Practical, experience-led guidance for UK horse owners who care about welfare, safety and informed decisions.
Structured advice covering horse health, seasonal management, grooming, tack knowledge and stable routines.
Horse Health & Welfare
Preventative care, early warning signs and practical health management advice.
Caring for your horse’s health starts with understanding what is normal, recognising subtle changes early, and building consistent management routines. This section covers essential guidance to help you monitor wellbeing, prevent common issues, and make informed decisions with confidence.
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Early Signs of Colic Every Horse Owner Should Know
Colic is not a disease — it is a symptom of abdominal pain. It ranges from mild gas discomfort to life-threatening intestinal displacement. Early recognition is the single most important factor influencing outcome. Many severe cases begin with subtle signs that are easy to miss. This guide explains how to identify early warning signs, what
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How to Monitor Your Horse’s Weight and Body Condition Score Properly
Weight management is one of the most overlooked aspects of equine welfare. Subtle changes in body condition often occur gradually and go unnoticed until performance declines, health issues emerge, or veterinary intervention becomes necessary. Monitoring weight is not about appearance — it is about metabolic health, joint longevity, laminitis prevention, and immune stability. This guide
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Common Hoof Problems and How to Spot Them Early
The hoof is a complex, weight-bearing structure designed to absorb shock, support circulation, and protect internal structures. Subtle hoof changes often appear days or weeks before lameness becomes obvious. Early detection prevents minor issues from escalating into costly and painful conditions. This guide explains the most common hoof problems in UK horses and how to
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Recognising Dehydration in Horses
Dehydration is one of the most underestimated health risks in horses. It does not only occur during hot summer months — it is equally common in winter when water intake drops due to cold temperatures. Even mild dehydration can affect: Gut motility Performance Recovery Thermoregulation Colic risk Severe dehydration is a veterinary emergency. This guide
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First Aid Basics Every Yard Should Know
Emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Whether it is a field injury, sudden lameness, a colic episode, or a kick wound, the first few minutes of response can significantly influence the outcome. First aid is not about replacing veterinary care — it is about stabilising the situation safely until professional help arrives. Every yard, regardless
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When to Call the Vet: Warning Signs Horse Owners Should Never Ignore
One of the hardest judgement calls for any horse owner is deciding whether a situation warrants veterinary attention. Delaying a necessary call can worsen outcomes. Calling early can prevent escalation, reduce suffering, and often lower long-term cost. The most responsible approach is simple: When in doubt, call. This guide outlines clear warning signs that require
Rugging & Seasonal Management
Confident seasonal care and practical rugging decisions for UK conditions.
Managing your horse through changing weather requires balance, observation, and good judgement. From selecting the correct rug weight to transitioning safely between seasons, these articles provide clear, practical advice tailored to real-world yard life.
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Horse Rug Weight Guide for UK Weather
A Practical, Welfare-Focused Approach to Choosing the Right Rug Choosing the correct rug weight in the UK is not as simple as reading the temperature forecast. Wind, rain, humidity, clipping status, age, body condition and shelter access all influence how a horse regulates body temperature. Incorrect rugging is one of the most common welfare missteps
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Clipped vs Unclipped Horses Rugging Differences Explained
A Practical Guide to Thermoregulation, Welfare and Smart Rugging Decisions Clipping fundamentally changes how a horse regulates body temperature. A natural winter coat is designed to trap air and repel moisture. Once clipped, that insulation system is partially or completely removed. Rugging a clipped horse requires deliberate planning. Rugging an unclipped horse requires restraint and
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Signs Your Horse Is Too Hot or Too Cold
How to Read Your Horse — Not Just the Weather Forecast Horses cannot tell us when they are uncomfortable — but they communicate clearly through behaviour, posture and physical signs. Incorrect rugging is one of the most common management errors on UK yards, and many owners rely on temperature charts instead of direct observation. Learning
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How to Measure Your Horse for a Rug Correctly
A Practical Guide to Getting Fit Right — First Time A poorly fitted rug causes more problems than no rug at all. Rubbing, slipping, pressure sores, restricted movement and even behavioural tension can all stem from incorrect sizing. Many owners guess rug size based on previous purchases or brand labels. However, rug sizing varies between
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Turnout Management During Wet Winters
A Practical Guide for UK Conditions Wet winters are one of the biggest management challenges for UK horse owners. Persistent rainfall, heavy clay soils and limited daylight create muddy fields, damaged pasture and increased risk of injury and skin conditions. Poor turnout management during winter can lead to: Mud fever Thrush Tendon strain Field destruction
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Summer Rugging and Fly Protection Explained
A Practical Guide for Comfort, Insect Control and Heat Awareness Many owners assume rugs are only for winter. In reality, summer rugging plays a critical role in protecting horses from insects, sun exposure and skin irritation. However, incorrect summer rug use can lead to overheating, sweating and coat damage. Summer rugging is about protection —
Grooming & Skin Care
Daily coat care, skin health and grooming routines for every season.
