Key Points Details Horse Sharing Popularity A popular option for sharing costs and riding time, accessible to enthusiasts but not without challenges. Boarding Challenges Includes business management difficulties, rising costs, and maintaining quality and staff. Signs of a Challenging Share Physical and mental strain, unsustainable costs, lack of progress/enjoyment, and health red flags. Pros of Staying Locks in shared costs, potential skill-building, attempt to address management issues. Cons of Staying Risky financial practices, hinders enjoyment, deteriorating horse welfare. Pros of Moving Better financial security, renewed enthusiasm, improved horse welfare, aligned with industry trends. Steps to Decide Audit current share, communicate, test alternatives, prioritize sustainability, health checks, measure enjoyment. Benefits of Moving On Renewed joy, positive experiences, creative models like co-ops, improved accessibility and enjoyment. Should You Continue With a Challenging Horse Share or Move On for Greater Enjoyment?The world of horse sharing is filled with passion and perseverance. Yet, at times, riders find themselves stuck in a challenging situation that affects both their enjoyment and their horse's well-being. With over 6.7 million horses in the U.S. supporting a $177 billion economic impact, making an informed decision about horse shares is not just an individual choice but part of a larger industry trend. This article delves into the intricate details of horse sharing to help you decide whether to stay or move on.Understanding Horse Shares: A Popular but Challenging OptionA horse share offers multiple individuals the opportunity to share both costs and riding time with a horse, making it more affordable. In a society where only 1.2% of households own a horse but 30.5% have enthusiasts, shares provide accessibility to equestrian activities. Despite its popularity, horse sharing is not without challenges, particularly in the realm of boarding, which is considered notoriously difficult to manage profitably. Boarding ChallengesBoarding forms the backbone of most shares and is characterized by struggles in business management, long-term financial planning, and maintaining staff. Clients often face higher board costs without the assurance of quality management, which can lead to overworked staff and suboptimal horse care. Interestingly, customers don't mind premium prices if facilities are well-managed, with everyone feeling integral to the operation.Signs Your Horse Share is Too ChallengingRecognizing when your horse share becomes unsustainable is crucial. It's not uncommon for riders to encounter challenging rides, but persistent issues can signal a deeper problem.Physical and Mental StrainIf you and your horse leave the stable exhausted and tense, it might be a sign to reconsider your agreement. Welfare basics such as adequate turnout are often overlooked. Overcrowded pastures can damage both land and horse health, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices. Unsustainable Costs and LogisticsBreaking even in boarding can be difficult, and rising operational costs only compound the issue. The threat of development makes horse farms scarcer, possibly leading to increased fees.Lack of Progress or EnjoymentA perceived lack of progress can lead to burnout for both riders and horses. An absence of teamwork or effective leadership can diminish the motivation necessary for a fulfilling horse-sharing experience. Health Red FlagsIgnoring signs of lameness or stress in your horse is never recommended. Upcoming studies like the NAHMS Equine 2026 study continue to emphasize management's role in equine health, proving that monitoring current health trends can be beneficial.Pros and Cons: Stay or Go?Weighing your options is essential. Here's a look at the pros and cons based on industry data. Aspect Staying in a Challenging Share Moving to a New Share Financial Locks in shared costs but risky long-term due to unsustainable practices. Higher initial cost but may offer better financial security over time. Enjoyment Potential skill-building opportunity but may hinder overall enjoyment. A fresh start often leads to renewed enthusiasm. Horse Welfare Risk of deteriorating conditions unless managed carefully. Opportunities for improved welfare with well-designed facilities. Industry Reality Attempt to address leadership and management issues. Align with new industry trends and better resource utilization. Steps to Decide: A Practical RoadmapDeciding whether to stay or go can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into practical steps can make the process more manageable.Audit Your Current ShareBegin by tracking costs, ride logs, and horse health for 1-3 months. Compare these to established benchmarks such as well-managed barns focusing on sustainable