11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Frazzled by changing weather and last-minute yard jobs, but unsure what a fair rate is for a reliable freelance groom? Learn exactly what to pay and how to book with confidencethink 1520/hour locally (minimum 15 call-out) and around 25/hour for competitionsplus travel, insurance and task-list tips that save time and stress. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Set Local Rates What To Do: Budget/pay 1520 per hour for local yard work and ~25 per hour for competition grooming, with a 1520 minimum call-out. Why It Matters: Matches 2024 market norms and covers true self-employed costs. Common Mistake: Pricing below market or prorating tiny jobs without a minimum. Area: Price Short Jobs What To Do: Charge a 1520 minimum for 1530 minute tasks and add travel beyond 510 miles (e.g., 0.45/mile) and for evenings/weekends. Why It Matters: Set-up and travel time dont scale with minutes worked. Common Mistake: Quoting prorata hourly rates and ending up out of pocket. Area: Tiered Day Rates What To Do: Use tiers like 17/hour under 4h, 12.50/hour for 46h, and 10/hour for 712h or offer clear day packages. Why It Matters: Protects margin on short slots and stays competitive on longer bookings. Common Mistake: Applying one flat hourly rate to every job length. Area: Brief & Contract What To Do: Itemise tasks, time window, travel/premiums, cancellation, and insurance in writing; include arrival/departure texts. Why It Matters: Prevents scope creep and protects both parties. Common Mistake: Agreeing vague jobs that invite on-the-day can you just extras. Area: Insurance & Legal What To Do: Hold/verify 15m public liability, confirm self-employment and records, and check VAT status; use vetted directories. Why It Matters: Reduces risk and ensures professional standards. Common Mistake: Taking someones word for cover without seeing a certificate. Area: Adjust for Experience/Season What To Do: Pay/charge more for reliable, experienced grooms and in high-demand regions/seasons; expect ~25/hour for shows. Why It Matters: Demand, skill and timing rightly influence fair rates. Common Mistake: Keeping one static rate yearround regardless of demand. Area: Prep Yard & Kit What To Do: Label rugs by weight, premeasure feeds, and keep a basic grooming kit, headtorch and hivis ready by the yard. Why It Matters: Saves 1015 minutes per visit and improves safety. Common Mistake: Disorganised, unlabeled gear that slows every job. Area: Find, Book & Pay What To Do: Source via BGA/The Grooms List, send a clear photobacked brief, agree terms, and pay itemised invoices within 30 days (tip ~10% for exceptional work). Why It Matters: Streamlined bookings build trust and reliability. Common Mistake: Vague enquiries and late payment that deter good grooms. In This Guide What does a freelance groom cost in the UK in 2024? How to price short, single-horse jobs (catch-in, rug change, feed) Day rates and tiered pricing that actually work What should be included in your quote and contract Experience, region and season: how to adjust your price Legal and insurance essentials for UK freelance grooms and owners How to find, book and pay a reliable freelance groom Practical kit to make short-call jobs fast and safe Youre busy, the weathers changing by the hour, and your horse still needs catching, feeding and the right rug. A good freelance groom can be a lifesaver if you know what a fair price looks like and how to book them well.Key takeaway: For local yard work, budget 1520 per hour (minimum 15 call-out), with competition grooming around 25 per hour and always factor travel, clear task lists and insurance.What does a freelance groom cost in the UK in 2024?For local yard work, expect 1520 per hour; competition grooming averages around 25 per hour in the UK.This aligns with current Horse & Hound guidance and widespread yard-owner consensus on the Horse & Hound forum. Reliable, experienced grooms who can handle general yard tasks (mucking out, turning out/bringing in, feeds, rugs) regularly command 20/hour locally, while more basic roles sit around 15/hour.Rates used to be lower; a 2019 British Grooms Association (BGA) survey found most self-employed grooms charged 911/hour, with 13+ for those with 8+ years experience. The BGA actively encouraged those at the lower end to increase rates a trend reflected in todays 1525/hour benchmarks, rising in higher-cost regions such as the South East. See the BGAs survey analysis here.Average 15/hr, 20/hr for someone who is good, reliable, turns up at the right time and not 8 oclock at night. yard owners and grooms, Horse & Hound forumRemember, freelancers shoulder their own costs (transport, equipment, holidays, sick days), which is why rates are above the National Living Wage (11.44/hour from April 2024). As Horse & Hounds freelance expert Rachel notes:A lot of people think going freelance means charging more, but every extra cost becomes your responsibility sick days, holidays, equipment, transport. You have to build everything into your bottom line. Rachel, Horse & HoundFor context on day-based pricing, the BGAs own freelancer directory