Q: My horse is stiff to warm up in winter—should I be concerned? A: Mild stiffness during cold weather is common, particularly in older horses or those with underlying joint issues. Cold temperatures can affect joint fluid viscosity and muscle flexibility, making the warm-up phase even more critical. Begin with a longer walk period, incorporating gentle lateral…
Q: My horse is always more resistant on one rein. Is this normal, or is something wrong? A: Most horses are naturally one-sided, meaning they’re more supple or ‘willing’ on one rein than the other. This asymmetry can be due to conformation, habitual patterns, or even the rider’s own crookedness. While a degree of ‘sidedness’…
Q: My knees get really stiff after a long ride. What can I do to help with this? A: There are some simple things you can try to see if they make a difference, but it is worth getting your knees seen by a medical professional to ensure there is nothing more serious going on that…
