A new study from the UK suggests that how we handle the first few hours after a wound occurs matters more, and varies more, than we might like to admit. Researchers at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with the British Horse Society, asked owners to report on real wounds in their own horses, from injury…
For more than 70 years, Stellenbosch District Riding Club (SDRC) has stood as a proud cornerstone of the Western Cape equestrian community. Generations of riders, grooms, officials, families, and friends have passed through our gates - each leaving their mark and helping to shape the club we cherish today. As we close the chapter on 2025,…
How awareness, biomechanics, and horsemanship are reshaping rider education Text: Alejandra González I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate to grow up in a family with horses - my father was a horse trainer - so horses were never just a hobby; they were part of my everyday life. But…
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…
An interview on exports with Candice Hobday With South African equestrian talent on the rise, more riders are looking beyond our borders to test themselves on the international stage. But competing in Europe is not as simple as booking a flight - it requires careful planning, logistics, and expert knowledge to ensure horses arrive safely,…
Q: How often should my horse be dewormed? A: This depends on where your horse is and how stringent your stable yard is with hygiene in the paddocks etc. If you're at a yard where new horses come in and out regularly, you'll most likely have to deworm more regularly, so keep that in mind.…
Q: My horse really doesn't like dogs and can get quite aggressive when they come near him. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable around them? A: Horses often have past trauma we are not aware of. It's possible your horse has had a negative experience with dogs and, as a…
In a significant move aimed at aligning competitive progress with equine welfare, the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) has announced a ban on the use of double bridles in dressage below Level 4, effective from 1 September 2025. The decision is part of a broader set of welfare reforms designed to ensure that horses’ mental and physical…
Q: What’s the best way to improve my horse’s canter transitions? A: Quality trot creates a quality transition so focus on straightness, impulsion, and rhythm in the trot before you ask for the canter. No horse can canter easily from a disorganised and messy trot. Use exercises like trot–walk–trot to sharpen responsiveness, and try for…
Text: Lara Ellwood Horses have given us some of life’s most joyful moments—freedom, partnership, connection, and the friendships forged along the way. But for many riders, those highs can be tempered by the creeping nerves that come before a class, in the warm-up arena, or even while thinking about the next show. These overwhelming emotions can…
