A glossy-coated horse cantering across a field with the wind in its mane is a sight that gladdens the heart of any equestrian. However, keeping your horse or pony clean is not just about maintaining its good looks – it’s essential to its health, too. And bathing a huge horse is no easy feat, especially if your animal is apprehensive or you’re inexperienced.
Horse racing is one of the UK’s favourite sports. According to Equine World UK, its history spans as far back as the 12th century, when knights from England brought Arab horses home when they returned from the Crusades.
It’s a scenario that’s all too easy to imagine. You notice your horse limping, go to take a look and see a nail sticking out of their hoof. What a nightmare!
Read our guide to help you consider the sometimes-thorny issues. And if you decide you have too many horses to care for properly then we also include a few tips to consider when rehoming.
Being turned out onto grass for natural grazing and some socialising with their equine friends is great for your horse’s physical and mental wellbeing. However, not all fields are the same and there can be vast differences between a well-maintained paddock and one that has been left to deteriorate.
I currently have the charge of two Shetland ponies, not just one, as I have mentioned previously. However, Jackson is currently enduring the consequences of repeatedly running through my electric fencing as if it isn’t there, and his turnout is only in the pen. I do feel slightly guilty about this, but given his small size he can still have a good canter around, buck and roll.
The arena is now almost complete!! It’s been really interesting seeing the progress each day and the steps it takes to build it going from a muddy field to the horses new ‘play area’. We have been extremely lucky with the weather as its been dry every day for the build!
The evil one (aka Aria) has still been a bit poorly ☹ The antibiotics she was on didn’t really make too much difference in terms of her swollen glands, so another visit from the vet was arranged. This poor vet, he must have been shaking by the end of the call with the thought of coming back out to see her and take bloods again!
Fans of equine sporting events come from all over the world to watch and participate in UK horse shows and horse racing. While these spectators all appreciate horses, they might never have considered the differences between show horses and racehorses. Read our guide to find out more about these wonderful creatures.