11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Plans on the line every time the UK forecast flips? Use this rider-focused guide to read Met Office yellows, ambers and racing red heat warnings so you can go, review or cancel with confidenceplus practical care rules like risk-assessing heat from 28C and offering water every 4.5 hours when travelling. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Met Office Warnings What To Do: Check warnings for both route and venue. Yellow: proceed with published mitigations; amber: await review and be ready to cancel; red heat (racing): do not travel and expect abandonment. Why It Matters: Aligns plans with safety rules and prevents risky or wasted journeys. Common Mistake: Only checking the venues warning and ignoring the route. Area: Thunderstorm Safety What To Do: Stable in a well-earthed building during lightning; if turnout is unavoidable, fence off lone trees, wire and water, and split groups. Why It Matters: Reduces lightning strike, step-voltage and panic injury risks. Common Mistake: Letting horses shelter under isolated trees or along wire fences. Area: Heat 28C What To Do: Trigger a heat risk assessment at 28C; ride early/late, shorten work, maximise shade, and offer water frequently (at least every 4.5 hours when travelling). Why It Matters: Controls heat load and prevents heat illness. Common Mistake: Keeping normal timetables during hot, humid spells. Area: Hydration & Cooling What To Do: Provide 5070 litres/day for a 500kg horse in heat and set multiple water points. After work, hose and reapply water continuously for 15+ minutes, scraping only to speed the next cycle. Why It Matters: Maintains hydration and rapidly lowers core temperature. Common Mistake: A quick hose-down then stopping too soon. Area: Winter Shelter & Water What To Do: Guarantee constant access to shelter or stable them during storms; keep troughs ice-free, site water out of the wind, and add non-slip at doors. Why It Matters: Meets legal welfare duties and prevents dehydration and falls. Common Mistake: Assuming hedges alone provide adequate shelter. Area: Rain, Mud & Flooding What To Do: Postpone if emergency access is restricted; close flooded or unstable turnout; move supplies to higher ground and lay temporary surfaces on busy paths. Why It Matters: Prevents injuries and ensures medical response is possible. Common Mistake: Turning out on saturated, poached gateways. Area: Competition-Day Decisions What To Do: Use three checks: Met Office colour, organisers mitigation plan, and your horses welfare; if any fail, delay, modify or cancel, and confirm ambulance access before leaving. Why It Matters: Keeps welfare first and avoids travelling into unsafe situations. Common Mistake: Setting off before the organiser posts their mitigation update. Area: Travel & Show Kit What To Do: Pack ample water, electrolytes (vet-advised), shade, hoses/sponges/scrapers, spare rugs matched to forecast, first aid, and charged phones; do a five-minute weather check before loading. Why It Matters: Ensures you can adapt quickly as conditions change on site. Common Mistake: Relying on venue water or shade without a backup. In This Guide Met Office warnings: what they mean for your rides and events Thunderstorms: turnout, stabling and lightning safety Heat and humidity: how to keep horses safe above 28C Cold snaps, ice and snow: legal shelter and hydration Heavy rain, mud and flooding: when to postpone turnout or travel What to wear and pack for extreme-weather riding Competition day: a simple decision framework UK weather turns on a sixpence and your plans with it. Whether youre schooling at home, travelling to a show or managing a busy livery yard, understanding what Met Office warnings actually mean for you and your horse keeps everyone safer and saves wasted journeys.Key takeaway: Yellow warnings usually mean go, with mitigations; amber means review and possibly cancel; red heat warnings for racing mean abandon and do not travel through the affected area. Your day-to-day care should flex too: stable in thunderstorms, risk assess heat from 28C, and guarantee winter shelter and water.Met Office warnings: what they mean for your rides and eventsYellow warnings allow events to proceed with a published mitigation plan; amber triggers a joint review and possible cancellation; red heat warnings covering a racecourse mandate abandonment and ban trainers from travelling horses through the area. These protocols align welfare and safety across UK equestrian sport.British Dressage (BD) uses the Met Office colour system to decide if and how competitions run. Under a yellow warning, venues must prepare and communicate a mitigation strategy and keep conditions under close review. An amber warning triggers consultation with BD; if risks cant be adequately reduced, events are cancelled with as much notice as possible. Horse & Hound reports this structured approach enables consistent, proactive decisions.By having a more formal framework, based on the red, amber, and yellow warnings provided by the Met Office, this allows us sufficient time to consult with the venue, and either reschedule if necessary or put mitigations in place to ensure it is safe to go ahead. BD spokesperson, via Horse & HoundIn racing, the line is firmer in extreme heat. Under the British Horseracing Authoritys hot weather policy, a red Met Office heat warning that includes the racecourse requires immediate abandonment, and trainers must not travel horses through the red-alert region en route (BHA Hot Weather Policy).Across Pony Club activity, 28C is the key trigger for a formal heat risk assessment that considers horses, riders, supporters and officials, with measures such as altered timetables, extra water and shade, or postponement where needed (Pony Club Hot Weather Guidance).Thunderstorms: turnout, stabling and lightning safetyStable horses in a well-grounded building during lightning storms; if turnout is unavoidable, remove access to isolated trees, wire fences and water, and avoid exposing shod horses in open fields. This significantly reduces strike and step-voltage risks.Horses can panic and herd under trees or along fence lines in thunder, increasing strike risk; metal shoes add a further conduction hazard. The British Horse Society recommends stabling in a grounded building (ideally with a lightning rod) when thunderstorms are forecast, and making fields safer by fencing off lone trees, streams and wire boundaries (Horse & Hound/BHS guidance).If you have access to well-grounded stabling, we would advise keeping an eye on