Her Majesty The Queen will attend the MARS Badminton Horse Trials on Friday, May 8th in her role as Patron of the Ebony Horse Club, the events chosen charity this year.The Ebony Horse Club, founded in 1996, is a community stables in Brixton, London, which aims to use horses to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities within Lambeth, offering training and career opportunities and cultivating within them life skills and the responsibility of caring for an animal.The charitys stand at Badminton, which represents the pinnacle of equestrian sport, can be found at number 253, Beaufort Way, and its cross-country fence, the Ebony Horse Club Gates, is the fifth obstacle on the course.The Cross-Country Course App was unveiled this week and can be found here: The course can be seen here: www.badminton-horse.co.uk/2026-cross-country-course/The course will run in an anticlockwise direction this year, with the Quarry as the first combination. New fences include a different route at the famous MARS Lake, which will see riders looping back through the water in front of spectators.There will be more combinations on the course this year 13 in total but with less elements than previously, reveals Course Designer Eric Winter. Riders will therefore need to exercise judgement if they are to achieve the optimum time. I think it will be a suitably challenging track for what looks a high-class field.The first to test it will be world number one Harry Meade, who has three rides this year. Other leading riders to watch include defending champion Ros Canter, bidding to win a third Badminton trophy with the same horse, Lordships Graffalo, and five-star winners Tim Price (Falco) and Caroline Powell (Greenacres Special Cavalier) from New Zealand, Lara Liederkerke-Meier (Hooney dArville) from Belgium and Felix Vogg (Cartania) from Switzerland, plus Britains Oliver Townend, a close runner-up last year with Cooley Rosalent, and Gemma Stevens (Chilli Knight).All the action will be shown with expert commentary on Badminton TV, which can be purchased athttps://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/badminton-tv-now-available-on-clipmyhorse-tv/The BBC will broadcast their usual 2-hour highlights programme on Sunday 10th May culminating with live coverage of the top ten show jumping to see who will be crowned the 2026 Badminton winner

9 min read Last updated: January 2026 Does your horse empty a treat ball in minutes or lose interest fast? This guide shows how to turn it into a slow, waistline-friendly puzzle using low-sugar fibre pellets, a small opening set to release just 1-2 pieces per nudge, and short, supervised sessions that keep stabled horses focused and satisfied. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Fibrefirst Fillings What To Do: Fill with lowsugar fibre pellets or fibre nuggets (e.g., alfalfa/grass, Baileys Fibre Plus). Start with a singleingredient fill to tune settings. Why It Matters: Firm, uniform pieces dispense slowly without sugar spikes. Common Mistake: Using sticky mixes or raw veg that clump or jam the opening. Area: Hole Size Tuning What To Do: Start with a larger hole so rewards come quickly, then reduce until only a few pieces drop per nudge. Tighten further for powerful rollers. Why It Matters: The right resistance stretches sessions while keeping motivation high. Common Mistake: Setting too tight too soon, causing frustration or abandonment. Area: Smart Surface What To Do: Use a clean, flat, nonbedded area like rubber matting or the yard. Sweep first to prevent feed loss. Why It Matters: Flat surfaces prevent pieces getting lost, extending play and hygiene. Common Mistake: Letting the ball roll on deep bedding where feed disappears. Area: Short, Supervised Sessions What To Do: Offer focused enrichment windows and remove the ball afterwards. Rotate with licks, hay nets, or mirrors to keep novelty. Why It Matters: Controlled access sustains interest and limits excess calories. Common Mistake: Leaving the ball down all day. Area: Portion & Calories What To Do: Weigh what goes in the ball and deduct it from the days forage. Use fibreonly fills for good doers or laminitisprone horses. Why It Matters: Keeps weight, sugars, and laminitis risk in check. Common Mistake: Treating ball feed as extra on top of the ration. Area: DIY Hanging Treats What To Do: Bind chaff/pellets with minimal molasses or mashed banana/applesauce; chill until firm. Shape small discs/bars and hang at wither height. Why It Matters: Firm, fibrerich licks last longer and cut mess and sugar. Common Mistake: Making large, soft blocks that crumble or smear. Area: Winter Boredom Plan What To Do: Pair varied forage (doublenetted hay), brief turnout or inhand walks, and rotated puzzle feeders. Check rugging so the horse is comfortable to play. Why It Matters: A simple routine supports gut health and mood during limited