often shows tiering such as 17/hour for short jobs (under 4 hours), 12.50/hour for half days (46 hours), and 10/hour for full days (712 hours). Some providers publish package rates, for example GH Equestrian list 40 for a half day (1 horse, show prep included, +5 per extra horse) and 50 for a full day (+5 per extra). Routine daily grooming on full livery can be seen at around 6.50 per horse per day (Moats Way Equestrian), which reflects very basic care as part of a yards schedule.How to price short, single-horse jobs (catch-in, rug change, feed)Charge a minimum call-out of 1520 for a 1530 minute catch-in, rug swap and feed, plus travel beyond 510 miles.While a 20-minute task might pro-rata to 510 at 1520/hour, in practice a minimum fee ensures the groom covers set-up time, kit, and reliability especially when fitting you between other yards. Add a travel charge (commonly 0.45/mile or a flat fee) once youre beyond a 510 mile radius or for short-notice, evening or weekend calls.For rug changes in the UKs unpredictable autumn and spring, help your groom be fast and accurate:Label rugs clearly by weight and condition, and keep them ready to hand. If you need upgrades, browse proven winter turnout rugs and cosy stable rugs from brands our customers trust.Pre-measure feeds with notes. Secure storage and clean scoops prevent mistakes and save minutes per visit.Keep a basic yard-side check kit hoof pick, quick brush, spare headcollar or stock a tidy, durable set from our grooming collection.Quick tip: Dark winter evenings are the enemy of efficient short calls. A reliable headtorch and reflective yardwear help your groom find, check and rug your horse safely. For riders or owners on the move, our high-visibility gear boosts safety around the yard and lanes.Day rates and tiered pricing that actually workUse tiered rates such as 17/hour for jobs under 4 hours, 12.50 for half days (46 hours), and 10 for full days (712 hours) to stay profitable.This BGA-listed model recognises that set-up and travel time make shorter slots relatively more expensive. For comparison, some providers publish day packages: GH Equestrian advertises 40 for a half day (1 horse, +5 per additional) and 50 for a full day (+5 per additional). Meanwhile, routine daily grooming in a livery setting can be priced as low as 6.50 per horse per day but that is basic care delivered at scale on one yard, not a freelance ad-hoc visit.Heres a simple way to sanity-check your pricing as a groom:Start from the National Living Wage (11.44/hour) and add 2030% to cover tax/NI when self-employed.Add fixed costs: insurance, transport, equipment, admin, holidays and sick days (you fund these yourself).Apply a short-job premium (e.g., 17/hour, or a 1520 minimum call-out) to avoid losing money between yards.Owners should expect to pay a little more for short, ad-hoc tasks than for block bookings just as you would with trades like cleaners or gardeners because travel and set-up costs dont scale with minutes worked.What should be included in your quote and contractList exact tasks, timings, travel, surcharges and insurance details in writing before you start.Clarity prevents scope creep and protects both horse and groom. The British Grooms Association provides robust guidance and standard terms for freelancers; use their resources and directory to find insured professionals (BGA directory).When requesting or sending a quote, specify:Tasks: Catch-in, quick check, rug swap for weather change, feed as per yard chart; leave yard tidy.Time window: Between 4:006:00pm; text on arrival and departure.Travel and extras: 0.45/mile over 10 miles; +10 surcharge if horse is wet/exceptionally muddy.Short-notice/evening/weekend premiums if applicable.Insurance: confirmation of public liability cover (15 million recommended by BGA) and any relevant qualifications.Pro tip: Autumn and spring bring frequent rug changes in the UK. State your rug rules (e.g., if below 5C and raining, 200300g turnout; if 1012C and dry, no rug after exercise cools) and keep suitable options on hand. Our curated selection from top brands like WeatherBeeta rugs and accessories helps you match warmth and waterproofing quickly.Experience, region and season: how to adjust your priceExperienced grooms (8+ years) can charge 13+ per hour, with 1525 typical and higher in the South East and during peak seasons.The BGAs survey analysis explicitly advised those below 9/hour to increase to the 911 band, and for experienced grooms to consider 13 or more a baseline that has moved upwards in recent years. Today, a 1520/hour local yard rate is normal, and 25/hour is common for competition grooming or specialist skills.Demand and difficulty shift with the seasons:Autumn/Spring: Frequent rug changes as weather flips between wet, windy and mild; expect more short calls. A surcharge is reasonable for very wet or dirty horses that add drying or extra effort (e.g., +10).Winter: Fewer daylight hours (<8 hours midwinter) make short-notice calls harder to schedule; evening premiums are standard. Ensure safe footing and consider leg protection for muddy turnouts our horse boots and bandages collection includes hardwearing