11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Worried about balancing tradition, competition and your horses wellbeing under UK law? This guide gives you clear, practical steps to meet your legal duty of carewhen to stop, whos responsible on the day, and daily checksplus lessons from the Kings Life Guard schedule (11:00 Mon/Wed/Fri; 10:00 Sun) so you ride and show confidently, lawfully, and welfare-first. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Legal Duty of Care What To Do: Meet the five needs: suitable environment, diet, normal behaviour, appropriate housing, and protection from pain, injury and disease. Put welfare ahead of tradition, competition and convenience. Why It Matters: Its a legal requirement under the Animal Welfare Act and breaches carry serious penalties. Common Mistake: Assuming that if theres no obvious suffering youre compliant. Area: Daily Welfare Checks What To Do: Run a daily checklist: fresh water, appropriate rugging, feet checked, and note appetite, droppings and demeanour. Record changes and act early. Why It Matters: Consistent checks catch problems before they become welfare breaches. Common Mistake: Skipping checks on busy or bad-weather days. Area: Event-Day Responsibility What To Do: Confirm whos in charge on the day, ensure entry and emergency contacts are correct, and keep the passport and medication details to hand. Brief your team on any special needs. Why It Matters: Clear accountability speeds decisions and meets joint legal duties at events. Common Mistake: Assuming organisers carry full responsibility for your horse. Area: Fit to Compete What To Do: Only ride a sound, willing, appropriately fit horse; stop immediately for lameness, distress, heat stress or abnormal sensitisation/desensitisation. Seek veterinary advice if in doubt. Why It Matters: Welfare always outranks entries, points and prize money. Common Mistake: Pushing on to see how it goes. Area: Cooling & Recovery What To Do: Provide shade, airflow and plenty of water; rinse, scrape and repeat, then hand-walk and allow quiet recovery time. Pack scrapers, buckets, towels and fly protection. Why It Matters: Effective cooling prevents heat stress and speeds safe recovery after work or travel. Common Mistake: Leaving water on the coat without scraping, trapping heat. Area: Stallion Management What To Do: Display stallion discs on both sides, lead with a bit and reins or a 2.5m+ lead rope, and use experienced handlers. Plan routes to avoid congestion and never tie up unattended. Why It Matters: Predictable, controlled handling reduces risk to others and protects welfare. Common Mistake: Hiding stallion status or using short lead ropes in busy areas. Area: Weather & Ground What To Do: Check surface, wind, temperature and cooling provision; shorten warm-ups, change classes or withdraw if safety or cooling cant be ensured. Carry weather-appropriate layers and adjust schedules. Why It Matters: Events must not proceed if conditions endanger horses. Common Mistake: Sticking to the timetable despite unsafe footing or heat. Area: Reporting Concerns What To Do: Notify stewards or the secretary promptly with clear, factual details; escalate to Police/RSPCA if urgent or unresolved. Note times, locations and observations. Why It Matters: Swift reporting protects horses and enables enforcement of welfare law. Common Mistake: Venting on social media instead of informing officials. In This Guide Your legal duty of care Who is responsible on the day? When to stop riding or competing What the Household Cavalry gets right A practical welfare checklist for show days Stallions and safeguarding others Weather, ground and when to withdraw Reporting and resolving concerns The Kings Life Guard clip-clopping down Whitehall at 11:00 is a quintessential London moment Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in full ceremony, with shorter inspections on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00, and Sundays at 10:00. Behind the polished harness and centuries-old drill is a modern welfare system that every UK horse owner can learn from.UK law puts your horses welfare above tradition, competition and convenience. Whether youre hacking in winter rain, showing at the weekend, or managing a horse on parade, the rules and the responsibilities are the same.Key takeaway: In the UK, horse welfare is a legal duty that always outranks tradition, competition and convenience.Your legal duty of careUnder the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (and the Scottish equivalent), you have a legal duty of care to meet your horses needs for environment, diet, normal behaviour, housing and protection from pain and injury. Failure to meet these needs can be an offence even if obvious suffering hasnt yet occurred.The British Horse Societys Code of Practice summarises this duty clearly for owners and keepers at home and at events, echoing the five freedoms principle that governs all equine care across England, Scotland and Wales. In practice, that means suitable turnout or stabling, an appropriate diet and water, companionship or social contact, safe handling and transport, and proactive veterinary care and pain prevention. See the BHS guidance here: BHS Code of Practice.Sanctions for cruelty or failing to meet welfare needs are significant. According to the national welfare protocol referenced by British Equestrian, courts can impose fines up to 20,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, and bans on owning or keeping animals. For details, consult the BEF policy: Equine Ethics and Welfare Policy.Equine welfare must not be subordinated to commercial or competitive influences. In all situations, all members are committed to promoting the highest levels of education, training, and welfare. British Equestrian FederationQuick tip: Build welfare checks into your daily routine water topped up, rugs appropriate to temperature, feet checked, and a simple note of appetite, droppings and demeanour. Small consistencies prevent big problems.Who is responsible on the day?At events, overall responsibility for a horse rests with the person in charge on the day, alongside the owner/keeper and organisers who share a joint duty under welfare legislation. You must be identified on the entry with up-to-date emergency contact details.The BHS is explicit: organisers have a role, but the owner or keeper carries prime responsibility for the horses welfare throughout the show or rally. Make sure your entry details are correct, your horses passport