue between hand and mouth,’ ‘the final result of correct riding.’ All are partly true.
In classical training, contact is the steady communication that allows energy created by the hindlegs to pass through the body and reach the rider’s hand. It isn’t about pulling or holding. It’s the moment the horse accepts the rider’s aids, stays balanced, and moves forward into the bit with quiet confidence.
THE BIOMECHANICS OF BALANCE
A correct contact depends on correct posture. When the horse steps actively under its centre of gravity, the abdominal muscles engage, the lumbosacral joint flexes, and the back lifts. This activates the thoracic sling, which is the system of muscles that suspends the ribcage between the forelimbs.
That upward lift frees the shoulders and allows the base of the neck to move. The poll then becomes the highest point, the jaw relaxes, and the bit is received softly.
If this sequence is interrupted, for example, by a hollow back, blocked ribcage, or tense neck, the horse loses throughness, and contact either becomes heavy or disappears completely.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FEEL
Biomechanics alone don’t explain why some riders can maintain featherlight contact while others constantly fight tension. The missing piece lies in psychology, both human and equine.
Horses are prey animals wired for tactile sensitivity. The equine mouth contains thousands of tactile receptors in the lips and tongue, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the body. That means every ounce of pressure, inconsistency, or vibration in the rein carries some meaning.
When contact is steady, sympathetic, and consistent, it creates predictability, and the horse’s nervous system can relax because the feedback makes sense and they don’t need to worry about pain from a heavy hand. When the hand is erratic, overactive, or disconnected from the seat, the horse’s body responds in kind: braced jaw, dropped back, tension in the poll.
DID YOU KNOW?
Research on pressure-release learning has shown that horses respond best when cues are light, consistent, and clearly timed. Over-holding or inconsistent pressure desensitises the horse and encourages brace rather than yield.
DEVELOPING CORRECT CONTACT WITH BIOMECHANICS
Creating good contact begins long before you touch the reins. The following steps apply across all disciplines:
1. Establish rhythm and forward energy
Without impulsion, there can be no connection. The horse must be able to move forward freely in a clear, regular rhythm.
2. Ensure relaxation and suppleness
Tension anywhere in the topline blocks energy flow. Suppling exercises such as leg-yields, circles, and transitions within the gait encourage softness.
3. Ride from leg to hand
Think of contact as the end of the circuit, not the beginning. Use your legs to generate energy, your seat to channel it, and your hands to receive it.
4. Allow, don’t pull
The reins act as a boundary, not a brake. Maintain an even, quiet feel that follows the natural movement of the neck.
5. Reward the ‘seek’
The moment the horse stretches into the rein or softens the jaw, give slightly. That instant of release confirms the correct answer and teaches the horse to look for the contact.
These elements mirror the first stages of the classical Training Scale (rhythm, relaxation, contact), reminding us that contact is not a goal, but a result.
In practice, developing this harmony often means focusing on what happens before the reins come into play. Work on rhythm, transitions, lateral suppleness and seat control teaches the horse and rider to balance independently, allowing the reins to become a point of communication rather than control.
In every case, the goal is self-carriage: a horse that maintains posture and rhythm without relying on the rein for support. This takes time to achieve, as the horse must also develop strength and stamina to maintain the energy. Don’t ask for too much too soon and allow fitness to build gradually. Rushing this process almost always results in the horse adopting a false frame, usually due to excessive use of the hand by the rider, and ultimately, prevents true contact from ever being established.
FEEL – THE INVISIBLE SKILL
While contact can be explained mechanically, it’s regulated by feel.
You can’t see feel, but you can sense when it’s present. It’s in the micro-adjustments that keep communication alive - the pulse in the rein, the softness through the rider’s elbows, the quiet following hand that moves with each stride.
Feel is partly physiological: experienced riders develop fine proprioception, enabling them to sense muscle tone, weight shifts, and micro-changes in tension. But it’s also emotional intelligence. Calm, empathetic riders transmit security through their touch, allowing horses to mirror that steadiness.
Developing feel takes time, and often, stillness. Many riders improve contact not by doing more, but by doing less. Allowing the horse to make a mistake, to find the connection themselves, creates self-learning rather than dependency.
One practical method to work toward this is to ride transitions on a long rein, noticing when the energy fades or the horse drops the contact. Then shorten the rein gradually, maintaining the same swing through the back. The goal is a contact that feels alive but not heavy. You want to have the feeling that the horse is carrying the bit, not that you are ‘carrying the horse’.
SIGNS OF CORRECT CONTACT
The rein feels quietly full, never loose or tight.
The horse’s neck lengthens slightly into the hand.
The mouth stays closed, and the poll is the highest point.
The back swings, and transitions stay smooth.
The rider can give forward with the hand at any moment without losing balance.
THE FEELING TO STRIVE FOR
So, what does real contact and true connection feel like? Riders often describe it as ‘the horse taking me,’ ‘the reins breathing,’ or ‘being plugged in.’ There’s no slack, but no drag; no resistance, but no emptiness either. The horse is mentally and physically with you, through the rein, yes, but also through the body and mind.
IN SUMMARY
Contact is the physical proof of correct riding. It’s not about rein weight or head position; it’s about harmony between energy, balance, and relaxation. When those align, the connection feels consistent and purposeful - a steady, elastic line from hindleg to hand – with horse and rider moving in harmony together.
The fascia factor
WHAT IS FASCIA, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER IN MOVEMENT?
When we think of soundness, we tend to think of just a horse’s muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and joints, but this overlooks the crucial role that fascia plays.
Fascia is a vast web of connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, tendon, organ, and bone. It’s made primarily of collagen and elastin fibres suspended in fluid, and its job is to transmit force, support movement, and help the body sense itself in space.
When fascia is healthy, it’s pliable and well-hydrated. It glides smoothly between layers, allowing muscles to contract and release efficiently, but when it becomes tight, dehydrated, or scarred through injury, tension can spread far beyond the original problem area, sometimes showing up as stiffness, a shortened stride length, or a subtle loss of symmetry that no amount of schooling seems to fix.
To add to this, fascia is rich in sensory nerve endings, so it also plays a huge role in feel. A horse with supple, responsive fascia can move with fluid elasticity and detect minute shifts in the rider’s balance.
For this reason, supporting fascial health means supporting movement itself. Regular varied motion, good hydration, gentle stretching, soft-tissue work, physiotherapy, and periods of rest all help fascia stay mobile and functional.
HORSE AND RIDER
The Callaho Warmblood Stud Auction 2025
R21 million and a new benchmark for SA sporthorse auctions
There was something almost theatrical about this year’s Callaho Auction. From the choreography of the try-outs to the language of the catalogue and the faultless, European-grade presentation, this was more than a sale; it was a statement. Billed as the stud’s “Coming of Age Party,” the 2025 edition delivered everything Callaho has become known for and more, fusing spectacle and substance into a production unlike anything South African equestrian sport has seen before. The numbers alone spoke of confidence - of bloodlines cementing their dominance and of a sporthorse economy maturing fast - but the display itself made an even louder point: this is what it now takes to play at the top.
THE ART OF PRESENTATION
Numbers alone can’t explain what made the Callaho Warmblood Stud 2025 Auction feel extraordinary. You had to experience it.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that every detail had been considered. The usually utilitarian stables had been transformed into something closer to a luxury exhibition space. The walkway leading in was lined with towering plinths - each wrapped in striking imagery of Callaho’s stallions, their names woven into sculptural lettering that felt almost architectural. Glass-cased displays offered a tactile history lesson - leatherwork, memorabilia - while giant screens rolled footage from the farm. Underfoot, the crunch of macadamia shells replaced ordinary footing, giving the walkway both texture and scent - a small, surprising detail that summed up the Stud’s commitment to perfectionism.