Regular grooming supports more than appearance — it plays a key role in comfort, circulation, and early problem detection. Explore practical routines, skin care guidance, and tips to keep your horse healthy and comfortable year-round.
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Building the Perfect Grooming Kit
A Professional Guide to Function, Welfare and Efficiency A grooming kit is not simply a collection of brushes — it is a diagnostic toolkit, a hygiene system and a communication tool between horse and handler. The right equipment allows you to maintain skin health, monitor subtle physical changes, improve coat condition and reinforce trust through
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Daily Grooming Routine for Busy Owners
Many owners believe effective grooming requires large blocks of time. In reality, consistency matters more than duration. A structured 10–20 minute daily routine, applied properly, provides significant welfare benefits and early health detection. This guide outlines a practical, efficient grooming structure suitable for busy UK owners managing work, winter darkness and yard time constraints. Why
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Bathing Your Horse Safely Step by Step
Bathing a horse is often treated as a cosmetic task before competition or showing. In reality, bathing is a management tool that must be used correctly to avoid skin irritation, chilling, coat damage and even immune stress. Incorrect bathing — particularly in the UK climate — can do more harm than good. This guide explains
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Managing Greasy Heel and Skin Irritation
Greasy heel (also known as mud fever or pastern dermatitis in some cases) is one of the most common and frustrating skin conditions faced by UK horse owners. It ranges from mild scabbing to painful, inflamed, weeping lesions that can cause lameness if left untreated. Effective management requires understanding the cause — not just repeatedly
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Shedding Season Grooming Tips
Managing the Coat Transition Properly Shedding season is one of the most physically demanding periods for a horse’s skin and coat. As daylight hours increase in late winter and early spring, hormonal changes trigger the release of the thick winter coat. The process can last several weeks and places significant demand on the skin. Handled
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How to Keep Your Horse’s Coat Shiny
A naturally shiny coat is not created by sprays alone. Shine reflects internal health, correct management and balanced skin function. While cosmetic products can enhance appearance temporarily, true coat quality is built from nutrition, circulation, hygiene and correct rugging. This guide explains how to develop long-lasting, natural coat shine without over-reliance on artificial enhancers. What
Tack & Equipment Knowledge
Safe selection, correct fit and proper maintenance of essential equipment.
Well-maintained, correctly fitted tack protects both horse and rider. This section helps you understand equipment choices, care routines, and safety checks so you can ride with confidence and extend the life of your gear.