the weather forecast and stabling your horse if there is a threat of a lightning storm. Gemma Stanford, Head of Welfare, BHS, via Horse & HoundIf you must turn out, split groups into safer paddocks away from risk features and remove buckets/tubs from under trees. Check stable earthing and gutters in autumn, and consider a professional assessment for a lightning protection system before storm season. While you wait out the weather, keep horses calm with routine handling and enrichment.For wet, windy conditions that dont reach lightning risk, keep horses comfortable outdoors with waterproof winter turnout rugs that protect against driving rain while maintaining breathability.Heat and humidity: how to keep horses safe above 28CAt 28C and above you should complete a heat risk assessment, adjust work to cooler parts of the day, and provide copious water; racing under a red heat warning is abandoned and horses must not travel through the affected area. A 500kg horse can need 5070 litres of water per day in hot weather, more with exercise.Heat and humidity blunt a horses ability to cool by sweating, especially in southern UK spells. The Pony Clubs guidance requires risk assessment from 28C, with options including earlier/shorter sessions, more shade, and extra cooling infrastructure (Pony Club).Hydration is non-negotiable. The British Horse Society advises that a 500kg horse typically drinks 5070 litres per day in hot conditions, and more with work. Offer frequent access to cool, clean water at home and away; travelling horses should be offered water at least every 4.5 hours, and venues should provide water at the yard, unsaddling area, pull-up, horse walks and winners enclosure with rapid refills between races (BHS; BHA policy).Post-exercise, cool promptly and continuously. Walk in shade and hose repeatedly for 15 minutes or more; scrape only if it speeds up the next cooling cycle rather than delaying it. Watch for heat illness signs such as unsteadiness, collapse, or abnormal breathing then move immediately to shade, douse with water and call your vet to prevent complications such as kidney or liver damage or laminitis (RSPCA).Light, reflective layers can help. Use breathable fly rugs and masks to provide shade and insect protection without trapping heat, and consider a lightweight cooler for short recovery periods after early-morning or evening rides.Pro tip: Plan your hot-weather kit the way racecourses do multiple water points, plentiful hoses and dedicated refillers. Keep electrolytes in your horse care supplements kit for horses working or travelling in heat (check with your vet for individual dosing).Cold snaps, ice and snow: legal shelter and hydrationUK law requires horses kept outdoors in winter to have constant access to shelter; if none is available, you must move or stable them. Keep troughs icefree and plan transport with snow contingencies such as extra bedding and checks for shivering or lethargy.Winter storms bring wind chill, sleet and prolonged wet. The governments extreme weather guidance is clear: outdoor-kept horses must always have shelter; where thats not possible during a storm, bring them into stables or alternative housing (GOV.UK). Ensure stable roofs, doors and ventilation are sound before the season starts, and check field shelters for safe footing and secure fixings.Water is a winter welfare risk. Keep troughs and buckets ice-free to maintain intake; heated troughs or insulating wraps can help reduce daily breaking of ice in persistent freezes. For transport in snow, build in extra time and pack spare bedding and rugs; monitor horses for shivering or lethargy and postpone if conditions risk prolonged stands or diversions (GOV.UK).Rug wise, thin-coated or unacclimatised horses often need additional protection in cold, wet snaps especially when clipped or elderly while ensuring good ventilation to avoid respiratory issues (Horse Vet Hampshire). Choose appropriate weights of stable rugs indoors and robust, breathable waterproofs outdoors according to your horses condition and the actual forecast, rather than the calendar.Quick tip: Place water sources away from prevailing wind and add non-slip mats at stable doors to prevent ice-related falls for both horses and handlers.Heavy rain, mud and flooding: when to postpone turnout or travelCancel or postpone activity if emergency access is compromised; British Eventing halts competition if an ambulance cannot reach all areas. Close flooded or unstable turnout until it drains and footing is safe.The UKs autumnwinter pattern includes sustained rain and localised flooding. For competitions, medical access is a hard stop: if ambulances or rapid response vehicles cant move safely around the site, British Eventing rules require the event to stop (British Eventing), aligning with the British Horse Societys welfare-first approach.At home, prepare flood plans early. Move field furniture, hay and bedding to higher ground and identify alternative turnout or stabling before water rises (SEIB flood advice). Rope off boggy gateways, repair drains, and use temporary surfaces on high-traffic paths to reduce slips and tendon strains. When rain is heavy but not hazardous, waterproof, breathable turnout rugs help maintain comfort while allowing sweat to evaporate.After muddy spells, thorough, gentle de-mudding protects skin and tack; keep a well-stocked grooming kit by the wash-down area so you can rinse, scrape and dry briskly before stabling.What to wear and pack for extreme-weather ridingUse high-visibility PPE and a properly fitted helmet for you, and weather-appropriate rugs and cooling gear for your horse. Pack water, shade, and first-aid items so you can adapt instantly as conditions change.For riders: visibility and head protection are non-negotiables in poor light, rain or fog. Choose certified, well-fitting riding helmets and layer up with hi-vis clothing and accessories for roadwork or low-contrast days. Waterproof outer layers and grippy gloves help maintain control in showers and gusts.For horses: match layers to the days risk. In summer heat, prioritise airflow and shade (fly rugs, fly masks, coolers for recovery); in cold rain and wind, reach for breathable waterproofs outside and appropriate indoor layers. Keep spare numnahs, a sweat scraper, and a clean towel for rapid drying or cooling cycles.Show and travel kit list:Ample water (separate supply from towing vehicle) and multiple bucketsElectrolytes and salt in your supplements kit (vet-advised for work/travel in heat)Shade options (awnings, pop-up shelters) and a thermometer/hygrometerHoses, sponges