ASKHQ: WIDER FROGS

Q: Why is a wide frog preferred? A: Frogs vary in shape and size, and while many horses with narrow frogs, can remain perfectly sound throughout their lives, a food with a wider, thicker frog is generally preferred. This is because in these instances the frog will be able to provide better support to the back of…

BylizzieApril 18, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: WHAT IS PEDAL OSTEITIS?

Q: What is pedal osteitis? A: Pedal osteitis describes inflammatory changes in the pedal bone (P3), otherwise known as the coffin bone, of the foot. It can be seen on X-Ray with changes to the surface and borders or P3. Areas of new bone formation or of bone loss (lysis) may be seen on the bone, particularly…

BylizzieApril 17, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: CLIPPING CONUNDRUM

Q: What are the different types of clips? A: If a horse has to do a lot of work while his thick, winter coat is still present, he can quickly lose his condition through excessive sweating, become dehydrated and also struggle to dry off after a session leading to him getting cold rapidly after work. The…

BylizzieApril 16, 20200Comments

Horse Channel

PRIDEY’S LOCKDOWN LAMENTATIONS DAYS 3 AND 4

Dear readers, It is with great relief that I can inform you that it's been a much more pleasant two days chez moi. Turns out (conveniently) that my (very absent) father had his birthday today and my (sadly) ever present mother had to attend to creating a birthday under lockdown... It appears that this was stressful…

BylizzieMarch 30, 20200Comments

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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

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: LEG UP

Q: Why do people say that it is best to mount from a mounting block rather than from the ground? A: Mounting from a mounting block is generally preferred by most riders and instructors as it places much less strain on a horse’s skeleton and muscles. Most horses in fact find riders mounting from the ground…

BylizzieMarch 2, 20200Comments

Horse Breed Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY

Q: Can you exercise a pregnant mare? A: Many owners are very concerned about riding a pregnant mare, for fear they may harm the mare or growing foal. Vets generally, however, disagree apart from in the first and last months of pregnancy. Vets generally feel that as long as the mare is healthy, and the pregnancy…

BylizzieFebruary 28, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: NIGHT VISION

Q: Can horses see in the dark? A: Horses can see better in low light than humans, but they can't see in the pitch dark. Horses have a membrane at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light more efficiently than a human eye. This allows the horse to see better in…

BylizzieFebruary 20, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How Lifestyle

ASKHQ: PILATES

Q: Why does everyone recommend Pilates for horse riders? Answered by Bonita de Klerk, Pilates instructor A: Riding requires you to have strong core muscles. The core is made up of a series of abdominal and spine-stabilising muscles. These muscles help keep you upright, strong and stable. These muscles also influence your posture. Pilates is focused on…

BylizzieFebruary 13, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: LEFT BEHIND

Q: How can I make box rest easier for my horse? He is so stressed when the other horses go out in the morning. Asked by Gemma Picken A: Box rest can be really difficult if your horse is used to extensive turnout. It can be especially hard if your horse is the only one left behind…

BylizzieFebruary 11, 20200Comments

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