The equine hindgut breaks down fiber, which makes up most of the horses diet. Learn how diet and management can affect this important part of your horses GI system.The post Understanding Hindgut Problems in Horses appeared first on The Horse.

On Friday 7th June we witnessed the third British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Qualifier of the season this time hosted by the South of England Show, with Gemma Stevens taking the win!Gemma Stevens secured the top spot riding Johan Some, owned by Linda Allan, with a remarkable time of 40.98 seconds, a time that was unmatched, securing her victory in the competitive field.Image: courtesy of South of England ShowGemma also took third place with Klent Spot On, her second horse. As the first to handle the jump off, she set the rhythm, completing in 45.75 seconds. This double achievement features Gemmas adaptability and expertise in both eventing and showjumping. Gemma is best known for her work as an eventer, but she has also competed in showjumping before, making her debut in the Talent Seeker Final at the Horse of the Year Show in 2021.For the majority of the jump-off, William Fletcher and Qian Heiste held the lead. However, Williams time was slashed by 1.45 seconds due to Gemmas exceptional round, putting him in second place.Gemma Stevens has now qualified both Johan Some and Klent Spot On for the Horse of the Year Show final thanks to todays results. In addition, this is William Fletchers second horse to qualify for the final, following Quintine Van DAbdojhoeves victory at the Herts County.The South of England Show has once again proven to be a thrilling stage for equestrian excellence, setting the scene for an exciting Horse of the Year Show final.For more information and expert advice from our nutritional team contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit our contact page here.The post An Exciting Series continues in the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Championship Series appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

One of the most common causes of sudden-onset lameness in a horse is an abscess of the hoof. These occur when bacteria invade a horses hoof, and the horse becomes lame when the infection reaches the sensitive structures of the foot. Besides showing varying degrees of lameness, a horse with an abscess will be sensitive to hoof testers or percussion and may have lower leg swelling or an increased digital pulse. When it comes to treatment, the hoof abscess may erupt on its own, either from the sole of the hoof or at the coronary band. Otherwise, your vet will pare away the sole to locate and drain the site of infection.Soaking the hoof several times a day will eventually cause an abscess to erupt and drain. However, some vets now advise against frequent soaking as it may weaken the hoof wall. Some horse owners instead choose to apply drawing agents, such as ichthamol or Epsom salts, directly to the hoof under a bandage.The goal in the treatment of a horses hoof abscess is to draw out the infection and keep the area clean to prevent reinfection while the hoof heals. Once you have confirmed the diagnosis with your vet, follow the steps below to put your horse on the road to recovery.For treatment of a horses hoof abscess, you will need a flexible bucket or tub, Epsom salts and poultice pads or iodine. Bandaging materials include sheet cotton or a diaper, elastic bandage andduct tape.Step 1: Mix Epsom salts in a bucket of warm water. Use enough salts to reach the point of saturation, where no more will dissolve.Step 2: Submerge the entire hoof up to the coronary band and soakfor 10minutes. This will help draw out the infection and willencourage the abscess to erupt if it has not already been opened and drained.Step 3: Soak a poultice pad in hot water.Placethe padover the sole of the hoof.If you do not have any poultice pads, you can make a poultice with Epsom salts and iodine.Pack the paste into the hoof so it covers the entire sole.Step 4: Wrap the hoof in a diaper or sheet cotton. Secure the diaper by tightly wrapping itwith elastic bandage. Cover the entire bandage with duct tape for durability.If your horse will be turned out or is prone to destroying bandages, you may want to use a hoof boot.Click here for step-by-step instructions on bandaging a hoof.Your horse may be soundin as little asa couple of days. Once the abscess has drained, keeping the hoof protected from dirt and debris is the best way to avoid complications or reinfection. And of course, always consult your vet to help youdecide the best course of action.Further Reading on Treatment of Hoof Abscesses in Horses Hoof Abscesses and Puncture Wounds How to Manage and Treat a Hoof Abscess Causes of Equine Lameness: Foot AbscessThis article about treatment of hoof abscesses first appeared in Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Treating a Hoof Abscess appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