turnout. Common Mistake: Relying on one toy to fix winter stabling boredom. Area: Troubleshooting & Safety What To Do: Supervise new users, clean and dry the ball regularly, and adjust hole size if flow is too fast or too slow. Remove the ball if behaviour becomes tense. Why It Matters: Quick tweaks prevent frustration, waste, and hygiene issues. Common Mistake: Ignoring jams, residue, or overarousal signs. In This Guide What makes a treat ball last? Best fillings for longevity (and waistlines) Set-up and use for maximum duration DIY hanging treats that last Managing calories and laminitis risk A winter boredombusting plan Troubleshooting and safety Does your horse demolish a treat ball in minutes, or lose interest altogether? With the right fillings and a smart setup, you can turn snack time into a slow, satisfying challenge that keeps stabled horses occupied without overloading them with sugar.Key takeaway: For the longestlasting, waistlinefriendly treat ball sessions, use firm, lowsugar fibre nuggets or pellets, set a small dispensing hole, and offer short, supervised sessions as part of the daily forage allowance.What makes a treat ball last?Treat balls last longest when theyre filled with firm, lowsugar fibre nuggets and set to release sparingly through a small opening. Longevity is shaped by what you put inside, the balls settings, where you use it, and how your horse interacts with it.Think of a treat ball as a slow-feeding puzzle. Firm, evenly sized pellets roll and rattle, releasing a few pieces at a time, while sticky or crumbly mixes empty quickly and make a mess. A smaller dispensing hole increases the work per reward, stretching engagement. Using the ball on a clean, flat surface (like rubber matting) prevents feed loss in bedding, and short, focused sessions keep motivation high without turning the ball into a calorie dump. Horses vary, too: keen problemsolvers often need a tighter setting than calmer types. Filling firmness: Compact fibre nuggets keep their shape and trickle out slowly. Piece size consistency: Even sizes dispense predictably, preventing rapid emptying. Hole size: Smaller openings make each reward take more effort. Surface: Flat, non-bedded areas reduce waste and keep the game going. Horse behaviour: Enthusiastic rollers need tighter settings than gentle nudgers.Used this way, treat balls do double duty: they reduce boredom and encourage a more natural trickle feeding rhythm, supporting gut health while your horse works for their rewards.Best fillings for longevity (and waistlines)Choose lowsugar, lowstarch fibre pellets or fibre nuggets (such as alfalfa or grass pellets and Baileys Fibre Plus Nuggets) for the best longevity. These hold their shape, roll well, and dont spike calories or sugars.Fibrefirst fillings keep horses engaged without the fizz. Alfalfa and grass pellets are concentrated fibre in a tidy, nuggetlike form, so they meter out slowly. Many UK owners rate fibre nuggets (such as Baileys Fibre Plus Nuggets) for consistent size and durability, especially for good doers and horses on controlled diets. By contrast, sticky mixes and sweet molassesbased treats tend to clump, smear inside the ball, and empty fast.Good options to consider: Fibre pellets: Alfalfa or grass pellets for a lowsugar, slowrelease fill. Fibre nuggets: Products like Baileys Fibre Plus Nuggets for shape consistency and low sugar. Premade licks for holders: Likit refills (Apple, Banana, Carrot, Mint, Molasses) for longlasting hanging enrichment.Quick tip: Avoid raw veg in treat balls. Carrot chunks often lodge in the opening and stop the flow, frustrating your horse and defeating the point.Browse boredombusting refills and chews in our carefully curated range of horse treats and licks. At Just Horse Riders, we recommend starting with a single, fibreonly filling so you can tune the hole size accurately before experimenting with mixes.Set-up and use for maximum durationOffer treat balls in short, supervised sessions and finetune the hole size so only a few pieces drop with each nudge. Start easier to build confidence, then tighten the setting to stretch each session.Follow this simple setup: Measure the portion: Deduct your treatball feed from the days ration so calories stay on track. Use fibreonly fillings to keep sugar low. Start on an easy setting: Begin with a slightly larger hole so your horse learns the push and reward pattern quickly. Dial in the difficulty: Gradually reduce the opening until only a small handful dispenses over several minutes of active rolling. Choose the right surface: Use a clean, flat area (yard, rubber-matted bay) so pieces dont disappear into bedding. Keep sessions focused: Offer the ball during set enrichment windows rather than leaving it down all day. This keeps interest high and lets you monitor intake. Mix it up: Rotate the treat ball with other enrichment (different