For a second consecutive year, Longines Global Champions Tour partnered with Constance Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel chain with properties in Mauritius, Maldives, and Seychelles, for the exciting Constance Hotels & Resorts Challenge. The French Riviera challenge dedicated to CSI2* riders covered three events in the French Riviera, wrapping up this weekend in Monaco.Constance Hotels...

A stark warning has been issued about the increasing number of donkeys who are dying as a result of escalating plastic pollution. The message has come from the lead vet at The Donkey Sanctuarys clinic on Lamu Island in Kenya.Up to five percent of donkeys at the charitys clinic show signs of nutritional colic, which is usually fatal. Prompted by the alarm raised by clinic staff and the discovery of 35kg of plastic waste in a cows stomach at an abattoir on Lamu, scientists from the University of Portsmouth and The Donkey Sanctuary are investigating the effects of plastic pollution on donkeys and livestock in Kenya.This study is one of the first to look at the impact of plastic waste on land ecosystems.The team began by analysing the foraging behaviours of donkeys and cattle in Lamu and levels of plastic ingested to fully understand the scale of the problem.On Lamu, people rely heavily on donkeys and livestock. However, with little grass or edible vegetation available, many animals are left to forage for food at waste sites and ingest plastic packaging and other waste materials alongside food residues. Early results suggest donkeys are at greater risk of death from plastic ingestion than cattle due to their biology and behaviour.At the dumpsites the donkeys will eat all sorts of things, from plastics to clothes to cartons everything, said Dr Obadiah SingOei, Lamu Programme Manager and Clinic Lead at The Donkey Sanctuarys clinic.This brings a lot of issues for donkeys health with the majority of the donkeys suffering from colic, as a result of foraging at the dumpsites. Nutritional colic in donkeys is usually fatal. But we also lose donkeys to poisoning, for example, from residual rat poison, which can find its way to the dumpsites after domestic use.We are pleased that, with the help of researchers from Portsmouth, we will be able to highlight and address what is fast becoming a crisis for donkey welfare.Dr Leanne Proops, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and member of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, explained that in many countries, domestic animals graze open waste dumps to find food, consuming plastics that can have a dire effect on health and welfare.Even if livestock appear unharmed, meat and milk often contain microplastics that in turn can affect human health, she said. The problem of plastic pollution is getting worse, and we need to know how this impacts the animals that play such a major role in these communities.Dr Emily Haddy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth recently visited Lamu to lead community focus groups with local livestock owners, vets and residents to understand the challenges and concerns regarding donkey welfare.From previous discussions with the community, we know there is growing concern about the links between plastic pollution, ecosystem health, animal welfare and human wellbeing, she said.However, the picture is complex, livestock owners often cannot afford to feed their animals and through necessity let their animals loose to graze.The community focus groups have helped us understand more about how these complex issues affect the people and animals involved.The University of Portsmouth will continue to collaborate with The Donkey Sanctuary in Lamu who are supporting local communities and partners to reduce plastic pollution.Images by The Donkey SanctuaryFurther readingWorld Donkey Day: Progress against skin trade and care club celebrationsVet medicines list conquers first milestoneRaising the status of donkeys: HETI forum held at The Donkey SanctuaryThe post Plastic pollution poses fatal risk to donkeys, vet warns appeared first on Your Horse.