As the weather gets warmer many horse owners are excited to spend quality time in the sun. However, some curse the warmer weather as it can only mean one thing... Sweet Itch. There have been many discussions of horses suffering from sweet itch, but what is it? And how can we here at Premier Equine help your horse through the spring/summer months?What is Sweet Itch?Despite what the name suggests, there is nothing sweet about Sweet Itch. The skin condition is an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting lice, midges, and certain types of flies. The most common areas horses are affected are the; mane, withers, and the tail, although some horses suffer all over their body.Symptoms of Sweet Itch:The symptoms and severity can vary, veterinary advice is recommended in order to correctly diagnose the issue and to offer a treatment and prevention plan. Some of the main symptoms are; loss of hair, skin warm to touch, and broken skin in the affected area. This often causes great discomfort to the horse which results in excessive scratching, rubbing, and sometimes biting their skin. Horses are more likely to have agitated behaviour when in work due to the symptoms of Sweet Itch.Prevention is better than cure...As the saying goes prevention is better than cure... it is better to try to prevent/control sweet itch than to treat it. There a number of products and management changes that horse owners can adopt to make sure their horses stay comfortable in the spring/summer.Horse Rugs:Whilst many products are effective in repelling flies, they do not provide long-lasting protection throughout the day. It is recommended to use a Sweet Itch specific rug to prevent insect interaction with the skin. Specialist Sweet Itch rugs have been developed to provide as much protection as possible from biting insects, fabrics are usually more substantial than regular fly rugs to protect the skin from midges, and they usually offer greater coverage.Following extensive research into the requirements of Sweet Itch sufferers, both the Sweet Itch Buster with Belly Flap and Buster Sweet Itch with Surcinglesare crafted from a 1000D ripstop polyester, which is densely woven which helps to keep the smallest of insects at bay. The fabric is not only a hard-wearing resilient material, but it's also super lightweight and highly breathable, allowing optimum comfort for the horse.An added supersized tail flap at double thickness helps to protect the tail area where horses are likely to rub. If ultimate protection is required then the added benefit of a Belly Flap on the Sweet Itch Buster Fly Rug with Belly Flap has been designed for maximum coverage.Fly Masks:Sweet itch sufferers are often bothered by biting insects around the more sensitive parts of the face and ears. Fly masks not only offer protection from biting insects but also offer protection from harmful UV rays. The Buster Fly Mask and the Buster Fly Mask Xtra offers protection against irritating insects and gives plenty of clearance from the delicate eye area.Bug & Fly Boots:Pro-Tech Bug & Fly Boots are also beneficial for those horses really suffering, crafted from 3D sports mesh boots allows the air to flow and circulate around the leg's keeping them cool throughout the summer months.Field Management:Choosing the correct time to turn out will also help with the management of Sweet Itch. With flies being the main culprit the best thing to do is to work around them. As the midge fly is crepuscular (meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk), avoiding turn out at the beginning and the end of the day is advisable. Midges also favour hot, humid days, watercourse, and tree lines. Avoiding these environments will give your horse the best chance of being comfortable.Fly Sprays:Fly repellents are very common and they are on the market in the form of sprays, powders, and gels. However, while they are effective they do not provide long-lasting protection. Supplements can be added to your horse's feed to help deter flies and insects, however, we advise that you consult your vet & feed specialist on this.**Top Tip: Wash your sweet itch rug regularly, as a build-up of dirt, sweat, and grease can become a breeding ground for bacteria and could irritate your horse's skin, particularly if they are already sore. It's a good idea to have two rugs so that there is always a fresh one for them to wear while the other is being washed***** We recommend that if your horse's condition is deteriorating, seek medical advice from your veterinarian***All the best, PE

Two experts weigh in on common equine hindgut problems and how you can manage them. Sponsored by Purina.The post Understanding Equine Hindgut Health appeared first on The Horse.