is to hand, and any special needs (medication, travel routine, stallion status) are clearly noted on paperwork and to your team.Stallion-specific rules commonly include fitting stallion discs on both sides of the bridle, leading only with a bit and reins or a 2.5m+ lead rope, and strict handling to avoid risk to others. If safety is compromised, organisers may disqualify or remove horse and handler in line with welfare policies.Pro tip: Add your vets number and yard contact to a laminated card on your lorry dashboard. In a crisis, clarity speeds care.When to stop riding or competingYou must not ride or compete any horse that is lame, injured, exhausted or affected by abnormal sensitisation or desensitisation; welfare trumps entry fees, points and prize money.The British Equestrian policy is crystal clear: welfare may not be sacrificed to competitive or commercial aims. Watch for head-nodding lameness, reluctance to move forward, irregular rhythm, shortness behind, swelling or heat in limbs, dullness after travel, excessive respiratory effort, or signs of heat stress (high temperature, rapid breathing, depression). If in doubt, stop, cool and assess and seek veterinary advice.Abnormal practices to mask, sensitise or desensitise body parts are prohibited. Cooling provisions (shade, water, air flow), appropriate warm-up times, and safe ground conditions are non-negotiable. If organisers cannot provide a predictable, safe environment, withdraw.No horse should be ill-treated in any way on the showground Under the provisions of the Welfare Acts there is a degree of joint responsibility with organisers, but nevertheless the owner or keeper of an animal has prime responsibility for its welfare. British Horse SocietySupport your cooling plan with kit that works: sweat-scrapers, plentiful water, shade, and a breathable rug if flies are harassing post-exercise. For lightweight coverage, see our range of fly rugs and sheets for hot weather.What the Household Cavalry gets rightThe Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) keeps ceremony running with strict routines, trained horses and scheduled welfare breaks and tradition never overrides welfare policy.From the Changing of the Guard on Horse Guards Parade to state occasions, HCMR horses are on public duty daily: full ceremonies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00; shorter inspections on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00; and Sundays at 10:00 (Changing Guard timings). Their systems emphasise predictability: controlled exposure to crowds and traffic, disciplined handling, and carefully staged work-to-rest cycles. In winters cold and wet, sentry routines are shortened to reduce standing time, and horses get twice-yearly countryside holidays to decompress and graze away from the capital.Even the famous drum horses traditionally Clydesdale crosses with abundant feather, mane and tail undergo about 18 months of training to carry the massive silver kettledrums through parades. Historically, theyve appeared in black, iron grey, blue roan, piebald and skewbald coats, but colour has always been secondary to temperament and training for safety and welfare (ceremonial horse background).What can you borrow for your horse? Plan your day to the minute, acclimatise to new environments in small steps, and build rest and recovery into your schedule. The best parades whether a local show or a London spectacle are boringly predictable for the horse.A practical welfare checklist for show daysPrepare fitness, plan travel, manage environment, and build cooling and recovery into your day; then carry the right kit to act fast if conditions change.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend using this simple framework:Fitness and health: Only enter classes your horse is fit and schooled for; if travel is long, reduce class numbers. Never compete a horse showing lameness, injury, exhaustion or abnormal behaviour. Consider supportive, legal nutrition from our supplements for joint health and recovery (never to mask issues).Travel safety: Protect limbs in the lorry with robust travel boots or bandages; explore our horse boots and bandages for supportive options. Load calmly, allow extra time, ventilate well and carry water.Weather-ready rugs: For cold, wet UK days, pack a waterproof layer from our turnout rug collection. For stabled downtime between classes, a cosy layer from our stable rugs helps prevent chills if the weather turns.Heat and flies: In hot spells, plan shade, regular rinses and airflow. Use breathable coverage like our fly sheets for post-exercise to reduce pest stress while cooling.Cooling and recovery: Bring buckets, spare water, sweat scrapers and towels. Hand-walk to aid circulation, then allow quiet time to eat and drink.First aid and grooming: A stocked equine first aid kit plus a tidy grooming set saves time when it matters. See our curated grooming essentials that slot neatly into the lorry.Rider safety and comfort: Wear a certified hat from our riding helmets collection and weather-appropriate clothing; for ring-ready outfits browse womens competition clothing and supportive womens jodhpurs and breeches. For early starts or dull light, add hi-vis for riders.Brand picks our customers love: storm-proof value from Gallop Equestrian rugs, lightweight tech from LeMieux, British staples from Shires, waterproof reliability from WeatherBeeta, and tried-and-tested support from NAF supplements.Pro tip: Pack a weather pivot bag: spare rug, spare numnah, fly spray, a lightweight sheet, and a dry cooler. UK weather loves a plot twist.Stallions and safeguarding othersStallions must be clearly identified, controlled with a bit and reins or a 2.5m+ lead rope, and handled so they pose no risk to others; organisers may remove any horse that compromises safety.Note the horses stallion status on entries, display discs on both sides of the bridle, and never tie up unattended in busy areas. Use experienced handlers, plan routes to rings away from pony collecting rings, and space lorry parking if possible. Keep a calm, consistent routine predictability lowers arousal and keeps everyone safe.Quick tip: Fit a neckstrap for an extra holding point on the move, and keep a clear bubble in crowded gateways.Weather, ground and when to withdrawIf ground or weather compromises safety or cooling, postpone or withdraw welfare comes before schedules.British Equestrians policy requires that competitions do not take place if welfare is at risk from extreme conditions. In the