Equine obesity is a serious welfare issue and diet alone wont solve the problem calorie-burning exercise also plays a major role in slimming down waistlines so that a horse is healthy. The harder your horse works, the more energy they use, but clearly a horse cant gallop for 20 minutes. On the other hand, they can walk for a long time, but walkings not the greatest way to burn calories.Unfortunately, there is no easy way to count calories and know exactly what your horse is burning when exercising. However, there are plenty of ways you can get them working to encourage weight loss.How hard is your horse working?How hard your horse is working depends on a number of different factors:DurationObviously, the longer your horse is exercising, the more calories they are burning.SurfacesSoft surfaces are harder work for your horse than hard surfaces.Terrain (hills)The least amount of energy is used on a slight downhill slope. Uphill work can significantly increase energy consumption. For example, trotting up a 5% incline is 1.6 times harder than trotting at the same speed on the flat.A 10% incline is over twice as hard as the same speed on the flat.Rider weightExercising with a rider is harder work than without. A heavier rider requires the horse to use more energy still.WeatherIf you exercise in the warmer part of the day your horse will use more calories than if you exercise in the cool of the morning.DirectionTurning uses more energy than exercising in straight lines. The tighter the turn, the more calories are used.PaceVarying the horses pace/speed (ie, speeding up and slowing down) uses more energy than exercising at a constant speed.TransitionsTransitions between gaits use more energy than staying within a gait.GaitEach horse has a speed within each gait where they are at their most efficient, which means they use the least amount of energy. A slow or fast walk or a slow or fast trot use up the most energy compared to a walk or trot speed in the middle of a horses speed range in each gait.Best calorie-burning exercise for horsesVary the paceThe best way for a horse to burn calories is to use a combination of trotting and cantering. So, per minute of exercise, trotting (at 3.5m/s or 210m/min, or 7.8mph or 12.6kph) uses 2.3 times as much energy as walking (at 1.5m/s or 90m/min, or 3.4mph or 5.4kph).Slow cantering (at 7m/s or 420m/min, or 15.7mph or 25.3kph) uses up to twice as much energy per minute compared with trotting.Having said that, going fast or slow within walk and trot can mean that your horse uses up more energy. However, this can also increase the risk of injury and so it is not advisable.LungingIf your horse is overweight, its really important that you arent tempted to just get on and start working them hard. An overweight horses joints, tendons and ligaments are already under increased stress due to their excess weight. The weight of a rider on top coupled with hard work could easily lead to injury.For this reason, its advisable to start with lunging and walking in-hand. Ridden work at walk and trot can then be introduced slowly and you can build up to both ridden and lunge work each day perhaps riding in the morning and lunging in the evening.The size of the lunge circle determines how hard your horse has to work. The smaller the circle, the more calories will be burned, but this can also increase the risk of injury.Exercising in a rugRugs can also be used to make horses work a little harder without putting more strain on tendons, ligaments and joints. In the same way that in warm weather your horse will have to work harder, exercising wearing a rug will increase the effort they make.However, this must be done with care to ensure that your horse doesnt get overheated. They may also require additional electrolytes in their feed if they sweat more than usual.Your horses breathing is the best guide to their temperature. Blowing hard is the sign of a hot horse.Monitor their heart rateThe most reliable way to know how hard your horse is working so that you can avoid working them too hard is to use a heart rate monitor. The harder theyre working, the higher the horses heart rate will be.So, if your horse appears to be telling you that they cant work any harder but their heart rate is only 120bpm (beats per minute), then you know theyre probably being lazy.If, on the other hand, their heart rate is 200bpm, then you are probably working them too hard for a weight loss programme. Ideally, you want to be working for prolonged periods in the 120-160bpm range.A heart rate monitor can also be an excellent guide for when to stop exercising a horse. If youve been out hacking for 40 minutes and you stop, if their heart rate isnt back down below 100bpm within two minutes, then theyve done enough for that session and its time to walk home.Track and field systemsIf your horse is turned out during the day, then a track system is worth considering if you have the facilities and option to set one up. In some research, horses on a track system have been shown to cover greater distances.If your horse is turned out (or even stabled), dont be tempted to over-rug them as this will reduce the amount of energy they have to use to keep warm and could lead to weight gain.Focus on burning carbsAs Ive already said, varying the pace your horse works is effective calorie-burning exercise that can aid weight loss. This is for two reasons. With constant trot or slow-medium canter exercise over time, the horses body switches from burning carbohydrates (muscle glycogen) to burning fat.Fat is much more efficient as a fuel than carbohydrate. We want to burn as many calories as possible, so by speeding up and slowing down and even having a short, fast canter every 10 minutes this keeps the muscles burning carbohydrate as opposed to letting them switch to burning fat.Past lameness issues?Clearly, the more days you exercise your horse the more calories they will be using and therefore burning, and the fitter they will get. But if theyve had any lameness issues, then rather than six days of training and one day off, consider only two or three days training before a day off.Similarly, if youre trying to keep your horse fit and ticking over until their next competition, if theyve previously been fairly fit, they may not need to be ridden every day. Once they have some fitness, horses can be maintained on a reduced amount of weekly exercise much better than a person can. So perhaps only three to four days riding and one or two days lunging would work.With an overweight horse who needs to lose some condition or what we should really call it, fat! ideally start with some lunging, time on a horse walker and/or in-hand work before climbing on board. Start slowly and aim towards hacking at variable paces.Change one thing at a timeAn important rule is to increase the speed (effort), the duration of workouts, or the number of workouts per week, but never more than one of these at a time. So, in the first few weeks do a 30-minute hack five times a week, then a 45-minute hack five times a week, and so on.If your horse was recently fit, they will probably be able to maintain their fitness and stay sounder on a reduced amount of work.Have you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! FindoutmoreDr David Marlins members area on hiswebsiteprovides access to science-backed information spanning a wide range of horse-related matters, including webinars, latest research findings, independent product trials and celebrity interviews, with the additional opportunity to join a friendly, supportive private community of fellow horse lovers. Pay-monthly membership is 8. Join here.Related contentInterval training for horses: how to do it, plus the huge health benefitsRiding on the gallops: why its a good thing for every horse to doStrip grazing: how does it work?How track systems make horses fitter and healthierHow to ensure a horse is working correctly when youre lungingThe post How to ride a horse so that they burn more calories appeared first on Your Horse.