Inside, the Lipizzaner Hall was unrecognisable. Soft draping reshaped the rafters, light falling in clean planes across raised presentation platforms. Dining tables gleamed beneath crisp linen and floral arrangements that picked up the Callaho palette. The horses were shown in seamless rotation, each turned out to perfection, and shown to their greatest advantage on the Auction stage.
Even the livestream was of European broadcast quality: multi-camera angles, smooth graphics, professional auctioneering. For those watching remotely, it felt like being ringside.
The cumulative effect was trust through immersion. This wasn’t just a sale; it was storytelling. Every choice - the sound design, the symmetry of the stables, the order of the lots - reinforced the idea that Callaho’s horses are the product of both science and art.
It was this level of detail, as much as the bloodlines themselves, that made buyers believe in what they were seeing.
THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE SHOW
Across 31 lots, the 2025 Callaho Auction realised an average overall price of R680,000, with the median at R550,000.
When separated by category, the divide is striking:
Sporthorses (24 lots) averaged R814 000 with a median of R725,000.
Broodmares (7 lots) averaged just R222,000, with a median of R220,000.
In other words, the ridden or near-ready horses fetched nearly four times the average broodmare value - reflecting a market that rewards performance potential and immediacy over long-term breeding investment.
At the sharp end, Callaho Hang Ten, a Callaho Chupalight gelding, topped the sale at R2.2 million, while Callaho Lady Fé, a daughter of Callaho’s Lissabon, followed at R1.7 million. Callaho I’m All That (by I’m Special De Muze) achieved R1.3 million, and both Callaho Avicci (by Alligator Fontaine) and Callaho Farnucci (by Callaho’s For Joy) reached R1.1 million.
The lowest prices clustered around R200,000 - largely broodmares, including Callaho Vienna de Landetta, Callaho Solada, and Callaho Jupiter - suggesting a cautious breeding market where costs and uncertainty are weighing on demand.
Even when those headline figures are stripped out, however, the median sporthorse price remains north of R700,000, meaning the strength wasn’t confined to a few record breakers.
TOTAL TURNOVER
Total sale value: approximately R21 million
R21 million changed hands at the Callaho Warmblood Stud Auction 2025 setting a new benchmark for a domestic stud auction.
BLOODLINES THAT SOLD
This year’s results also reflected which bloodlines South African buyers now trust, and which ones they aspire to own.
Callaho Chupalight progeny led the averages, topping R1.2 million, confirming his rising status as Callaho’s commercial powerhouse. The top lot, Callaho Hang Ten, reinforced that his offspring’s athleticism and carefulness translate to buyer confidence.
Callaho Lissabon, long a Callaho cornerstone, maintained his allure with Lady Fé and Lady Gaga both performing exceptionally - proof that classic Callaho bloodlines certainly retain their grip on the market.
I’m Special De Muze, introduced more recently into the South African gene pool, made an emphatic debut with a single gelding that hit R1.3 million, suggesting strong appetite for Belgian-bred bloodlines when paired with Callaho mares.
Meanwhile, Callaho Con Coriano descendants (five in total) averaged just under R490 000, positioning him as the dependable, mid-market stallion whose stock buyers trust for rideability and temperament.
On the dressage side, Callaho’s For Joy, Callaho’s Benicio, and Sir Donnerhall I showed that the dressage market is maturing: while prices didn’t rival the jumpers, the demand is real and growing. Ella Mai - by the PRE stallion Esclavo FM owned by Candice Hobday - fetched R900,000, signalling that classical Iberian influence has found admirers in South Africa.
WHAT THE MARKET REWARDED
Beyond pedigrees, buyers appeared to pay for certainty: horses with proven under-saddle footage, clean veterinary reports, and visible rideability.
The gender split tells a story, too. The top five prices were all geldings, while only Lady Fé cracked the upper echelon as a mare. Broodmares, by contrast, all sold for less than the cheapest ridden gelding.
This points to an evolving buyer profile. Today’s South African sporthorse buyer is less breeder and more competitor - someone who wants a horse that can enter the ring this season, not in five years’ time.
INTERPRETING THE CURVE
The temptation is to call the top prices ‘outliers’ or to put them down to ‘hype’, but the data suggests something subtler. With half the horses changing hands between R500,000 and R900,000, the market’s middle tier looks stable, not speculative, and the prices seem a true reflection of buyers’ appetites and confidence.
These figures also align more closely with real European mid-market auctions (in Euro terms) than at any time before, meaning Callaho’s goal of proving South African horses can hold European-level value is starting to bear fruit.
If there’s a warning bell, it’s for breeders: a broodmare average of R220,000 is unsustainable for anyone hoping to breed on a commercial basis. The broodmare buyers at Callaho were almost certainly purchasing for sentiment or bloodline preservation rather than short-term profit.
THE WIDER PICTURE
The Callaho Auction was, by any measure, a masterclass in marketing. It delivered what European breeders have long understood: that trust and presentation are inseparable.
Horses were shown in perfect condition, with professional riders, uniform production values, and complete veterinary transparency. The catalogue itself read like a pedigree dossier, not a sales pamphlet - each pairing explained, each damline justified.
Callaho’s approach feels less like commerce and more like a cultural statement: South Africa can breed, present, and sell at international standard.
This commitment doesn’t come cheap. By the time the dust settles on facilities, staffing, professional video and buyer hospitality, a lot of money will have been spent. But in branding terms, it’s genius. It positions Callaho as both educator and gatekeeper: the Stud that sets the benchmark others must meet.
This raises important questions for the next chapter of South African breeding:
Will other studs follow this European-style model and embrace the spectacle and marketing polish?
Or will they take a different approach for their upcoming Auctions, leaning into their own strengths?
These contrasts will define where the industry heads next, but, for now, one truth is clear: buyers are buying based on belief in brands, their systems and their chosen bloodlines. Callaho has proven that when the faith is well earned, the market responds in kind. This Auction didn’t just move horses; it moved the goalposts.
What happens when a horse spooks
Few moments test a rider’s reflexes quite like a spook. One second you’re trotting quietly; the next, your horse is airborne, eyes wide, muscles coiled. But inside that split second lies a fascinating cascade of biology and instinct.
Spooking begins not with thought, but with perception. A flicker of movement or a sudden sound enters the horse’s sensory field – a combination of extraordinary hearing and nearly 350 degrees of vision, with only a small blind spot directly in front of the nose and behind the tail. Because a horse’s eyes are tuned to detect motion more than detail, and their ears swivel independently to locate noise, they’re evolutionarily wired to register even the faintest change in light, texture, or tone.
That signal travels first to the amygdala, the brain’s threat-detection centre, before the thinking parts of the brain even engage. In milliseconds, the sympathetic nervous system fires, releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline. Heart rate spikes. Blood is shunted to the large muscles. The body readies for the three options it knows best: flight, fight, or freeze.
When the danger passes, or the rider calmly redirects attention, the parasympathetic system gradually restores balance. Breathing slows, muscles soften, and cortisol levels drop. But some horses recover faster than others; temperament, past experience, and rider response all shape how quickly the body returns to baseline.
Understanding the spook as a biological reflex, not ‘naughtiness’, changes how we handle it.
LOCAL
TEXT: KIM DALE – FOUNDER, UNBRIDLED MARKETING
SA equestrian brands are stepping into the ring
If you’ve been around the South African horse scene for more than five minutes, you’ve probably noticed something: our tack rooms are looking a little more… local. Not too long ago, most of what we wore or used was imported - from the French saddle pads (you know the ones), to that bridle you ordered with shipping costs higher than your monthly stabling fee. Now? More and more of what you see in the ring is being designed, made, and sold right here at home. And riders aren’t just tolerating it - they’re proud of it. They’re posting it on Instagram, tagging the brands, and happily telling you their matchy matchy baselayer and numnah set is made in SA. So, what changed? And if you’ve been quietly daydreaming about launching your own equestrian brand, is now really the time?