and scrapers for rapid cooling or wash-downsSpare rugs suited to the forecast: a lightweight cooler and a waterproof layerFirst-aid supplies for horse and rider, and charged phones with venue/emergency contactsAt Just Horse Riders, we recommend doing a five-minute weather check before you load: confirm the latest Met Office warning level, re-check the venues mitigation plan, and top up water and shade provisions accordingly.Competition day: a simple decision frameworkDecide using three inputs: the Met Office warning colour, the venues published mitigation plan, and your horses welfare status. If any one fails, delay, modify, or cancel.Use this quick pathway before you travel:Check the current Met Office warning for your route and the venue. Yellow: expect mitigations; amber: prepare for changes or cancellation; red heat (racing): do not go meetings are abandoned and horses must not transit through the red zone (BHA policy).Read the organisers mitigation plan (water points, timetable changes, shaded lorry park, medical access). Under BD rules, yellow requires a plan; amber triggers joint review and possible cancellation (BD via Horse & Hound).Assess your horse. In heat from 28C, complete or request a formal risk assessment (Pony Club standard), check hydration, travel time and shade at the destination (Pony Club).Confirm emergency access. If an ambulance cannot reach all areas, the event should stop (British Eventing rule) and you should not travel in until resolved (British Eventing).Make the welfare call. If any control is insufficient, postpone. The global standard is clear:Events must not prejudice horse welfare: competitions must not take place in extreme weather conditions that may compromise welfare or safety of the horse. FEI Code of ConductWhen conditions allow you to proceed, pack the mitigations you control: water, shade, cooling gear, and appropriate rugs from home. For hot days, a breathable fly rug; for showery spells, a dependable waterproof.FAQsYes find quick answers to the most common UK weather-and-welfare questions below.Should events proceed under a yellow Met Office warning?Yes, provided the venue has a clear mitigation strategy and communicates it to competitors. British Dressage requires organisers to plan and monitor conditions under yellow warnings so activity can continue safely (BD via Horse & Hound). Expect measures such as timetable tweaks, extra water points and shaded areas.What if an amber warning is issued for an event?An amber warning triggers a joint review between the organiser and the governing body. If mitigations can adequately control the risks, the event may proceed; if not, it should be cancelled with as much notice as possible (BD via Horse & Hound). Always check emails and the organisers social channels before leaving.Is it safe to leave horses out in thunderstorms?No. The BHS advises stabling in a well-grounded building (ideally with a lightning rod) during a thunderstorm. If turnout is unavoidable, make fields safer by fencing off isolated trees, streams and wire fences, and be mindful that steel shoes increase conduction risk (Horse & Hound/BHS).What temperature triggers event cancellation?At 28C, Pony Club activity requires a heat risk assessment and mitigations across horses, riders and officials (Pony Club). In racing, a red Met Office heat warning that covers a racecourse mandates abandonment and prohibits trainers from travelling horses through the red zone (BHA).How much shelter do horses need in UK winter storms?Horses kept outside must have constant access to shelter. If thats not available during extreme weather, you must move or stable them to comply with welfare law (GOV.UK). Check field shelters are safe, dry and accessible before storms hit.When should you rug horses in bad weather?Rug decisions depend on the individual. Thincoated, clipped, elderly or unacclimatised horses often need extra protection in cold, wet weather, while ensuring good ventilation to avoid respiratory problems (Horse Vet Hampshire). Outdoors, choose breathable waterproofs; indoors, use appropriate stable rugs matched to temperature and body condition.How much water will my horse need in hot weather, and how often should I offer it when travelling?In hot conditions a 500kg horse may drink 5070 litres per day, with needs rising if exercising (BHS). When travelling in the heat, offer water at least every 4.5 hours and ensure easy access to multiple water points at your destination (BHA policy).Whatever the forecast throws at you, planning beats panic. Build your yard and show-day checklists now, keep an eye on the Met Office warnings, and equip yourself and your horse with the right layers and kit from breathable summer protection like fly rugs to storm-ready turnout rugs. If youre ever unsure, put welfare first and wait for better weather. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Fly RugsShop Stable RugsShop SupplementsShop Hi-Vis Gear

A 21-year-old Thoroughbred gelding attending HITS Culpeper in Culpeper County, Virginia, has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse developed clinical signs on April 17, including lethargy, distal limb edema, and acute ataxia.He was evaluated at HITS Culpeper by the referring veterinarian and was referred to an equine hospital. The horse was recumbent on arrival and was admitted directly to the isolation unit by dedicated personnel. The horse was subsequently euthanized.Forty-two horses in Barn 5 at the showgrounds have been quarantined by the state veterinarian. The horses home farm in Loudoun County, where 13 horses live, has also been quarantined.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Two horses at a boarding facility in Jefferson County, Colorado, have tested positive for strangles. One of the horses is a 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare, who tested positive on April 17 after developing nasal discharge on April 10. No details are currently available on the second horse.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.

On March 13, a 13-year-old Spotted Saddle Horse gelding at a boarding facility in Lumpkin County, Georgia, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on March 9, including fever and nasal discharge.Several other horses at the property have exhibited more severe symptoms, including high fever, coughing, purulent nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, and vasculitis. To date, 15 out of 26 horses on the premises have shown some signs of respiratory illness.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.