Key PointDetailsDefinition of Soft HandsMaintaining a gentle, consistent contact with the horse's mouth through the reins while allowing for subtle communication.Key AspectsMaintaining consistent contactFollowing the horse's natural head movementUsing subtle cues rather than harsh pullingKeeping hands still relative to the horse's mouthImportanceImproved Communication: Easier to convey intentions.Enhanced Performance: Better response from horses.Reduced Stress: Less discomfort and stress for the horse.Better Balance: Indicates good rider balance and independent seat.Common MisconceptionsNo Contact: Soft hands mean light but steady contact, not no contact.Always Loose Reins: Not necessarily always loose reins.Weakness: Requires strength and control, not a lack of it.Development TipsThe Rolled Towel ExerciseReverse ReinsTwo Dressage WhipsFocus on Your SeatPractice Without ReinsVisualize Elastic BandsBody InvolvementRelaxed Shoulders: Prevents tension from transferring to hands.Flexible Elbows: Acts as shock absorbers.Strong Core: Maintains balance.Correct Arm Position: Straight line from elbow to bit.What Does "Soft Hands" Mean in Horse Riding?Developing "soft hands" is a crucial skill for any equestrian, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. This term refers to the ability to maintain a gentle, consistent contact with the horse's mouth through the reins while allowing for subtle communication. Soft hands are essential for creating a harmonious partnership between horse and rider, enhancing performance, and ensuring the horse's comfort.Understanding Soft HandsSoft hands in horse riding don't simply mean holding the reins loosely. Instead, it's about creating a steady, elastic connection between your hands and the horse's mouth. This connection allows for clear communication without causing discomfort or resistance in the horse.Key aspects of soft hands include:Maintaining consistent contactFollowing the horse's natural head movementUsing subtle cues rather than harsh pullingKeeping hands still relative to the horse's mouthThe Importance of Soft HandsDeveloping soft hands is crucial for several reasons:Improved Communication: Soft hands allow for more nuanced communication with your horse, making it easier to convey your intentions.Enhanced Performance: Horses respond better to gentle, consistent cues, leading to improved performance in various disciplines.Reduced Stress: Harsh or inconsistent hand movements can cause stress and discomfort for the horse, potentially leading to behavioural issues.Better Balance: Soft hands often indicate a rider with good balance and an independent seat, which are fundamental to effective riding.Common MisconceptionsThere are several misconceptions about soft hands that can hinder a rider's progress:No Contact: Some riders mistakenly believe that soft hands mean having no contact with the horse's mouth. In reality, maintaining a light but steady contact is essential.Always Loose Reins: While loose reins have their place in training, soft hands don't necessarily mean always riding with loose reins.Weakness: Soft hands don't imply weakness or lack of control. They actually require strength and control to maintain consistent, gentle contact.Developing Soft HandsImproving your hand softness takes time and practice. Here are some exercises and tips to help you develop this crucial skill:The Rolled Towel Exercise: Place a rolled towel or small pillow on your horse's withers and rest your hands on it while riding. This helps you maintain a steady hand position.Reverse Reins: Thread your reins through your hands in the opposite direction to normal. This changes the feel of the contact and can help prevent overreliance on the reins.Two Dressage Whips: Hold a dressage whip in each hand, pointing downwards. They should rest lightly on your thighs. If they move, it indicates your hands are moving too much.Focus on Your Seat: A strong, independent seat is crucial for developing soft hands. Work on exercises that improve your balance and core strength.Practice Without Reins: Riding without reins (in a controlled environment) can help you develop better balance and reduce reliance on your hands for control.Visualize Elastic Bands: Imagine elastic bands connecting your elbows to the bit. This can help you maintain a consistent, elastic contact.The Role of the Entire BodyIt's important to remember that soft hands don't exist in isolation. They're part of a rider's overall position and balance. Key points to consider include:Relaxed Shoulders: Tension in the shoulders can travel down to the hands. Keep your shoulders relaxed and down.Flexible Elbows: Your elbows should act like shock absorbers, moving slightly with the horse's motion.Strong Core: A strong core helps maintain balance, reducing