11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Riding while on blood thinners can feel like balancing courage with cautionyou want time in the saddle without gambling your health. Here youll learn a simple 3-step plan: get GP clearance, make a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector your always-on layer, and add an air jacket for higher-risk days, so you ride confidently. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Get GP Clearance What To Do: Book a GP/sports medicine review and get written clearance with limits on speed, jumping and disciplines. Revisit after any medication or health changes. Why It Matters: Only a clinician can balance anticoagulant risk with your riding plans. Common Mistake: Riding first and checking later or relying on friends opinions. Area: Wear BETA Level 3 What To Do: Make a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector your alwayson layer and replace any damaged, outdated or poorly fitting model. Why It Matters: It delivers the best continuous, standardised impact protection across disciplines. Common Mistake: Trusting old, compressed foam or skipping the protector for quiet hacks. Area: Layer Air Jacket What To Do: For crosscountry, hunting, fast hacking or young horses, wear an air jacket over your BETA Level 3 and set correct lanyard length/attachment. Why It Matters: The combo adds reactive protection without losing baseline foam coverage. Common Mistake: Using an air jacket alone or instead of foam in competition. Area: Book Pro Fitting What To Do: Get fitted by BETAtrained staff wearing your usual layers; rehearse mounting, twopoint and gateopening to check movement. Why It Matters: Correct fit stops gaping, ridingup and pressure on spine or cantle. Common Mistake: Guessing size or fitting over bulky coats you wont ride in. Area: Service Air Vest What To Do: Follow the makers service schedule, log services/inflations, and carry spare canisters in your kit or lorry. Why It Matters: Mechanical triggers can seize or fail without maintenance. Common Mistake: Riding after a deployment without replacing the canister or skipping services. Area: Be Seen & Protected What To Do: Wear a certified riding hat, secure heeled boots, and hivis for hacking yearround. Why It Matters: Visibility and core PPE reduce collision and entrapment risks. Common Mistake: Saving hivis for winter or riding in trainers/fashion boots. Area: Plan & Communicate What To Do: Prefer offroad routes and quiet times, share live location, carry ID on you, and keep a written yard plan with contacts and postfall steps. Why It Matters: Clear plans and safer routes cut exposure to traffic and speed up help. Common Mistake: Heading out at peak traffic with no one told where youre going. Area: PostFall Check What To Do: After any fall, sit, do a headtotoe check, call for help, and seek medical advice even if you feel fine. Why It Matters: Blood thinners can mask early internal bleeding or head injury signs. Common Mistake: Getting back on or driving home without observation. In This Guide Can you ride while on blood thinners? What safety standard should you choose? Body protector vs air jacket: what actually protects you? How to get a safe, comfortable fit When should you add an air jacket? What else reduces your risk on the yard and out hacking? Buying checklist for riders on anticoagulants Final word and next steps Riding while on blood thinners is a deeply personal decision that comes down to managing risk well. The right safety gear, fitted correctly and used consistently, is one part of a bigger plan that starts with your GPs advice and continues with smart riding choices every day.Key takeaway: If you ride while on blood thinners, prioritise a correctly fitted BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector as your baseline, consider adding an air jacket for higherrisk riding, and get medical clearance from your GP before you get in the saddle.Can you ride while on blood thinners?Only your GP or sports medicine professional can advise whether its appropriate for you to ride while taking anticoagulants, and you should seek their clearance before riding. If you are cleared to ride, maximise protection with a BETA Level 3 body protector and disciplined risk management.Because anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, falls that many riders would simply walk off can have more serious consequences for you. Thats why your first step is a medical conversation: discuss your discipline, typical speeds, fall history, and where you ride (arena vs hacking) with your GP. Once you have the goahead, focus on proven protective equipment and safer routines supported by UK bodies such as the British Horse Society (BHS) and competition rules from