licks, doublenetted hay, stable mirrors) to prevent boredom with the toy itself.Pro tip: If your horse is a powerful roller, reduce the hole further or use smaller, harder pellets so each push still yields only one or two pieces.Looking for a durable ball or stable toy? Explore trusted options from our Shires range, chosen for everyday yard practicality.DIY hanging treats that lastNobake molassesbased hanging treats keep up to seven days in an airtight container and last longer when theyre well set and fibrerich. The key is a firm texture that doesnt crumble or smear.A simple approach is to bind dry ingredients (chaff, oats, unmolassed beet shreds) with just enough molasses to hold shape, then chill to set before hanging. For a lowersugar twist, use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce as the binder and allow plenty of chilling time for firmness. Shape into discs or bars with a central hole and hang at about wither height so your horse can lick and nibble without neck strain.Tips for longerlasting DIY licks: Keep them small and firm: Thicker isnt always better; a compact, wellset treat resists rapid consumption. Chill thoroughly: Cooling or brief refrigeration helps the treat set hard enough to withstand eager nibbling. Balance the mix: Add extra fibre (chaff or pellets crushed slightly) to reduce stickiness and slow intake. Match the diet: For horses on restricted sugars, favour banana/applesauce binders over molasses and pair with fibreonly ingredients.Remember to rotate flavours (mint, apple, ginger) to keep interest high, and always introduce new recipes in small amounts to be sure they suit your horse.Managing calories and laminitis riskFor good doers and laminitisprone horses, stick to lowsugar, lowstarch fillings and count treatball feed towards the daily forage allowance. Fibreonly pellets and fibre nuggets support slow chewing without unnecessary sugar.Keep a simple framework: Fibre first: Use alfalfa/grass pellets or fibre nuggets; avoid sticky, sweet mixes. Total ration control: Weigh or measure what goes in the ball and deduct it from the days forage plan. Monitor body condition: Check weight and fat coverage regularly; adjust treatball frequency accordingly. Use salt and simple licks: Where appropriate, saltonly or plain mineral licks offer engagement without sugar spikes.At Just Horse Riders, we often suggest starting with a singleingredient fibre pellet so you can clearly see how the treat ball affects intake. For horses needing extra nutritional support, browse our targeted horse supplements and care to complement a fibreled approach.A winter boredombusting planDuring wet, windy UK winters, pair treat balls with varied forage, short turnout windows, and regular exercise to prevent stable boredom. A simple, repeatable routine beats one miracle toy every time.Build your plan around three pillars: Forage variety: Use doublenetted hay, smallmesh nets, and scatterfed straw or chaff portions to encourage natural foraging behaviours. Movement opportunities: Even brief turnout breaks or inhand walking can reset mood and digestion when fields are waterlogged. Structured enrichment: Rotate the treat ball with licks and puzzle feeders so the novelty stays fresh across the week.When the weather bites, comfort matters. Check your rugging so your horse stays relaxed and ready to play rather than hunching against the cold. If youre braving showers between storms, our winter turnout rugs keep horses dry outside, while breathable stable rugs help maintain comfort inside. For exercise days, supportive protection from our horse boots and bandages range helps you ride or lunge with confidence.Quick tip: Schedule the treat ball after a short stretch or handwalk. A few minutes of movement primes attention and often leads to calmer, more methodical play.Troubleshooting and safetySupervise new users, keep the toy clean, and avoid jamming ingredients like raw carrots to keep sessions safe and enjoyable. A little tuning solves most problems quickly. Empties too fast: Use firmer, smaller pellets and reduce the hole size so only a couple of pieces drop with each push. Nothing comes out: Open the hole slightly and check for obstructions; avoid irregular chunks that wedge in the opening. Mess in the bedding: Move sessions to a matted area or the yard so rewards dont disappear into shavings. Horse loses interest: Start easier so rewards come quickly, then tighten the setting over a few sessions. Rotate fillings and toys to revive curiosity. Overarousal or frustration: Shorten sessions, loosen the setting, and choose a quieter time of day; remove the ball if behaviour remains tense. Hygiene: Rinse and dry the ball regularly so dust and residue dont reduce flow or flavour appeal.When you want to refresh your enrichment kit or stock up on lowsugar fillers, youll find a wide choice of UKfavourite options in our treats