On April 17, a 2-year-old draft horse stallion in Elkhart County, Indiana, tested positive for equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The horse is quarantined. Two additional horses are suspected to be positive.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

What, when, and how to feed horses with EMS, ID, and PPIDMetabolic conditions affect horses ability to process soluble carbohydrates, including sugars and starches. | Photo: iStockEvery owners goal is to provide good care for their horse. But when your horse has a metabolic issue such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin dysregulation (ID), or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly called equine Cushings disease) or is overweight, good care takes on a whole new meaning. It boils down to what, when, and how to feed.Horses with EMS have fat cells that produce a hormone that causes cortisol (which has a variety of functions, including regulating metabolism and immune response) levels in the body to increase. Although operating by a different mechanism, horses with PPID also synthesize more cortisol. As a result, the horses normal response to insulin is disrupted (e.g., insulin dysregulation). Horses with ID have high insulin and glucose concentrations circulating in their blood. When you add obesity to the quagmire, horses risk of developing EMS only increases. Horses with PPID or EMS are also at greater risk of developing laminitis. Because each of these conditions affects horses ability to metabolize soluble carbohydrates, including sugars and starches, developing appropriate feeding strategies is of paramount importance for their welfare. Many owners of metabolic horses do not know how many calories these individuals need and how much feed and forage will provide that amount, says Paul Siciliano, PhD, professor of equine nutrition and management at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh. Putting together a balanced ration designed to target an appropriate energy intakea neutral energy balance where intake equals expenditureis one key to understanding what to feed your horse. Because researchers have shown that increased adiposity (fat) can lead to metabolic issues in some horses and ponies, youll want to keep a close watch on your horses body condition. A body condition score (BCS) of 4 to 6 on the 1-to-9 Henneke scale is ideal. When you have a horse that scores 7 or higher, you might be looking at your first clue that you need to adjust his caloric intake.What To FeedMetabolic horses need to consume diets low (less than 15% of the total diet) in sugars and starches, says Amy Parker, MS, PhD, an equine nutritionist and technical services manager at McCauleys, in Versailles, Kentucky. Avoid feeding them typical grains (e.g., oats, corn, barley) and added sugars (e.g., molasses), which are all high in starch and sugar.Most horses that we consider easy keepersmeaning they can maintain a healthy to heavy body condition on forage aloneneed only a ration balancer that provides the required vitamins and minerals without adding more calories, plus a high-quality forage. If a metabolic horse needs additional calories that forage alone cant provide, consider feeding concentrates that are low in soluble sugars (below 10%) and high in digestible fibers such as beet pulp or soybean hulls. You can also augment calories by adding fat to the diet (e.g., vegetable or rice bran oil). Fats are energy-dense, providing 2.25 times as much energy as the same amount of carbohydrates. Note that you can find sugars and starches in not only grains but also forage (pasture and hays). Siciliano says we might be underappreciating pastures caloric valueeven a field that doesnt look green and lush and is closely grazed can provide excessive calories to a horse that does not need them. Those blades of grass left close to the ground still contain quite a lot of carbohydrates. While pasture is an excellent calorie source for horses, it can be difficult to manage pasture intake in horses with metabolic issues.Turning horses out to graze very early in the morning when the sugar content is lowest (about 4 a.m.) and bringing them in before the sugar content rises (by 10 a.m.) is a labor-intensive but effective method for limiting grazing. | iStockWhen To GrazeGrazing horses can eat roughly half of their daily caloric requirements in three to four hours. Therefore, youll need to eliminate or closely control your metabolic horses pasture intake. One method is to turn the horse out when grass sugars are low. These decrease several hours after sunset each day because the plants use them as fuel to grow at night. So turning horses out to graze very early in the morning when the sugar content is lowest (about 4 a.m.) and bringing them in before the sugar content rises (by 10 a.m.) is a labor-intensive but effective method for limiting grazing. Youll have to consider other issues, however. For example, if the temperature drops overnight to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then the plants sugars will still be high in the early morning because they did not get used. In addition, horses might become aware of their limited turnout and gorge graze, consuming even more calories than they generally would. If youre going to use this method effectively, make sure you understand pasture plant metabolism and its changes with temperature, sunlight, and season.Parker says you can also use a grazing muzzle. This allows the horse to take in fewer calories, sugars, and starches while still moving around and foraging. Grazing muzzles can limit intake by as much as 80%. She points out, however, that the muzzle must be used appropriatelythe access hole should be small enough to only allow the horse to consume small amounts. An alternative is to turn the horse out in a drylot, where he can exercise without unfettered grass access; you control the amount of forage he gets.Types of ForageThe type of forage intake you can control best is hay, which should be these horses main calorie source. Siciliano and Parker agree that you should have your hay analyzed to determine its nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content, which should be less than 12% for metabolic horses. Siciliano cautions, however, that owners should understand how to use this information when feeding their horses. For example, if a horse consumes 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of hay that contains 12% NSC, then he is consuming 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) of NSC. However, if the horse consumes 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of hay that contains 15% NSC, he still consumes 1.2 kilograms of NSC. Focus on managing the caloric intake, which is what truly drives down NSCs.Also consider hay type when feeding metabolically challenged horses. Cool-season grass hays (e.g., timothy, orchardgrass, bluegrass) can be relatively high in sugars, depending on when the grass was harvested. If the hay was cut when the sugar content was high, then the sugar and, thus, caloric content of that hay will be high compared to if the same grass hay were cut when the plants sugar content was low (e.g., first thing in the morning). Legume hays (alfalfa) are lower in soluble sugars but high in calories, so the issue with using legumes will be in adding calories, though not necessarily calories from soluble sugars. Warm-season grass hays (e.g., teff, some species of Bermuda grass) are naturally low in soluble sugars and, thus, make ideal hays for horses with metabolic issues.Feeding a late-maturity hay is another way to reduce NSC levels. As plants mature, their amount of simple sugars goes down. However, other nutrients in the plant decrease too. So in feeding a late-maturity hay, you might have to add a vitamin/mineral or ration balancer to meet the horses nutrient needs.Another option is to soak hay prior to feeding. Soaking hay up to 16 hours has been shown to reduce soluble carbohydrate levels by as much as 43%. It also reduces the nutrient and dry matter content and increases bacterial load. Therefore, be sure to feed soaked hay immediately to prevent mold and bacteria formation. The current recommendation is to soak the hay no longer than two hours, toss the water out, and feed the hay immediately.Haylage is often presumed to have low NSC due to the fermentation involved in its production. However, haylage has been found to generate a higher insulin response than hay of an equivalent NSC content; therefore, researchers do not recommend feeding haylage to horses with metabolic issues.Whats on the Horizon?Scientists are currently exploring the metabolic phenotypes (genetic physical markers) of horses that have or might be prone to metabolic issues. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University are trying to determine if they can use genetic markers to confirm that certain horse breeds are prone to certain metabolic syndromes/diseases. Results of this research should help us better understand how to develop or adjust diets for at-risk horses. Researchers are also currently looking at the microbial population in these horses guts. A team from the University of Montreal, Quebec, and the University of Guelph, Ontario, is investigating intestinal microbiome markers that might be associated with various disease states in horses. These study results might provide insight into parameters owners should consider when feeding their horses.Take-Home MessageBecause metabolic issues challenge horses health, Parker reminds owners to always seek professional advice when designing and tweaking diets. Select feeds based on your horses needs, and feed them properly. With horses prone to metabolic issues, says Siciliano, stick to the basics of nutrition and feeding, and dont let your horse get fat.