British Eventing.Quick tip: Keep a written plan in your tack room covering where you ride, emergency contacts, and what to do after any fall (even if you feel fine). Share it with your instructor or hacking partner.What safety standard should you choose?BETA Level 3 to EN13158 is the UKrecognised standard and the minimum level recommended for all riders across disciplines. Its also the required standard for body protectors in regulated UK competitions like British Eventing crosscountry.The BHS confirms that BETA Level 3 body protectors offer the best protection available for general riding. For eventing and crosscountry obstacles, a safety vest to this standard is mandatory, as reflected in competition guidance and British Eventing rules. If youre returning to the saddle, bring your existing protector to a proper fitting; standards evolve and foam can degrade over time. At Just Horse Riders, we recommend treating your body protector like a helmet: regularly reviewed, replaced when damaged, and always worn when mounted.Round out your essential kit with a certified hat from our curated range of riding helmets, and if you hack in low light or country lanes, add highvisibility rider gear so youre seen earlier by drivers yearround.Body protector vs air jacket: what actually protects you?Body protectors provide continuous, passive protection; air jackets provide reactive protection only when triggered, and should be worn over a BETA Level 3 protector for best coverage.Heres the core difference. Body protectors manage impact with fixed foam thats always on and requires no mechanism to work. As BETA Executive Director Claire Williams explains:Your body protector offers continuous protection, whereas an air vest offers protection only when triggered to do so. Therefore, your body protector will offer you protection at the first level, whether on the ground or in the saddle, while an air vest comes in as the second level of protection, as you need to be thrown off a horse for it to inflate. (Your Horse)Air jackets are quick many inflate in under 100 milliseconds once you separate from the saddle (AirVest UK). However, on their own they dont meet a recognised safety standard and, per the BHS, offer little protection in isolation. Research cited by British Eventing indicates the most effective setup is the combination of a BETA Level 3 body protector with an air jacket worn over the top (Your Horse).There are also known limitations. BETA notes that in rotational falls where you tumble with the horse rather than being thrown clear an air vest may not trigger because it relies on separation to activate. And if youre kicked or land on a fence or rock, a foam body protector is generally more effective for the immediate, pointload impact (Ride EquiSafe). Think of it this way:Think of your body protector as the seat belt in your car and your air vest as the air bag. (BETA perspective, Your Horse)Finally, air vests have moving parts (trigger and piston) that need periodic servicing to remain reliable (Your Horse). Body protectors are failsafe by comparison: no mechanism, just correct sizing and wear (Ride EquiSafe).How to get a safe, comfortable fitProper fitting by BETAtrained staff is critical to effectiveness and comfort, and you should wear your usual riding layers for the fitting. A poorly fitted protector can shift, expose vital areas, or feel bulky, making you less likely to wear it consistently.The BHS advises that body protectors be fitted at a reputable outlet by someone with BETA fitting training. Wear the clothing youll typically ride in for many riders, thats a base layer plus either a schooling top or show jacket so the adjusters sit correctly without gaping. Modern foam protectors are designed to be worn close to the body, ideally under a jumper or jacket, and should not touch the saddles cantle or press on the cervical spine (FUNDIS Equestrian).Quick tip: Do a full mount to dismount rehearsal during the fitting. Walk, trot position, twist as if to open a gate, and simulate a light twopoint. If it rides up, pinches, or limits head movement, adjust or try another size/model.For show days, check your disciplines rules then build your outfit around the protector. Our selection of sleek, performance womens competition clothing and wellcut womens jodhpurs and breeches helps the protector sit flat and close, reducing bulk under a jacket while preserving mobility.When should you add an air jacket?Add an air jacket over a BETA Level 3 body protector for higherrisk riding such as crosscountry, hunting, fast hacking, or young horse schooling. Do not use an air jacket as a replacement for a foam protector in regulated competition.British Eventing and most regulated events require a BETA Level 3 body