options for daily use.Spring/Summer competitions: Rates trend up to around 25/hour for show prep, plaiting, travel, and ringside support.Quick tip: Reliability is worth money. The market pays more for a groom who arrives on time, communicates clearly, and leaves the yard as they found it exactly why youll see 20/hour quoted for good, reliable providers in current discussions.Legal and insurance essentials for UK freelance grooms and ownersFreelance grooms should hold 15 million public liability insurance and comply with HMRC self-employment rules; owners should verify cover and references.The BGA recommends comprehensive public liability insurance and a professional approach to self-employment, including Class 2/4 National Insurance and accurate record-keeping. Theres no statutory wage for the self-employed, but the National Living Wage is a sensible fairness benchmark, topped up to reflect your true costs and risk profile. Most freelancers will not charge VAT unless they exceed the 90,000 turnover threshold.Owners: ask to see an insurance certificate and check references. Use vetted sources such as the BGA directory and The Grooms List. For welfare and safety, aligning with recognised UK bodies (e.g., BGA and the British Horse Society) shows youre taking best practice seriously. At the yard, safety kit matters too: a properly fitted riding helmet and visible clothing make dark-evening jobs safer for everyone.How to find, book and pay a reliable freelance groomUse vetted directories like the British Grooms Association and The Grooms List, then send an itemised brief and pay within 30 days.Heres a simple process that works:Search and shortlist: Start with the BGA directory or The Grooms List for insured, reviewed grooms near you.Send a clear brief: Horses routine, any quirks, exact tasks, time window, rug/feeding rules, yard access and where everything lives (with photos where helpful).Agree terms in writing: Rate, minimum charge, travel, premiums, cancellation, and payment terms. Include a surcharge line for exceptional mud/wet coats or laundry.Confirm kit on yard: Labelled rugs, pre-measured feeds, and a tidy grooming kit to speed up checks.Pay promptly: Itemised invoice with time, travel and extras; 30-day terms are standard. Tipping is optional, with ~10% common for exceptional ad-hoc work.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend a quick after-visit debrief by text Horse in stable with medium turnout dried off; ate full feed; switched to 200g rug as temp dropped; yard swept. These tiny details build trust and make the next booking even smoother.Practical kit to make short-call jobs fast and safeKeep a labelled rug system, pre-measured feeds and a basic grooming kit on the yard to save 1015 minutes per visit.Time is money on short calls, and organisation pays back quickly. A few smart upgrades on the yard help every groom and your horse all year round:Rug system: Two or three sensible weights ready to hand (e.g., light/medium/heavy turnout) plus a stable option. Durable, breathable designs from WeatherBeeta are favourites with our customers for UK wet spells. See our full range of turnout rugs and stable rugs.Grooming and checks: A compact caddy from our grooming collection with a hoof pick, dandy brush, and cloth is perfect for quick mud-offs and safety checks.Safety and visibility: Winter brings dark, slippery yards. Combine a reliable headtorch with our hi-vis layers so everyone can see and be seen.Leg protection: For muddy gateways or excitable turnouts, keep supportive options ready from our horse boots and bandages range.Confidence boosters: Some horses catch better with a small reward after a calm catch-in pick something from our popular treats to make short calls smoother.Quick tip: If your horse is competition-bound, store a clearly labelled show kit (plaiting bands, quarter-mark brush, travel boots) and keep your own competition clothing clean and handy. Smooth handovers make every paid minute count.FAQsWhats a fair rate for a 20-minute catch-in, rug change and feed on a local yard?Pro-rata its 510 at 1520/hour, but in practice most grooms charge a 1520 minimum call-out to cover set-up, plus travel beyond 510 miles. This matches current Horse & Hound and forum guidance.Do I need to pay extra for travel or short-notice calls?Yes. Its common to add 0.45/mile or a flat fee for distance beyond 510 miles, and to charge premiums for evenings, weekends or short-notice requests. See recent experiences on the Horse & Hound forum.How does experience affect pricing for basic tasks?The BGAs survey shows 911/hour as a historic baseline for novices, rising to 13+/hour for 8+ years experience with todays typical local yard rates sitting at 1520/hour, and reliability pushing towards 20/hour. Read the BGA analysis here.Whats the going rate at competitions vs. yard work?Around 25/hour for competition grooming (prep, travel, ringside support) versus 1520/hour for local yard basics such as catch-in, feed and rugs, per Horse & Hound.Should I tip or pay VAT?No VAT is charged unless the groom is over the current threshold (around 90,000 turnover). Tipping is optional; 10% is a nice gesture