WHICH WAS THE FIRST RACEHORSE STUD IN SOUTH AFRICA AND WHO STARTED IT?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he first Thoroughbreds were imported into South Africa in 1792 and informal races were held at Green Point, Cape Town from September 1797. The British governor of the colony, Lord Charles Somerset, imported a number of English stallions and mares in 1814 and encouraged other wealthy settlers to do the same. A government stud was…

BylizzieDecember 27, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Know How

DO HORSES HAVE FEELING IN THEIR MANE?

[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…

BylizzieDecember 24, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT THAT A RECREATIONAL HORSE CAN CARRY?

Horses can carry between 12% and 20% of their body weight, but body weight is not the only factor that decides if it is justified to carry a certain amount of weight. You have to look at the muscles, build and breed of the horse in order to make a safe observation and conclusion. Is the…

BylizzieDecember 24, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT A HORSE IS RESISTING THE CONTACT?

The most obvious sign that a horse has not accepted the contact is resistance. This can be displayed through snatching, falling behind, grabbing and hollowing. Snatching Horses usually snatch at the reins when you grip them too tightly. This can usually be fixed by gently sponging to encourage softness and suppleness. Don’t confuse this with sawing (pulling…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

HOW CAN YOU TEACH A HORSE TO BE MORE REACTIVE TO THE AIDS?

Train your horse to go forward from your leg and to slow down from the reins and seat [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he principle of action is reaction. Horses naturally yield away from pressure. It is very helpful to teach the horse to move away from pressure, like in the washing place when you ask the horse to step aside.…

BylizzieDecember 20, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

WHEN IS A HORSE CONSIDERED ON THE BIT?

The frame in front should reflect the engagement and thoroughness from behind. [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iders in today’s age have lost sight of what it means for a horse to be ‘on the bit’. The expression has become associated with submission and obedience of the horse, and the aesthetic look of the horse with his head down and ‘in…

BylizzieDecember 18, 20170Comments

Horse Health Know How

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME FOR MY HORSE TO RETIRE?

Some horses tick on well into their golden years with no obvious signs of trouble – so how do we know when it’s time to retire these senior athletes? [dropcap]M[/dropcap]any horses retire due to an injury that dictates a poor or impossible working life post diagnosis. Leg injuries, back injuries and disease are the leading cause…

BylizzieDecember 18, 20170Comments

Horse Health Know How

HOW OFTEN DO HORSES HAVE TWINS?

Veterinarians will typically recommend removing one of the twin embryos to maximise survival and well-being of both mare and remaining foal [dropcap]N[/dropcap]ature does not favour the birth of equine twins, and many mares will abort within the first 40 days of pregnancy. Of the mares who carry twins longer than six weeks, 80% will abort during…

BylizzieDecember 18, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

9 TIPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT COACH

Behind every successful rider is a coach who is constantly teaching, motivating and inspiring their rider [dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll instructors have their own personal style of teaching, which will work for some but not for others. As a rider, you will likely change instructors a few times as you grow up, become more or less competitive, or change…

BylizzieNovember 27, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

CREATING CONNECTIONS: WHAT TRUE CONTACT SHOULD FEEL LIKE?

Contact should be seen as a symptom of what is happening behind [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iding can sometimes be an overwhelming minefield of both terminology and analogy, leaving the rider not entirely sure of what they are meant to be striving for. Here we demystify one of the most basic and yet complex concepts: the contact. We discuss what it…

BylizzieNovember 27, 20170Comments

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