POLYVAGAL THEORY

The science of safety in horse training Understanding how the nervous system works isn’t just a human psychology topic; it’s central to horsemanship, rider development, and equine welfare. Polyvagal theory, developed by Professor Stephen Porges, offers one of the clearest scientific frameworks for why horses learn on some days, shut down on others, and thrive…

BylizzieDecember 22, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: RAW FLAXSEED AND CYANIDE TOXICITY

Q: Should I be worried about cyanide toxicity in raw flaxseed? A: This is a common concern, but in practical terms, the risk is very low. Flaxseed does contain compounds that can release small amounts of cyanide during digestion, but the quantities typically fed to horses are far below toxic levels, especially when flax is…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: TURNOUT IN OVERREACH BOOTS

Q: Is it okay to turn my horse out in overreach boots? A: It’s very common to see horses turned out wearing overreach boots. If your horse is prone to overreach injuries or the pulling of shoes, then these boots are a straightforward way of reducing the cuts to the heels or lost shoes. However, in order…

BylizzieMarch 27, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: TYING A HAY NET

Q: How do you tie a hay net safely? A: Follow these steps to tie a hay net safely: Fill the hay net with hay. An average-sized hay net will normally hold 3-4 slices from a rectangular bale. Pull the drawstring on the hay net so that the top closes. Tie a knot,…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ICE MAN STRETCH VIDEO 3

Check out this video of Camilla Lamb showing us the second recommended stretch for your horses. Thank you to Ice Man and the Lipizzaners for putting this series together for us. When you have watched the video, video yourselves trying the stretch with your horse. Send you video to hq@panorama.co.za and stand a chance to…

BylizzieSeptember 11, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: FALLING SAFELY

Q: What is the best way to fall off safely? A: When we ride, we of course aim to stay on the horse at all times! However, horses are unpredictable and some situations are simply out of our control. Each fall is circumstantial and we often don't have enough time to ensure we fall off safely.…

BylizzieOctober 18, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Know How

FIRE

As parts of South Africa adopt the browner hues of winter, fire becomes an increasing concern. Fire poses huge threats to our animals, our yards and, of course, ourselves. It goes without saying that buildings made of metal, stone or brick are far less at risk than timber structures. Cement and compacted earth floors also…

BylizzieJuly 21, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ICE MAN STRETCH VIDEO 3

Check out this video of Camilla Lamb showing us the second recommended stretch for your horses. Thank you to Ice man and the Lipizzaners for putting this series together for us. When you have watched the video, video yourselves trying the stretch with your horse. Send you video to hq@panorama.co.za and stand a chance to…

BylizzieJune 7, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Lifestyle

LIGHTING THE WAY

Is it safe to ride in the dark? All of us will at some point or other struggle to get to the yard before the sun goes down. This is particularly a problem in winter when the days are much shorter, but can still cause issues at other times of the year. Many of us…

BylizzieJanuary 22, 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

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