Q: How can I encourage my horse to drink? A: The simplest way to encourage your horse to drink is to ensure that he has clean, fresh water at all times. Frequently cleaning and refilling buckets is essential to keep water fresh and palatable. Other ways to up your horse's water intake include soaking hay, adding water…
Q: Should I clip my horse or not? A: As winter approaches, many riders choose to clip their horses and be rid of the dreaded ‘winter fluff’! However, there are a few things to bear in mind before you reach for the clippers. The emergence of a full winter coat is triggered by the reduced number…
Q: How do I care for a wound? A: As soon as you see that your horse has a fresh wound or has opened an old wound you need to evaluate the following: Is the wound bleeding profusely? If so, you need to phone your vet immediately. Where is the wound? Is it near to…
Q: How do I do a routine clean of my grooming brushes? Asked by Nicolette Viljoen A: Cleaning grooming brushes is vital, not only for your horse's health but also for keeping the brushes in shape for longer. Firstly, you must start by dislodging as much of the dirt and debris as you can by dragging a curry…
It’s very important that leg wear is always wiped down or cleaned after use, so that it does not cause any chafing or infection to an undiscovered open wound. Boots should have a proper clean at least once a week if the horse has been worked throughout the week, and must also be cleaned properly…
[Q] How do I clean my grooming brushes? [A] Cleaning grooming brushes is vital, not only for your horse's health but also for keeping the brushes in good shape for longer. Firstly, dislodge as much of the dirt and debris as you can by dragging a curry comb (preferably a metal one) over the bristles or rubbing…
As the horse moves, the sand or dirt creates friction and rubbing [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen our horses start acting up when being ridden, our minds quickly think it’s some kind of internal pain or mental block that the horse is experiencing, resulting in out-of-the-norm behaviour. While it’s important not to ignore the possibility that that could very well…
The first step to getting any horse clean and tidy is, of course, a bath. It’s best to bathe your horse the day before you plan to give him a total makeover unless you’ve got the whole day to spare. Your horse is going to need a good scrubbing, so it’s best to wash him in…
Make sure that your paddocks are safe for whatever your horses get up to! [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s we come out of the chilly winter season, it’s time to start looking forward to the warmer summer season. Summer means sunshine, green grass, much-needed rain, longer days, and more time to ride. With so much to look forward to, the…
Is your horse receiving enough water? [dropcap]W[/dropcap]ater is one of the foundations of life and plays a huge role in the wellbeing of our four-hooved friends. Whether a happy hacker or professional athlete, a vitally important factor to consider is hydration. During the winter period, some horses’ water intake becomes much less. This month we look…