THE SHIFT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS
The short version is that a handful of big things nudged us away from import dependency. International trade costs climbed steadily - not just because of exchange rates, but thanks to rising freight charges and unpredictable customs delays. Then COVID hit, and between lockdowns and supply chain chaos, local became the only affordable option for a while. A lot of riders realised they liked it. And for many, that period also planted the seed for their own businesses. Some started side hustles to fill the long, quiet days of lockdown. Others turned redundancy into reinvention, using their skills, creativity, and rider network to build something new. During the same period, e-commerce became the go-to. Sure, online shopping was nothing new - but lockdown forced e-commerce platforms to up their game and consumers to become used to relying on online shopping and delivery. Add to that a growing 'buy local' mindset, and you’ve got fertile ground for homegrown brands.
WHY THE TIMING IS SO GOOD RIGHT NOW
Producing and selling locally means you skip the import duties, the exchange rate gamble, and the endless wait for stock stuck in customs. More than that, South African riders have specific needs international brands often miss. They don’t always get that TIA, this is Africa, and our tack and our riders face a whole different set of challenges. There’s also the community factor. The equestrian world here is tight-knit. Do good work, connect authentically, and word travels fast! And the market’s not saturated yet. Every week I meet someone with a product or service idea that I never even thought of when I started helping businesses in this industry. There’s always a niche to be filled.
BRANDING AND MARKETING: WHERE TO FOCUS WHEN YOU'RE STARTING OUT
Over the years working with horse brands of all sizes, I’ve noticed a pattern: the ones that take off almost always start with a clear story. People buy from people, so let riders know who you are and why you started. And please - don’t try to look like a carbon copy of an overseas brand. Lean into what makes you South African; it’s part of your appeal. Knowing your audience is another big one. “All horse people” isn’t a target market. Are you speaking to eventers? Horse moms? Endurance riders? The more specific you get, the easier it is to make products and marketing that hit the mark. Social media is your biggest ally. Show up consistently, and don’t just post polished product shots - share behind-the-scenes moments, customer wins, and the little quirks that make your brand human. When you launch, start small but make it count. I’d rather see three brilliant products than ten average ones. In our industry, your reputation can outrun you - for better or worse - so make sure what you’re putting out is something you’re proud to have your name on.
COMMON PITFALLS TO DODGE
One of the biggest? Pricing too low to 'be competitive.' More often than not, it comes from doubt and hesitation - that nagging feeling that you have to win over customers. But if you undervalue your work, the public will too. Price in a way that reflects the quality and effort you put in, and you’ll attract customers who respect it. Another common mistake is generic branding. Make sure you are using the right colours and imagery that are authentic to your brand. Whether they are trendy now or not, or even if it’s a Canva stock icon for your logo - it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s unique and more importantly authentic to your brand! Skipping proper market research can also sink a new venture; just because you’d buy it doesn’t mean there’s a market for it. And if you think customer service is secondary, think again - people talk!
LOOKING AHEAD
I think we’ll see even more South African brands emerge, particularly in sustainable materials, bespoke tack, and niche products. I also see opportunity for our products to start heading in the other direction - exported to markets that are starting to notice our craftsmanship - consider our neighbours in Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. There’s also room to tap into trends working for brands well outside the equestrian bubble. Experiential retail is taking off - think Woolworths’ new concept stores where the shopping itself is an experience. Then there’s the 'little treat' mentality: people might not be splurging on a new saddle every month, but they are buying small, joyful luxuries - a fancy coffee, a collectible trinket, a beautiful manicure. We’ve already seen these two collide in our own space. At SA Youth Champs this year, Bridle Bling’s tack charm station was a runaway hit. Riders could choose, customise, and walk away with a small, personal piece - an affordable indulgence wrapped in an experience.
TAKEAWAY
If you’ve been sitting on an idea, my advice is simple: start. Start small, start smart, but start. The conditions are in your favour, the market is ready, and our equestrian world is hungry for more local options. South Africa has the talent, creativity, and grit - all we need now are more equestrians willing to back themselves and take the leap. Are you one of them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Unbridled Marketing is a boutique digital marketing agency dedicated to the equestrian industry. Founded by Kim Dale - a lifelong rider with a background in Animal Science, PR and Commercial Brand Strategy - Unbridled helps local businesses tap into equestrian audiences in South Africa. Striving to take local horse brands from lekker to luxury, Kim believes our industry should be showing off what we make here at home - not just the mainstream products that hundreds of riders around the world already own. From bespoke tack to innovative stable services, Unbridled champions homegrown brands that deserve to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Visit their website for more information or to speak to Kim about launching your brand: www.unbridled.marketing info@unbridled.marketing
The sleep equation
HOW REST SHAPES PERFORMANCE, HEALTH, AND MOOD
Horses spend around five to seven hours a day resting, but only a fraction of that time is true sleep. Yet, within those few hours lies a hidden foundation of physical and mental wellbeing.
Unlike humans, horses sleep in short cycles scattered throughout the day and night. They can doze lightly while standing, locking their stifles to rest the body without collapsing, but for REM sleep, when deep restoration and memory processing occur, they must lie flat or rest their head against the ground. This stage usually lasts no more than 30 to 40 minutes in total over 24 hours.
A horse that feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or physically sore will often skip lying down altogether. Over time, this leads to sleep deprivation, visible in repeated knee buckling, irritability, slower reactions, or reluctance to work.
Sleep affects more than energy. During deep rest, muscles rebuild, immune cells renew, and the brain consolidates what the horse has learned that day. Horses deprived of sleep can appear ‘fresh’ yet show tension, poor focus, or inconsistent movement.
Good sleep depends on three main factors: safety, comfort, and routine. Horses need dry, spacious footing, compatible herd mates, and predictable handling to feel secure enough to truly rest.
So the next time your horse seems unfocused or unusually reactive, remember that the problem might simply be a lack of sleep.
The balance blueprint
HOW POSTURE, SYMMETRY AND COORDINATION SHAPE PERFORMANCE
Balance is often described as something a horse has, but in reality, it’s something a horse is constantly doing. Every stride, transition, and halt requires a dynamic conversation between muscle, bone, and the nervous system to keep the body upright, symmetrical and ready to move.
A well-balanced horse distributes weight evenly across all four limbs, with the centre of gravity sitting just behind the wither. The spine remains supple, the neck free to adjust, and the hindquarters actively supporting. In this state, energy can flow smoothly forward and upward - the feeling riders describe as ‘self-carriage.’
When balance falters, so does movement quality. A horse who habitually leans onto the forehand or collapses through one shoulder begins to overload certain joints and muscles, creating asymmetry that no amount of schooling can disguise. Small differences in muscle tone or hoof shape can tip the balance point millimetres forward or sideways, and the horse’s entire body compensates.
Training for balance starts with awareness. Exercises that encourage straightness, frequent transitions, and varied terrain help horses continually re-coordinate their centre of gravity. Gymnastic work featuring poles, circles and lateral movements builds the postural strength to hold that balance even as tempo or direction change.
HORSE BREEDING
Mare families that made the sport
Fragance de Chalus – the mother of modern breeding
Every weekend, somewhere in the world, a descendant of Fragance de Chalus is in a 1.60 m jump-off. Her sons have become household names – Mylord Carthago, Bamako de Muze, Norton d’Eole, Arc de Triomphe. Her grandsons – Tobago Z, Delstar Mail, Sterrehof’s Calimero - are rewriting the sport again. Few mares have produced such a dynasty, and even fewer have done so with such consistency.
Fragance de Chalus didn’t make her mark through titles in the ring, but through the power of heredity. She is, quite simply, the mare who built an empire, one son at a time.
HUMBLE ORIGINS
Foaled in France in 1993, Fragance de Chalus came from good but not yet legendary stock. By Jalisco B, the sire of Quidam de Revel, and one of the cornerstones of modern Selle Français breeding and out of a mare by Nankin, she inherited both scope and blood. She competed lightly but without distinction before being spotted by Belgian breeder Joris de Brabander, whose instinct for finding exceptional mares was already well-established.