UK that can mean saturated or frozen ground, heat spikes, high winds, or relentless rain. Build a simple decision tree: Is the surface safe? Can I cool my horse effectively? Is shade and water available? If any answer is no, step away.For cold, wet days, bring a waterproof top layer and consider a quarter-sheet for warm-up. Our winter turnout rugs and dependable liners help maintain comfort between classes, while a breathable stable rug keeps muscles warm if stabled on site. On heatwave days, arrive early, park in shade, shorten warm-ups, avoid peak heat classes, and use rinsing plus airflow to cool rapidly.Pro tip: In changeable weather, swap long static waits for short, frequent leg-stretches to keep muscles warm without overheating.Reporting and resolving concernsRaise welfare concerns immediately with show officials; if urgent or unresolved, contact the Police, RSPCA or your Local Authority for enforcement.The British Equestrian Federation notes it cooperates with relevant authorities to ensure equine wellbeing. If you see lameness being ignored, abusive handling, or dangerous practices (such as illegal sensitisation), discretely alert the secretary, steward or veterinary officer with clear, factual observations. If a horse is in immediate danger, escalate to the Police or RSPCA on site. Document times, locations and what you saw not opinions to support swift action. Refer to policy guidance here: BEF Equine Ethics and Welfare Policy.Remember, the aim is to protect horses and educate people, not to shame. Calm, prompt reporting saves lives and careers.ConclusionFrom Horse Guards Parade to your local showground, the standard is the same: welfare first, always. Plan like the Cavalry predictable routines, trained responses, clear lines of responsibility and back your plan with the right kit for British weather and busy days. If conditions or your horse say not today, thats good horsemanship and its the law.Need to upgrade your welfare toolkit before the next outing? Explore weather-ready turnout rugs, breathable fly sheets, protective boots and bandages, and proven supplements trusted by UK riders.FAQsWhat legal duty do UK horse keepers have?Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (and Scottish equivalent), you have a legal duty of care to provide a suitable environment, diet, ability to exhibit normal behaviour, appropriate housing, and protection from pain, injury and disease. Failing to meet these needs can be an offence even if no obvious suffering is present. See the BHS Code of Practice.Can tradition or ceremony override welfare rules?No. British Equestrians policy states welfare must never be subordinated to competitive, commercial or traditional influences. That applies to ceremonial units and private owners alike. Read the policy: BEF Equine Ethics and Welfare.Who is responsible for my horse at an event?The person in charge on the day carries overall responsibility, alongside the owner/keeper and organisers who share joint duty under the Welfare Acts. Ensure your entry lists the correct owner/keeper and emergency contacts. Guidance: BHS Code of Practice.When must I withdraw my horse?Withdraw immediately if your horse is lame, injured, exhausted, distressed, or affected by abnormal sensitisation/desensitisation. Also withdraw if the ground or weather makes safe performance or effective cooling impossible. Welfare takes precedence over entries and fees.What penalties apply for welfare breaches?Courts can impose fines up to 20,000, up to 12 months imprisonment and bans from owning/keeping animals. Events may also disqualify competitors for welfare violations. See BEF-linked protocol here: Equine Ethics and Welfare Policy.How do the Household Cavalry manage welfare on parade?Through rigorous training, predictable routines, shortened winter sentry periods in severe weather, and regular countryside breaks away from London crowds. Even iconic drum horses receive around 18 months training before parading. Learn more: Changing Guard and ceremonial horse background.What kit should I prioritise for welfare at events?Pack protective travel boots or bandages, weather-appropriate turnout rugs and fly sheets, a stocked first aid kit, plentiful water, and a certified riding helmet for you. Add legal supplements to support joints and recovery without masking issues. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Fly RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Supplements

61 starters at Badminton19 is the age of Swiss horse Toblerone, the mount of Nadja Minder18 is the number of Badminton completions achieved by Caroline Powell, the most of any rider here this year18 is the age of Cosby Greens ride Jos Ufo de Quidam and of Fiona Kashels Creevagh Silver de Haar16 years since British Olympian Daisy Berkeley (Dick) last rode at Badminton13 riders in the top 20 FEI World Eventing rankings are competing here21 is the age of US rider Cassie Sanger, the youngest competitor9 riders have won a five-star: Caroline Powell, Gemma Stevens, Austin O Connor, Jonelle Price, Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Lara de Liedekerke, Felix Vogg and Tim Price4 first-time riders: Cassie Sanger, Sam Ecroyd, Nadja Minder and Tom Strawson4 five-star victories notched up by Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (two Badmintons, two Burghleys)4 riders have won Badminton before: Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Jonelle Price, Caroline Powell3 rides for world number one Harry Meade2 horses by the 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning: Chillis Midnight Star (ridden by Jonelle Price) and Chilli Knight (Gemma Stevens)2 combinations who have won Badminton: Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo), Caroline Powell (Greenacres Special Cavalier)2 Olympic gold medallists: Ros Canter and Laura Collett

On May 6, 2026, veterinarians confirmed that an 8-year-old Quarter Horse at a private facility in Douglas County, Nebraska, tested positive for the respiratory form of equine herpesvirus. The gelding, which had recently been purchased at a sale in Iowa and transported to Nebraska, began showing clinical signs on April 6. The attending veterinarian reported that the horse had a cough, snotty nose, petechiae (tiny dots on the skin, caused by the leakage of blood from tiny capillaries under the skin) inside the muzzle and gums, and swelling of the limbs, sheath, and other parts of the body. He is currently affected and alive.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.

