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

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ASKHQ: CHOOSING AN EQUINE VETERINARY EXPENSE POLICY WITH EQUIPAGE

AskHQ: What should you consider when choosing an equine Veterinary Expense Policy? Answered by Hollard Equipage Equipage: Owning a horse in South Africa is both a privilege and a substantial financial responsibility. With rising veterinary costs, increased travel for competitions and higher risk exposure in terms of climate change, more horse owners are turning to equine…

BylizzieApril 10, 20260Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

WEANING – CAN WE MAKE IT LESS STRESSFUL?

Sport and pleasure horses are typically artificially weaned at around six months of age. Whether weaning is done abruptly or more gradually, in all cases, this ‘artificial’ weaning occurs when the foal is still closely bonded to his mother. During this period, weanlings commonly experience increased distress behaviours, including decreased eating and sleeping, reduced play, weight…

BylizzieFebruary 20, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: SHOWERPROOF, WATERPROOF VS WATER-RESISTANT

Q: What is the difference between showerproof, waterproof and water-resistant? A: Whether you are looking to protect your horse or yourself from wet weather, here is the breakdown of what these three terms mean: Showerproof can keep your horse dry in light rain. The outer material of the item will repel water and feel similar to waterproof, but…

BylizzieFebruary 8, 20250Comments

Horse Channel

ECO-FRIENDLY STABLE YARD, PART 1

By Christine Pinna With the increase in awareness about the environment and the effects our day-to-day choices have on it, you may be wondering if there is a more eco-friendly way to run your stable yard. There are many benefits of making eco-friendly changes that are not only good for the environment but also very often…

BylizzieAugust 7, 20230Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: FITTING A RUG

Q: How do you check if a rug fits your horse? A: Having a rug that fits your horse is important to keep your horse comfortable and avoiding rubbing. To check that a rug fits, you must make sure of the following: The front of the rug over the chest should have an overlap of fabric.…

BylizzieMay 25, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: CLEANING BRUSHES

[Q] How do I clean my grooming brushes? [A] Cleaning grooming brushes is vital, not only for your horse's health but also for keeping the brushes in good shape for longer. Firstly, dislodge as much of the dirt and debris as you can by dragging a curry comb (preferably a metal one) over the bristles or rubbing…

BylizzieOctober 23, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

A NATURAL APPROACH TO WESTERN RIDING

The Vaquero method There is a common misconception that natural horsemanship and Western riding are essentially the same discipline. This is definitely not the case. Natural horsemanship focuses on basics that can improve both Western and English riding performances, whereas Western riding employs a number of approaches, with only one of those approaches having roots…

BylizzieJanuary 19, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Know How

WHEN TACK HURTS

As the horse moves, the sand or dirt creates friction and rubbing [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen our horses start acting up when being ridden, our minds quickly think it’s some kind of internal pain or mental block that the horse is experiencing, resulting in out-of-the-norm behaviour. While it’s important not to ignore the possibility that that could very well…

BylizzieJanuary 31, 20180Comments

Horse Channel Know How Lifestyle

HOLIDAY HELP: PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]henever we get to this time of year, it’s time to start thinking about putting your horses and yard in safe hands while you’re away. Whether you’re on a smallholding with two or three horses on your property, or run a full-time livery yard, you want someone you can trust to care for your horses…

BylizzieNovember 1, 20170Comments

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