Prized for their athleticism, strong work ethic and intelligence, thoroughbreds rightly dominate the sport of horse racing. Although they are, in many ways, the ultimate equine athletes, unfortunately there are some health problems which turn up frequently in the breed. The challenges of the racing life push these thoroughbreds to the absolute limits of endurance. And while plenty remain healthy, some don’t.
After you’ve made the financial and emotional commitment of investing in a racehorse, choosing the right trainer becomes vital. Whether you’re an experienced owner or a newbie you can easily make a costly mistake at this point. So, how do you go about selecting the right trainer who suits the needs of both you and your horse?
For horse lovers thinking of entering the world of thoroughbred breeding, it can all look a bit daunting. But it’s not all oil tycoons and multi-million-pound stud farms, there are ample rewards on offer to match all levels of investment.
It’s upsetting for owners to see their horse bullying or being bullied. Biting, striking, kicking and otherwise making other horses lives unpleasant can have a negative effect on all concerned. So, why do horses bully each other and what can we do to remedy this unwanted behaviour?
Just as you wouldn’t go out hacking without arranging horse rider insurance beforehand you also wouldn’t go out without the ability to communicate with them! That’s why we wanted to remind you about the top 10 voice commands that every horse rider should know.
So, your dream has finally come true! You've bought your very own racehorse. You did your pre-sale research, picked out a promising yearling, and have decided who will train and ride it. There's just one thing left to do: give your racehorse a name.
For some people, this can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a racehorse. While silks will carry the owners' colours down the home straight, the name of a racehorse ties it to its owner in a far more meaningful sense. Get it right by reading our guide on how to name a racehorse.
Riding horses is a lot of fun but sometimes you and your equine friend might decide you’d like to try something different. So, how about swimming? Particularly in warm weather, if you live near a horse-friendly beach or lake a refreshing swim could be a real highlight to a hack.
Along with thinking up clever and interesting names for our racehorses, one of the privileges of ownership is designing the racing colours. Sometimes referred to as 'silks' these are the jacket and cap you’ll see worn by the jockey on your horse as it powers down the final furlong to win – fingers crossed!
If you’re keen on outdoor life then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy riding horses. However, this popular activity can come with its own set of risks. And while equestrians might be used to the more common causes of accidents, like poor equipment or speeding traffic, what about other dangers?