When Fragance arrived at the de Muze breeding programme, few could have predicted that she would become one of the most influential broodmares of the 21st century. But the quiet mare from Normandy was about to transform the landscape of European sporthorse genetics.
SONS THAT SHAPED A GENERATION
Few broodmares in history have produced a line-up quite like hers. Fragance de Chalus was no one-hit wonder; she delivered excellence with remarkable consistency, producing more than ten licensed stallions, many of whom went on to international sport or to shape the studbooks themselves.
Mylord Carthago (Carthago × Fragance de Chalus)
Under Penelope Leprevost, Mylord Carthago represented France at the World Equestrian Games and European Championships, and remains one of the sport’s most admired stallions. His offspring are celebrated for their rideability and sharpness without tension, which is the exact mental blend that made Fragance herself so valuable.
Bamako de Muze (Darco × Fragance de Chalus)
The powerhouse of the de Muze line, Bamako de Muze combined the strength of Darco with Fragance’s balance and sensitivity. He jumped successfully to 1.60m before becoming one of the most sought after sires in the world. His sons - notably Tobago Z (Daniel Deusser), Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, Sea Coast Monalisa van ‘t Paradijs and Eikato van’t Zorgvliet - carry the line forward, each adding refinement and reflexes to their damlines.
Norton d’Eole (Cento × Fragance de Chalus)
By Cento, Norton d’Eole is one of Fragance’s most influential sons in the Belgian Sport Horse (sBs) and Zangersheide studbooks. He competed successfully up to 1.60m before standing at stud, where his offspring are known for their intelligence, scope, and remarkable hind-end technique. He demonstrates how Fragance’s genes blended equally well with both Holsteiner and Belgian blood.
Arc de Triomphe (Triumph de Muze × Fragance de Chalus)
A modern, refined stallion who stamped his progeny with elegance and rideability. His bloodlines made him a valuable outcross for heavier European mares, and his descendants, including Premier de la Lande and Atome des Etisses, continue to compete at the top level.
Mozart des Hayettes (Papillon Rouge × Fragance de Chalus)
Perhaps less known today, Mozart des Hayettes competed internationally before standing in France. He is appreciated for adding power and temperament, with a number of his offspring showing in international young horse classes.
Lord de Muze (Nabab de Rêve × Fragance de Chalus)
Another example of her reliability: Lord de Muze inherited his sire’s power and Fragance’s intelligence, producing competitive offspring in both Europe and North America.
Together, these stallions carried Fragance de Chalus into virtually every major studbook - Selle Français, BWP, sBs, Zangersheide, and KWPN - making her one of the few mares whose name appears in pedigrees across almost every modern breeding registry.
THE DAUGHTERS CONTINUE THE STORY
If her sons built her reputation, her daughters cemented her legacy.
Merveille de Muze and Quasibelle du Seigneur have become foundation mares in their own right. Quasibelle produced Aristoteles V, Hidalgo VG, and Eldorado van de Zeshoek TN - names now appearing in the pedigrees of a new wave of top performers.
This ability to reproduce excellence down both the male and female lines sets Fragance de Chalus apart. She didn’t just pass on athletic ability; she passed on prepotency - that rare capacity to make her descendants consistently influential.
(Sources: Hippomundo/HorseTelex)
HERITABILITY
The success of Fragance de Chalus is no accident of chance. Jalisco B brought scope and a calm intelligence – traits shown to have moderate to high heritability in Warmblood populations. Her dam line, descending from Nankin, contributed blood, elasticity, and a light, ground-covering canter.
The result was a mare whose genetic ‘recipe’ complemented nearly every modern stallion line.
DID YOU KNOW?
Recent studies in equine breeding have identified heritability values of around 0.30–0.40 for traits such as rideability, scope, and jumping technique, meaning that roughly one-third to almost half of these performance characteristics can be reliably passed from one generation to the next. Fragance de Chalus exemplifies how consistent expression of these heritable traits can anchor an entire dynasty. Her offspring’s blend of temperament, elasticity, and sharpness is not coincidence – it’s good genetics, multiplied.
She never missed. You could cross her with power or with blood, and she gave you both. That’s what makes a foundation mare.
– Joris de Brabander
GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
Her influence now spans continents. Mylord Carthago semen is used by breeders from Europe to Australasia, while Bamako de Muze and his sons are fast becoming the sires of choice for modern sporthorses. South African breeders, too, have begun to embrace this line; youngstock by Mylord Carthago, Bamako, and Tobago Z are appearing in show rings across the country.
In just one generation, her genetics have gone from French provincial origins to shaping the future of the South African Warmblood.
CONSISTENCY
What makes Fragance de Chalus so remarkable is not a single superstar descendant, but a whole family of reliability. Her name appears again and again in the pedigrees of modern performers who share three essential traits:
- a balanced, uphill canter,
- a quick, intelligent reaction to the fence, and
- a trainable, generous temperament.
In a world often obsessed with flashy sires, Fragance is a reminder that the quiet strength of a broodmare can shape the sport for decades.
HER ENDURING LEGACY
More than thirty years after her birth, Fragance de Chalus still defines modern breeding ideals: versatility, mind, and a genetic engine that keeps producing excellence.
Some mares produce champions. Fragance de Chalus built generations of them.
The hidden athlete: the equine core
WHAT REAL CORE STRENGTH MEANS, AND WHY IT MATTERS
When riders talk about a horse’s ‘core,’ they often mean the topline - the smooth arch of muscle from neck to croup. But true core strength runs much deeper than this.
The equine core includes all the muscles that stabilise the spine and pelvis, from the long, strap-like longissimus dorsi and iliocostalis, to the abdominals, psoas, and small postural stabilisers that link each vertebra. These muscles don’t create dramatic movement; they create control and balance. They’re the system that keeps the horse’s back steady while the limbs move powerfully beneath it.
When the core is weak, the back acts like a suspension bridge without tension in its cables. The horse begins to hollow, lose engagement behind, or overload the forehand. Over time, this can lead to tension, uneven muscle development, and reduced range of motion through the shoulders and hips.
True core strength develops through thoughtful, gymnastic work, not forced frames. Transitions, hill work, pole exercises, and long-and-low stretching all stimulate the stabilising muscles in balance with movement, not against it. Even groundwork like in-hand lateral work, or careful long-lining, can activate the core without the weight of a rider.
A strong core gives a horse more than posture. It gives them confidence in movement, as through the strength they have the ability to lift, bend, and collect without pain or strain.
HORSE AND HEALTH
TEXT: ILSEMARIE GREYVENSTEIN
Parasite-derived enzymes
And their role in equine gut function
Equine gastrointestinal parasites, particularly Strongyles, have long been studied for their pathogenic (disease-causing) effects. However, some of the new research suggests that certain enzymes produced by these parasites may play a role in modulating gut function in a beneficial way. This article explores the biochemical interactions between parasite-derived enzymes and equine digestive physiology, with a focus on their contributions to nutrient metabolism, microbial balance, and overall gut health.
STRONGYLES AND THEIR GASTROINTESTINAL PRESENCE
Strongyles, especially the small strongyles, inhabit the large intestine, progressing through several developmental stages there. Traditionally viewed only as harmful, their close contact with gut tissues and the resident microbiota has prompted renewed scientific interest in how their secretions might influence digestion.
ENZYMES AT WORK
Recent studies indicate that strongyles secrete proteases (also known as peptidases or proteinases). These are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. In horses, these same enzyme types are essential to nutrient absorption and gut function.Proteases contribute to several physiological processes in the equine gastrointestinal tract:
- Protein breakdown: Proteases hydrolyse dietary proteins into peptides and amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine.
- Microbial interactions: Some gut bacteria produce proteases that aid in protein metabolism, influencing microbial balance and fermentation efficiency, through supplying protein fragments that bacteria use as energy sources.