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Planning a quick tack-shop run from Edinburgh but want the right fit without a wild goose chase? This guide maps the best 1060 minute stops and shows exactly what to try on for Scotlands weatherlike hitting Naylors Granton first (1015 mins) for helmets and bootsso you leave with safer fits, smarter layers, and fewer returns. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Quick City Stop What To Do: Head to Naylors at GO Outdoors, Granton (EH5 1PW) and try hats/boots with your size notes and winter socks. Check live traffic for a 1015 minute dash and use on-site parking. Why It Matters: You save time while securing a safe, correct fit. Common Mistake: Turning up without measurements and leaving with almost right kit. Area: Lasswade Detour What To Do: Pair a lesson or hack at Lasswade Stables (EH18 1HX) with a kit check. Carry a measuring tape and wear/pack hi-vis for low-light travel. Why It Matters: You make one efficient trip and stay safer on the roads. Common Mistake: Guessing rug sizes or riding without visibility. Area: Premium Brands What To Do: Visit Hendry Equestrian in Dunbar (4550 mins via A1) to compare Samshield, Flex-On, Equiline and Animo in person. Bring your base layer and check UK safety marks and liner options. Why It Matters: Side-by-side testing improves fit, comfort and protection on big purchases. Common Mistake: Choosing by looks online without confirming fit and certification. Area: Range & Advice What To Do: For breadth and guidance, go to The Tack Room (Milnathort, ~45 mins) or David Conchie Saddlery (Carnoustie, ~1 hour via A90). If you want a mega browse, pencil in First Choice Horse Supplies. Why It Matters: Large stock and experienced staff help you solve multiple needs in one trip. Common Mistake: Arriving late and rushing key fittings. Area: Route Planning What To Do: Use A-roads (A1, A90), check festival traffic and weather, and navigate by postcodes (EH5 1PW; EH18 1HX). Build a time buffer and start with helmets, boots and rugs. Why It Matters: Reduces stress and ensures essentials are fitted first. Common Mistake: Wasting time on small errands before safety-critical fittings. Area: Safety Gear What To Do: Measure your head, try multiple helmet shapes, and adjust straps; replace any hat after a fall. Fit a BETA-certified body protector flat to the torso with no gaping. Why It Matters: Correctly fitted protection reduces injury risk. Common Mistake: Keeping a compromised or loose-fitting hat. Area: Boots Fit What To Do: Wear your own socks, walk, flex and climb a mounting block to test heel hold and calf width over breeches. Ensure zips glide cleanly and pick the right lining for the season. Why It Matters: Secure, all-day comfort improves stability and feel in the saddle. Common Mistake: Trying boots in thin shop socks and buying too tight or too loose. Area: Waterproofs & Rugs What To Do: Try jackets with your usual layers and check taped seams, storm flaps and sealing cuffs. Measure rug size (chest to buttock), test fastenings with gloves, and check shoulder freedom and grazing pull. Why It Matters: Weatherproof kit only works when sealed and sized for Scottish wind and rain. Common Mistake: Buying by label or brand without handling fabric and hardware. In This Guide Whats the closest dedicated tack shop to Edinburgh city centre? Are there good equestrian stops within 2030 minutes? Where can you shop premium equestrian brands near Edinburgh? What are the best tack shops around 4560 minutes from Edinburgh? How should you plan your tack-shop route from Edinburgh? What should you try on or check in-store for Scotlands weather? Pro buying checklist: hats, boots, rugs and tack At-a-glance: Which shop suits which rider? Planning a tack-shop run from Edinburgh? Whether you need a new hat, to size up a winter rug, or to browse premium brands, there are excellent stops within 1060 minutes of the city that make fitting, comparing and buying straightforward in Scotlands changeable weather.Key takeaway: The quickest stop is Naylors at GO Outdoors in Granton (1015 mins), with Lasswade Stables at 20 mins for a horsey detour, Hendry Equestrian in Dunbar for premium brands (4550 mins), and The Tack Room (Milnathort) plus David Conchie Saddlery (Carnoustie) for range and service within an hour.Whats the closest dedicated tack shop to Edinburgh city centre?Naylors at GO Outdoors in Granton (EH5 1PW) is the closest dedicated equestrian store, typically 1015 minutes from central Edinburgh with plentiful parking. Its a practical first stop when you need to try on helmets, boots or outerwear without a long drive, and a handy option for quick top-ups before a show or a winter weather change. Use the postcode (EH5 1PW) to check the quickest route, especially around festival periods when traffic can spike.When youre comparing kit in-store, bring your current sizes and any notes on fit. For example, knowing your head measurement in centimetres helps you zero in on a correctly fitted hat quickly; bring thick winter socks if youre testing boots for depth and warmth. Not travelling today? You can still shortlist essentials online and arrive with a plan. Our curated ranges of riding helmets and horse riding boots are a solid starting point for safety-first shopping.Quick tip: If youre swapping an old hat after a fall, replace it immediatelyimpact compromises safety even when theres no visible damage. Look for a current safety mark and a snug, stable fit.Are there good equestrian stops within 2030 minutes?YesLasswade Stables (EH18 1HX) is around 20 minutes from the city and makes a great horsey detour, while Naylors in Granton is even closer for gear. Lasswade sits just south of the city and is well-placed if youre out that way for lessons or a hack. Combining a short ride with a kit check keeps your day efficient, and its an easy drive that avoids longer A-road runs.If youre riding to or from any yard in low light, pack visibility: UK roads demand caution year-round, and Scottish skies can turn grey quickly even in summer. Browse practical, bright layers in