LOSE THE SHOES

Text by Marjorie Smith Horses have been shod for hundreds of years, and the majority of domestic horses today wear shoes. Many owners don’t even question the shoes, and prefer to just leave the horse as they got him. However, barefoot is the natural and healthier option, and some horses are truly better off without shoes. Taking a…

BylizzieJanuary 30, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

CRACKED HOOVES

Ask HQ: My horse is starting to develop cracks in his hooves. What can be done about this? Cracks can develop for a number of reasons: e.g. when there is excessive hoof growth and flares in the wall; when you have been riding over very rough terrain; during hot and dry conditions; if the ground…

BylizzieJanuary 25, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

THE PRINCIPLES OF BITTING

Despite the wide variety of bits available on the market, the principles of bitting can really break things back down to basics. There are in total considered to be five bit groups in total. These are: the Snaffle the Weymouth the Pelham the Gag the Bitless Bridle All of these five types of bit act…

BylizzieJanuary 21, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

A SWINGING LOWER LEG

HQ answers your questions Q: Where does swing in the rider's lower leg come from? Asked by Maree Lamorne A: Swing in the lower leg comes from a leg that grips, so the first thing you need to do is to stop gripping with your knee. Your lower leg needs to hug your horse, but…

BylizzieJanuary 19, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

SHORT TAILS

Q: Is there anything I can feed or give to my horse to help his tail grow long and thick? It's very short. Or is this just a waiting game? Answered by Lieke Kerkers, HAVENS specialist and ESI expert There are ways of helping your horse's tail to grow long and thick. Nutrition in general can…

BylizzieJanuary 17, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

STRIDES FOR SUCCESS

Text: Kevin Wessels The key to a good showjumping round is seldom the jump itself but rather the correct ride between the fences. Every aspiring showjumper should work towards a rhythmic and even canter between jumps. However, not everything always goes according to plan, and for that reason showjumping horses need to be adjustable. …

BylizzieJanuary 16, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

THE HOOF ABSCESS EXPLAINED

Understanding one of the most common causes of lameness A hoof abscess is a localised accumulation of purulent fluid (pus) within the horse’s hoof. The pus is produced as a reaction by the horse’s body to infection. A hoof abscess causes sudden-onset, severe lameness. Despite the dramatic onset and severity of the lameness associated with…

BylizzieJanuary 14, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Know How

THE HEADCOLLAR/HALTER

An invaluable piece of tack The headcollar/halter is a vital piece of equipment/tack when it comes to horses. It is useful for working with horses in the stable, and provided he is reasonably well behaved, for leading him when out and about. Headcollars/halters come in all shapes and sizes. They may be made of leather,…

BylizzieDecember 24, 20180Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

BOX-WALKING

A common stable vice The unnatural conditions in which the domesticated horse is kept today, can lead to a variety of abnormal behaviour patterns called 'stereotypies' or 'vices'. Weaving, wind-sucking, crib-biting and box walking are just some of the habits that horses may acquire because of the restrictions placed on them by domesticated life.…

BylizzieDecember 23, 20180Comments

Breeding Horse Channel Horse Health

HERD DYNAMICS

Who's the leader? By Jessi Louw Horses are social animals and the herd in which they stand not only influences the way they communicate with one another, but also dictates their daily processes. Feral herds and domesticated herds vary drastically from each other and it's interesting to understand how each affects the daily life…

BylizzieDecember 22, 20180Comments

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