Q: My mare has dry skin and is constantly scratching. I've tried coconut oil, tea tree oil, and a cortisone injection from the vet but nothing seems to help. What else can I try? A: Before you try another cream or ointment it is very important to find out what the reason is for the dry…
As we mentioned last month, HQ Magazine is delighted to be teaming up with Callaho for their two online auctions this year. With the Winter Auction fast approaching (11-15 May), Callaho Warmblood Sport Horses have now released their auction selection and everyone needs to check it out! Callaho may refer to ‘breeding magic’, but here at HQ we realise that some serious…
Q: What are the factors that can affect semen quality in breeding stallions? A: There are a whole host of factors which affect semen production in stallions. Two of these are fixed factors, which breeders are forced to 'cope' with and some are modifiable factors, which breeders can adapt for to improve semen quality and thus…
If you want to excel at anything, you have to learn how to manage your thoughts and feelings, both the good and the bad. Excellence is not normal or natural, and cultivating excellence in anything requires hard work and sacrifice. Physical talent is not irrelevant, but it is less important than self-discipline and mental strength.…
Q: What can posture tell us about our horses? A: The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘conformation’ as: “the way in which something is formed; the structure of something, especially an animal” while ‘posture’ is defined as: “the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting”. These definitions may sound similar, but when…
Q: How can I tell if my horse’s hay has gone off? A: The consequences for your horse’s gastrointestinal and respiratory health can be severe if forage quality, especially hygiene is poor. Changes in forage have a much bigger impact on gastrointestinal health than that of concentrate feeds. In particular the impact of forage on the…
Q: What kind of riders will benefit most from mental skills coaching? A: Before you consider whether learning about mental skills would be useful for you, ask yourself whether you are curious to learn more about yourself, both as a rider and as a person. The most important prerequisite to benefit from coaching of any kind,…
Q: My horse won’t walk away from the barn to work, as he doesn’t want to leave his friends behind. How can I manage this? A: This is most likely a case of separation anxiety, which is common and natural. No matter how much we domesticate or even isolate horses, they are inherently herd animals. It…
What is a capped hock, elbow or knee? And how are they caused? Check out this post to find out more.
Want to know more about ringworm? Like the fact that it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus? Then, check out this article on ringworm in our equine friends.
