THE RIDDEN HORSE

Welfare and the precautionary principle A University of Guelph review argues that many long-accepted riding practices deserve closer scrutiny, even where definitive evidence of harm is still lacking. A review by Caleigh Copelin and Katrina Merkies, published in the March 2026 edition of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, makes the case that modern equestrianism is…

BylizzieMay 14, 20260Comments

An illustration of the anatomy of a horses hoof, showing the bones and skeletal anatomy of the hoof - HQ Magazine

Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING EVENT LINES

The bad and the ugly Text By: Christine Pinna If there is one thing that has been a complete game-changer for me in the last fifteen years of barefoot trimming, it would have to be learning to read the horse's hoof wall in order to understand what has happened in the horse's life in the…

BylizzieNovember 16, 20250Comments

Horse Health

WINTER WOES

Keeping your horse healthy South African winters are not nearly as harsh as those in Europe, yet this time of year still presents some challenges for horse owners. As the temperature drops, how do we keep our equine partners in tip-top shape? Maintaining weight Take care As the days get shorter and the nights get longer,…

BylizzieNovember 11, 20250Comments

Horse Health

SHOEING VS. BAREFOOT IN THE SPORTHORSE

What does the science say For some riders, shoes are non‑negotiable tools that let sporthorses stay comfortable, protected and competitive on modern surfaces. For others, the barefoot (often boot-assisted) model is a welfare-forward way to build stronger, more functional feet, and many swear their horses move better for it. The truth, as usual, sits somewhere…

BylizzieAugust 11, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

MUD MONSTERS – THE IMPACT ON THE HOOVES

With all the rain we have been having in certain areas, you are likely struggling with some wet and downright muddy areas. Continuous exposure to moisture can leave the horse more susceptible to a range of hoof and skin issues. Here we focus on the hoof problems that can result under these challenging conditions. The problem Hooves…

BylizzieMarch 17, 20250Comments

Horse Health

HOME SWEET HOME – CHOOSING A HOOF-FRIENDLY YARD

Text: Christine Pinna While I have come across many extremely well-managed yards that are horse and hoof-friendly and more than willing to accommodate management changes, I have also sadly dealt with many a distressed horse owner who is faced with the opposite scenario. After doing some research and deciding to go barefoot with their horse, they…

BylizzieMarch 16, 20250Comments

Horse Health

FARRIERS AND FOALS: Q&A WITH STEPHEN BLAKEY

As any breeder can attest, foal feet can be tricky, and a good farrier is invaluable in ensuring the best outcome for your youngster. HQ had a chat with Stephen Blakey, a highly recommended farrier with huge experience in working with young stock, to get a quick introduction to the world of foal farriery. Q: How…

BylizzieMarch 12, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

LEG AND HOOF CARE

By Shari Michaelis We've all heard the saying "no hoof, no horse," and I would go as far as to say, "no legs, no horse". Whether you do showjumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, or anything in between, your horse's future depends mainly on how his legs and hooves stand up to whatever task you expect him to…

BylizzieOctober 7, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: DP IMBALANCE

Q: What is ‘DP imbalance’ and how can I assess it? A: In addition to balancing the left and right halves of the feet, the farrier will also want to evaluate the balance from front-to-back of the foot. This is called the dorsopalmar balance when talking about the front feet, and the dorsoplantar balance when discussing…

BylizzieNovember 3, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: CORNS

Q: What are corns? A: The 'seat of corn' is the area of sole between the bar and the heel wall, and a bruise in this area is called a corn. Corns are a big problem in shod horses with collapsed heels. When the wall folds under at the heel and the bars become bent, pressure is…

BylizzieFebruary 15, 20200Comments

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