collection. Looking for something fun to gift your yard bestie or ponymad child? Explore seasonal boredombusters and bundles in our equestrian gifts.FAQsHow long should a treat ball last?It depends on the filling, hole size, surface, and how vigorously your horse plays. To stretch sessions, use firm fibre pellets or nuggets and a small opening so only a few pieces fall with each nudge.Which fillings make a treat ball last the longest?Lowsugar, lowstarch fibre options like alfalfa or grass pellets and fibre nuggets (e.g., Baileys Fibre Plus Nuggets) hold their shape and dispense slowly. Avoid sticky mixes that clump or smear.Are molassesbased treats suitable for all horses?No. Horses on restricted diets, good doers, and those with metabolic concerns are better served by lowsugar fibre fillings or simple salt/mineral licks. Keep sweet treats occasional and portioned.Can I freeze fillings to make them last longer?For treat balls, stick to dry pellets or nuggets. Moisture changes from freezing can cause crumbling, leading to rapid emptying and residue inside the toy. Save chilling for firming homemade hanging treats instead.How often should I offer a treat ball?Use it as a planned enrichment session rather than leaving it out continuously. Adjust frequency to your horses calorie needs, and always deduct whats fed through the ball from the daily ration.What if my horse doesnt get the treat ball?Prime with a small handful of a familiar fibre feed, start with an easier hole setting, and demonstrate movement by gently rolling it so a few pieces fall out. Tighten the setting once your horse is confidently engaged.How do I clean and maintain a treat ball?Rinse with warm water, let it dry completely, and check the opening for wear or residue. Clean more frequently if youve used sticky fillings or the ball is used outdoors.With the right fillings and a thoughtful routine, your horses treat ball becomes more than a toy: its a reliable, lowsugar way to enrich stable time, encourage trickle feeding, and brighten those long UK winter days. If you need help choosing fillings or toys, our team is here to help and our ranges of treats, turnout rugs, stable rugs, horse boots and bandages, and supplements make it easy to build a complete boredombusting plan. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Horse TreatsShop ShiresShop SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable Rugs

Age, stress, and health problems can all affect the horses gut microbiome. | Adobe StockPostbiotics provide beneficial compounds typically supplied by the microbes that live in the horses hindgut. Providing postbiotics directly to the horse, bypassing the microbiome, when a horses hindgut is stressed, compromised, or in need of consistent daily support will help improve his overall health, said Liz Schatz, DVM, staff veterinarian for SmartEquine, during her presentation at the 2026 EquiSUMMIT Equine Nutrition & Health Conference, hosted by Kemin Industries.The Equine Gastrointestinal MicrobiomeThe intestinal microbiome is a community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract that essentially behaves like its own organ system, said Schatz. In addition to the trillions of bacteria, the intestinal microbiome is also composed of archaea, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and parasites. The more diverse the microbe population, the more resilient and capable of adapting to various stresses, such as diet change.The hindgut, which consists of the cecum and large colon (or large intestine), absorbs water and nutrients and ferments structural (complex) carbohydrates for energy, also houses about 70% of the horses immune system. Its microbiome maintains the integrity of the gut and reduces pathogen overgrowth.Factors Affecting the Horses GI MicrobiomeMany things can affect the microbiome, including age, stresses such as transport or competition, health status (e.g., equine metabolic syndrome), diet changes, forage quality, high-grain diets, and medications such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and dewormers, said Schatz.Disruptions in the gut microbiome, a condition called dysbiosis, can lead to loose stool, colic (abdominal pain), colitis (inflammation of the colon), weight loss, behavior issues via the microbiome-gut-brain axis, and laminitis.Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in HorsesSchatz said the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems interconnect like a communication network in constant dialogue.What this means for your horse is that dysbiosis can contribute to behavior changes such as anxiety, spookiness, and even stereotypies such as weaving, cribbing, and stall walking, she explained. In turn, stress can alter the microbiome, meaning this can become a vicious cycle unless we intervene.Defining Pre-, Pro-, and PostbioticsPrebiotics are nondigestible fibers such as mannanoligosaccharides and inulin that feed the beneficial bacteria in the horses hindgut, Schatz explained.On the other hand, probiotics are the actual live beneficial microorganismsusually yeast or bacteriathat add microbes to the hindgut.Finally, postbiotics are nonliving beneficial byproducts of normal microbial fiber fermentation in the hindgut, she added. They include volatile fatty acids, cell fragments, peptides, vitamins (B and K), and immune-modulating compounds. These deliver direct biological benefits, such as maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, without having to rely on live microbes.In other words, prebiotics feed the good bugs, probiotics add more good bugs, and postbiotics provide the benefit of the good bugs, said Schatz.Why Feed Horses Postbiotics?Microbes in a healthy hindgut produce postbiotics all the time. However, modern horse management, as mentioned above, can negatively affect the microbial community, decreasing postbiotic production. Postbiotic supplements deliver the benefits of a healthy microbiome without relying on the live organisms its like a system bypass, said Schatz.Which horses benefit from postbiotics? Schatz listed the following:Any horses for proactive, daily support, because postbiotics provide benefits regardless of the gut conditionsHorses under stress, to support gastrointestinal and immune health after microbiome disruptionHorses receiving medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and dewormers, to support gut lining and immune function when good bugs might be compromisedHorses with chronic loose stool or free fecal water syndrome, to help support the hindgut environment as well as intestinal barrier integritySenior horses with age-related digestive challenges, to deliver immune and digestive benefits of microbial fermentationHard keepers, for improving nutrient utilization and digestive efficiencyHorses with allergy/immune challenges, to help balance immune responseAlmost any horse can benefit from postbiotics, and they can work together with the pre- and probiotics, said Schatz.Take-Home MessageA healthy hindgut naturally produces postbiotics through fiber fermentation. Stress, age, and modern management practices can reduce this process. Supplying postbiotics directly helps support digestion, immunity, and gut integrity when the microbiome cannot perform optimally on its own.

On April 17, a gelding at a private facility in Oneida County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. The gelding was asymptomatic and is now recovering. One additional horse has been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Sciatica making every hack end in pins-and-needles and a stubborn low-back ache? Learn pain-smart ways to keep riding comfortably in the UKplus the simple 24-hour test that helps you train safely, know when to push on, and when to pull back. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Ride Pacing What To Do: Keep rides short and symptom-led; alternate ride and recovery days, keeping pain under 3/10 during and for 24 hours after. Reduce duration or intensity if the 24hour test worsens. Why It Matters: Pacing prevents nerve flare-ups while maintaining progress. Common Mistake: Pushing through increasing pain or adding duration and intensity on the same day. Area: Warm-Up & Cool-Down What To Do: Do 1015 minutes of easy walk, hip circles, and gentle hamstring/piriformis stretches before riding; finish with 5 minutes looserein walk and repeat key stretches. In cold weather, extend the warmup. Why It Matters: Warm tissues tolerate load better and reduce sciatic irritation. Common Mistake: Mounting cold and skipping the cooldown. Area: Key Stretches What To Do: 34 times a week, hold hamstring, piriformis (keyhole/pigeon), and glute stretches for 3060 seconds each; add a short pre/postride mobility set. Use heat first in winter if stiff. Why It Matters: Consistent hip mobility offloads the lower back and sciatic nerve. Common Mistake: Forcing deep stretches or bouncing, especially when cold. Area: Core Strength What To Do: Do a 10minute circuit 56 days/week: front plank, bird dog, and glute bridge; set a phone reminder to build the habit. Keep ribs down and avoid overarching. Why It Matters: A stronger core stabilises the spine and calms nerve irritation. Common Mistake: Holding your breath and overarching the back during exercises. Area: Saddle Posture What To Do: Sit on your seat bones with a slight forward pelvic tilt; zip up the low abs and avoid hollowing. Limit sitting trot early and reintroduce it in microdoses that pass the 24hour test. Why It Matters: Efficient posture reduces lumbar strain and improves control. Common Mistake: Riding in a chair seat or hollow back that overloads the low back. Area: Tack & Kit What To Do: Use shockabsorbing saddle pads, supportive highwaist breeches, and