practices.CommunicateDiscuss concerns and expectations with co-owners, trainers, and other stakeholders. Strong leadership and teamwork are essential for a successful share.Test AlternativesConsider trying a 3-month trial of a new share or riding lessons from a different setup to obtain experience in varied horse management environments.Prioritize SustainabilitySearch for shares that emphasize sustainability practiceseffective land use often correlates with healthier horses and lower costs in the long run. Rotational grazing and soil enrichment are invaluable components.Health ChecksKeep abreast of industry standards and studies like the NAHMS Equine 2026 study to ensure proper equine health management.Measure Your EnjoymentRate each ride and interaction with your horse share. If satisfaction falls below 50%, it may be time for a change. Remember, your time and enjoyment are valuable parts of an industry employing 2.2 million people.When Moving On Leads to Greater EnjoymentSwitching your horse share often renews joy and may lead to more positive experiences. Creative approaches such as co-ops flourish in areas where traditional boarding falls short. As expectations evolve, new models may arise that improve both accessibility and enjoyment. Ultimately, balancing perseverance with wellness is key. Opt for the path that maximizes both your enjoyment and the horse's well-being. Regardless if you decide to stay or explore new horizons, be sure to properly equip yourself with quality riding gear, from Jodhpurs to Riding Boots, and make sure the journey benefits not only your development as a rider but also the cherished steed you share your road with.

February Riding Lessons Now Open for Booking With brighter evenings just around the corner and spring on the horizon, February is the perfect time to get back in the saddle and enjoy some fresh-air riding Our February group riding lessons are now open for booking whether youre building confidence, polishing your skills, or simply soaking up more horse time as the seasons begin to shift. Book via our app or website New riders: please remember to complete the Rider Registration FormLets make February all about confidence, consistency, and progress in the saddle see you soon at Gransha!

Section Key Points Affordable Saddlebag Alternatives Utilize synthetic materials like nylon or polyester; light, water-resistant, and manage muddy or rainy conditions. Cantle Bags Hang over saddle's rear for larger loads; insulated nylon options from $67 to $135. Pommel or Horn Bags Mounted at front for quick access; hold 2-5 liters; example: Tacky-One Insulated at $67.40. In-Pad Pouches Integrated into English saddle pads; hook-and-loop seal, starting under $50. Wither or Girth Bags Clip to front billets/breastplates; balanced load, lightweight nylon resists weather. Materials for Durability Nylon/Polyester: tear-proof, water-resistant. Waxed Oilskin: mid-range price, rain-resistant. Top Picks Under $150 Equi-Tech Tacky-One Horn ($67.40), Equi-Tech Large Cantle ($135.60), COMFYTACK Leather Alternatives ($95), Cashel/Easycare Cantle Bags (no-bounce technology). Tips for Longevity Attachment using D-rings, gauge storage capacity, maintain with regular cleaning. Exploring Affordable and Hardwearing Saddlebag Alternatives for EquestriansFinding the perfect saddlebags that are cost-effective, durable, and functional can be a game-changer for equestrians on a budget. This guide explores reliable alternatives that won't break the bank. So, saddle up and read on to discover options like synthetic cantle bags, pommel pouches, and in-pad saddlebags designed to withstand daily use.Why Choose Affordable Saddlebag Alternatives?While traditional leather saddlebags might scream "classic," they often come with a hefty price tag and require regular conditioning to prevent extreme wear and tear from weather exposure. Affordable alternatives do away with these hassles by utilizing synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. These materials combine lightness and water resistance, making them more manageable for muddy trails or rainy rides (source).Key Types of Affordable SaddlebagsSaddlebags come in various styles, each suited to the type of riding and saddle:Cantle BagsThese bags hang over the saddle's rear and are perfect for carrying larger loads, such as overnight trip essentials. Affordable options from brands like Weaver Leather and Equi-Tech use insulated nylon with prices ranging from $67 to $135 (source).Pommel or Horn BagsMounted at the front, these bags provide quick access to essentials. Theyre typically smaller, holding 2-5 liters of capacity. The Tacky-One Horn Front Insulated saddlebag from Equi-Tech is a popular choice at $67.40 (source).In-Pad PouchesIntegrated into English saddle pads, these pouches seal with hook-and-loop. Theyre perfect