for exceptional ad-hoc jobs.How many stables per hour is reasonable for general yard work?Forum consensus suggests 23 stables per hour for a capable groom, which is why rates are often compared to local cleaners (12/hour) and gardeners (15/hour) when discussing fair pay.How do I verify a grooms insurance and standards?Ask for their public liability insurance certificate (aim for 15 million cover) and references, and book via vetted sites such as the British Grooms Association directory. Align with BGA/BHS best practice to support welfare and safety on your yard.With a clear brief, fair rate and the right kit on hand, freelance support becomes easy, safe and genuinely cost-effective. If you need help choosing rugs, safety gear or a streamlined grooming set-up, our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help and our curated ranges make those quick calls quicker. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Grooming KitShop Hi-Vis GearShop Boots & Bandages

If I had a fiver for everyone who reminded me that I havent ridden at Badminton for 16 years, Id be rich, said British Olympian Daisy Berkeley who, at 54, is the senior rider this year.She is currently in equal 23rd place after dressage on the 13-year-old Selle Francais chestnut gelding Diese du Figuier on a mark of 32.9.I expect that by the time cross-country day comes, I will be wishing I am in my usual spot in the Radio Badminton commentary box.Last time I was riding at Badminton, I was riding [my team horse] Springalong and wearing a top hat. We finished third and I didnt think I needed to come back, but here I am.When you have a good ride at Badminton, there is no feeling like it in the world, and I am looking forward to it. Ive ridden a lot of horses in my time. This one [Diese du Figuier] is the sweetest, kindest horse Ive ever had and I couldnt be more proud of him.Daisys first ride at Badminton was in 1997 on her Young Rider medallist, Headley Bravo, and they finished seventh. Her British team career includes a team bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, team gold at the 2007 European Championships and team silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, all with Springalong.

Photo: Shelley PaulsonGastric ulcers are common in both performance and pleasurehorses, but the clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Affected horses might showpoor performance, changes in attitude, decreased appetite, or unexplainedweight loss. Because the horses stomach continuously produces acid and isdesigned forforaging, management factors such as intermittent feeding, high-starch diets, and stressfrom transport orworkcan contribute to ulcer development.The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is through gastroscopy, soits important to work with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse might have them.Register now for this free Ask TheHorse Live event to submit your questions and learn more about equine gastric ulcers.Register NowAsk The Horse Live begins on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. EDT Days Hours MinutesAbout the Experts: Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP, grew up in the Salinas Valley, riding horses with her mom and sisters. Winfields professional interests are equine internal medicine, emergency and critical care, neonatology, acupuncture, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. Winfield is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also a veterinary medical manipulation practitioner, having completed her training at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Reddick, Florida. In integrating her riding background with her training in internal medicine, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation Winfield strives to offer a comprehensive view of horse health and performance. Winfield is an equity partner at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics, in Salinas, California. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick Carlson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, and their children. She loves horseback riding and three-day eventing with her horse Franky. James D. Conway III, DVMJames D. Conway III, DVM, is the associate director of veterinary technical services at Bimeda. He previously held the same roles at Dechra Veterinary Products and Contura Vet. Conway has been an industry veterinarian for the past 10 years. Prior to his role in industry, he served as an associate veterinarian at a large regional referral lameness and rehab facility in North Texas. Conway completed an internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, in Weatherford, Texas, and upon completion started his own lameness and sports medicine practice in the panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. He is a 2012 graduate of Colorado State University Veterinary School, in Fort Collins, where he was heavily involved with equine stifle and condylar fracture research. Conway's publications on bisphosphonates, the equine stifle ethesis, and medial condylar fractures can be found in Equine Veterinary Education and Equine Veterinary Journal.

