A scientific and practical look at post-competition recovery At every show, the buzz after a big round is electric, but once the adrenaline fades, a quieter and arguably more important phase begins: recovery. For decades, equestrian culture has glorified the work: the rounds, the lessons, the hours in the saddle. Only recently has the focus shifted…
USEF launches research fund with focus on competition horse welfare The late Chromatic BF, the 13-year-old Oldenburg show jumper who died at the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals in Riyadh, will leave a lasting impact on equine welfare through a new research fund established in his honour. US Equestrian has announced the first two…
Q: My horse seems slow to shed his winter coat this year. Why might that be? A: A horse shedding more slowly than usual can have a few different causes - some completely benign, others worth checking out: Seasons and environment Shedding is driven by daylight hours (photoperiod), not temperature, so even if it is…
Q: My horse seems slow to shed his winter coat this year. Why might that be? A: A horse shedding more slowly than usual can have a few different causes - some completely benign, others worth checking out: Seasons and environment Shedding is driven by daylight hours (photoperiod), not temperature, so even if it…
Q: My horse has been diagnosed with COPD. How does treatment for respiratory problems work, and will it limit what he is able to do? A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or, most recently, equine asthma, occurs when a horse inhales an allergen. This causes the airways to…
Horses should have a diet based around forage, and while some will need more than others, this essential part of the diet is critical and should never be overlooked. Forage includes sources such as hay, grazing, high fibre cubes, chaffs, and even super fibres such as soya hulls and beet products. Without fibre, which is the…
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…
Q: What signs might suggest a horse has kissing spines? A: Kissing spines, otherwise known as overriding/impinging dorsal spinous processes, are a common diagnosis in ridden horses. Kissing spines are usually suspected when horses show signs of back pain. These signs might include the following: A negative reaction to pressure being applied along the spine or…
Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Science As owners and loving carers of our steeds, it’s always nice to see our horse rushing to his feed bucket and finishing every bit of food in sight. Commonly, this is believed to be a sign that the horse enjoys his food. However, in some cases, the speed at which…
Joint infections, also known as septic arthritis, are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions in horses. These infections can lead to severe lameness, joint damage, and, if not treated promptly, long-term disability or even the need for euthanasia. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for joint infections is crucial for horse owners, vets, and…