Sixty-one horses were presented at the first horse inspection for this years MARS Badminton Horse Trials, trotting up in front of the Ground Jury, Christina Klingspor (President, SWE), Amanda Miller (USA) and Angela Tucker (GBR) alongside the veterinary panel.All the grooms had done their charges proud, with every horse immaculately turned out, many of the riders also having gone the extra mile in an attempt to win the HiHo Silver awards for best-dressed man and woman. The winners were Simon Grieve and Emily King, with a special prize going to Gaspar Maksud.Trouser suits were popular among the ladies, Bubby Upton sporting a bright red example, as were long floaty dresses. Scotsman Wills Oakden risked an unexpected gust of wind when wearing a kilt and all its accountrements. Also sporting a bit of fur was Emma Thomas in a stunning long green heavily trimmed coat. Frenchman Gaspar Maksud made his usual fashion statement, this time a red beret, red shoes, white trousers and a red, white and blue top.Although two horses were sent to the holding box (Alex Braggs Quindiva and Wouter de Cleenes Quintera), all 61 have been passed to go forwards to the dressage phase, which starts tomorrow at 10am.All the action can be followed on Badminton TV and Badminton Radio.

The worlds top riders have arrived at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire where the winner will take home 125,000, which is the most valuable first prize in eventing and represents the pinnacle of the sport.All eyes will be on the outstanding British partnership of Ros Canter, the world number four, and her superstar horse Lordships Graffalo. The defending Badminton champions are bidding for a record third win together and will perform their dressage test at 10.48am on Friday morning.Thirteen of the top 20 in the newly adjusted FEI World Eventing Rankings are competing at Badminton, including the top three. World number one Harry Meade opens proceedings tomorrow at 10am with Et Hop Du Matz, the first of his three rides.New Zealander Tim Price (number two), performs his dressage test at 2.40pm on Friday with Falco, and reigning European champion and Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett (number three), riding the mare Bling, will be in the arena also on Friday, at 12.12pm.The first session of dressage tomorrow morning will feature leading British riders Gemma Stevens and David Doel, plus New Zealander Caroline Powell, a Badminton winner in 2024, and Irelands Austin O Connor.The LeMieux Grassroots Championships took place today and saw a convincing victory in the BE100 for Philippa Hendry riding her own Flyer Des Coupeaux, a prolific winner at this level. Philippa, who with her husband runs a vineyard in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, could enjoy the luxury of a record-breaking dressage score in this competition of 19.8, to which she only added five show jumping penalties.Holly Jessett, a primary-school teacher from Northamptonshire, captured the BE90 with her own Irish-bred Lombard Lad, a horse she has produced from the start seven years ago, adding nothing to her dressage score of 27.1.The Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers for future stars took place today with victories for Hayden Hankey and Chris Makins MSHI Rockstar Le Tot in the four-year-old category and Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen riding Vicky Bates, Magda Gut and Annabelle Timmiss Caunton Pollyanna in the five-year-old section.All the action can be followed on Badminton TV and Badminton Radio.

