ASKHQ: ASTHMA DIAGNOSIS

Q: How is asthma diagnosed in horses, and what is the treatment? A: 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…

BylizzieAugust 29, 20250Comments

Q&A

ASKHQ: CLIPPING CONUNDRUM

Q: I’ve heard you should only rug a horse if they’re clipped. Is that true? A: Not necessarily. Rugging decisions should be based on the individual horse’s condition, environment, and management, not just whether they're clipped. Clipped horses do lose their natural insulation and generally need rugs in colder weather, but some fine-coated, older, or…

BylizzieAugust 26, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: HORSE HATES CLIPPING

Q: My horse hates being clipped. He kicks out and often sweats a lot. What can I do? A: Clipping anxiety is surprisingly common and often rooted in past negative experiences, noise sensitivity, or the feeling of static electricity that can come from being clipped. The first step is ruling out pain: if your horse’s…

BylizzieAugust 18, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY HORSE NEEDS THE DENTIST?

Q: What are the signs I need to call a dentist for my horse? A: Ideally, your horse’s teeth should be checked by a professional at least once a year and, better yet, every six months. In between these appointments, the following signs signify you might need the dentist sooner than your next scheduled appointment: …

BylizzieAugust 4, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: CLOSE CONTACT SADDLES

Q: What’s the difference between a close contact and a normal jump or dressage saddle? Is one better than the other? A: Close contact saddles are usually monoflap saddles, meaning that there’s just one layer of leather underneath your leg, rather than the usual two. These saddles, therefore, tend to have more streamlined panels than…

BylizzieJuly 31, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: NOT BALANCED IN THE SADDLE

Q: I’m worried that I’m not balanced in the saddle and that this is affecting my horse’s way of going, but how do I know if this is the case? A: The best place to start when addressing any concerns about your riding is with a good coach, who can help you from the ground…

BylizzieJuly 30, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: RIDING FREQUENCY

Q: I only ride three times a week. Can I still make progress? A: Yes — consistency matters more than frequency. Three focused, thoughtful rides a week can bring about real progress if you set clear goals. Use one day for fitness (e.g. hacking or polework), one for schooling (flat or jumping), and one for…

BylizzieJuly 24, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: IMPROVING CANTER TRANSITIONS

Q: What’s the best way to improve my horse’s canter transitions? A: Quality trot creates a quality transition so focus on straightness, impulsion, and rhythm in the trot before you ask for the canter. No horse can canter easily from a disorganised and messy trot. Use exercises like trot–walk–trot to sharpen responsiveness, and try for…

BylizzieJuly 24, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: IS IT OKAY TO RIDE MY HORSE IN A HALTER?

Q: Is it okay to ride my horse in a halter or rope halter sometimes? A: Absolutely — if your horse is safe, trained, and you're in a controlled environment, riding in a halter can improve your feel and your horse’s responsiveness. It’s not about how much gear you use, but how thoughtfully you use…

BylizzieJuly 24, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: FORWARD WHILE HACKING, BEHIND THE LEG IN THE ARENA

Q: My horse is really forward out hacking, but behind the leg in the arena. Why is that? A: It’s likely about mental engagement, not just energy levels. Out hacking, your horse has changing scenery, new footing, and a natural forward draw — they’re alert and interested. In the arena, especially when the work is…

BylizzieJuly 23, 20250Comments

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