The British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship Series began over the bank holiday weekend, featuring two qualifiers at Herts County and Cheshire Horse Show.Herts County Show Qualifier - Saturday 25th MayThe Championship Series kicked off at Herts County on Saturday, 25th May, with a fiercely contested competition. The jump-off was incredibly close, with the top three positions separated by just 1.27 seconds, but it was on-form Benjamin Bick, who secured the top spot for the second consecutive year at Herts County. Riding Abbie Summers If Evers Girl M.S., Ben triumphed over a field of 31 riders to claim first place. This pairs victory follows their win in the Events Through a Lens Talents Seeker Incorporating the Seven-Year-Old Championship Final at Chard Equestrian just two weeks prior.William Fletcher, aboard Alison Waltons Quintine Van DAbdojhoeve, narrowly missed out on the win but still earned a spot in the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Final alongside If Evers Girl M.S. Chloe Winchester, with her horse Korlenski, took third place and secured a place in the final.Our thanks go to our Brand Ambassador Miri Hackett who represented British Horse Feeds in the prize giving. Originally from a show jumping background, Miri has developed a step-by-step approach to training horses. She believes that every horse has a different rate of learning, and therefore there is a need to understand each horses individual path. Learn more about the services that Miri offers here.Cheshire Horse Show Qualifier Monday, 28th MayOn Monday, 28th May, the Cheshire Horse Show hosted the second British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Grade C Qualifier. Carmen Edwards emerged victorious, clinching two tickets to the final by taking first and second place with Feel the Wind Semilly and BP Nickita, respectively.Riding Oakingham Studs Feel the Wind Semilly, Carmen posted the fastest time of the day at 40.79 seconds. His other ride, Carl Edwards BP Nickita, finished close behind with a time of 41.01 seconds. The third ticket to the HOYS final was claimed by Hannah Bate, jointly owned by Carmen Pierce and Hannah Bates herself.Our thanks go to our Sponsored Rider Simon Reynolds who took time out of his busy schedule to represent British Horse Feeds in the prize giving. Simon and his wife Natalie are well-known for their huge success in the world of showing. Based in Lincolnshire, this husband-and-wife team have countless showing championship successes to their names.The opening weekend of the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship Series has set a high standard, with exceptional performances and thrilling competition. We look forward to more exciting events as the series progresses.For more information and expert advice from our nutritional team contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit our contact page here.Image: MAjestic Photography / SBM PhotographicThe post An Exciting Start to the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Championship Series appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

A black cob triumphed in this years epic Man V Horse race, Georgina Silk and her father Peters Merlon (Branny) completing the 24-mile race in a time of 2hrs 37mins.Every year hundreds of people flock to Llanwrtyd Wells one of the smallest towns in Britain where 1,100 runners took on 60 horses this time and battled to be the quickest to complete the Welsh track.Branny is a cob, so she isnt fast but she does keep going at a consistent speed whatever the terrain. Another rider caught me up towards the end on an Arab who was so much faster, but Branny kept cantering downhill and we stayed ahead. We raced the last mile, which was exhilarating, said Georgina, a mother-of-one who hadnt ridden for six months prior to lining up on the start line.I moved my horse home to my parents when I had my son so I only really ride three or four times a year now. I just turned up on the day.My parents did all of the hacking and fitness work with Branny beforehand, which is amazing, but it meant I didnt know when she had reached her limit. I kept saying we should slow down, but Branny wanted to keep going. She really knew what she was doing.Photo finishThe fastest runner was Peter Taylor-Bray, who won the open male category in a time of 2hrs 48mins. He finished fifth overall. Sam Avery topped the open female category in a time of 3hrs 36mins and finished 52nd overall.Katy Mellor and Phoenix finished second, missing out on the top spot by less than three seconds.It was difficult to tell who won, added Georgina, a surveyor who lives inHertfordshire with her husband and their two-year-old son Charlie. Some people said we clearly won while others said we were about a hairline behind, so we had to wait for the result to be announced.It feels so surreal [to win]. This is my last year taking part and I said to my parents beforehand that I would give it a good shot to win but I really was joking. I couldnt believe it when I was declared the winner.According to Georgina, it was at the half-way point that she thought she had a chance of winning the race.We walked down the hill to the half way vet check to slow the horses heart rates. Brannys was below the 60bpm rate when she got checked and so we set straight off again. We were the first to start by quite some way, said Georgina, who set off alongside three friends.The second half was harder as I was alone for most of it, particularly the last five miles as there were a lot of hills and it was hard to keep momentum up. At each mile marker the stewards told me how far behind the leading runner I was. At two miles they said Im nine minutes behind, so I started to get competitive then. I have to admit my legs were sore the next day. Walking down steps wasnt fun.How Man V Horse worksRunners and riders taking part in Man V Horse cover the same distance: 23.9 miles. They run on the same tracks with runners setting off 10 minutes ahead.Runners can run the full course as individuals or in teams of three.Im always in awe of the runners. Its a massive uphill climb to start so you pass some of the runners straight away but theyre incredible. Riders were shouting youre doing great, keep going! every time we passed someone, said Georgina, who added that safely overtaking runners safely is tricky on narrow parts of the course.They tell us to shout horse please when we approach a runner and not to say which side as when the runners get tired and lose sugar, it can confuse them if you say left or right. You just have to wait and give people time, which they always do. By the time a horse is ready to overtake there isnt much they can do to outrun it.Top-class runnersEntry numbers are capped at a total of 1,160 and made up of 650 individual runners, 150 relay teams, and 60 horses. The start line is in the squarein Llanwrtyd Wells, before heading off down a narrow street, which is why the start is staggered. There is a vet check at the halfway point and at the finish, which every horse must pass.We get some top-class runners taking part, includingpeople who have already run the London or Cardiff marathon, said Lindsay Ketteringham, Chairman of Green Events which runs Man V Horse. This is a totally different challenge though as they go across moorland, through forestry and rivers, so its a very varied course. Its also very hilly, but that does mean there is stunning scenery, particularly up on the moors.If a runner wins, they take home the prize-money. Every time a horse wins, 500 is added to the pot. This is the first time a horse has won in three years.The weather was good this week which makes a difference, added Lindsay. A runner has won for the last two years when the weather has been hotter, which favours the runners as the riders dont push the horses as much.View the full Man V Horse results herePhoto by Equine Pix PhotographyRelated contentBest ways to get a horse fitWhy interval training suits any size or breed of horseHow to take care of a horseHow much weight can a horse carry?What is #Hack1000Miles? *VIDEO*The post We raced the last mile: cob pips Arab to triumph in this years Man V Horse race appeared first on Your Horse.