the tendency to use the reins for support.Correct Arm Position: Your arms should form a straight line from elbow to bit, with your hands carried in front of the saddle.ConclusionDeveloping soft hands is a journey that requires patience, practice, and body awareness. It's not just about how you hold the reins, but about your overall position, balance, and connection with your horse. By focusing on these elements and practicing regularly, you can improve your communication with your horse, enhance your riding performance, and create a more harmonious partnership.Remember, every horse and rider pair is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Always consult with a qualified instructor to tailor these principles to your specific needs and goals. With time and dedication, you'll develop the soft, effective hands that are the hallmark of skilled equestrians.Check out our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection to enhance your riding experience with the best equipment and apparel available.Explore our range of Horse Riding Socks and Horse Treats and Gifts for more riding essentials and special treats for your horse.For those looking to keep their horses healthy and comfortable, don't miss our selection of Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements and Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs.Asked by YouWhat does quiet hands mean in horse riding?Quiet hands in horse riding refer to hands that remain steady and calm, with minimal movement, to avoid disturbing the horse's mouth. This steadiness helps in maintaining a consistent connection and allows for clear, effective communication between the rider and the horse.What does "soft hands" mean?Soft hands mean maintaining a gentle, consistent contact with the horse's mouth through the reins, allowing for subtle and effective communication. This practice helps to enhance the horse's comfort and responsiveness.What does "soft in the saddle" mean?Being soft in the saddle refers to a rider who sits relaxed and supple, moving in harmony with the horse's motion. This softness aids in better communication and a more balanced, effective ride.What is a soft feel in horses?A soft feel in horses is the response from the horse when the rider maintains a gentle, elastic connection through the reins. It indicates that the horse is relaxed, responsive, and in tune with the rider's cues.

CategorySkills DevelopedDetailsPhysical SkillsCardiovascular Fitness and StrengthBurns up to 200 calories in 45 minutes, engages core, leg, arm, and back muscles.Balance and PostureImproves body awareness, proprioception, and overall balance.Mental SkillsPatience and PersistenceRequires time and dedication, fosters long-term goal setting and achievement.Emotional Intelligence and EmpathyDevelops emotional awareness and empathy through interaction with horses.Problem-Solving and Decision MakingHones analytical skills, adaptability, and quick decision-making abilities.Social SkillsCommunicationEnhances non-verbal communication, active listening, and verbal instruction skills.Teamwork and LeadershipPromotes teamwork, cooperation, leadership skills, and accountability.Therapeutic BenefitsImproved Social InteractionTherapeutic riding improves social interaction and communication skills, especially in children with ASD.Lifelong LearningContinuous Learning MindsetFosters intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and personal growth through humility and openness to learning.Horse riding is more than just a recreational activity; it's a comprehensive skill-building experience that can benefit riders in numerous ways. From physical fitness to mental resilience, equestrian pursuits offer a unique set of skills that can be applied both in and out of the saddle. Let's explore the various skills that horse riding can help develop.Physical SkillsCardiovascular Fitness and StrengthContrary to popular belief, horseback riding is an intense physical activity. A study published in the International Journal of Exercise Science found that riding a horse for 45 minutes at various gaits (walk, trot, and canter) can burn up to 200 calories. More strenuous activities like cutting or reining can burn nearly seven calories per minute throughout the riding session. Horse riding engages multiple muscle groups, particularly:Core strengthLeg musclesArm and shoulder musclesBack musclesRegular riding can significantly improve overall body strength and coordination.Balance and PostureMaintaining proper posture while on horseback is crucial for effective riding. This constant engagement helps improve body awareness, proprioception (sense of body position), and overall balance. These skills translate well to other physical activities and daily life, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Mental SkillsPatience and PersistenceHorse riding is a discipline that requires time and dedication to master. As noted by equestrian experts, "Nothing in horse riding pays off more than everyday training and teaching and learning step by step." This process cultivates patience with both oneself and the horse, persistence in the face of challenges, and long-term goal setting and achievement. Emotional Intelligence and EmpathyWorking with horses demands a high level of emotional awareness. Riders must read and respond to their horse's body language, manage their own emotions to maintain a calm demeanor, and develop empathy for their equine partners. These skills can significantly enhance interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation in other areas of life.Problem-Solving and Decision MakingEquestrians often face unexpected situations that require quick thinking and decisive action. Whether it's navigating a challenging trail or adjusting to a horse's mood, riders constantly hone their analytical skills, adaptability, and quick decision-making abilities. Social SkillsCommunicationEffective horse riding requires clear communication, not just with the horse but also with instructors, fellow riders, and stable staff. This helps develop non-verbal communication skills, active listening, and clear and concise verbal instruction. Teamwork and LeadershipMany equestrian activities, such as polo or team competitions, require collaboration. Even individual events often involve a support team. This fosters teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, and responsibility and accountability.Therapeutic BenefitsBeyond skill development, horse riding has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals with certain conditions. A study on the effects of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) found that a 16-week THR program significantly improved social interaction and communication skills. Lifelong LearningOne of the most valuable aspects of horse riding is that it promotes a lifelong learning mindset. As noted in equestrian circles, "Who has a lot of humility, will never say that they know everything. They will always be open to others' remarks, their horse including." This continuous learning approach can be applied to all areas of life, fostering intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and personal growth. ConclusionHorse riding is a multifaceted activity that develops a wide range of physical, mental, and social skills. From improving cardiovascular fitness and balance to enhancing emotional intelligence and problem-solving abilities, the benefits of equestrian pursuits extend far beyond the stable. Whether you're a seasoned rider or considering taking up the reins for the first time, the skills gained through horse riding can significantly enrich your life both in and out of the saddle. Remember, as with any physical activity, it's important to start with proper instruction and safety measures. The journey of horsemanship is as rewarding as it is challenging, offering a unique blend of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional growth.What does horse riding help you in?Horse riding helps in developing a wide range of skills including physical fitness, balance, and coordination. It also enhances mental resilience, emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Additionally, horse riding offers therapeutic benefits and fosters a lifelong learning mindset.Does horse riding take skill?Yes, horse riding requires a significant amount of skill. Riders must learn to balance, communicate effectively with their horse, and manage various riding techniques. It also involves understanding the horse's behaviour and making quick decisions, all of which require practice and dedication.Does horse riding tone your body?Yes, horse riding can tone your body. It engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, legs, arms, shoulders, and back. Regular riding helps to build strength, improve posture, and increase overall fitness, contributing to a well-toned body.Is horse riding a talent?Horse riding can be considered both a skill and a talent. While it requires learning and practice to master, some individuals may have a natural affinity for it. Talent in horse riding might manifest as an innate ability to connect with horses, a good sense of balance, and quick reflexes. However, consistent practice and dedication are essential for all riders to excel. FAQ Structured Data for Horse Riding Skills

The stress of surgery and the management changes that follow can cause gastric ulcers in horses. An equine nutritionist discusses possible solutions.The post Preventing Gastric Ulcers After Colic Surgery appeared first on The Horse.