protector for crosscountry phases; an air jacket can be worn in addition but not instead of the foam layer (Treehouse Equestrian). Before buying, check the manufacturers guidance on whether the vest is designed to be worn solo or strictly over a body protector most recommend the combination for adequate protection, a point echoed by the BHS.Maintenance matters. Air vests rely on a mechanical trigger that should be inspected and serviced regularly to prevent seizing (Your Horse). Keep spare canisters in your lorry or kit bag and log each inflation and service date. As the FEI continues to assess safety equipment use globally (Your Horse), expect guidance to keep evolving but the UK consensus today is clear: foam first, air second.What else reduces your risk on the yard and out hacking?Combine protective gear with smart habits: ride within your comfort zone, choose good footing, make yourself visible, and keep your horse comfortable and wellprepared. Small choices stack up to big risk reductions.Build your routine around these pillars:Be seen, sooner. UK daylight is short for much of the year and weather changes fast; add highvisibility clothing for hacking even on bright days.Protect your head. A wellfitted, certified hat from our riding helmets collection is nonnegotiable for every ride.Wear secure footwear. Heeled, supportive boots reduce the chance of a foot becoming trapped explore our horse riding boots.Reduce spook triggers. In summer, flies and midges can tip a calm hack into a sideways leap; consider appropriate fly protection alongside consistent schooling. If you need horsewear solutions, browse proven options from WeatherBeeta.Check your tack and your horse every time. Run a quick hand check while tacking up to spot sore spots or rubs; our grooming essentials keep this fast and thorough.Support your horses limbs for schooling. Appropriate boots can help protect against knocks over poles or bridleway brush; see horse boots and bandages for everyday and competitionready options.Plan your routes. Prefer offroad bridleways and quiet times of day. Share live location with a family member and carry ID on you, not just on your phone.Pro tip: If you do come off, sit down, breathe, and do a headtotoe selfcheck. Because blood thinners can mask early bleeding symptoms, call for help and seek medical advice even if you feel mostly fine.Buying checklist for riders on anticoagulantsPrioritise a BETA Level 3 body protector, add an air jacket for higherrisk work, and book a professional fitting before you ride. Use this checklist to keep decisions simple and focused on protection.Medical first. Get explicit GP clearance to ride and ask for written guidance on intensity (flatwork only, jumping height, hacking speeds).Body protector baseline. Choose a BETA Level 3 EN13158 model, fitted by BETAtrained staff. Practise mounting/dismounting and twopoint during fitting.Add reactive protection where appropriate. Select an air jacket designed to be worn over a foam protector; confirm compatibility and lanyard length with your saddle.Service and spares. Log vest service dates; keep at least one spare canister in your lorry or grooming box.Comfort layers that dont bulk. Pick closefit technical wear so the protector sits flush our jodhpurs and breeches are designed for stretch and stability in the saddle.Visibility and head protection. Add hivis and a certified hat from our riding helmet range.Footing and grip. Choose supportive, heeled riding boots that work with your stirrup tread and discipline.Horse comfort kit. Keep grooming simple and consistent with our grooming collection to spot issues before they cause a spook or stumble.Budget wisely. If youre upgrading multiple items, check our rotating offers in the Secret Tack Room clearance.Quick tip: Set a calendar reminder to recheck fit each season weight changes, new base layers, or a different saddle can subtly alter how a protector sits.Final word and next stepsYour doctors clearance plus the right kit gives you the best chance to ride safely and confidently. In the UK, that means a BETA Level 3 body protector as your alwayson layer, an optional air jacket over the top for speed and jumping, and consistent, visible habits on todays busy roads and bridleways.Next steps:Book a GP review and discuss your riding plans.Check the latest guidance from the BHS on body protectors and your disciplines rules (e.g., British Eventing requirements).Arrange a professional fitting for a BETA Level 3 protector and, if needed, an air jacket.Update your essentials: helmet, hivis, and secure boots.At Just Horse Riders, we help riders balance safety, comfort, and budget every day. If youre shopping for a safer setup, our team can point you to ridertested options that fit well and