for minimizing clutter and start at under $50 from various brands.Wither or Girth BagsThese clip to front billets or breastplates, providing a balanced load. Lightweight nylon options resist weather and stay put during trotting.Materials That Deliver Durability on a DimeFocus on these materials for excellent value: Nylon/Polyester: Affordable and durable, these materials are tear-proof and water-resistant. They are great for rugged trails. Waxed Oilskin: This material offers mid-range pricing ($60-$100) and is tightly woven and rain-resistant.Top Affordable Picks with Real SpecsHere are some rider-approved selections under $150: Equi-Tech Tacky-One Horn Front Insulated Saddlebag ($67.40): Rocking a USA-made nylon build, designed to prevent slips. Equi-Tech Large Detachable Insulated Cantle Saddlebag ($135.60): This bag even features video demos showing its trail-proof snaps. COMFYTACK Western Leather Alternatives: Offering the leather aesthetic at about $95 but in much easier-maintenance synthetics. Cashel or Easycare Cantle Bags: These bags are known for their no-bounce technology, perfect for longer rides.Tips for Maximum Longevity and ValuePaying attention to attachments, capacity, and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your saddlebag: Attachment Check: Use D-rings to reduce saddle rub. Capacity Match: Properly gauging your storage needs prevents overpacking, relieving your horse of unnecessary burdens. Maintenance: Regular cleaning will prolong the bag's life.These saddlebag alternatives provide a more accessible entry into equestrian gear without sacrificing the essentials of comfort and durability. For more affordable selections, explore the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection to complement your ride.

Sponsored content in association with SPILLERSAs our equine companions get older, their nutritional needs evolve, and many owners of veteran horses and ponies find themselves wondering if they should change their feed as they age. With the term senior encompassing anything from 16-40+ years, theres a diverse range of individual needs to consider, which means theres no single answer.Start with body conditionTo put it simply, an overweight horse needs less calories and a lean horse needs more calories this is true of all equines, regardless of age. Those who are in a healthy body condition need to maintain the calories theyre on.Consider any clinical issuesHealth considerations play a significant role in diet planning. Those who develop clinical issues will be limited by what feeds they should eat.Is the horse still active?Activity level is another important factor exercise burns calories. Active, laid-back seniors may benefit from a little extra energy.What is the horse currently eating?Knowing how much a horse is currently consuming helps establish what adjustments may need to be made to the diet. This includes all hard feeds, supplements, forage, and grazing. While we cant measure grass intake, we can consider the quality of the grass and time spent grazing.Consider your horses living arrangementsYour horses environment will impact their diet and wellbeing. Some yards dont allow certain management practices; some have excessive grazing. Ask yourself: are you able to care for your horse the way you need to or might there be a better facility nearby? Know your horse is it common for them to lose weight in winter?One of the most important principles to get right when it comes to feeding horses and ponies is to provide them with a balanced diet. By gathering as much information as possible, we can then work out how to achieve this.A balanced diet is fundamental to a healthy senior horse. Credit: SpillersGood doers no extra calories needed!Balancers provide minimal calories, but maximum nutrition.For any horse maintaining their weight well on grazing and forage alone, a feed balancer is the ideal way to ensure they receive all the essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein they need to thrive from minimal calories.Some calories required?Choose lower calorie feeds or a 50/50 diet.Some horses need a few more calories but dont require a full ration of compound feed. Alongside plentiful forage, feeding a combination of half a ration of cube/ mix/ mash and a half ration of balancer can be effective. When selecting feeds consider the feeding rate and calorie content, measured in megajoules (MJ) of Digestible Energy (DE). Low-calorie feeds are typically around 8 to 9 MJ DE/kg, while high-calorie feeds are around 12 to 13 MJ DE/kg.Poor doer lots of calories needed!Choose higher calorie feeds.For horses who need substantial extra calories on top of grass and plentiful forage to maintain their weight, aim to choose high calorie feeds make sure you still supply a balanced diet. Keep meals small, feed no more than 2kgs per