The real purpose of the warm-up Text: Lara Ellwood of Insight Equine There’s something about the warm-up arena at a show that seems to buzz with invisible tension. It’s meant to be a space to prepare, to ease our horses and ourselves into rhythm and readiness, but more often than not, it becomes a pressure cooker.…
Addressing the most important topic in the horse industry Equine welfare has always been a concern in our industry, but recent years have seen it move from a peripheral to the foremost consideration in our sport. As awareness of equine welfare has grown, people are not only being called out for incidents of abuse but…
What is the best bit to start a young horse off in? Most people have told me a double-jointed eggbutt snaffle, but my youngster doesn't seem to like it. Asked by Bruce Ryden There are two things you need to take into account. Firstly, what makes you conclude that your horse doesn't like the bit?…
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s long been thought that horses don’t have nerve follicles at the roots of their manes, but a recent study has demonstrated an increase in the heart rate of horses having their manes pulled – a clear sign of stress. That said, some horses stand willingly while others show obvious signs of discomfort, such as…
