The problems surrounding the recruitment, training and retention of stable staff in horseracing extend beyond the early starts. For at least half a century, the multi-billion-pound horseracing industry in the UK has had a hard time keeping staff on board. And that’s not because of the early morning hours orRead More →
I have previously written about biases and how they can skew our beliefs about what we consider right, correct and truthful. When it comes to how we defend those views, we might find ourselves using or being countered with a logical fallacy. Read about biases by following this link LogicalRead More →
So, horses are dangerous. Is that just the way things are? And does taking risks with horses make you look braver, more confident, or more of a leader? According to one equestrian safety scientist, there are better ways to deal with horse-related risks. And there are better ways to reduceRead More →
Predicting catastrophic racehorse injuries After a string of deadly accidents on horserace tracks in recent years, science has aimed at finding ways to recognize which horses are most at risk of sustaining a fatal fracture. And the work is paying off. According to a team of U.S. researchers, a newRead More →
Here is some advice for fitting, using and maintaining your saddle, compiled by the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with World Horse Welfare. Their research has highlighted some areas that should be carefully considered when fitting a new saddle, which will help to maintain and develop the horse’s topline, andRead More →
When human and equine athletes get separated for several weeks—such as during lockdown—physical and emotional strain can lead to anxiety, poor performance, and even reduced welfare, according to a new study. Elite three-day eventing riders isolated from their horses for eight weeks during Italy’s Covid-19 movement restrictions did not rideRead More →
Your horse probably recognizes your face and knows your voice—maybe even the sound of your car driving up to the stables. And while he or she may develop some level of attachment to you, it might not be the same kind of bond that grows between parents and children orRead More →
Horses and floods Floods are one of the most frequent natural disasters that horse owners have to deal with because many of the properties horses are kept in are floodplains. Despite this, it is easy to become complacent. This helpful information has been compiled by Agriculture Victoria and applies toRead More →
What’s the best bit for my horse? Well, I am glad you ask! It is a very important question that directly affects your horse’s well-being, but finding the answer involves considering and balancing many aspects, from the horse’s history, individual anatomy, conformation and training, to the rider’s skill and howRead More →
They’re all horses, yes. But that doesn’t mean that little horses act like big horses when they’re in pain. According to Dutch scientists, foals express pain differently from the way adult horses do. And because of that, they need their own pain-related facial expression scale that’s unique to baby horses.Read More →