meal by dry weight and feed two, three or even four times a day.Struggling to eat enough forage?Hay replacer required.For senior horses with failing dental health, they may struggle to eat enough forage/grass to maintain their weight, even if on 5-6kg of hard feed per day. Hay replacers or mashes may become essential. Substitute 1kg of dry hay with 1kg of the feed and always check the instructions on the bag.As teeth wear, a mash feed may be needed. Credit: SpillersHow senior feeds differ from leisure horse feedsMany senior feeds include higher levels of protein to support muscle and topline and are often medium/high calorie to reduce the risk of weight loss. Senior feeds may also contain extra nutrients to support immunity and muscle health, plus pre- and probiotics for digestive support or ingredients such as glucosamine to support joint health.Senior horses are as diverse as the people who care for them, and their diet should reflect that individuality. By providing the right balanced diet you can help them thrive. If youre unsure, reach out to a nutrition specialist theyre there to help!Related contentThis is why a senior feed balancer will help your ageing horse thrive for longer *Sponsored*Slow the decline of topline in a senior horse with this advice *Sponsored*Why every horse will benefit from eating a soaked feedThe post Design the best diet for your senior horse or pony with this advice *Sponsored* appeared first on Your Horse.

From the only company selling nutraceutical products containing the neuroprotective dietary ingredient G-Agmatine, Gilad&Gilad is excited to announce the launch of AgmaVet For Horses, a new product dedicated to promoting resilient nerve functions and alleviate joints discomfort.Osteoarticular (OA), or joints, health deterioration is very common in animals, as it is in humans. It affects some30-50%of dogs, cats and horses. In horses, its annual impact is as high as$1 billion.Scientific evidence indicates that improper nerve functions underlie the tremendous discomfort caused by deteriorating OA health. This explains why existing treatments to maintain joint health are of limited effect and yield inconsistent results. There is a clear unmet need for safe and effective natural dietary products that can relieve aches and leg weakness by promoting both resilient nerve functions and proper joints mobility, said Dr. Gad M. Gilad, CEO of Gilad&Gilad.Gilad&Gilad developed AgmaVet For Horses based on substantial scientific research and clinical trials. A recently published clinical trial has demonstrated that oral G-Agmatine can improve OA-associated lameness as well as protect horses from developing gastric ulcers, a serious side effect of existing treatments (J. Clin. Med.2022,11(24), 7283).AgmaVet For Horses together with AgmaVet (for small animals) and AgmaSet (a human dietary supplement) belong to the Agmaceuticals line of patent protected products containing the neuroprotective ingredient G-Agmatine. These first-in-class products are superior to existing means for sustaining resilient nerve functions and proper joints mobility.

Six horses in British Columbia have tested positive for strangles, including one horse in Joe Rich and five horses in West Kelowna (two at one facility and three at another facility nearby). The sick horses are 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.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.

A recently imported 4-year-old warmblood gelding has tested positive for equine influenza. The horse was imported from Austria to Belgium and then to the United States, arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Jan. 13, where he was quarantined until Jan. 16.On Jan. 17, he was transported to a private barn in Maryland and then to a boarding facility in Frederick County, where he developed a fever, cough, and nasal discharge. He received veterinary care on Jan. 19 and was subsequently transferred to a referral hospital in Virginia for further evaluation and treatment. He is currently recovering in an isolation facility.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 Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Preventing glandular gastric disease focuses on reducing stress and keeping your horses routine predictable. Making sure horses have regular rest days, consistent handlers, and a calm environment with social turnout can help support gastric health and lower the chance of glandular ulcers developing. In this video, Dr. Ben Sykes, a leading authority in equine gastric ulcer syndrome, describes the keys to preventingequineglandular gastric disease.Sponsored by Kelato.Related Content:Equine Gastric UlcersYour Questions AnsweredUnderstanding Squamous Ulcers vs. Glandular Ulcers in HorsesSigns of Gastric Discomfort in HorsesDiagnosing and Treating Gastric Ulcers in Horses