- Immune modulation: Proteases can regulate immune responses by processing signalling molecules and degrading invading proteins.
- Parasite-host interaction: Certain equine parasites, including strongyles, secrete proteases that may interact with gut tissues, potentially influencing nutrient absorption and immune responses.
Scientific interest in proteases has grown because these enzymes bridge nutrition, microbiology, and parasitology. Understanding their effects could refine approaches to:
- Targeted deworming guided by faecal worm-egg counts.
- Nutritional plans that optimise protein metabolism.
- Microbiome-based strategies for supporting gut stability.
OTHER PARASITES AND THEIR ENZYMATIC ROLES
While strongyles are the best-studied, several other equine parasites also produce biologically active enzymes:
- Tapeworms (Anoplocephala spp.) may secrete compounds that alter carbohydrate metabolism and microbial fermentation patterns.
- Ascarids (Parascaris equorum) release proteolytic enzymes that impact protein digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
- Trematodes (Gastrodiscus spp.) have been shown to interact enzymatically with gut mucosa, potentially influencing nutrient uptake and immune responses.
Recognising these patterns helps researchers design parasite-control strategies that safeguard, rather than disrupt, gut homeostasis.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SYNERGY
Parasites coexist with an intricate microbial ecosystem. Their enzymatic secretions can shift bacterial populations, sometimes impairing fibre fermentation, but occasionally stimulating microbial diversity and immune tolerance.
IMPLICATIONS FOR EQUINE HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT
While parasitic infections will always carry risk, these findings remind us that not every parasite-host interaction is purely destructive. Future studies should aim to:
- Identify specific parasite enzymes and their biochemical pathways.
- Quantify their effects on nutrient absorption and microbial equilibrium.
- Design deworming programmes that protect the wider gut ecosystem.
If science can better define which enzymatic processes are harmful and which might be neutral or even beneficial, equine parasite control could evolve from eradication to ecological management, supporting both horse and microbiome health.
CONCLUSION
Parasite-derived enzymes represent a fascinating aspect of equine parasitology, with potential implications for gut function and health. Continued research into these biochemical interactions will enhance our understanding of equine digestive physiology and inform sustainable parasite management practices.
The art of the transition
WHY EVERY CHANGE OF PACE REVEALS THE TRUTH ABOUT TRAINING
A good transition is never just a change of gait; it’s a moment of reorganisation, balance, and communication between horse and rider. It shows how the aids are received, how energy travels through the body, and how much the horse truly understands about carrying themselves.
From a biomechanical view, transitions are micro strength sessions. When moving up - walk to trot, trot to canter - the horse must engage the hindquarters, flex the lumbosacral joint, and push power forward through an elastic topline. When moving down - canter to trot, trot to walk - they must use those same muscles eccentrically, controlling energy rather than creating it. Every good transition therefore trains both push and control, building true core strength and self-carriage.
But the quality of a transition is as much mental as physical. A horse that rushes, hollows, or braces isn’t being disobedient; they’re showing their imbalance or confusion. Clear preparation, consistent rhythm, and the rider’s quiet posture help the nervous system stay calm enough to process what’s being asked.
Transitions also sharpen feel. Riders learn to time their aids with the movement - to sense when the hind leg is about to leave the ground, or when the balance begins to shift.
Each transition when ridden mindfully becomes an opportunity to test communication, refine feel, and remind both horse and rider that balance isn’t something static you achieve, it’s something you recreate each stride.
The power of the walk
WHY PROGRESS OFTEN BEGINS IN THE SLOWEST GAIT
In a world that measures progress by pace, the walk is often underestimated. Yet for many of the world’s best riders, real improvement begins here.
The walk is the only gait without a moment of suspension. At any instant, at least two feet are on the ground, meaning every joint in the body must flex and release in continuous coordination. Each step moves through the horse’s spine like a slow wave - engaging the abdominal muscles, mobilising the pelvis, and gently stretching the topline.
Because it’s slow, the walk magnifies detail. Any stiffness in the back, restriction through the shoulder, or uneven stride length becomes visible. It’s diagnostic as much as it is developmental.
From a training perspective, the walk builds postural strength. Riders can refine the lightness of their aids, practise stillness in their seat, and teach the horse to respond without tension. Transitions within the walk - free to medium, medium to collected - improve elasticity and rhythm while reinforcing calm responsiveness.
The walk also serves the mind. Its tempo mirrors relaxation; its rhythm can lower the horse’s heart rate and reset focus after demanding work. Many seasoned trainers finish challenging sessions with long, stretching walks to allow fascia to release and the nervous system to settle.
The next time you feel the urge to rush, remember: the walk isn’t the absence of training, it’s its refinement. When you can ride the walk with precision and feel, every faster gait improves automatically.
HORSE AND NUTRITION
Salmon oil for horses
What you need to know
When it comes to equine nutrition, few supplements have attracted as much interest overseas in recent years as salmon oil. Praised for its rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil has been linked to benefits ranging from joint comfort and skin health to immune resilience and even better metabolic health.
In this article, we take a closer look at what salmon oil offers our horses, unpacking the research, the practicalities of feeding, and the potential limitations.
WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT WE DON'T, AND HOW TO USE IT
Salmon oil is a marine fish oil naturally rich in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are the bioactive omega-3s that participate in anti-inflammatory pathways and are incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body. Horses can’t make EPA and DHA efficiently themselves, so they must come from the diet - either from fish (e.g., salmon oil) or from marine microalgae.
WHY SALMON OIL (EPA/DHA) IS DIFFERENT FROM 'PLANT OMEGA-3'
Flax, chia and pasture supply alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a shorter-chain omega-3. In horses, feeding marine sources raises EPA and DHA in blood and tissues far more reliably than ALA alone. In controlled trials, fish/marine oils increased EPA/DHA in plasma, red cells and even skeletal muscle, whereas flax raised mostly ALA. This matters because many of the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s are specific to EPA/DHA.
Salmon oil, therefore, offers a direct route to provide EPA/DHA, while plant oils are best seen as complementary fat sources with different profiles.
WHERE THE EVIDENCE FOR THE BENEFITS OF SALMON OIL IS STRONGEST
1. Respiratory health (inflammatory airways disease/‘equine asthma’/recurrent airway obstruction)
The best clinical data in horses comes from the airways. In a randomised, controlled trial, adding an omega-3 supplement that delivered ~1.5–3 g DHA/day for eight weeks improved cough scores, breathing effort, and airway health beyond the benefit of a low-dust diet alone. Plasma DHA rose within four weeks.
2. Tissue incorporation into joints and lungs
Beyond the blood, EPA/DHA from supplementation are taken up by synovial fluid (joints) and pulmonary surfactant (the ‘lubricant’ of the lungs), potentially improving the body’s capacity to resolve inflammation in those regions. Peak incorporation typically occurs after approximately 60 days of daily feeding. Some studies show changes in inflammatory markers in the joints particularly with high marine omega-3 intake, but clinical endpoints (lameness scores, force plate data) are inconsistent so far. We should expect ‘support’ from salmon oil, rather than it being a stand-alone therapy, but as supplements go, this is pretty interesting!
3. Exercise metabolism (emerging but intriguing)
In exercised horses, fish oil has been associated with a lower heart rate during work and alterations in glucose/insulin responses during and after exercise. These are both signals that fat metabolism may be shifting in a favourable way. It is worth noting, however, that these are performance-physiology markers, not performance guarantees.
4. Insulin and metabolic health (early data)
For horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), a pilot study using DHA-rich microalgae (a plant-based EPA/DHA source) altered circulating fatty acids, lowered triglycerides, and prevented the rise in insulin response seen in unsupplemented controls over 46 days. Results are promising but preliminary, and larger studies are needed, but if the science continues to support this, it could be a real breakthrough for horses suffering from metabolic disease.