structured yard/riding boots; check saddle fit if position is tipped. Wear hivis on roads or at dusk. Why It Matters: The right equipment reduces vibration and improves alignment to lower back stress. Common Mistake: Buying gear without addressing poor saddle fit or posture. Area: When to Stop What To Do: Stop riding and see your GP/Chartered Physiotherapist if pain escalates, numbness spreads below the knee, you feel weakness, or you cant hold position. Get clearance after an acute flare or suspected disc issue. Why It Matters: Early intervention prevents worsening nerve injury and speeds recovery. Common Mistake: Riding through redflag symptoms or selfprescribing medication. Area: Yard Logistics What To Do: Choose flat/indoor footing in wet weather, test smoother horses/speeds, and streamline chores (shorter carries, goodtyred barrows). After driving, walk 35 minutes before tacking up. Why It Matters: Small environment tweaks cut cumulative load on the back and nerve. Common Mistake: Hauling heavy loads or working on uneven ground during a flare. In This Guide Can you keep riding with sciatica? The real reasons riders get sciatica A week-by-week plan to keep you in the saddle safely The stretches that actually help riders with sciatica Core strength and posture: your built-in back protector When to stop riding and see a professional Make your yard and tack work for you Sharp zings down the leg, a stubborn ache in your lower back, or pins and needles after a long hack sciatica can make even mounting up feel daunting. Yet with the right plan, many UK riders stay in the saddle, ride better, and hurt less.Key takeaway: Most riders with mild, non-worsening sciatica can keep riding by pacing activity, stretching 34 times a week, building core strength, adjusting posture, and taking recovery days but stop and seek professional advice if pain escalates or you suspect a disc injury.Can you keep riding with sciatica?Yes if your pain is mild and doesnt worsen during or after riding, you can usually continue with smart modifications; if symptoms intensify, pause riding and get medical guidance. Nearly four in ten people experience sciatica at some point, and many riders manage it safely with a measured approach.Heres the rule we use with riders recovering from nerve irritation: Keep your pain under 3/10 while riding and for the 24 hours after. If pain, tingling, or numbness spreads or intensifies during/after a ride, step back. Alternate ride days with recovery or groundwork days to prevent flare-ups. If your pain is mild and doesn't worsen with riding, it's usually safe to continue. If the discomfort intensifies, it's time to step back. Dr Scott Thompson Riding with an active disc injury, sciatica, whiplash or sprains to your hip, knee or ankle may worsen your condition... unless your healthcare professional confirms that riding with limitations would be safe. Dr Pat BonaAt Just Horse Riders, we recommend you get clearance from your GP or a Chartered Physiotherapist before returning after an acute flare-up. A BHS Accredited Professional Coach can also help you adapt your position as you come back.Quick tip: Use a 24-hour test after each ride: if symptoms are the same or better the next day, youre on track; if worse, reduce intensity or duration next ride.The real reasons riders get sciaticaRiders develop sciatica from prolonged saddle pressure on the structures around the sciatic nerve, repetitive rising and sitting motions, and tight hips/hamstrings sometimes compounded by a lumbar disc issue or a tight piriformis muscle.The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine through the hips and down each leg; irritation or compression anywhere along this path can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Equestrians are especially at risk because we spend long periods seated with load through the pelvis, then add repetitive impact from rising trot, sitting trot, or collecting and lengthening work. In one study, 85% of competitive show jumpers reported neck and back pain most commonly low back pain and 85% of riders with pain said it affected performance, especially posture and range of motion.Two culprits frequently aggravate the nerve in riders: The piriformis a small hip rotator that sits over the sciatic nerve. If it tightens or spasms, it can pinch the nerve (often worse with mounting, sitting, or long hacks). Hamstrings and glutes tight or overworked tissues reduce hip mobility, forcing the lower back to compensate.UK-specific context matters, too. Winter cold and damp can tighten muscles, making a longer warm-up essential. Different horses also create different movement harmonics: some have a smoother, more back-friendly sitting trot or jog that feels far easier during a flare-up its worth testing at various speeds to find what your body tolerates.A week-by-week plan to keep you in the saddle safelyRide