THE FUTURE OF EQUINE BREEDING – GENETICS, DATA AND ETHICS

The next frontier of sporthorse breeding isn’t just about bloodlines; it’s about information. Across the world, breeders are increasingly using genetic testing, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), and data-driven analysis to predict, enhance, and preserve equine athletic potential. But as the science accelerates, so do the ethical questions that come with it. Artificial insemination, embryo…

BylizzieMay 10, 20260Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: HOW TO STOP COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHER RIDERS

Q: I watch other riders and think everyone else is so much better than me. How do I stop comparing myself and feeling inadequate? A: Comparison is called the 'thief of joy' for good reason. It's also remarkably unproductive. You're comparing your internal experience (all your doubts, mistakes, and struggles) with other people's external appearance…

BylizzieMarch 5, 20260Comments

Black and white photo of a horse working in a fibre arena in bandages - HQ Magazine

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: LATERAL WORK ISSUES

AskHQ: My horse works nicely in straight lines, but as soon as we start lateral work including leg-yields, shoulder-in and half-pass, he comes against the hand. Why does this happen, and what should I look at first? A: Lateral work asks far more of the horse’s posture, strength, balance, and coordination than straight work. When…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20250Comments

Close-up of a horse's legs showing the horse cantering on a fibre surface in the arena - HQ Magazine

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: STUMBLING

AskHQ: My horse has started stumbling more frequently. Sometimes it’s just a toe drag, but other times he feels as if he loses his balance for a stride. How do I know what’s ‘normal’, and what’s a sign of something serious? A: Occasional stumbling can happen to almost any horse, especially when they’re tired, on…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20250Comments

Horse Breed Horse Training

TRAINING THE EYE – HOW TO ASSESS CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT

Whether you’re shopping for a youngster, evaluating your current mount, or simply seeking to better understand your horse’s strengths and challenges, developing an ‘educated eye’ for conformation and movement is one of the most valuable skills a rider or owner can cultivate. It’s more than just assessing beauty or elegance — it’s about predicting performance…

BylizzieJune 17, 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

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

BACK TO BASICS 5

And finally, to round of this mini series, here are a few extra exercises you can add to your schooling routine to get you and your precious pony back in action. Extra exercises Transitions – get your upward transitions to be light and forward and be careful of falling onto the forehand…

BylizzieJune 6, 20200Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

BACK TO BASICS 4

Reaction If you feel like your horse is a little slow in his reactions to the leg , now’s the time to iron out those glitches! Just as the horse should respond with ease to the rider’s contact, so too should his reactions be quick to the leg. Assess by asking …

BylizzieJune 5, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

TROUBLESHOOTING: BONE SPAVIN

My horse has been diagnosed with bone spavin. I’m concerned that this is the end of our competitive career and she is only nine. Answered by Sarah Wanless Bone spavin is a scary term for anybody in the horsey world, and many associate it with having to put their beloved competition horse out to pasture. The good…

BylizzieApril 23, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: STABLE DIMENSIONS

Q: What are the minimum recommended dimensions of a stable? A: Expecting horses to stay happy when cooped up for hours in a stable is quite an ask – especially if the space the horse is kept in is very small. The following dimensions are the minimum required for stabling, although larger stables are obviously preferable,…

BylizzieMarch 6, 20200Comments

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