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Understanding Different Types of Girths
The girth plays a critical role in saddle stability, horse comfort, and rider safety. An ill-suited girth can cause discomfort, behavioural resistance, restricted movement, and even long-term soft tissue damage. Choosing the correct girth is not simply about size — it is about shape, material, pressure distribution, and discipline suitability. This guide explains the main
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Essential Yard Tools Every Owner Needs
A well-run yard depends on more than good horsemanship — it relies on practical equipment that supports safety, hygiene, and daily efficiency. The right tools reduce labour, prevent injury, and improve welfare standards. This guide outlines the essential tools every horse owner should have, why they matter, and how to maintain them properly. Why Proper
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Tack Cleaning Schedule for Busy Riders
Tack maintenance is often neglected not through carelessness, but through time pressure. However, inconsistent cleaning shortens equipment lifespan, increases safety risk, and can compromise horse comfort. A structured cleaning schedule allows even busy riders to maintain high standards without unnecessary time burden. This guide outlines a realistic, effective system that protects leather, stitching, and metalwork
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Organising Your Tack Room Efficiently
A well-organised tack room is more than visually pleasing — it improves safety, extends equipment lifespan, and saves time every single day. Poor organisation leads to lost items, damaged tack, rodent contamination, and unnecessary replacement costs. An efficient tack room supports professional standards and smoother daily routines. This guide explains how to structure, store, and
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Budget vs Premium Tack What Matters Most
When choosing tack, riders are often faced with a difficult question: Is premium tack worth the investment, or will budget options perform just as well? The answer is not simply about price. It is about materials, construction, safety, fit, longevity, and intended use. This guide breaks down what truly matters — and where spending more
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How Weather Affects Tack Condition
Tack is constantly exposed to environmental stress — even when stored indoors. The UK’s fluctuating climate, high humidity, and seasonal extremes can significantly impact leather integrity, stitching strength, and metal fittings. Understanding how weather affects tack allows you to prevent avoidable deterioration, safety risks, and costly replacements. Weather damage is gradual — and often invisible
Rider Education & Stable Management
Practical yard routines, safety awareness and confident horse ownership.
Good horsemanship combines knowledge, routine and awareness. From yard safety and daily management to building trust with your horse, these guides support responsible ownership and calm, consistent handling.
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Yard Safety Rules Every Rider Should Follow
Yards are working environments. Horses are large, reactive animals. Equipment is heavy. Surfaces can be slippery. Vehicles move unpredictably. When safety standards slip, injuries happen — often preventably. Professional yard safety is not about being over-cautious. It is about awareness, structure, and consistency. This guide outlines the essential safety principles every rider and horse owner
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Preparing for Your First Horse Ownership
Owning your first horse is exciting — but it is also one of the most significant financial, emotional, and time commitments you can make. Horses depend entirely on consistent, informed management. Preparation determines whether ownership feels rewarding or overwhelming. Buying a horse is the easy part. Providing stable, long-term care is the responsibility. This guide
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How to Create a Daily Routine Horses Thrive On
Horses are biologically designed for predictability. In the wild, their days revolve around grazing, movement, herd interaction, and rest — all within a stable rhythm. Domestic management disrupts that natural flow, so it is the owner’s responsibility to recreate consistency wherever possible. A well-structured daily routine supports: Digestive health Emotional stability Immune function Behavioural balance
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Common Stable Hazards and How to Avoid Them
Stables are controlled environments — but they are not risk-free. Many injuries occur not in the field or during riding, but inside the stable itself. Confined spaces, solid structures, equipment storage, and human activity create potential hazards that must be actively managed. Safe stable management is not about eliminating risk entirely — it is about
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Transport Preparation Checklist for Horses
Horse transport is one of the highest-risk routine activities in equine management. Travel introduces confinement, vibration, noise, temperature fluctuation, and stress — all of which affect physiology and behaviour. Preparation reduces injury risk, minimises stress, and protects both horse and handler. Transport safety begins long before the ramp is lowered. Why Transport Preparation Matters Poor
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Introducing Horses Safely in Shared Fields
Introducing horses to one another is one of the most injury-prone management situations on any yard. Even experienced horses can react unpredictably when social hierarchy is disrupted. Kicking, chasing, biting, and fence-line injuries are common when introductions are rushed or poorly structured. Safe herd integration relies on controlled exposure, adequate space, and careful observation. This
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