If a mare does not get pregnant within three cycles, experts recommend investigating the reason. | iStockPregnancy is an outlier in the medical world in that it is not a disease and does not, therefore, require treatment. That is not to say that therearentmany conditions or diseases that can compromise pregnancy; there are, but failure to become or stay pregnant is not usually accompanied by obvious signs of disease. This is inconvenient to those offering medical services and, as a result, human fertility specialists have decided that female sub-fertility should be considered a disorder. Of course, a disorder requires a definition, and it is now widely accepted that failure to get pregnant within a year of tryingindicatesthat a woman, herpartneror both are sub-fertile, and that an intervention isrequired. While this is useful for fertility clinics, it ignores the fact that failure toestablishpregnancy is often down to chance, and many cases of sub-fertility resolve within a further year of trying, without any treatment.In horse reproduction, failure to become pregnant within three cycles of mating or insemination with (semen from) a fertile stallion is considered the point at which further investigation is recommended. For an embryo recipient (surrogate) mare, failure to get pregnant after transfer of two normal embryos is similarly considered a reason to classify the mare as problematic. Of course, at the sharp end of equine breeding, simply waiting or repeating the same management strategy and hoping is not an option, not least because of the constraints of a five-month breeding season. There is also an obvious financial imperative; it has been estimated that, if a Thoroughbred broodmare is considered an investment, failure to produce a foal in at least six years out of seven will, on average, result infinancial loss. Given an 11-month gestation, this means that a foaling mare needs to get pregnant within a month of giving birth if she is notultimately tobecome an economic liability. In this light, it is not surprising that every effort is made to ensure that mares get pregnant as efficiently as possible.Nevertheless, proving that it is necessary to instigate treatment for sub-fertility is difficult, not least because while pregnancy is a binary trait (i.e.a mare can be pregnant or not, but shecantbe a bit pregnant), fertility is much less black and white. This is more obvious for stallions, which often cover multiple mares per season. Indeed, within the population of normal breeding stallions, pregnancy rates vary from around 35-80% of mated estrous cycles. There is no reason to assume that mare fertility does not show similar variability, but it is more difficult to quantify because few mares will produce more than a dozen foals in a lifetime. In addition, to prevent overuse of popular stallions, or escalating costs of repeated semen transport, veterinarians are expected to try to minimize the number of matings per pregnancy.Some of the steps involved in optimizing the likelihood of pregnancy make good sense, e.g. screening mares (and stallions) to make sure that they are free of obvious reproductive pathology or venereal pathogens before breeding and careful monitoring of the estrous cycle to ensure that it progresses normally and the mare gets bred close to the time of ovulation. Thereafter, whether one should do everything possible to help becomes ethically more challenging; some mares willbenefitfrom the intrauterine inoculation of antibiotics after breeding or supplementation with synthetic progestogens during early pregnancy; most will not. Sometimes it will be obvious that a mare requiresadditionaltherapy to resolve a problem, other times itwont. Concerns aboutpossible failuretomaintainpregnancy have given rise tonumerousjust in case treatments, with the assumption that therapy may help and is unlikely to harm. In this respect, while all pharmaceuticals have potential detrimental side-effects, most are either trivial or rare. However, an individual animal or body-system view of it shouldnt harm is under increasing pressure due to heightened awareness of the longer-term downsides of widespread antibiotic or hormone use, e.g. stimulating antimicrobial resistance, disturbing the normal microbiome (bacterial flora) and predisposing to other diseases, or compromising fertility in other species by introducing reproductive hormones into the environment. Thisdoesntmean that treatments aimed at improving the likelihood of pregnancy are always wrong, but it does highlight why research is needed into alternative ways to combat pathogenic bacteria, enhance fertility and/or more accuratelyidentifymares that really require treatment. Progress in these directions should also help remove the specter of government regulations to limit the availability of therapeutics in veterinary medicine and/ or the risk of inadvertently uncovering newdiseases, ormaking it more difficult to treat existing ones.These issues should prompt us to ask the question of whether failure to get pregnant should always necessarily be seen as a disease requiring a pharmacological solution; based on current research, it often is not.This is an excerpt from Equine Disease Quarterly, Vol. 35, Issue 1, funded by underwriters at Lloyds, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. It was written byTom A.E. Stout, VetMB, PhD, Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction, at the University of Kentuckys Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington.

Bimeda, a global leader in animal health solutions, today announced the U.S. launch ofGASTROBIM(omeprazole), thefirst and only FDA-approved bioequivalentto GastroGard(omeprazole) for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and foals four weeks of age and older.Thisapple-flavoredformulationoffers veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners a clinically equivalent, high-quality alternative for the effective management of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), addressing a critical need in equine health.Since itsinitiallaunch in 2024,GASTROBIMhas rapidlyemergedas the fastest-growing omeprazole product in Canada and Europe. Its strong adoption and positive reception among veterinarians and horse owners underscore its proven efficacy in treating and healing gastric ulcers, reinforcing its position as a trusted therapeuticoptionworldwide. The introduction ofGASTROBIMin the U.S. further expandsBimedasestablishedequine portfolio, which includes leading brands such asEquiMAX(1.87% ivermectin 14.03% praziquantel), Polyglycan(hyaluronic acid + chondroitin sulfates C4 & C6 + N-acetyl-D-glucosamine sterile solution),Detomequin(detomidine hydrochloride), andBimectin(ivermectin paste), and reflects the companys ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, reliable solutions to the equine industry.We are thrilled to introduceGASTROBIMto the U.S. market, said Eric Moore, DVM,Bimedas Head of Technical Services North America. Gastric ulcersremainone of the most common andperformance limitingconditions in horses. Offering a bioequivalent, rigorously tested treatment underscores our commitment to supporting equine health, welfare, and performance at an affordable price.Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) affects a significant percentage of performance horses, often leading to reduced appetite, behavioral changes, discomfort, and decreased athletic performance. By introducing a bioequivalent, apple-flavored alternative,Bimedaaims to broaden access to effective treatment options and support improved health and performance outcomes across the equine industry.