work hard for UK conditions.FAQsCan I wear just an air vest without a body protector?No not in regulated UK competition, and most manufacturers recommend an air jacket be worn over a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector. When worn alone, air jackets offer limited protection and dont meet a recognised standard (BHS).What types of falls might not trigger an air vest?Rotational falls, where you tumble with the horse rather than being thrown clear, may not create the separation needed to activate the lanyard. Air vests also provide limited protection once on the ground against kicks or sharp, localised impacts (Your Horse).Why is a body protector considered failsafe compared to an air vest?Body protectors are nonmechanical and work continuously through foam impact absorption; they only need correct fitting. Air vests rely on mechanical triggers that require regular servicing to stay reliable (Ride EquiSafe; Your Horse).Whats the best protection setup for crosscountry?A BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector is mandatory, and many riders add an air jacket over the top for extra, reactive coverage. British Eventing rules allow air jackets in addition to, but not as a substitute for, foam protectors (Treehouse Equestrian).How often should an air jacket be serviced?Follow the manufacturers schedule and treat it like vehicle maintenance the trigger and piston can seize over time without servicing. Keep a dated log of services and inflations (Your Horse).Are modern body protectors still bulky?Modern foam protectors are lighter and more flexible than older models. Apparent bulk is often a fitting issue, which is why a BETAtrained fitting and wearing the protector close to the body under a jumper or jacket is recommended (Your Horse; FUNDIS Equestrian).Do body protectors cover the neck?No. Foam protectors dont provide neck coverage, which is one reason some riders add an air jacket that inflates around the neck, spine, chest, and hips for additional coverage (Ride EquiSafe). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. 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The Irish Senior Jumping team continues its CSIO3* Longines EEF Series Nations Cup season on Friday with Jessica Kurtens squad competing at Lier, Belgium in a Region West qualifier off the back of an excellent podium finish in Mannheim, Germany last week.Ireland finished third behind Germany and this Fridays hosts Belgium last Sunday and Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Jumping Manager Kurten has selected a completely different set of five combinations in the squad for Lier.Denis Lynch and his top class stallion, former Aga Khan team member Vistogrand, are joined by Niamh McEvoy and Irish Sport Horse BP Rocket Man, recent winners of a Medium Tour 1.50m four star Grand Prix on the Sunshine Tour in Andalucia.Jason Foley and Chedington Hazy Toulana, the pair who jumped clear in last years Longines League of Nations leg win in Abu Dhabi will also feature, while Clem McMahon makes a senior Nations Cup return after some excellent results with the Patrick Breen-bred Irish Sport Horse Carneyhaugh Unison.Denis Lynch and Vistogrand jumping for Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show in the Aga KhanConan Wright completes the squad making his senior Nations Cup squad debut with Mr. Cornet De Regor, who was a podium finisher in Ermelo recently.Looking forward to competing in Lier, Kurten said: Lier is the first of our two qualifiers in the Longines EEF Series so we will be looking for a good result.Again, we have chosen an ambitious team of Niamh McEvoy, Jason Foley, Denis Lynch and Clem McMahon, with Conan Wright the reserve.We are expecting very strong competition here in Lier and Im looking forward to taking on the other teams with our great horses and riders.The Longines EEF Series Region West qualifier from Lier, where Ireland takes on 12 nations hosts Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, last years winners Portugal, Spain, and Sweden begins at 2pm Irish time.It will be broadcast live on ClipMyHorse TV and we will be in Lier providing you exclusive content from behind the scenes, as well as all the action in the arena as it happens.BREEDING: Carneyhaugh Unison (ISH) 2017 Mare by Cornet Obolensky (BWP), out of Carneyhaugh Allegro (ISH), by Don Juan De La Bouverie (SBS) , Breeder: Patrick Breen, Owner: Hilton Farm, Rider: Clem McMahon.BP Rocket Man (ISH) 2017 Bay gelding By Stakkato Gold (HANN) Out of BP Quidy (ISH) By Quidam Junior I (KWPN) Bred by Austin Broderick. Rider: Niam McEvoyThe post Irish jumping team moves on to Lier with EEF Series qualifying points on offer appeared first on .

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.