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: 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

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: HOOF ABSCESS PREVENTION

Q: What is a hoof abscess? And how can I prevent them in my horse? A: An abscess is simply a pocket of infection that has developed within the hoof. As the hoof is a relatively fixed structure, this infection can rapidly cause pain and discomfort due to pressure. These abscesses arise due to a penetrating injury…

BylizzieFebruary 2, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: WHAT IS THAT NOISE?

Q: My horse makes a funny noise when I ride him. It sounds like it comes from the saddle, but my instructor says that it is my horse sucking air in and out of his sheath because he was recently gelded. Is this true? How long will it go on for? A: Your instructor is absolutely…

BylizzieJanuary 29, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: SLEEPY TIME

Q: How can I create optimal conditions for my horse to sleep? How do I know if he is sleeping enough? He spends a long time in his stable each day, but he still seems dopey and tired. Asked by Sarah Heggarty A: Some horses spend so much time in their stables that they oddly enough don't…

BylizzieJanuary 27, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: HYDROPHOBIA

Q: How can I get my horse to overcome his fear of water? A: Fear of water is a very common issue in horses. They can't see how deep it is, and being prey animals by nature, they're not inclined to get themselves into any situation that might threaten their survival. Once a horse has got…

BylizzieNovember 24, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: RUBBING ISSUES

Q: Why does my foal rub on me in the stable, even if she's not wearing a halter? Asked by Marle van der Merwe A: Sometimes rubbing has nothing to do with what a horse, or in your case a foal, is wearing on his face. Rubbing can come from skin irritation as well. Look out for…

BylizzieNovember 21, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

SOLARIUM THERAPY

All over the world and more and more in South Africa, equestrians are seeing the benefits of solarium therapy for their horses. Many professional yards have an in-house solarium, so that performance horses can have access to solarium treatment on a regular basis. However, the benefits of the solarium are reaped not only by sport…

BylizzieNovember 15, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: ON A TILT

Q: I have a tendency to tilt forwards and arch my back when I ride. How can I learn to sit up straighter, with a straighter back? A: Tilting forwards and arching of the back can be related issues. Arching of the back can cause a rider to tilt forwards and make it easier for your…

BylizzieOctober 27, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUMPS AND BUMPS: SARCOIDS

What they are: Sarcoids are unfortunately very common, being the most common skin tumour affecting horses. Sarcoids can have a varied appearance and will appear as anything ranging from a hairless area of skin to a big multi-lobed ulcerated mass. It is often difficult to identify sarcoids as they have such a variety of common appearances. Sarcoids…

BylizzieSeptember 5, 20190Comments

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