12 min read Last updated: January 2026 Struggling to feed grass pellets safely and keep your horse hydrated, especially ponies, seniors or greedy eaters? This guide shows how to soak safely for a soft, lump-free mash: 1:4 pellets-to-water, 2 hours cold or 15 minutes hot; break up any hard centres and feed fresh for safer, more hydrating meals. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Soak Ratio & Time What To Do: Use a 1:4 pellets-to-water ratio. Soak 2 hours in cold water or 15 minutes in hot, then cool and drain to your horses preferred mash consistency. Why It Matters: Reduces choke risk and supports hydration. Common Mistake: Under-soaking or using too little water. Area: Check For Lumps What To Do: Stir well, break several pellets open and do a quick crumble test. Extend soak or add water until there are no hard centres. Why It Matters: Confirms a safe, lump-free mash thats easy to swallow. Common Mistake: Assuming the clock is enough and not checking the middle of pellets. Area: Dry Feeding Limits What To Do: Offer only tiny dry amounts as treats or in toys to healthy adults. Soak any bucket-sized feed. Why It Matters: Pellets swell rapidly and can cause choke if fed dry in quantity. Common Mistake: Feeding large dry portions or giving dry pellets to foals, ponies, seniors or dental cases. Area: Weigh & Measure What To Do: Weigh pellets with digital scales and learn your scoop weight (e.g., ~1.6 kg for a large Stubbs of Dengie). Plan total daily forage at ~11.5% of bodyweight and make changes over 710 days. Why It Matters: Accurate, gradual feeding prevents over- or under-supply and avoids digestive upsets. Common Mistake: Guessing by volume or changing rations abruptly. Area: Storage & Freshness What To Do: Feed soaked pellets immediately; in cool weather use within 24 hours, but in summer make fresh each feed. Bin anything sour, fizzy or warm and clean soaking buckets daily. Why It Matters: Prevents fermentation and protects gut health. Common Mistake: Leaving mash to stand in warm conditions or reusing dirty buckets. Area: Higher-Risk Horses What To Do: Always serve a soft, soaked mash and supervise foals, ponies, seniors, greedy or dentally challenged horses. Keep portions smaller and wetter if needed. Why It Matters: These groups have the highest choke risk. Common Mistake: Offering dry or dense mash to vulnerable horses. Area: Seasonal UK Tips What To Do: Summersoak little and often, keep feed areas clean and control flies. Winteruse hot water for quicker soaks, ensure the mash is cool before feeding, and store pellets dry and frost-free. Why It Matters: Weather changes soaking speed and spoilage rates. Common Mistake: Pre-soaking big summer batches or serving mash too hot in winter. Area: Slow & Supervise What To Do: For fast eaters, make mash wetter, split meals and supervise. If you see coughing, drooling, nasal discharge or neck stretching, stop feeding and call your vet immediately. Why It Matters: Prompt action prevents aspiration and complications. Common Mistake: Letting a bolter eat unsupervised or waiting to see if choke clears. In This Guide What are grass pellets and why soak? Exactly how to soak grass pellets Can you feed grass nuts dry? How much to feed and how to weigh Storage and food safety Which horses should always have soaked pellets? Common mistakes to avoid with grass pellets Kit checklist for soaking and feeding Grass pellets are a brilliantly simple way to feed fibre, but only if you prepare them correctly. Done right, theyre safe, hydrating and ideal for everything from laminitis management to older horses with poor teeth.Key takeaway: Soak grass pellets at a 1:4 pellets-to-water ratio for 2 hours in cold water (or 15 minutes in hot), break up any hard lumps, and feed freshparticularly for ponies, greedy eaters, seniors and dentally challenged horses.What are grass pellets and why soak?Grass pellets are compressed, dried forage that should be soaked before larger feeds to reduce choke risk and support hydration. Small dry quantities can be used as treats, but bucket feeds are best served soaked.Think of grass pellets as forage in a convenient form. Because pellets can swell rapidly when moistened, feeding them dry in larger amounts increases the risk of chokeespecially in foals, greedy horses, older horses and those with dental issues. UK manufacturers advise soaking to make a soft mash thats easier and safer to swallow. As Dengie explains, grass pellets are a pure fibre pellet and can absorb lots of water and swell, so pre-soaking helps safeguard your horses throat.To soak our grass pellets for horses, you can use hot or cold water. Soaking time can vary according to the density of the pellets, but as a guide we would expect a 2 hour cold soak or 15 minute hot soak time. [] Please soak prior to feeding to reduce the risk of choke as a pure fibre pellet, at times the Grass Pellets can absorb lots of water and swell. Dengie Horse FeedsUK equine nutrition specialists at Simple System take a consistent stance: soak all forage pellets until free from hard lumps to mimic natural foraging and protect health.Exactly how to soak grass pelletsUse a 1:4 pellets-to-water ratio and soak for 2 hours in cold water or 15 minutes in hot water, then check there are no hard centres before feeding. Drain off any excess water for your horses preferred mash consistency.Follow this yard-proof routine for safe, consistent results:Measure pellets: aim for accuracyone large Stubbs scoop of Dengie Pure Grass Pellets is about 1.6 kg, and they come in 20 kg bags (from 18.19 plus 4.98 delivery, per Dengie).Add water at 1:4: for example, 1 kg pellets to ~4 litres water. Add a bit less if you prefer a firmer mash; top up as needed.Soak time: 2 hours in cold UK tap water, or 15 minutes in hot water if youre in a rushthen allow to cool to a safe temperature