LOCAL BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD PART 3 – CASE STUDY

Fit2Ride: A strong brand building stronger riders Text: Kim Dale, Founder of Unbridled Marketing When we talk about performance in riding, the conversation almost always centres around the horse: training programmes, nutrition, saddle fit, and veterinary care - all essential pieces of the puzzle. But there is another half of the partnership that deserves just as much…

BylizzieApril 28, 20260Comments

Heart clipped onto the hindquarter of a chestnut horse, full tacked up - HQ Magazine

Horse Health

THE EQUINE HEART

Part I Text: Dr Christina Eberhardt Illustrations: Merlynn Trichardt “The horse – an extraordinary athlete with an efficient heart.” Horses are amazing athletes performing at a level that surpasses that of most other animals of similar body size. Thoroughbreds race at speeds of 64 km/h in flat races; Quarter horses reach speeds as high as 72 km/h over…

BylizzieNovember 18, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

ARE OUR HORSES TOO FIT?

Striking the balance between peak performance and soundness In a world of precision breeding, state-of-the-art conditioning, and elite-level competition, equine athletes are arguably fitter than ever before. But a growing number of veterinarians and riders are asking: is there such a thing as too fit? And could over-conditioning be quietly compromising the long-term soundness of…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Q&A

ASKHQ: FIT OR FRESH?

Q: How do I know if my horse is truly fit, or just fresh? A: There’s a big difference between fitness and freshness. A fresh horse may feel energetic or excitable due to rest, cool weather, or excess feed—but this doesn’t mean they’re conditioned for sustained work. True fitness refers to the horse’s cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal…

BylizzieJune 15, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

CRUCIAL CONFORMATION, PART 10: CHEST CONFORMATION

When choosing or evaluating a horse, there are many factors to consider: breed, breed type (how the horse embodies the characteristics of his breed or type), pedigree, colour, temperament and personality. However, the most important element is the conformation, particularly if you want the horse to have an athletic career or breed. Choosing a horse…

BylizzieJanuary 10, 20240Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How Lifestyle

RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR HORSE RIDERS

Text: Christie Wolhuter Many people are confused by the need for resistance training for equestrians. To me, it is the most important work you can do to keep up with your horse. First of all, we need to remember that horse riding is a sport, and riders should consider themselves athletes. Few top-level equestrians are not…

BylizzieApril 20, 20220Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY

Q: What is the maximum weight a horse should carry? Asked by Bernadette Marx A: This is a difficult question. Horses can carry between 12 and 20% of their body weight, but body weight is not the only factor that decides if a horse can reasonably be expected to carry the weight. You have to look at…

BylizzieMay 6, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: WARM-UP

Q: Why is the warm-up important? A: Firstly, a horse’s metabolism levels increase when you warm up. Through this process energy becomes more easily accessible for the muscles, preparing them for the harder work expected of them during a workout. Secondly, the amount of oxygenated blood that goes to the muscles increases. Blood vessels widen and the…

BylizzieMay 3, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: DIFFERENT SURFACES

Q: What are the benefits of working on different surfaces? Answered by Jan Tucker A: Soundness is a key issue for all equine athletes, and the trainer's ability to keep the horse in peak condition while working at the required level depends on a complex interaction between horse and environment. The surfaces a horse trains and competes…

BylizzieApril 15, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How Lifestyle

ASKHQ: PILATES

Q: Why does everyone recommend Pilates for horse riders? Answered by Bonita de Klerk, Pilates instructor A: Riding requires you to have strong core muscles. The core is made up of a series of abdominal and spine-stabilising muscles. These muscles help keep you upright, strong and stable. These muscles also influence your posture. Pilates is focused on…

BylizzieFebruary 13, 20200Comments

HQ Newsletter