little and often, alternate ride and recovery days, and progress gradually over four weeks while you build core and hip mobility. This pacing limits nerve irritation and lets tissues adapt without flaring.Before every ride: 10 minutes of easy walking in-hand or mounted, then hip circles and gentle hamstring and piriformis stretches. In cold or wet weather, extend the warm-up to 15 minutes.After every ride: Repeat the key stretches and add 5 minutes of loose rein walk-down.Week 1 (reset): 3 short rides (2030 minutes) at mostly walk/trot; avoid long bouts of sitting trot. 12 groundwork/lunge days on flat going. Core routine daily (see below), stretching 34 times this week.Week 2 (build tolerance): 34 rides (3040 minutes). Add brief canter if symptom-free. Trial 12 minutes of sitting trot only if your 24-hour test is clear; otherwise, stay rising. Keep alternate recovery days.Week 3 (expand gently): 4 rides (~40 minutes) with varied figures, poles in walk/trot, and short hill work if your back feels settled. Maintain stretch work 34 times per week.Week 4 (consolidate): 45 rides (4560 minutes) at moderate intensity, with discipline-specific work as tolerated. Keep one full rest day; dont add both duration and intensity on the same day.Pro tip: On road hacks or dusk rides, keep sessions shorter while you rebuild and wear high-visibility kit so you can focus on your position without worrying about being seen. See our curated rider hi-vis collection.Yard comfort counts: Supportive footwear reduces back strain during chores; many riders find structured soles and ankle support make a big difference on concrete yards. Explore our riding and yard boots. High-waist, supportive breeches can also help you maintain a neutral pelvis; see our womens jodhpurs and breeches.The stretches that actually help riders with sciaticaPrioritise hamstrings, piriformis (keyhole and pigeon), and glutes, two to four days per week, and use quick mobility drills before and after rides to prevent flare-ups. Consistency is the game-changer not heroic one-off sessions.Dressage Rider Training puts it well: Prevention is the best medicine and keeping your hips mobile and active will help do these stretches before and after a ride to really help prevent any flareups.How to structure your routine (1015 minutes): Hamstring stretch (standing or supine with a strap): Hold 3045 seconds per side, 23 rounds. Keep a neutral back; hinge from the hips, no bouncing. Piriformis keyhole stretch (lying on your back, ankle over opposite knee): Hold 4560 seconds per side, 2 rounds. You should feel a deep seat-glute stretch, not knee pain. Pigeon pose (on a mat): Ease in gently and support the front hip with a cushion if needed; hold 3045 seconds per side. Great for releasing hip rotators and the lower back. Glute stretch (seated or lying): 30 seconds per side, 2 rounds. Hip flexor lunge (optional add): 30 seconds per side to balance the pelvis.Before you ride do a shorter sequence: 5 minutes of marching on the spot, hip circles, and a single round of keyhole + hamstring stretch. After you ride repeat key stretches and add a gentle lower-back cat-camel mobilisation for 3060 seconds.Quick tip: In winter, warm your hips first a hot shower or a microwavable heat wrap at home can make stretches safer and more effective.Core strength and posture: your built-in back protectorDaily planks, bird dogs, and bridges create a stable base for your spine, and a slight forward pelvic tilt in the saddle reduces lumbar strain by loading the lower abdominals instead. This combination supports the sciatic nerve by calming the lower back and balancing hip mechanics.10-minute rider core circuit (56 days/week): Front plank on elbows: 2045 seconds x 3. Ribcage down, glutes lightly engaged, neck long. Bird dog: 810 slow reps each side x 23 sets. Keep hips level, draw your belly gently in. Glute bridge: 1215 reps x 3 sets. Drive through heels, dont over-arch.In the saddle: Think zip up (low abs), soft tail (avoid hollowing), and tip the pelvis very slightly forward so you sit on your seat bones, not the back of your pelvis. This redistributes load off the lower back and improves stability for the upper body.Tack tweaks that help: Shock-absorbing saddle pads can soften peak forces through the pelvis. Our riders rate the tech in LeMieux saddle pads for comfort and stability, and many also like the value of Shires performance pads. If your saddle tips you into a chair seat or a hollow back, get it checked posture starts with fit.Pro tip: Set a phone reminder for your core routine right after you muck out or before you tack up habit beats willpower.When to stop riding and see a professionalStop and seek professional advice if pain escalates during or after riding, if numbness or tingling spreads below the knee, if you feel leg weakness or giving way, or if you cannot maintain your normal