before feeding.Break and check: stir well and break several pellets openthere should be no hard, dry cores.Serve promptly: drain if necessary and feed immediately.Quick tip: If youre new to a brand, always do a crumble test after soakingcompress a handful, then crumble it. If you feel hard granules, give it more time.Can you feed grass nuts dry?Yessmall dry amounts are fine for healthy adult horses as treats or in snack balls, but larger bucket feeds should be soaked to reduce the risk of choke and throat swelling.This mirrors the guidance printed on UK feed bags and widely endorsed on UK yards. As reported by owners quoting Dengies bag instructions, pellets are safe fed dry in small quantities (e.g., snack balls or treats), but should be soaked when fed in larger amounts or as a sole feed because they swell. Forum consensus on New Rider is clear: dry grass nuts are a known choke risk in foals, greedy horses, the elderly, or those with dental issuesso these groups should always be fed soaked.We always suggest any forage pellet is soaked. This goes for all types of grass pellets [] Most of us accept that beet pulp needs soaking, so why feed dry grass pellets? Simple System Horse FeedsIf you like using treat balls, keep portions small and supervise. For boredom-busting rewards that complement good forage habits, see our range of stable-friendly horse treats.How much to feed and how to weighUse scales and measure pellets by weight; a large Stubbs scoop of Dengie Pure Grass Pellets is ~1.6 kg, and most horses thrive on total forage intakes around 11.5% of bodyweight per day (split between hay/haylage and suitable fibre feeds).Pellets are dense, so scoops can be misleading. Weigh your scoop once so you know exactly what youre feedingdigital scales pay for themselves quickly in accuracy. As a reference from Dengie, one large Stubbs scoop of their Pure Grass Pellets is roughly 1.6 kg, sold in 20 kg bags starting from 18.19 plus 4.98 delivery (source).For daily planning, many UK owners aim for total forage intake (hay, haylage, chopped fibre, soaked pellets) around 11.5% of the horses bodyweight. Adjust the proportion of pellets to suit your horses routine, dentition and workload, and always introduce changes gradually over 710 days. Mash consistency also matters: some horses drink better and eat more comfortably when pellets are made into a wetter, soupier mash.Pro tip: Keep a feeding logrecord scoop weights, water ratios and soak times that your horse likes. This helps you fine-tune consistency across seasons and yard helpers.Storage and food safetyFeed soaked pellets immediately or within 24 hours in cool conditions; in UK summer heat, they can ferment in 824 hours, so prepare fresh daily and discard anything that smells sour or yeasty.Soaked forage is a perfect fermenting medium in warm weather. UK owners on Horse & Hound report that soaked grass pellets turn quicklyoften within a day in summer garages. To protect your horses gut health, do the following:Only soak what youll use that day in summer; in winter, up to 24 hours is usually acceptable if kept cool and covered.Smell and stir before feedingif its sour, fizzy or warm to the touch, bin it and start again.Clean soaking buckets daily to prevent biofilm build-up. A tidy feed area also helps reduce fliesconsider pairing summer feeding with appropriate fly rugs and sheets if midges are a nuisance.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend pre-soaking daily batches rather than weekly, especially JuneAugust. This aligns with practical UK yard practice and welfare-first feeding endorsed by the British Horse Society (BHS) where forage safety and good hygiene are central.Which horses should always have soaked pellets?Foals, greedy eaters, elderly and dentally challenged horses, and any horse with a history of choke should always receive pellets soaked to a soft mash.Feeding dry, dense pellets to vulnerable horses is a known choke risk, highlighted by UK owner experience and consistent manufacturer advice. Watch for classic choke signs after any feed: coughing, drooling, nasal discharge of feed/water, neck stretching or distress. If you suspect choke, call your vet immediately; BEVA-member equine practices are your go-to for prompt care.Soaked grass pellets are also popular for laminitis-prone horses when used correctly as a high-fibre, low-sugar option (per brand formulations under British Feedstuff Regulations). Dengie Pure Grass Pellets are positioned as a suitable fibre source; always soak as directed to reduce choke risk and feed in line with your vet or nutritionists plan. In colder, wet UK winters, older or rugged horses often do well with warmed mashesjust ensure the feed is cool enough to eat safely.Quick tip: For senior horses, mash can be a brilliant carrier for medications and balancers. If youre adding extras (electrolytes, joint support, hoof care), our curated supplements range makes it easy to keep everything in one palatable bowl.Common mistakes to avoid with grass pelletsUnder-soaking, feeding large dry portions, and storing mash too long in warm weather are the biggest risks; always check for hard lumps and throw away any mash that smells off.Under-soaking: A quick splash isnt enough. Stick to 2 hours cold or 15 minutes hot water, then check the middle of the pellets.Wrong ratio: Too little water creates dense, crumbly mash. Start at 1:4 pellets-to-water and adjust to your horses preference.Feeding dry in bucket quantities: Dry feeding should be limited to tiny, supervised treat amounts for healthy adults only.Warm-weather storage: In summer, soaked pellets may ferment in 824 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.Not monitoring higher-risk horses: Foals, seniors, greedy or dentally challenged horses should always be fed soaked pellets and supervised.Dirty buckets: Poor hygiene encourages