Love it or hate it, clipping season is upon us...We ask the PE team for their top tips on clipping and managing a clipped horse.10 Tips For A Successful Winter Clip1) Bath Your Horse The Day Before ClippingBathing your horse will remove any dirt and grime build up that would make it more difficult for your clippers to glide through your horse's hair. A clean coat will allow your clippers to glide through easily and will not blunt your blades as quickly. A clean coat will also make for a cleaner clip with less lines.Immediately after clipping it is best to give the horse a wash using a "hot cloth". This will remove any residue and excess hair that is lying on the skin which will irritate the horse.2) Clip For ComfortChoose an appropriate clip for your horse based on the level of work that they are in, in order to keep them comfortable throughout winter. If you are unsure, ask an experienced friend or professional to advise you on the ideal clip for your horse.3) Use A Circuit Breaker For SafetyA circuit breaker will provide increased safety for you and your horse when using corded clippers. If you are using corded clippers, take care to keep the cord out of the way of both you and your horse.4) Sharpen UpEnsure that you have had your clipper blades sharpened before you begin clipping to make sure that you have a clean clip and that the blades will stay sharp for the entirety of the clip. Once you have finished, neatly put away your blades with your clippers or send them off for sharpening again ready for your next clip (depending on the usage of the blades).5) Unsure? - Call The ProfessionalsIf you do not own a set of clippers or you are unsure or inexperienced in clipping, get a professional or an experienced friend to clip your horse for you. Clipping services vary in cost.6) The 'Mane' EventYou may find it easier to plait up your horse as if you were going to a show so that all mane and tail is out of the way of your clippers.Of course, if you are hogging your horse you will need to leave the mane unplaited.7) Give Yourself Enough TimeGive yourself plenty of time to begin and complete the clip. If you do not have access to lights, make sure that you start early enough so that you have enough day light. Do not rush and make sure you have everything that you need before you begin.It can be helpful to have a friend close by whilst you are clipping.8) Invest In Protective Clothing If you are doing the clipping, you are going to get hairy. To avoid getting your clothes hairy/ dirty use a protective boiler suit or wear old clothes that you do not mind getting hairy.When washing clothes that you have used during clipping it is a good idea to use a Horse Laundry Wash Bag to protect your washing machine from dirt and residue. Take a look here.9) Prepare Your RugsOnce you have clipped your horse you are going to need rugs to keep them warm when they are not being exercised. You will need to have your rugs ready for use before you begin clipping.If you are getting your rugs cleaned professionally in advance of clipping, make sure that they will be back with you before you clip.If you will be changing your rugs regularly (for example taking off turnout rugs and putting stable rugs on) consider using a rugging system with internal liners. This allows you to change rugs without removing the internal liner from the horse, meaning that you are not taking off an entire warm rug to put on a cold one.Take a look at the Titan Trio Complete 4 in 1 Turnout Rug 350 for a complete rugging system solution.Already have a PE stable or turnout rug? browse our range of Rug Liners that can be easily attached inside your outer rug*.10) Creature ComfortsIf you have completed a full clip, you may want to provide your horse with additional warmth on areas that a rug does not cover.Take a look at the PE Stretch Lycra Hood 46 for face and neck coverage.For leg coverage take a look at the Stable Boot Wraps for stable use, or for leg coverage during turnout try our range of Horse Turnout Boots.Going on the walker? no problem. Take a look at our range of Horse Walker Rugs and Exercise Sheets.Products You May LikeHorse Laundry Wash Bag Large 10 Acting as a filtration system for your washing machine, this horse laundry wash bag is ideal for washing your saddle pads, rugs and dirty riderwear without damaging/ clogging your washing machine with loose hair and debris.Premier Equine Storage Bag Medium 18, Large 26Use them on the yard to store rugs, horse boots, saddle pads etc. or use them for competitions and load them with all of your competition items - keeping them clean and safe during transport.Here To HelpThe PE rugging system is the ideal solution for the changing weather/ seasons and clipped horses. Ideal for equestrian professionals working on busy yards the rugging system allows for quick and easy application or removal of rug liners to customise the weight of the rug in use.For expert advice on the best PE rug for your horse, pony or working yard please call the order line on 01469 532279 and our customer services team will be happy to help.*Excludes the Buster Hardy range.