our hi-vis for riders to pair with your favourite jacket or base layers.Pro tip: Pop a measuring tape in the car. If you end up browsing rugs or pads after a ride, you can confirm sizes on the spot, saving a second trip.Where can you shop premium equestrian brands near Edinburgh?Hendry Equestrian in Dunbar is about 4550 minutes via the A1 and stocks high-end brands including Samshield, Flex-On, Equiline and Animo. If youre upgrading your show look or investing in long-life gear, its worth the drive to handle premium helmets, stirrups and tailoring in person. Premium stockists let you compare finishes, ventilation, and adjustability side-by-sidekey for safety wear and boots youll use daily.Focus on function as well as style. For hats and body protection, check for current UK safety marks and ask about fit tweaks such as alternate liners. For competition wear, test mobility in the shoulders and hips, then sit, squat and lift your armsyour jacket should move with you, not against you. Want to refine your shortlist before you set off? Explore performance-led favourites in our womens competition clothing and browse matchy sets and technical saddle pads from our LeMieux collection for inspiration.Quick tip: Bring your current show shirt or base layer when trying jackets; layering them in-store reveals any pinch points youd only notice on show day.What are the best tack shops around 4560 minutes from Edinburgh?David Conchie Saddlery in Carnoustie is roughly 1 hour via the A90, and The Tack Room in Milnathort is about 45 minutes; both are trusted stops for range and advice, while First Choice Horse Supplies claims Scotlands largest equestrian stock. David Conchie is a family-run business founded in 1984, making it a strong bet for experienced, hands-on guidance and competitive pricing across everyday essentials. The Tack Room has been recommended by Horse & Hound forum users for its helpful staff and good selectionuseful when you want honest, practical pointers rather than guesswork.If youre chasing a very broad selection under one roof, pencil in time for First Choice Horse Supplies. Their claim to be Scotlands largest stockist means you can expect a wide spreadriding hats and boots, clothing, saddle pads, horse rugs and tackwhich is ideal if youre kitting out rider and horse in one trip.Road note: Milnathort sits north of the M90, handy if youre heading towards Perthshire; Carnoustie is a straightforward A90 run. Aim for mid-morning arrivals to dodge commuter traffic and give yourself time to compare options without rushing.How should you plan your tack-shop route from Edinburgh?Use main A-roads like the A1 (Dunbar) and A90 (Carnoustie), check festival traffic and weather forecasts, and confirm postcodes before you travel. For quick city access with parking, Naylors at GO Outdoors uses EH5 1PW in Granton; for a horsey detour south of the city, Lasswade Stables is EH18 1HX. Scotlands weather can flip from drizzle to downpour fast, so build in time for safer drivingand for trying waterproofs properly in-store.Route planning checklist:Check live traffic if youre travelling during the Edinburgh festivals or weekend events.Use postcodes to navigate directly to store car parks (handy for loading rugs and tack).Bring a short list of sizes and priorities so you can cover essentials first if time gets tight.If youre testing stirrups or reins, bring your glove size and a pair you normally ride in to judge grip fairly.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend building your route around your biggest fitting jobs firstnew hat, fresh winter rugthen sweeping up accessories. If your horses wardrobe needs weatherproofing before your visit, compare our proven, UK-ready winter turnout rugs to hone in on the weight and cut youll check in-store.What should you try on or check in-store for Scotlands weather?Prioritise correctly fitted riding helmets and boots, waterproof outerwear, and weatherproof rugs tailored to the UKs wet, windy conditions. Hats must be snug and stable with the straps correctly adjusted; body protectors should be BETA-certified and sit flat against your torso without gaping. For boots, walk, flex and climb a mounting block if availableyour heel should stay seated, and the calf should feel supported but not pinched over breeches.For outerwear, look for taped seams, storm flaps and cuffs that seal out horizontal rain. Try on with your usual layers so you can judge if a size up is needed for winter thermals. When comparing rugs, handle the fabric and hardware; buckles should fasten smoothly with gloves on, and neck designs should protect without pulling when your horse grazes.Smart shortlist before you travel:Safety headwear and fit: Start with our range of riding helmets to understand shapes and features, then finalise your size in-store.Footwear for all-day comfort: Note your preferred height and lining in our horse riding boots, then confirm heel hold and calf fit on-site.Rug weights and cuts: Use our turnout rugs to decide on weight for your grazing conditions; Scottish winds make detachable necks and robust fastenings especially useful.Layering you can move in: Shortlist legwear from our womens jodhpurs and breeches and test squats, mounting and two-point stance in-store for real fit.Wet-ride readiness: Pack a lightweight vest or tabard from our hi-vis collection to stay seen on grey dayslayer-friendly and yard-proof.Quick tip: Give yourself ten extra minutes for each safety item. A professional fit now prevents sore spots, slipping hats or boot rubs later, saving you both time and money.Pro buying checklist: hats, boots, rugs and tackUse this 10point checklist to get the right fit and value in one trip. Bring it on your phone and tick as you go.Helmet fit and safety: Measure your head, try multiple shapes, and check stability when you nod and shake. Look for current UK safety marks and a smooth, secure harness adjustment.Boot comfort test: Wear your own socks; walk, climb a block, and flex in riding position. Confirm calf width with breeches on and ensure the zip glides cleanly.Jacket practicality: Sit, bend, and