Horses are vaccinated against a variety of diseases, including tetanus, equine influenza and rabies, depending on the country where you reside. Tetanus is usually fatal and is caused by bacteria…
Holistic healthcare is often considered to be a modern-day phenomenon but, in fact, it has been used successfully on both humans and animals in the East for thousands of years.…
In the wild, horses will naturally groom each other using their front teeth to scratch out any loose hairs along the body and to stimulate the skin underneath. As in…
Safety is the first and most important consideration when handling your horse-safety for yourself, your horse and anyone around you. Horses are much stronger than humans and boundaries need to…
Safe environment A horse must have access to pasture that is free from hazards that could cause injury, such as loose fencing, holes or machinery, and is also free from…
Be proud of yourself Learning to ride is as much a mental feat as a physical one. Many people would not consider mounting a large animal, let alone moving freely…
Selecting the right bit for your horse is possibly one of the most important elements for riding safely and ensuring control. Unsuitable bitting can ruin a horse's mouth permanently, but…
Jumping is great fun for both horse and rider and demonstrates great athletic ability. Teaching the rider or horse to learn how to jump should be done in gradual stages.…
A stabled horse requires a good supply of bedding to: Encourage it to lie down and rest. Reduce the likelihood of injury when lying down. Provide warmth and insulation from…
How much grass Generally, you should provide at least one acre of land per horse as minimum and up to two acres if possible. If horses are turned out all…
The gallop is an exhilarating feeling but should not be attempted until you have sufficient experience, skill and confidence. It is worth checking whether your horse can gallop, as not…
The rule "feed little and often" should always be applied to horses. They are designed to be trickle feeders, with small stomachs in relation to body size and need to…
Bounce strides A bounce stride is used for jumping two fences where the distance between the fences does not allow the horse to take a stride between them. The horse…
Stables are not the natural environment for a horse but it is often necessary and more practical to keep your horse stabled. Bearing all the below points in mind, it…
The nature of working with horses dictates that the clothing you wear must be extremely practical at all times. The major considerations here are safety, practicality for cleaning and comfort.…
Relationship building is an area that should not be overlooked when acquiring a new horse or pony. In our haste to get started with our new animal, we often forget…
Bonding with your horse should start on your first day and continue throughout your life together. The more the two of you bond, the better you get to know, understand…
Before we can put a horse on the cross-ties and expect him to stand quietly, it's helpful to teach him to stand quietly without being tied. Choose an area where…