MEET HANNAH PETRIE HAY

Member of The Horseback Vet Team and Core Conditioning proponent Could the key to your horse's long-term soundness be hiding in plain sight, not in the vet's diagnostic kit, but in the way your horse moves, and the way you ride? It's a question that's gaining traction in equine circles, and one that veterinary surgeon…

BylizzieApril 30, 20260Comments

Horse and Yard

SEDATION VS BEHAVIOUR TRAINING

Understanding when calm is care, and when sedation masks a deeper problem The conversation usually starts the same way. A horse owner calls their vet, frustrated and worried. The farrier can't work safely anymore, or clipping has become a nightmare, or loading onto the trailer requires an hour of stress for everyone involved. The question,…

BylizzieJanuary 3, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: SPOTTING LAMENESS

Q: I have realised that I really cannot see lameness and it makes me worry that I don’t see issues with my own horses. How can I learn to get better at this so that I don’t miss something important? A: Lameness is not always easy to spot, especially when it’s mild. A lame horse…

BylizzieOctober 31, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: WEIGHT, GRASS AND LAMINITIS

Q: My horse is overweight, and with the rain and fresh grass, I’m worried the situation will get worse, or that he will develop laminitis? A: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your horse’s overall well-being, as obesity can lead to serious health issues like laminitis, joint problems, and metabolic disorders. If you’ve noticed…

BylizzieAugust 26, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: HEAD TOSSING

Q: My horse has recently started tossing his head. How can I stop him? A: If this behaviour is recent, and you've never had this problem before, rule out all veterinary causes as quickly as you can. Sudden head tossing could be due to pain or discomfort. It's also possible an equine dentist needs to…

BylizzieAugust 26, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: DEWORMING

Q: How often should my horse be dewormed? A: This depends on where your horse is and how stringent your stable yard is with hygiene in the paddocks etc. If you're at a yard where new horses come in and out regularly, you'll most likely have to deworm more regularly, so keep that in mind.…

BylizzieAugust 26, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: NOVICE RIDER BUYING A HORSE

Q: I'm a relatively novice rider looking to buy my first horse. Any tips on what kind of horse I should be looking for? A: Depending on your budget and confidence, generally, a schoolmaster (a horse who has a great deal of experience) is a good choice for a novice rider as he will be…

BylizzieAugust 26, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: JUMP REFUSALS

Q: My horse has started refusing jumps he used to pop over easily. What could be going on? A: A sudden change in jumping confidence or willingness is often a red flag. First, rule out physical causes: discomfort from sore feet, back pain, ill-fitting tack, ulcers, or even subtle lameness can make jumping uncomfortable. A…

BylizzieAugust 25, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: COPD DIAGNOSIS

Q: My horse has been diagnosed with COPD. How does treatment for respiratory problems work, and will it limit what he is able to do? A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or, most recently, equine asthma, occurs when a horse inhales an allergen. This causes the airways to…

BylizzieJuly 30, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: ASYMMETRICAL REIN RESISTANCE

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’…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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