5. Skin and coat
Many owners report glossier coats with added oil. Equine trials directly linking EPA/DHA to coat quality are limited; improvements are likely due to a better supply of essential fatty acids and overall calorie density. For skin and coat health, good management and parasitic control still matter most, but oil is a good add-on.
HOW TO ADD SALMON OIL SAFELY
Start low and go slow
Introduce any oil gradually over two to three weeks to avoid loose manure and to let the hindgut adapt to the new product. Regular guidance suggests an upper practical limit around 1ml oil per kg body weight per day (≈500 mL/day for a 500kg horse) when fat is used as an energy source, but this is far above typical ‘supplement’ amounts. You won’t need anywhere near this upper limit to achieve the benefits of salmon oil. Follow the guidelines of your chosen manufacturer.
Study-based dosing examples (to anchor expectations, not prescriptions):
- Respiratory disease: Administration of ~1.5–3 g DHA/day for eight weeks, alongside a low-dust diet, improved clinical signs. For a 500kg horse, this is usually achieved with tens of millilitres of a high EPA/DHA oil (check your label for the actual mg per ml).
- Tissue incorporation: Expect meaningful EPA/DHA in plasma and joint/lung compartments by 60–90 days of daily intake.
Because salmon oil products vary widely in concentration, dose to the grams of EPA and DHA, not just ‘tablespoons of oil.’ Read the label and work with your vet or equine nutritionist.
Vitamin E and freshness
Adding polyunsaturated fats increases the diet’s oxidative load. One controlled study found no rise in oxidative stress markers during 90 days of fish- or flax-oil supplementation, but many nutritionists still pair added oils with vitamin E and emphasise fresh, well-stored products to minimise the risk of rancidity. Guidance commonly suggests ~1–1.5 IU vitamin E per ml of added oil when feeding higher oil intakes.
Practical tips
- Split the daily amount of oil over two to three meals to improve acceptance.
- Top-dress the oil on feed or mix with a small mash.
- Introduce oil along with a low-dust management plan if airways are the target (soaked/steamed hay or haylage, good ventilation).
- Monitor weight as oil adds calories. Adjust other concentrates if needed.
Quality, sourcing, and sustainability
- Choose equine-labelled fish oils from reputable manufacturers that disclose EPA and DHA per ml, harvest species, and freshness/oxidation controls.
- Salmon oil is a very good option but other fish oils (anchovy/sardine) and algal oils can deliver similar EPA/DHA.
WHEN SALMON OIL IS WORTH CONSIDERING
- Horses with mild-moderate equine asthma/inflammatory airways disease as part of a comprehensive low-dust management programme.
- Older, arthritic horses where multi-modal joint management is already in place; EPA/DHA can be a supportive add-on.
- EMS-prone or overweight horses under veterinary supervision, where diet, weight loss, and exercise are already addressed; omega-3s may help fat profiles and insulin dynamics.
WHEN TO BE CAUTIOUS
- Bleeding risk is theoretical at very high fish-oil doses; stick to targeted EPA/DHA amounts and consult your vet before combining with medications that affect clotting.
- Allergies or taste aversion: a few horses dislike marine flavours, but most don’t seem to mind them.
- Don’t expect miracles: Omega-3s are tools, not cures. Prioritise forage quality, dust control, body condition, and training/management fundamentals.
BOTTOM LINE
For horses, the most convincing data for salmon oil supplementation sit in respiratory health and documented tissue incorporation of EPA/DHA, with promising but still developing evidence in joint comfort and metabolic support.
SOURCES
Controlled trials and reviews underpinning the guidance above include O’Connor 2004 & 2007 (exercise metabolism; serum fatty acids); Hess et al. 2012 (tissue incorporation), Nogradi et al. 2015 (airway disease outcomes); Christmann et al. 2021 (synovial/lung incorporation); Elzinga et al. 2019 (EMS pilot); White-Springer et al. 2021 (oxidative stress with oil feeding); and ISU Extension (feeding oil safely).
The pause as a training tool
WHY STILLNESS CAN BE THE MOST POWERFUL AID OF ALL
In a culture that celebrates progress, the idea of doing less can feel counterintuitive. Yet for horses, moments of stillness are not a break in learning: they’re part of it.
When a horse successfully performs a task and then pauses, the brain releases dopamine: a neurotransmitter linked to reward and memory. This quiet, satisfied moment tells the horse: that was the right answer. Without the pause, that message can be lost in a rush of new cues.
Physiologically, the pause helps the nervous system return from a mild state of arousal (the focus and effort of the task) to calm engagement. The heart rate lowers, muscles release tension, and information is processed. It’s during these small windows that learning truly settles.
For riders, the pause is also diagnostic. Does your horse sigh, lick and chew, stretch, or blink slowly? Those are signs the parasympathetic system - the ‘rest and digest’ mode - is switching back on. If the horse stays tight or reactive, it may mean the exercise was too challenging or unclear.
Using pauses consciously - between transitions, after lateral work, or even mid-session - fosters confidence and relaxation. It also reminds us that training isn’t a constant conversation of pressure and release, but a rhythm of asking, allowing, and listening.
The value of doing less
WHY REST, RECOVERY, AND RHYTHM MATTER MORE THAN CONSTANT WORK
In modern sport, progress is often mistaken for accumulation, more exercises, more schooling, more hours in the saddle, but for athletes, including our horses, improvement depends as much on recovery as on repetition.
Every stride of training creates microscopic stress in the muscles and connective tissues. It’s during rest - not work - that those tissues adapt, rebuild, and grow stronger. Without recovery, small strains can quietly accumulate into fatigue, tightness, and resistance.
The same principle applies to the mind. Horses learn through a balance of stimulation and safety. Constant pressure to ‘do’ leaves little room for the nervous system to process and integrate what’s been taught. Stillness after effort helps re-establish calm, anchoring learning in confidence rather than tension.
‘Doing less’ doesn’t mean neglect or laziness with training. It means intentional space. It might look like a hack after a dressage school, a day of turnout after a jumping session, or simply ending a ride early when the work feels right.
Riders who build rest into training understand something essential: performance is a rhythm, not a grind.
Intriguing ingredients
Brewer’s yeast –
a humble powerhouse for
gut and coat health
Few ingredients have travelled as seamlessly from the brewery to the feed bucket as brewer’s yeast. What began as a by-product of beer fermentation has, over the years, proven to be one of the most versatile nutritional supplements for horses - offering benefits that span from digestive balance to coat condition.
WHAT IT IS
Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a single-celled fungus used in the fermentation of grains such as barley and wheat, and this same organism that helps turn sugars into beer also contains a remarkably dense profile of nutrients:
- B-vitamins (including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and biotin).
- Amino acids and peptides.
- Minerals such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- β-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), which are complex carbohydrates with prebiotic properties.
Depending on how it’s processed, it can appear as an inactive dried powder (for feed supplementation) or as a live culture added for probiotic support.
THE DIGESTIVE CONNECTION
The most consistent benefit attributed to brewer’s yeast lies in its effect on hindgut health. Horses are hindgut fermenters; their large intestine teems with microbes that break down fibre and produce volatile fatty acids, which are the horse’s main energy source.
Research has shown that yeast cultures can help stabilise this delicate ecosystem of microbes by:
- Encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Fibrobacter and Ruminococcus.
- Reducing lactic acid accumulation during sudden dietary changes.
- Enhancing fibre digestion and nutrient absorption.
By creating a more stable pH in the hindgut, brewer’s yeast supports better utilisation of forage and can help reduce the risk of issues such as mild acidosis or digestive upset during periods of stress, travel, or dietary transition.
BEYOND DIGESTIVE BENEFITS
The B-vitamins naturally found in brewer’s yeast are essential cofactors in energy metabolism, nerve function, and tissue repair. Deficiencies in these vitamins can manifest as dull coats, flaky skin, or low energy, particularly in horses under heavy workloads or on high-grain diets.
