FEATURE ARTICLES

Why sole thickness matters more than you think...

Reading between the strides and recognising lameness before it becomes obvious...

When a Simple Toss of the Head Signals Something Far More Complex

Riders have long said that horses "just know" when something is wrong, and science is beginning to explain why.

On average, horses produce around 7 to 9 litres of urine a day, and just like in humans, that liquid gold can provide valuable clues about hydration and wellbeing.

Here’s how to recognise the problem, understand the causes, work with your vet on diagnosis, and put an effective plan in place.

From the pop of fireworks to the clang of stable doors, certain sounds can trigger exaggerated reactions. Learning to identify and manage this sensitivity...

Dr Sophie Burling explores the story from the inside out, tracing how performance begins not in the limbs or topline, but in the blueprint of every cell.

For many years, tying up was regarded as an ailment affecting primarily racehorses. Today, however, research and real-world experience show that it is not confined to the racetrack.

Many riders have shrugged off a crack, hoping it would simply grow out, only to discover later that such flaws can snowball into something far more serious, threatening both comfort and performance.

Respiratory diseases are among the most common conditions affecting horses today, and they can have dramatic consequences, affecting everything from daily comfort to long-term performance...

When we recognise our horses as athletes, it becomes clear that their management at competitions requires the same thoughtful preparation and recovery strategies as any human sports-person.

Though not life-threatening in the way internal cancers can be, sarcoids can seriously affect a horse's comfort, appearance and even its suitability for certain activities

In New Zealand, where many regions experience seasonal downpours and poor drainage in grazing areas, conditions are ideal for mud fever to develop and spread.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), once a distant concern, has become a pressing reality in both human and veterinary medicine, and the equine world is not exempt.

The changing seasons signal physical changes in our horses. Changing coats and feed requirements are easily noted. However, changes in immune response are also seasonal.

Even if you are physically okay, one of the biggest struggles for riders following the event is regaining their previous confidence. Here is some advice on how you can bounce back after a fall.

When an infection strikes your horse, it pays to know what you’re up against. Read on to discover more about common infections, treatment options and how to protect your horse.

For horse owners, colic is one of the most worrying incidents that can happen. Do you know what to do – and perhaps even more importantly, what not to do – if you think your horse may have colic?

Dutch show jumping Olympic silver medalist Albert Voorn inspired riders and onlookers with his simple and logical approach. We followed the progress over the two days. 

Your horse’s muscles do a lot more than just move him from A to B – discover how they work and how to keep them healthy.

In this article, we’re looking into what happens to your horse’s teeth from birth to old age and getting you clued up on dental ageing, common problems and essential dental care.

There are some simple measurements of brain function that all horse owners can try and these can tell you a lot more about your horse than you might think. 

Back pain is a widespread and performance-limiting problem in horses. The good news is, our awareness of back pain and the issues it can create has increased and with it.

Not a single accomplished person in any field hasn’t had to overcome adversity and push forward through it at some point in their life and career. Read this article to find out more...

Top show rider Ben Thomson has enjoyed tremendous success, winning countless National and Horse of the Year titles. He shares his training secrets with us.

Windsucking is still one of those things that many people are uneasy about, likely because of the many unknowns surrounding the behaviour. 

Even if you think you are not the type of person at risk of mental health challenges, adversity can come your way and test your resilience. Read on to learn how to manage and thrive through the tough times.

In this dressage masterclass, Cooper Oborn coaches us through the lateral movements and how they help develop collection and correct movements through this training clinic.

Dr Kathryn Nankervis and osteopath Elizabeth Launder talk about assessing the ups and downs of foot balance.

It’s all about simple adjustments and fine-tuning in this training clinic with Emelia Forsyth. In this high-intensity session, we work on small changes that will make a real impact for successful show jumping.

Hundreds of thousands of horses are bought, sold, adopted or rehomed each year. It can be either an exhilarating experience or a frustrating and exhausting one and can be a minefield to navigate.

Cavaletti training offers several benefits for horses when incorporated into their exercise routines. These low, adjustable obstacles can help improve a horse’s physical condition and coordination.

Horses give us a lifetime of partnership, from work to play. As they age, they deserve our care, compassion, and a dignified retirement in recognition of all they have given.

The off-season is a chance to reset, refocus, and prepare for success. Five leading equestrian experts share practical tips to help you and your horse build strength, sharpen skills, and set smart goals

Specialists Paxton Conder, Angela Noblio, Tina Sargeant, and Emma Buckingham share their essentials for smooth horse show planning.

The foundation for your show-day starts with developing a routine back at the home base and knowing your horse. “You have to ride your horse on show day the way the horse knows you will ride him."

Accuracy can be one of the most overlooked parts of a winning score. Many riders have high-quality work, but they lose marks due to inaccuracy.