Like most herbivores the horses life is attuned to the seasons and especially the growth of grass. In the wild, during spring when the protein and sugar levels of grass are high, horses utilise these rich ingredients to build up their condition in a natural way after winter again. There is a shift in the horses hormonal balance to accept this glut of nutrients after a winter of lean conditions. In summer, when the grass is laying down structural fibre and producing seed heads, the horses graze and maintain condition, whilst in the autumn, when grass is laying down oil and sugars to overwinter, the horse is putting on fat to last through the months of low levels of forage.This natural behaviour was typical 6,000 years ago. With domestication, changes occurred, and today, things are far more complicated. While we now feed our horses over winter, ensuring they come into spring in much better condition than their ancestors, their bodies still anticipate the need to restore condition.The hormonal drive is to eat more and convert nutrients to muscle and glycogen reserves. However, there is no longer a need for horses to do this, so the most likely outcome is an obese horse.But why is excess fat so bad?Fat, in itself, is not a bad thing. It acts as an energy store, insulates the body, and helps regulate insulin. Problems occur when there is an excess obesity, for horses as for humans, is a negative condition. Although there may be underlying causes, the most common cause of fat is a simple equation; energy intake is greater than energy expenditure. Excess starch, sugars and fat are the most likely culprits, but both protein and fibre have the potential to be converted into fat.Some fats can promote inflammation. Chronic, low-level inflammation has many consequences, including impacting on muscle and vascular system integrity, immune function, and oxidative systems.High fat reserves can also induce insulin resistance (IR). IR and associated hyperglycemia can lead to muscle degeneration and fatigue.This can manifest itself as laminitis for those animals that are prone to this debilitating disease and in horses that may have background disorders such as Insulin Resistance (IR), Cushings, Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) and EMS. However, it can also cause nutritional problems in other animals causing colic, tying up and obesity.How can you manage your horse's weight?The obvious remedy to combat obesity would be to reduce energy intake; however, that is not as simple as it sounds. The truth is that the way the body works means that protein/muscle is more likely to be degraded. Therefore, feeding needs to be modified to reduce both sugar and fat intake whilst maintaining protein intake.Strategic use of Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds can help in these situations.Whilst the actual nutrient density of Speedi-Beet is greater than grass (or hay), it can actually help in reducing daily energy intake.For a horse there is a pattern of feeding. The horse is a diurnal animal and so predominantly feeds during daylight. The early morning grazing for a horse in the field, or forage consumption for a horse spending longer periods in a stable is usually at a faster rate, with intake slowly reducing during the day. Slowing this rate earlier in the morning by feeding Speedi-Beet leaves the horse feeling fuller for longer and can impact on subsequent grass and forage intake throughout the day, reducing the overall amount of food consumed.Speedi-Beet can provide the feeling of being fuller for longer because it has the ability to absorb between 5 and 10 times its own weight in water when soaked. Providing a well-soaked feed like Speedi-Beet before turnout, or as early as possible, helps to fill the gut which will help reduce the subsequent feeding rate.Feed your horse a supply of feed that stabilises the changes in nutrient profile. Speedi-Beet provides a consistent nutrient profile, that also has a fibre content and profile that is similar to grass. It offers a slow-release energy ratio of volatile fatty acids (VFA). By feeding this we can reduce the reliance on a variable product (grass) and control the changes; this enables using regular meals of Speedi-Beet to both maintain consistency of nutrient intake, and to slow the rate of intake for those horses that need to lose body fat.Finally, another option is to combine Speedi-Beet with a low-grade feed such as chaff or chopped straw. This combination provides bulk and gut-fill, as both are appetite reducers. Increased chewing means less grazing, and a full belly kick-starts physiological feedback mechanisms. This approach improves the efficiency of slow energy release and helps combat summer obesity, among other benefit.Click here to find your local stockist of Speedi-Beet.The post BHF Nutrition Summer Weight Gain appeared first on British Horse Feeds.