Regular supplementation with brewer’s yeast has been linked to:
- A shinier, healthier coat thanks to improved keratin and lipid synthesis.
- Calmer demeanour in some horses (likely due to thiamine’s role in the nervous system).
- Enhanced appetite and feed efficiency, particularly in fussy eaters or those recovering from illness.
These broad benefits explain why brewer’s yeast often features as a quiet hero ingredient in many commercial balancers and gut-support formulas.
SCIENCE
While early equine studies showed mixed results, more recent controlled trials support brewer’s yeast’s ability to increase fibre digestibility and reduce faecal pH fluctuations. Still, its effectiveness depends on the strain, dosage, and whether live or inactive yeast is used.
Typically, horses benefit from 10–20 g per day of high-quality inactive yeast powder, or smaller amounts of live yeast where the product specifies viable cell counts. As with all supplements, quality and consistency matter more than quantity.
WHEN BREWER'S YEAST SHINES
This modest ingredient can be particularly valuable for:
- Performance horses needing gut stability under stressful conditions.
- Hard keepers or poor doers who struggle to maintain weight.
- Horses prone to digestive sensitivity after antibiotic use or feed changes.
- Young, growing horses where vitamin and mineral demands are high.
For some individuals, combining brewer’s yeast with prebiotic fibres (such as MOS or inulin) amplifies its effect, supporting both microbial activity and mucosal integrity.
DID YOU KNOW?
A single tablespoon of brewer’s yeast contains more than ten times the thiamine of an average hay ration. This is one reason many horse owners notice improved focus and appetite within weeks of adding it.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Perhaps brewer’s yeast’s greatest strength is its gentleness. It doesn’t promise miracles; it simply supports the systems that keep horses thriving - digestion, metabolism, and overall vitality.
The equine smile
READING RELAXATION IN THE HORSE'S FACE
Horses don’t smile the way humans do, but they do express calm and contentment through the finest changes in facial muscle tone.
A soft, half-closed eye; relaxed lower lip; loosened nostril; ears that drift gently to the side - these are the equine equivalents of a smile.
When tension builds, the face tells the story first. Tight nostrils, a hard jawline, tented eyes, and fixed ears show sympathetic activation, which is the body’s way of preparing for flight or effort. Learning to notice the transition from soft to tight (and back again) helps riders gauge how the horse is coping with training.
Moments of softness are the best feedback a rider can receive. They tell us that the horse feels safe, confident, and free from unnecessary pressure, which, ultimately, is the real goal of good horsemanship – ease, not simple obedience.
Tension vs tone
FINDING THE LINE BETWEEN ENGAGEMENT AND RESISTANCE
Good posture and collection require muscle tone, not tension - a distinction that can be hard to feel but easy to see once you know what to look for.
Toned muscles are active yet elastic, ready to lengthen or contract as needed. Tense muscles are rigid, fighting themselves and everything around them. In the horse, tone allows freedom of movement; tension traps energy in one part of the body and disconnects it from the rest.
Riders can tell the difference by watching rhythm and breathing. Tone produces rhythmical, balanced steps and quiet inhalations. Tension creates staccato movement, holding of breath, and tight facial lines.
True athleticism lies in relaxation under effort - that state of poised energy where power and calm coexist. The art of training is learning how to build tone without breeding tension.
HORSE TRAINING
Soft starts
Bright futures with Ruconu Appaloosa Stud
At Ruconu Appaloosa Stud, we believe every great sporthorse begins with a gentle start. Our foal training programme focuses on building confidence, trust, and understanding from day one, creating the solid foundation needed for a successful and fulfilling equestrian partnership.
FOUNDATIONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME
Establishing the right foundation is at the heart of everything we do. By helping young horses understand humans and their expectations early on, we set them up to learn with confidence and clarity. This approach not only produces well-mannered, willing partners but also ensures that the horses who leave our stud are ready to thrive in their future disciplines.
Many of our buyers comment on the exceptional temperaments of our horses - calm, curious, and quick to connect - a reflection of the time, care, and consistency that go into every foal’s early education.
WHAT WE DO
Once a newborn foal has achieved key developmental milestones and bonded with his or her dam, we begin gentle, daily handling. Our focus is on positive exposure - letting foals experience the world with humans with curiosity rather than fear.
We start with simple, tactile lessons: touching their sides, legs, ears, and under the tail. While guiding the mare and foal between feeding and grooming stations, we reinforce calmness and cooperation. This early work strengthens communication and acceptance - extending the mare’s own natural ‘pressure and release’ language that forms the foundation of all later training.
STEP BY STEP
As training progresses, foals are gradually introduced to new experiences such as:
- Grooming and daily care
- Temperature checks
- Leading correctly
We also incorporate TTouch bandages, which help improve spatial awareness and reduce anxiety associated with claustrophobia. This step gently prepares them for later milestones like blanketing and saddling. Every exercise is calm, thoughtful, and designed to produce confident, relaxed horses who enjoy learning.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY AND EXPLORATION
We encourage curiosity and playfulness throughout training. Foals are allowed to mouth the lead rope - a small, natural behaviour that helps them later accept and release the bit comfortably. After weaning, they experience new sensations and environments, such as bathing and loading practice around the horsebox.
Each interaction, no matter how small, is another building block toward creating a calm, confident youngster ready to take on the world.
Every small step forward is positively reinforced, helping young horses build confidence and curiosity, setting them up for success in their future endeavours.
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
As our foals grow, they gain freedom to roam the big pastures. This freedom not only shapes their character but also develops their strength, stamina, and musculoskeletal systems.
Combined with optimal nutrition, this natural lifestyle helps each one reach his or her full genetic potential.
Within our herds, older horses act as gentle mentors, guiding and nurturing the younger ones. These ‘nannies’ teach essential social boundaries and herd etiquette, helping shape the calm, cooperative temperaments Ruconu horses are known for.
STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS
Before backing, many of our young horses attend breed shows and public outings for valuable exposure. Each experience builds noticeable growth in confidence and enthusiasm, transforming our youngsters into well-adjusted individuals ready for the next stage of their training.
The results speak for themselves: horses with exceptional minds, sound bodies, and the willingness to learn - ready to form lasting partnerships with their future riders.
WWW.RUCONU.COM
Contact Ruconu Appaloosa Stud today to learn more about their youngstock or to arrange a visit.
The language of ears
HOW TO LISTEN BEFORE THE HORSE SPEAKS
A horse’s ears are like punctuation marks in a conversation - small, constant clues to how they’re processing the world.
When the ears flick back and forth rhythmically, the horse is monitoring the environment and rider simultaneously - a sign of focus. Ears pricked forward often indicate curiosity, while ears softly to the side usually mean relaxation. Pinned ears can show irritation or pain, but context matters: are they accompanied by a swishing tail, a tight jaw, or forward movement?
Because each ear can move independently, horses gather a 360-degree awareness of their surroundings. This makes them extraordinary at detecting change, and easily unsettled when they can’t interpret it.
Learning to read ear movement can help you notice what the horse is noticing and respond before tension builds.
Why silence is part of communication
True communication with a horse isn’t a constant stream of cues but a rhythm of asking and allowing. The space between aids is where understanding happens.
When riders apply one aid after another without pause, the horse’s nervous system has no time to process. What feels like refinement to us can feel like noise to them. But when we give space - a breath, a stride of quiet - we invite the horse to respond thoughtfully, not reactively.
The best riders aren’t those who do the most, but those who know when to stop and pause, because silence, when used well, provides clarity.
What your horse remembers
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF TRUST AND REPETITION
Horses remember far more than we often realise - not just actions, but how those actions made them feel. Their brains form both associative memories (linking experiences with outcomes) and emotional memories (how safe or threatened they felt during those experiences).
This means every interaction leaves a trace. A calm, consistent routine strengthens neural pathways for trust and predictability. In contrast, repeated stress floods the body with cortisol, reinforcing avoidance and anxiety.