position. These are clear signs your nerve is irritated and needs a change of plan.Heed Dr Pat Bonas caution: riding through an active disc injury or acute sciatica can prolong and complicate healing without medical clearance. Your first ports of call in the UK are your GP and a Chartered Physiotherapist with sports or spinal expertise; a BHS Accredited Professional Coach can then help adapt your riding as you return. Some riders, under medical supervision, use prescription options such as gabapentin during severe nerve pain thats a conversation for you and your clinician only.Self-care between appointments: short, frequent walks; gentle stretches (no forcing); heat for muscle spasm, or a brief ice pack for acute nerve pain if advised by your clinician; and strict rest from heavy yard lifting until symptoms settle.Make your yard and tack work for youChoose horses, arenas, and kit that reduce vibration and strain, and streamline yard chores on flare-up days. Small environment tweaks add up to big relief for sciatic symptoms.Match the movement: If sitting trot aggravates your back, test different horses and speeds especially the jog/sitting trot to find a rhythm that matches your spinal motion. Keep rising trot while you rebuild tolerance, and add sitting in micro-doses that pass your 24-hour test.Pick the right footing: Use indoor schools in wet weather when rutted tracks increase jarring. Flat arenas beat uneven fields during a flare.Livery logistics: Minimise long walks with full water buckets, choose yards with close parking or a kit room near stables, and use a barrow with good tyres to lower pushing loads. On bad days, prioritise groundwork or in-hand work on level surfaces. Protect your horse on lunge days with appropriate leg protection; see our horse boots and bandages.Comfort kit for you and your horse: Shock-absorbing pads to reduce pelvic pressure explore LeMieux and Shires options that riders trust for stability and comfort. Supportive clothing with a higher waist can help pelvic control; browse our womens breeches and jodhpurs. Supportive yard and riding footwear reduce cumulative back stress; check our riding and yard boots. On a budget? Keep an eye on our rotating deals in the Secret Tack Room clearance for pads and breeches.Quick tip: If you commute to the yard, dont sit cold in the car then mount straight away. Take a 35 minute walk round the yard before tacking up to wake up your hips and core.At Just Horse Riders, we see customers ride more comfortably when they combine smart training, smart pacing, and smart kit choices. Thats the trifecta.Bottom line: Respect the nerve, build your base, and refine your position most riders can keep progressing without sacrificing comfort.FAQsYes most riders with mild, non-worsening sciatica can continue riding with modifications; below are concise answers to the questions we hear most.Can I continue riding if I have sciatica?Often, yes. If pain stays mild (under 3/10) and doesnt worsen during or within 24 hours after riding, continue with pacing, stretching, and core work. If pain escalates, you develop numbness/weakness, or you suspect a disc issue, pause and seek professional clearance.What causes sciatica specifically in riders?Prolonged saddle pressure on tissues around the sciatic nerve plus repetitive movements (rising/sitting) and tight hips/hamstrings. A tight piriformis or a lumbar disc problem can further irritate the nerve.Which stretches are best for riders with sciatica?The hamstring stretch, piriformis keyhole, pigeon pose, and glute stretches. Do them 34 times per week, and add a short mobility routine before and after each ride.How should I pace my riding to avoid flare-ups?Ride little and often, alternate ride and recovery days, and use the 24-hour test to judge progression. In early weeks, keep rides to 2040 minutes and build gradually.Can posture changes really reduce sciatic pain?Yes. A slight forward pelvic tilt in the saddle offloads the lower back and improves abdominal support. Combine this with daily planks, bird dogs, and bridges for best results.Should I change my tack or horse during a flare-up?Consider shock-absorbing saddle pads and choose the smoothest-moving horse for now, avoiding prolonged sitting trot. Test small changes and keep those that pass your 24-hour test.Are medications like gabapentin appropriate?Some riders use prescription options under medical supervision during severe nerve pain. This requires a discussion with your GP dont self-prescribe.If youd value a second pair of eyes on your position, a BHS Accredited Professional Coach can help you make low-back-friendly adjustments while you rebuild strength and mobility. Add a consistent stretch routine, choose supportive kit, and keep an eye on your bodys response thats how you and your horse keep progressing, comfortably. 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