lift your arms; cuffs should seal and hem shouldnt ride up. Check hood compatibility with a hat.Rug sizing: Measure centre of chest to point of buttock; check shoulder freedom, withers clearance and belly strap security. Simulate grazing by lifting the neck to judge pull.Hardware and stitching: Inspect buckles, clips and stitching on tack and rugs for clean finishing and no rough edges.Saddle pad contour: Match pad shape to saddle panels; confirm spine clearance and wither relief. Shortlist technical pads in our LeMieux collection to compare quilting and breathability.Glove and rein grip: Try reins with your usual glove size to judge feel in the hand, wet and dry.Yard practicality: Choose fabrics that wipe clean, resist hair and dry fastthe Scottish forecast rarely waits.Grooming essentials: Add a rubber curry, stiff brush and hoof pick so you can assess coat and fit before you buy rugs. Our grooming range covers yard-ready kits and refills.Layering and legwear: Move-test breeches for stretch and comfort; check seam placement in the saddle. Our womens jodhpurs and breeches help you refine fabric weight and grip before you travel.At Just Horse Riders, our customers often say a focused list prevents almost right purchases. If youll be out in rain the same week, push waterproofs and rugs to the top and circle back for nice-to-haves later.At-a-glance: Which shop suits which rider?Choose Naylors for the quickest city access, Lasswade for a horsey stop 20 minutes out, Hendry for premium brands, The Tack Room and David Conchie for range and advice, and First Choice for big-stock browsing. Heres how to match the trip to your plan:Fast fixes and fittings: Naylors, Granton (EH5 1PW), 1015 minsideal for hats, boots and core kit with easy parking.Ride-and-shop day: Lasswade Stables (EH18 1HX), 20 minspair a lesson or hack with kit checks.Premium upgrade: Hendry Equestrian, Dunbar, 4550 minsSamshield, Flex-On, Equiline, Animo on your shortlist.Advice and breadth: The Tack Room, Milnathort, 45 minsgood selection with helpful staff as noted by riders on forums.Family-run value: David Conchie Saddlery, Carnoustie, ~1 hour via A9040+ years of hands-on experience.One-roof mega browse: First Choice Horse Suppliesclaims Scotlands largest stock for hats, boots, rugs, tack and more.If the forecast is grim or your schedule is tight, mix in online prep. Shortlist winter-proof layers and rug weights in our turnout rugs and safety-first choices in our riding helmets, then confirm the final fit on your chosen store run.Next steps: Make your Edinburgh tack trip countEdinburgh riders have strong options from a 10-minute dash to a one-hour day tripso pair your priorities with the right stop and youll get the fit, safety and durability you came for. Plan your route with postcodes, check the weather, and focus first on helmets, boots and rugs that tackle Scotlands wet, windy conditions. If you want to arrive with a dialled-in shortlist, explore our proven helmet selection, yard-ready riding boots, weatherproof turnout rugs, commuter-safe hi-vis layers, and in-saddle staples like womens breechesso you can try, compare and buy with confidence.Want a bargain while youre at it? Keep an eye on our rotating deals and limited dropsour customers love a quiet win almost as much as a perfect fit.FAQsWhats the closest dedicated tack shop to Edinburgh city centre?Naylors at GO Outdoors in Granton (EH5 1PW) is the closest, typically 1015 minutes by car from central Edinburgh, with ample parking for quick in-and-out visits.Are there good tack shops within 30 minutes of Edinburgh?Yes. Lasswade Stables (EH18 1HX) is around 20 minutes south of the city and is a handy horse-focused stop, while Naylors Granton is even closer for gear and fittings.Where can I browse premium brands like Samshield or Equiline near Edinburgh?Hendry Equestrian in Dunbar (about 4550 minutes via the A1) stocks premium brands including Samshield, Flex-On, Equiline and Animoideal for upgrading helmets, stirrups and competition wear.What are good options around 4560 minutes from Edinburgh?Try The Tack Room in Milnathort (about 45 minutes) for helpful staff and selection, and David Conchie Saddlery in Carnoustie (around 1 hour via the A90), a family-run shop established in 1984. First Choice Horse Supplies also claims to be Scotlands largest stockist if you want a very wide range under one roof.How should I plan my route to multiple shops in a day?Use A-roads for speed (A1 to Dunbar, A90 to Carnoustie), check traffic during festival periods, and confirm postcodes (EH5 1PW for Granton; EH18 1HX for Lasswade). Start with your biggest fitting jobshelmet, boots, rugsso you secure essentials first.What should I prioritise trying on in person?Safety-critical items first: riding helmets and body protection for correct fit and certification, then boots for comfort and stability, followed by waterproof outerwear. For your horse, handle turnout rugs to judge fastenings, shoulder freedom and fabric durability. If youre prepping in advance, line up options from our helmet range and weather-ready turnout rugs before you travel.What kit is most useful for Scotlands weather?Waterproof, windproof outer layers, hi-vis for low-light rides, and robust turnout rugs with secure hardware. Our hi-vis collection and practical grooming essentials help you ride safely and keep coats clean for accurate rug fitting in all seasons. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Riding HelmetsShop Riding BootsShop Turnout RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Jodhpurs & Breeches

