Whorl judging of horse temperament and personality may have found its scientific grounding. Ever notice that donkeys have very different temperaments compared to horses? Ever notice that donkeys have very different heads compared to horses? If you’re starting to think now that those differences could be linked, you might beRead More →
A new study has identified bone damage at the site of the noseband. This research has important ramifications regarding the use of this part of the bridle which is not only common, but compulsory in certain disciplines, like dressage and showing. The changes were either thickening (exostoses) or thinning (concavity)Read More →
Only 66% of Thoroughbred foals entered training in Australia and 5% were exported to other countries. What happened to the other the other 28%? You see the ones that win. You even see the ones that lose. But if you’ve ever wondered where the rest of the racehorses are—the onesRead More →
Tough question time. Which horses have better health and welfare: leisure-riding horses? Or competition horses? A recent Swiss study has just shown that competition horses generally face greater limitations on their movement freedom. But leisure horses tend to be more obese and have slightly poorer-fitting saddles. And meanwhile, both groupsRead More →
Research on horse owners’ use of bitted and unbitted bridles, believed to be first of its kind, could change the equine industry. Charles Sturt master’s student to research horse owners’ use of bitted and unbitted bridles Mrs Jude Matusiewicz wants to determine whether science plays a part in decisions ofRead More →
When a horse is moving straight forward, it can be difficult for a rider to evaluate the horse’s head position. In particular, is his head vertical to the ground, or does his nose point too far in front of or behind that vertical? To help riders better evaluate head andRead More →
Thermography, a useful tool for saddle fit evaluation. Saddle fitting isn’t just black and white. While you’d always aim for a “Good” saddle fit and avoid a “Bad” saddle fit, there’s actually quite a bit of grey area in between those two extremes. Or, according to one research team inRead More →
A survey into noseband use asked riders why they choose nosebands and, one in five respondents reports complications related to their use. They look nice. They frame a horse’s head. They’re part of the standard equipment used in my discipline. They keep the tongue in the right place. So manyRead More →
Weaning foals Six months old. That landmark age when your baby foal isn’t a baby anymore. Time to wean… As in, time to take him away from his dam, lock her up so she doesn’t injure anyone trying to get to her baby. And time to make him try toRead More →
Noseband tightness in competition is a hot topic that is high on Equestrian Canada‘s agenda. In the process of revising the rules, this equestrian federation invited Professor Paul McGreevy to explain the science. Scroll down to watch the webinar… A riding instructor, veterinarian and ethologist, Paul McGreevy is Professor ofRead More →
