Category: Knowledge Hub
-
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…
-
A Professional Guide to Temperature, Physiology and Welfare Seasonal rug transitions are one of the most misunderstood aspects of horse management. Moving between winter, spring, summer and autumn involves constant shifts in temperature, daylight, humidity and wind — all of which affect how a horse regulates body heat. Incorrect rugging during seasonal change can lead…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Horses are creatures of habit. Their nervous systems are designed for predictability, routine, and environmental stability. Sudden changes — even seemingly minor ones — can trigger stress responses that affect digestion, immunity, behaviour, and performance. Stress is not always dramatic. It often presents quietly through subtle behavioural and physiological changes. This guide explains how routine…