On May 8, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed that eight Quarter Horses in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA).In San Bernardino County, six horses are confirmed positive, and seven others on the property have potentially been exposed. In Riverside County, a 4-year-old stallion and a 5-year-old mare tested positive, and one other horse on the premises is potentially exposed.All exposed horses initially tested negative for EIA but will be quarantined and retested after 60 days, as required by the CDFA and USDA. Epidemiological tracing has confirmed these positive cases to be linked. The CDFA has been to each site and is monitoring the situation.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 EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

On May 8, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed that a horse at an Alachua County farm tested positive for strangles. Twenty-six other horses on the premises have been exposed, and the property is under quarantine. This is the ninth confirmed farm with strangles in Florida in 2026.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 May 8, the New Hampshire State Veterinarian Office confirmed two horses positive for strangles. One horse resides in Strafford County and is the only animal on the farm. The other horse lives at a boarding facility in Belknap County, which will remain under quarantine until there are no other known new cases.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.

Ros Canters defence of her MARS Badminton Horse Trials title has got off to a brilliant start. The world number four and her charismatic horse Lordships Graffalo are in the lead after the dressage phase on a mark of 23.7, with a 4.4-penalty lead over the first day leader, the USAs Tiana Coudray on Cancaras Girl.They head a stellar international line-up: leading Belgian rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier is in third place on the home-bred mare Hooney dArville; Swiss star Felix Vogg is fourth on Cartania; New Zealander Caroline Powell, is lying fifth on the 2024 winner Greenacres Special Cavalier; and Brazilian doctor Marcio Carvalho Jorge, a three-time Olympian, is in sixth on Royal Encounter.Archie and Michele Sauls 14-year-old bay gelding Lordships Graffalo known universally as Walter is the only horse to have won two Badmintons (2023 and 2025) and two Burghleys (2024 and 2025). Now there is the tantalising prospect of him making history by adding a third Badminton victory to his extraordinary CV, which includes a European title (2023) and an Olympic team gold medal (2024).He is an amazing character, said Ros, who gave birth to her second daughter, Seneh, only in January. I have never met a horse that enjoys people and atmosphere like he does. Most horses that have had the international mileage he has would become nervous, but he just loves it.He is a busy chap in the stables at an event and likes to be the big I am. Youre lucky if you come out of the stable without him treading on you or covering you with slobber. At events, I literally just get on him and leave everything else to Sarah [Charnley, groom].Tiana Coudray admitted to surprise at still being on the podium at the end of the second day of dressage: It is beyond my wildest dreams, she said, describing tomorrows cross-country course as beautiful and very jumpable.Lara, who is ranked eighth in the world, is the first Belgian rider to have won a five-star, Luhmuhlen (Germany) in 2024 on the 13-year-old grey mare, Hooney dArville, whose dam Nooney dArville she also competed.Hooney is getting better and better with age, said Lara. She owes me nothing and has now given me the privilege of sitting on a podium next to Ros.Tomorrows cross-country day is a sell-out, but all the action, which starts at 11.30am, will be shown on Badminton TV and can also be followed on Badminton Radio.

