SETTING THE TONE IN THE WARM-UP ARENA

The real purpose of the warm-up Text: Lara Ellwood of Insight Equine There’s something about the warm-up arena at a show that seems to buzz with invisible tension. It’s meant to be a space to prepare, to ease our horses and ourselves into rhythm and readiness, but more often than not, it becomes a pressure cooker.…

BylizzieApril 14, 20260Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: MANAGING WARM UP ARENA NERVES

Q: What should I do in the warm-up arena to manage my nerves? I feel like everyone is watching me. A: First, the reassuring reality: almost no one is watching you. They're focused on their own horses, their own nerves, and their own warm-up. Everyone in that warm-up arena is managing their own anxiety; they're…

BylizzieMarch 6, 20260Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: WINTER WARM-UP

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…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: KNEE STIFFNESS

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…

BylizzieMay 29, 20250Comments

Horse Health Horse Training

MANAGING AN ATHLETE – TOP TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR HORSE AT AN EVENT

With the Olympics occupying our screens and closer to home, the upcoming World Cup Qualifier down in Shongweni, here at HQ, we’ve been pondering what it takes to optimally care for your horse at an event. Here are a few of our top tips: 1. Transport While in the box, horses are constantly using their…

BylizzieJanuary 25, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

TOP TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR HORSE AT AN EVENT

With the Olympics occupying our screens and closer to home, the upcoming World Cup Qualifier down in Shongweni, here at HQ, we’ve been pondering what it takes to optimally care for your horse at an event. Here are a few of our top tips: 1. Transport While in the box, horses are constantly using their…

BylizzieNovember 27, 20240Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How Lifestyle

SHOWING 101 WITH TARRYN STEBBING

After our wonderful stint at Horse of the Year, we realised it was about time that the HQ Team got up to date on all things showing. We enlisted the help of National Candidate Showing Judge Tarryn Stebbing to get an overview of the whats, wheres, hows, and whys of this fascinating discipline. HQ: So, Tarryn,…

BylizzieApril 2, 20220Comments

Horse Training Know How

WINTER WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN

A proper warm-up and cool-down are especially important over the winter period. Low temperatures mean your horse’s body needs longer than usual to warm up to a working temperature. Warming up and cooling down should be gradual. Intensive training, when a horse is not properly warmed up could cause severe stiffness, spasms in the muscles,…

BylizzieMay 3, 20210Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

STRETCHING VIDEOS BY ICE MAN AND THE SA LIPIZZANERS

Here is the introduction to the series of videos we will be running over the next few weeks on stretching for the horse. Thank you to Ice Man and the SA Lipizzaners (especially Camilla Lamb!) for putting this together.

BylizzieSeptember 9, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: WARM-UP

Q: Why is the warm-up important? A: Firstly, a horse’s metabolism levels increase when you warm up. Through this process energy becomes more easily accessible for the muscles, preparing them for the harder work expected of them during a workout. Secondly, the amount of oxygenated blood that goes to the muscles increases. Blood vessels widen and the…

BylizzieMay 3, 20200Comments

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