The gut microbiome is an important factor in the overall health of the horses digestive system. | Getty imagesThe equine microbiome is a complex community of microbial populations found within every part of the digestive system, including the stomach and small intestine (foregut) and the cecum and large intestine (hindgut). The type and function of the microbiota present change from one segment to the next, and these different populations must work in harmony to maintain homeostasis and reduce the horses risk of disease and disorders.The microbiota in the stomach and first sections of the small intestine function to break down starches, soluble sugars, readily fermented fibers, and proteins. The quantity of microbes varies depending on the type of diet, management factors, stress, and host variables. The latter parts of the small intestine show a gradual transition to the microbiota found in the hindgut. These microbes help ferment and break down the more complex fibers of the diet, including cellulose. Populations found in the cecum are similar to those in the first part of the large colon, but some changes do occur after the pelvic flexure (the hairpin turn where the cecum and colon come together).Ideally, the equine microbiome would be the same across all horses, with the only variation being due to location within the digestive system. However, although some microbes reside in nearly all horses (a core population), the relative amounts of each can vary, and each horses microbiome is unique. The biggest variations are caused by seasonal effects on forage type and quality, dietary changes, different management styles, age, pathogen infections, and antibiotic treatments. The use of antimicrobials to treat disease can also negatively affect the microbial population because most will not differentiate between bad and good microbes. Some study results indicate it takes about a month for the microbial composition to return to normal after discontinuing antimicrobial administration.The horses microbial population changes with age. A newborn foal has a very diverse population, likely acquired ex utero and from interactions with the dam. Some microbes will be transferred to the foal through the colostrum and milk. The foal also acquires microorganisms from the act of coprophagy (eating manure), usually at 3 to 5-days-old. Around one week of age, another change in the microbial population occurs, as the foal begins to experiment with solid food. As the foal ages, the population stabilizes, with changes only occurring during times of stress, such as alterations in diet, workload, and environment.What Does the Microbiome Affect?Recent studies have focused on the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA) and how disruption of it can negatively affect behavior. Diets higher in starch and rapidly digestible and fermentable fibers can upset the balance of microbes and create a more acidic environment. Connections between the nervous, immune, and neuroendocrine systems might be affected, leading to undesirable behaviors such as reactivity, nervousness, aggression, and stereotypies.The microbial population can affect the horses mental and physical health. Negative changes can lead to a variety of diseases and disorders, including gastric ulcers, diarrhea, colic, colitis, and laminitis. It can also have a negative effect on immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.How To Maintain a Healthy MicrobiomeA healthy collection of microorganisms is vital for proper degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose in the hindgut, which provides more than 50% of the average horses daily energy requirements, as well as other vital nutrients. When this population is disturbed, colic and other metabolic disorders can occur, so always make changes to the horses diet gradually, usually over about two weeks. Pay particular attention to carbohydrates, fat, and protein. You can provide supplements designed to support a healthy microbiome, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and a relatively new product called postbiotics, to help prevent disorders related to digestive disturbances.Management should focus on trying to minimize stress. Turnout is beneficial, and occasional let-down periods on pasture have been shown to improve the horses microbiome. Make sure adequate forage or higher fiber feedstuffs are available. Monitor horses for any signs of stereotypies (usually an early sign of stress or poor welfare), and monitor feed intake and aggressive behaviors. A decrease in feed intake and an increase in aggressive behaviors have been observed in horses with digestive disturbances.Take-Home MessageHorse owners should always be aware of their horses digestive health and recognize issues that might indicate problems with the equine microbiota. Digestive system issues such as gastric ulcers, diarrhea, colic, and colitis and diseases such as laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome often indicate a disturbance in the gut microbiome. Avoid rapid dietary changes, especially in starch, fiber, and fat content. Although some contributing factors to issues with the microbiota, such as age and breed, cant be changed by management, others, such as stress related to competition, transportation, and exercise, should be minimized as much as possible.ReferencesAdams VJ, LeBlanc N, Penell J. Results of a Clinical Trial Showing Changes to the Faecal Microbiome in Racing Thoroughbreds after Feeding a Nutritional Supplement. Vet Sci. 2022 Dec 30;10(1):27. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10010027. PMID: 36669028; PMCID: PMC9861731.Chaucheyras-Durand F, Sacy A, Karges K, Apper E. Gastro-Intestinal Microbiota in Equines and Its Role in Health and Disease: The Black Box Opens. Microorganisms. 2022 Dec 19;10(12):2517. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10122517. PMID: 36557769; PMCID: PMC9783266.Kauter A, Epping L, Semmler T, Antao EM, Kannapin D, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H, Lbke-Becker A, Gnther S, Wieler LH, Walther B. The gut microbiome of horses: current research on equine enteral microbiota and future perspectives. Anim Microbiome. 2019 Nov 13;1(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s42523-019-0013-3. PMID: 33499951; PMCID: PMC7807895.Mach N, Lansade L, Bars-Cortina D, Dhorne-Pollet S, Foury A, Moisan MP, Ruet A. Gut microbiota resilience in horse athletes following holidays out to pasture. Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 3;11(1):5007. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84497-y. PMID: 33658551; PMCID: PMC7930273.