Memory also shapes movement. Muscle patterns - even incorrect ones - are stored and replayed until retrained with patience and reward. This is why clear, gentle repetition matters more than correction.
When we talk about ‘retraining’ a horse, we’re not just changing behaviour; we’re rewriting emotional history. The brain doesn’t forget, but it can relearn what safety feels like.
YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What is counter-canter and why is it worth practising?
Counter-canter is when a horse deliberately canters on the outside lead. For example, the horse canters on the left lead on a right-hand circle, or the right lead on a left-hand loop. In ordinary canter work, the horse’s leading leg matches the direction of travel; in counter-canter, it does not. Although it looks like the horse is ‘on the wrong leg,’ when asked intentionally it becomes a key gymnastic and balance exercise.
REASONS TO DO IT
Counter-canter develops straightness, suppleness and balance. Because the horse’s body naturally wants to align with the lead, maintaining counter-canter requires equal strength and coordination from both sides of the body. It helps prevent the common tendency to lean inward or fall onto the inside shoulder, teaching the horse to stay level and adjustable.
It also strengthens the hindquarters and encourages self-carriage, both of which are essential for collection work. For riders, it sharpens feel and precision, since success depends on small, consistent aids from the leg and seat rather than the hand.
Ultimately, then, counter-canter builds both the physical symmetry and the mental responsiveness that underpin all advanced work. A horse who can stay calm and balanced in counter-canter is a horse who understands the rider’s balance, not just their rein aids.
INTRODUCING COUNTER-CANTER
Start from a well-balanced true canter with clear rhythm and impulsion. Ride straight lines, shallow loops or large figures at first, keeping the canter forward and the contact soft. The goal isn’t to hold the horse on the wrong lead but to maintain balance and straightness through correct preparation and clear lines.
As control improves, the exercise can progress to full circles, simple changes, and eventually flying changes.
When my instructor says I need to ‘shift my horse’s weight back’ (on the ground), what does she mean?
When your instructor asks you to shift your horse’s weight back, she’s probably noticing that he’s leaning onto his forehand, even while standing still.
Many horses naturally park themselves with more weight over the shoulders than behind. This ‘downhill’ posture loads the front legs and lightens the hindquarters, so the horse’s balance - and eventually his movement - starts from a place of heaviness rather than self-carriage.
By asking you to shift the weight back, your instructor wants you to help your horse find a more neutral balance - one where his hind legs are slightly more engaged underneath him and the forehand is lighter.
You can encourage this in hand by quietly asking him to rock his weight back onto the hind legs by shifting your weight towards him or placing a hand on his chest. Sometimes you might need a gentle half-halt through the lead rope or even to ask for one or two deliberate steps backwards to help him rebalance.
It’s a small correction, but an important one because a horse that habitually leans forward on the ground is likely to do the same under saddle - falling onto the bit, pulling through the shoulders, or struggling to stay balanced in transitions. Carrying more weight on his hind end is also healthier for his overall biomechanics as it avoids overloading the front legs, which are considerably less able to take weight than the back legs.
Is it safe to train my horse with positive reinforcement? Lots of people at my yard say it is dangerous and makes horses pushy.
That’s an excellent question, and one many riders are asking right now. In short: yes, positive reinforcement can be safe and highly effective when used correctly, but it does require good timing, clear boundaries, and an understanding of equine behaviour.
WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Positive reinforcement simply means adding something the horse values (like food or wither scratching) to reward a desired behaviour. Over time, the horse learns that their choices have pleasant consequences, and this makes them more motivated and confident to offer the behaviour again.
Many professional trainers and behaviourists use positive reinforcement to teach everything from basic handling to advanced in-hand work and liberty training, and my riders also successfully incorporate it into their ridden work.
WHY PEOPLE SAY IT'S RISKY
The concern you’ve heard - that the horse may start to see you only as a ‘treat dispenser’ - comes from situations where the reinforcement isn’t structured well. If a horse doesn’t understand what earns the reward or when it’s coming, frustration and pushiness can creep in. This can look like mugging pockets or crowding the handler.
That’s not the method being ‘dangerous’; it’s just a sign that the horse hasn’t yet learned the way the method works. It’s a bit like giving a child sweets - the timing, clarity, and rules matter as much as the reward itself.
HOW TO KEEP IT SAFE AND FAIR
If you start experimenting with positive reinforcement:
- Work with a reputable professional who understands equine learning theory and can demonstrate clear handling.
- Incorporating a ‘click’ or audible cue means your horse knows when the treat is coming (and when it is not). This can help keep the rules clear and avoid food frustration.
- Establish boundaries first: reward calm stillness with the head turned slightly away from you before adding movement or new behaviours.
- Never reward ‘mugging’: when your horse has performed the correct behaviour, take the treat to his mouth. Don’t ever reward ‘mugging’ for treats by giving a treat to ‘stop’ the behaviour.
- Use small, frequent rewards: grass pellets, chaff or scratches are ideal as they keep arousal levels low.
- Work with your horse on his own, not in a paddock with other horses.
- End sessions early while the horse is focused and relaxed.
WHY IT CAN BE WORTH EXPLORING
When done thoughtfully, positive reinforcement can strengthen trust, increase motivation, and give the horse a sense of control over their learning - all of which have strong welfare benefits. It doesn’t have to replace other forms of training; it can simply add another layer of clarity and enjoyment for both horse and rider.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Positive reinforcement isn’t inherently dangerous; it’s a powerful communication tool, and is often used to very successfully train ‘wild’ animals that are far more ‘dangerous’ than horses.
Like any method, it just depends on skill, timing, and empathy. The horses we see online who have been properly trained with this method look relaxed, curious, and engaged, and we love playing around with positive reinforcement with our herd. Good luck!
Does my horse need a break over Christmas?
It depends, but probably yes, in some form. Even if your horse hasn’t competed heavily this year, a short period of rest or a change in routine over the festive season can be beneficial both physically and mentally.
REST AND RECOVERY
Horses, like people, benefit from periods of recovery.
Horses don’t necessarily need a total holiday where they do nothing for weeks, but they do need time when training intensity drops and their minds can decompress. Continuous daily schooling, even at low levels, can create repetitive strain on joints, muscles and ligaments, and mental fatigue can build quietly, especially in horses who are naturally conscientious or sensitive.
A week or two of lighter work - hacking, turnout, groundwork fun, or simply a few days off - gives the body time to repair and the mind time to reset.
HOW MUCH REST IS ENOUGH?
If your horse has had a steady but not demanding year, consider one to two weeks of reduced workload, rather than complete inactivity. For horses recovering from a busy show season, we recommend giving them a proper break of two to four weeks off ridden work, as long as they still get plenty of daily turnout. The key is not stopping everything, but changing the rhythm.
THE EXCEPTIONS
Some horses find an abrupt change in routine, even just ‘time off’ to be stressful. For these horses, keeping gentle daily handling or short in-hand sessions can maintain structure without overloading the body. A ‘holiday’ in these cases can simply mean fewer demands and more variety, not a total shutdown.
Similarly, some older horses can stiffen up without regular exercise. For these horses, reducing workload and work intensity, or just changing up the routine, rather than stopping all work entirely is probably the best option.
Finally, if your horse is in a yard with limited turnout (i.e. they are not able to be out and moving for at least four to six hours per day), you will still need to go and do some hand walking and grazing during the Christmas period, to keep their body moving. Horses should not stand for hours in a stable, so over Christmas these horses will need to be kept moving every day, perhaps just in a different way to normal.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rest is part of training, not the absence of it. Horses adapt, rebuild and grow stronger during recovery periods, not in the middle of constant work.
Even if your horse hasn’t had a packed show calendar, time off can improve soundness, enthusiasm, and your partnership heading into the new year.
All in all, it’s probably a good time to take a bit of a step back, whether that means hacking, extra turnout, or simply not worrying about arena goals, your horse will thank you for the pause.