First-timer Tom Strawson, 37, has plenty of experience of cross-country riding, albeit more in the hunting and point-to-point fields than in eventing. He has 47 point-to-point wins under his belt, including three Midlands Area titles, he is master of the Brocklesby hunt and this spring he won the Harborough Ride, plus he has a day job as a farmer and chartered surveyor.His hunting and team chasing friend Rowan Cope bet him 1,000 he wouldnt get around Burghley, but he finished 21st there last year on his five-star debut on the ex-racehorse Public Address, known as Brian at home.Tom, who scored 38.5 for 48th place after dressage, has walked the Badminton cross-country course with Chris Bartle, Ros Canter and Aunty Ginny [former event rider Ginny Rose], who is acting as my chef dequipe. Theres a lot to jump and its intense in the middle. As Im late to go, I plan to watch but I dont know if that will be a good thing or not. It might make me even more nervous!

Avoid high-NSC diets for horses with metabolic problems such as EMS or PPID. | Adobe StockQ:I have a 20-year-old former easy keeper that has just been diagnosed withpituitary pars intermedia dysfunction(PPID,once calledequine Cushings disease). My vetadvisedI switch him to a low-nonstructural-carbohydrate(NSC)feed to helpmanage the condition,butmy horsehas started going off his grain and is beginning to lose weight. How do I balance his need for a low-NSC dietwhilekeeping him eating and at a healthybody condition score (BCS)?A:This is an increasingly common scenario faced by owners of horses that have historically been diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS),a condition in which easy keepers often become less responsive toinsulin,that then go on to age into PPID. Your vet has given you some good advice about minimizing the NSC content of your horses diet.Thatsa foundational part of managingequine insulin dysregulation (ID),meaning the horse produces or responds to insulin abnormally.Insulin dysregulationis certainly associated with an easy keeper phenotype(physical traits)but can also be associated with PPID.Becauseolder horses (with or without PPID) mightexperienceloss of body condition and muscle wastingandcouldbenefit from supplemental calories,concurrent ID might make some commercially available calorie-dense diets less safe forhorses who need to gainweight (andpotentially risk causing or exacerbating laminitis).Generally,youshould avoidhigh-NSC diets(over20%NSCon adrymatter basis) for horses with ID, especiallywhenfeeding themin quantities meant to encourage weight gain. Someadditionaltesting for ID (such asan oral sugar test and insulin tolerance test) might be helpfultodeterminethe degree ofyour horses ID.Safer caloriesources for horses with ID that need to gain weightincludefat and fiber, so consider one or more of the following strategies to encourage a normal body condition in a horseon the thin side:1.Ensure PPID is well-managedwithappropriatemedicationsprescribed by your veterinarian.2.Gradually increase the amount of fermentable fiber inyour horsesdiet.Ifhisdentition is stillreasonably normal,givehimad libitum access to low-NSC grass hay (and potentially judicious access to pasture if the horseisntseverely ID). Consider gradually adding legume forage (alfalfaandclover), cubes, or pellets to the diet as well. Alfalfa often gets a bit of a bad rap for horses with metabolicproblems, but it canhavea lower NSC content than many grass hays. Horses often find it highly palatable,so it mighthelp with yourhorsesfeed refusal issues. You can alsoconsider gradually adding meals ofnonmolassedbeet pulp. Ifhesnotable to chew properlydue to the condition of histeeth, adding meals ofsoaked andmashedalfalfacubes or pellets or aforage-basedcomplete pelleted dietmight be helpful.3.Add supplemental fat to the diet,along with a little extra vitamin E. Adult horses can tolerate a surprising amount of fat(up to 20% or more on a dry matter basis),which you canuseto encourage weight gain inindividualswith ID. Gradually adda fat supplement, such as corn oil, vegetable oil, flaxseed oil,stabilized ground flaxseed, or a commercially available combination product,to increase the caloric density ofyour horsesdiet. Some fat supplements,such asricebran, can have arelatively highNSC content as well (20-30%), so carefully consider if this isappropriate beforeaddingitto yourhorsesdiet.As always, fostering a good working relationship with yourprimary care veterinarianhelpsensureyoureceiveaccurate, practical guidanceformanagingyour metabolic horsesdiet and supporting his health over the long term. Claim your promo code to receive 20% off any product in Equithrive's Easy Keeper collection: MetaCare, Metabarol, Vitamin E or Hoof. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) By clicking submit I consent to Equine NetworksPrivacy Policy and Terms of Serviceand I represent that I am over 16 years old.