Lack of hoof maintenance – If horse hooves are not maintained properly, a horse can develop contracted heels. For example, heels that are too long can cause the frog to disengage with the ground, and can eventually lead the heels to contract inward. How do you fix a collapsed heel? Read more…
Underrun heels are a degenerative condition when the heel wall angle is less than that of the toe wall. The heel distorts inward and under the hoof rather than slanting outward towards the back. Contrast this to a healthy hoof. What causes underrun heels in horses? Underrun heels are mostly Read more…
The experienced rider rides regularly, has a strong seat and is confident of their own ability. They are able to control the horse at speed and change direction of their horse at any pace and in any circumstance as needed. They are also confident over small jumps and on a Read more…
A sheared heel in horses is a displacement of the coronary band of the hoof. This causes the heel of the hoof to become pushed upward and outwards. What causes sheared heels on a horse? Sheared heels are most likely caused by abnormal forces being placed on one side of Read more…
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium currently lists 30 approved therapeutic medications, including sedatives, pain killers, muscle relaxants. Nearly all horses that race today take the two most popular substances — Lasix, to combat bleeding, and the pain-relieving anti-inflammatory, Phenylbutazone, or “bute.” What do horses get when they win a Read more…
Breaking-in is THE moment when the horse builds its relationship with the rider. So, if the first saddle you put on is “the rotten saddle for breaking-in” which doesn’t suit them at all or even hurts them because it presses on the withers, they will automatically make the association {saddle Read more…
A bite from a horsefly can be very painful and the bitten area of skin will usually be red and raised. You may also experience: a larger red, raised rash (called hives or urticaria) dizziness. weakness. wheezing. part of your body becoming puffy and swollen. What does a horsefly bite Read more…
Blisters. If you develop blisters after being bitten by an insect, don’t burst them because they may become infected. Should you pop horsefly bites? Horsefly bite treatment Scratching it is likely to make the bite worse and increase the risk of bacterial infection developing. Do not use anything to clean Read more…
Snaffles. Logically, a simple snaffle is the best choice. Leave any type of curb to more advanced training. The first choice will probably be a jointed snaffle Snaffles with smallish rings that would be unlikely to catch on anything if the horse does try to rub its face. What bit Read more…
An important ratio to consider when analyzing balance is the ratio of the topline to the underline. The topline is measured from the withers to the point of coupling. The underline is measured from a point under the belly between the horse’s front legs to a point roughly even with Read more…