spoilage. Rinse after every feed and give a proper scrub regularlyour grooming essentials make this chore faster.Pro tip: If your horse bolts feed, slow things down with a wetter mash and split meals into smaller portions. Supervise until youre confident with their pace.Kit checklist for soaking and feedingYoull need a sturdy bucket or trug, accurate scales, a reliable scoop, and clean storage. Add seasonal extrasfly protection in summer, rugs in winterfor comfort while feeding.A heavy-duty soaking bucket or muck tub with a lid or cover.Digital scales for weighing pellets and checking your scoop weight (~1.6 kg per large Stubbs scoop of Dengie Pure Grass Pellets).A marked jug for consistent water volumes (1:4 ratio is your baseline).Stirrer or gloved hands to break up clumps and test for hard centres.Clean, dry storage for pellets, away from damp and pests.Seasonal add-ons: in summer, control flies around the feed area and your horse with breathable fly rugs and sheets; in winter, keeping horses warm and comfortable supports appetitebrowse our weatherproof turnout rugs.Yard safety: if youre prepping feeds at dawn or dusk on dark lanes, wear hi-vis for riders so youre seen around the yard and fields.Tiny dry treats for enrichment: use small, supervised portions in toysshop our selection of horse treats and stable snacks.At Just Horse Riders, we trial and stock quality yard kit to make feeding routines smooth, safe and repeatableso every helper on the yard can follow the same method without guesswork.Seasonal UK tips for soaked pelletsIn summer, soak little and often to avoid fermentation; in winter, warm water shortens soak time but always serve at a safe temperature and keep horses comfortable for steady intake.British weather matters. In JuneAugust, mash spoils fastso prep per-feed or morning-evening at most, and keep flies down around feed areas. In autumn-winter, use hot water for a quick 15-minute soak and a cosy mash, but be certain its cool enough before serving. Many owners find that comfortably rugged horses maintain weight and eat more consistently; if your horse needs extra protection in the field, our robust winter turnout rugs are built for UK rain and wind.Quick tip: Store pellets somewhere frost-free but dry. Extreme cold can make soaking sluggish, while damp storage clumps pellets and affects consistency.Troubleshooting and when to call the vetIf your horse coughs, drools, stretches their neck or struggles after eating, stop feeding and call your vetchoke is an emergency. Prevent issues by soaking properly and supervising higher-risk horses.Most mash issues are solved by longer soaks, a higher water ratio, and better hygiene. But dont wait and see with potential choke. British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) practices deal with choke routinelyyour prompt call helps avoid complications like aspiration. After any choke episode, follow your vets feeding advice, which may include a period of softened feeds only.If hydration is a concernafter travel, hard work or heatask your vet about adding electrolytes or salt to a soaked mash for palatability and fluid intake. Our performance and wellbeing supplements collection can help you build a simple, effective routine under professional guidance.FAQsYesmost UK owners should soak grass pellets unless feeding tiny, treat-sized amounts. The answers below cover when to feed dry, exact soak times, ratios and how to store mash safely.Can grass nuts be fed dry to adult horses?Yes, but only in small quantities such as treats or in a snack ball, and only for healthy adult horses. For any bucket feed or vulnerable horse (foals, greedy, elderly, dentally challenged), soak to a mash to reduce choke risk, as advised by Dengie and consistent UK yard practice.How long should I soak grass pellets in cold UK tap water?Soak for 2 hours in cold water, then break a few pellets to check theres no hard centre. If pellets are extra-dense, extend the time until fully soft. Hot water can reduce this to about 15 minutescool before feeding.Whats the best water ratio for soaking?Start at 1:4 pellets-to-water to create a mash. Adjust for your horses preference but ensure all pellets are fully softened and lump-free before feeding.How long do soaked grass pellets last?Feed immediately or within 24 hours in cool conditions. In UK summer heat, soaked pellets can ferment within 824 hoursdiscard anything that smells sour and prepare fresh daily.Should I always soak for ponies or seniors?Yes. Foals, ponies, seniors, greedy eaters and horses with dental issues should always be fed pellets soaked, because dry pellets can swell and increase choke risk. This mirrors UK consensus on New Rider and manufacturer guidance.Can I mix supplements or medication into soaked grass pellets?Yesmany owners use a soft mash as a carrier so horses eat everything reliably. Add vet-prescribed medication as directed and consider palatable support like electrolytes or balancers from our supplements range.Do I need to supervise feeding if my horse is a fast eater?Its wise. Offer a wetter mash, split feeds into smaller portions, and supervise until youre confident they eat at a safe pace. If you ever see signs of choke (coughing, drooling, neck stretching), call your vet immediately.Ready to set up a safe, simple soaking routine? Keep a dedicated bucket, measure accurately, and stick to the 1:4 ratio and 2-hour (cold) or 15-minute (hot) soak. For seasonal comfort while you feed, dont forget yard-friendly essentials like fly rugs for summer and dependable turnout rugs for winter, plus visible, safe trips to the yard with hi-vis gear. If youre using tiny dry portions for enrichment, browse our horse treatsand if you need tailored nutrition support, our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop Horse TreatsShop Fly RugsShop Turnout RugsShop Hi-Vis Gear