If you use a flash or drop noseband, you may be surprised at the results of a recent preliminary equine study. Jayne Peters from Bishop Burton College, UK and her research team, investigated three different noseband designs for their effect on rein tension and the force being exerted on theRead More →
Whether you ride horses or just admire them from afar, at some point you might have wondered how horses sleep. Maybe you saw a horse lying in a field and wondered if horses sleep lying down or standing up. If you have pets, you probably already know that the sleepRead More →
Astute horse owners realise that their horse’s welfare is about more than having food, water and appropriate shelter. The horse’s emotional well-being, also known as their quality of life, is an important piece of the welfare puzzle. However, it is unclear what measurements are accurate and reliable enough to helpRead More →
You put your right hand on, You take your right hand off, You put your right hand on… the handle, And you turn it to the right…. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what (getting out of your barn) is all about! Welcome to theRead More →
This article focuses on what the end of life options are for horses, and the advantages and disadvantages of these options. It further discusses some of the welfare problems associated with slaughter and how some of these could be addressed. Article Highlights There is an array of welfare issues associatedRead More →
This is my story of Sox. Sox came to me as a very sweet, very talented, yet very immature rising four-year-old in October 2014. I was excited about her bright future but I was prepared to give her time. I am very much against rushing the training of young horses.Read More →
A new scientific study suggests owners often miss signs of stress. Even experienced horse owners risk missing signs that their horses are experiencing stress or fear. The team of researchers from the Equine Behaviour and Training Association warn that when people fail to recognise the behavioural signs of pain andRead More →
The practice of cross or mixed grazing is often suggested as a useful strategy to manage intestinal parasite infestation, but until recently, evidence of its efficacy was limited. A French team has provided the first evidence of the benefits of mixed grazing with cattle as an alternative to control strongyleRead More →
You show up at the barn in a bad mood, grumpy, short-tempered. You snap at the other riders and you raise your voice at a significant other over your mobile phone. Then there’s your horse, wide-eyed and a little nervous, like he’s wondering what’s in it for him. If you’veRead More →
Some people might think they know all too well how Gypsies and Travellers treat their horses… right? (Insert their eye roll, nodding, and even perhaps a judgmental smirk?) Actually, maybe they don’t. Despite popular belief, many Travellers/Gypsies have a good understanding of equine welfare needs and how to care forRead More →