Splints are bony enlargements (exostoses) of the interosseous ligament that connects the splint bones to the cannon bone in a horses leg. They can occur throughout the year, but there is a higher incidence during the summer months.A splint may be unsightly, but with careful management they dont usually cause a horse too many problems and wont lead to a large claim on your horse health insurance policy.What is a splint?A splint appears as lump on the inside of the legInflammation and mineralisation of the ligament causes a surface bone reaction to the splint and cannon bones, resulting in the development of small to large bony lumps which can be felt around the splint bone region of the lower limb.For the most part, splints are cosmetic blemishes that dont interfere with a horses long-term athletic ability. However, some can result in significant lameness, especially in the immediate injury period or, in rare cases, where there is impingement of the suspensory ligament.Each limb has two splint bones: the medial (second metacarpal bone, MC2); and the lateral (fourth metacarpal bone, MC4), which course on either side of the back of the cannon bone.Splints generally affect the top third of the affected bone, but they are certainly not limited to this area and can occur in any part throughout the length of the bone.The medial (inside) forelimb splint bone is most commonly affected, but splints may occur on the lateral (outside) forelimb splint bone, or indeed on either hindlimb splint bone, although this is less common.Diagnosing a splintSplints can occur as a result of trauma, foot imbalance, or secondary to poor knee conformation, namely bench knee. Young horses are more commonly affected, but splints can affect horses of any age.Clinical signs vary in severity. Some horses show no evidence of pain or lameness when they have a splint, whereas others do appear lame, have soft tissue inflammation and pain on palpation.If you notice that your horse has a splint, I recommend putting them on box rest until you have consulted your vet. If your vet examines the horse, they will do so at rest and will carefully palpate the splint to try to discover the likelihood of suspensory ligament impingement.Your horse will then be trotted up to determine whether they are showing any signs of lameness. If they are lame, nerve blocks may be performed to confirm that the lameness originates from the splint and not from elsewhere.Managing a splintA decision will then be made as to whether conservative management is likely to be sufficient, or whether further imaging is required. Further imaging generally involves radiology (X-rays) with or without ultrasound assessment of the suspensory ligament.In cases where suspensory ligament involvement seems unlikely, affected horses are generally placed on box rest and given oral anti-inflammatory therapy until the pain and inflammation subside and the lameness clears up. A controlled exercise programme can then begin. Remedial trimming and farriery may be recommended too.In cases where the suspensory ligament is involved, prolonged box rest will be needed, with your vet evaluating your horse at regular intervals. In those cases that dont respond to treatment, surgery may be required.Prognosis for horses with a splintWith time, splints will generally reduce in size, but the timeframe varies from weeks to months, and the new bone formation may never fully resolve. Topical anti-inflammatories may be recommended by your vet to assist with soft tissue inflammation, but timely box rest and oral anti-inflammatories are the most important steps in the management of splints.Your vet may also recommend hydrotherapy in the initial phase of injury. Distal limb compression, such as the use of a stable bandage and gamgee pad for up to 12 hours daily, may help to reduce the size of the splint.In the past, other non-orthodox treatments have been used, such as firing and blistering, but these are no longer recommended and nor are they ethical.Case study: painful to touch and lameX-ray showing Daisys splint (swelling on left side of the bone)When Daisy, a five-year-old Irish Sport Horse, arrived at Oakhill Equine Vets, her owner had noticed a medial splint on the mares left fore 10 days earlier. Palpation of the splint revealed a warm, hard swelling that was painful to touch.The horses suspensory ligament border lacked definition, which raised concerns that there was ligament impingement. She had long-toe/low-heel conformation and, at walk, landed lateral hoof wall first, showing lateromedial imbalance. In trot, I could see mild lameness on the left fore on a straight line and moderate lameness when lunged on a hard surface.Nerve blocks confirmed that the lameness was caused by the splint. Ultrasound also confirmed that the new bone extended inwardly as well as outwardly, and this resulted in suspensory ligament inflammation (desmitis).In the first instance, I advised box rest alongside eight weeks of controlled, in-hand exercise. I also prescribed a short course of anti-inflammatories and recommended remedial farrier to improve Daisys hoof conformation and balance.Removing the splint boneInitially, Daisy improved. However, six weeks into her recovery she suffered a setback which resulted in reoccurrence of swelling and significant lameness. When there was little improvement six weeks later, we repeated the ultrasound and also did an MRI scan. This led to the decision to remove the affected portion of splint bone.Fortunately, both the surgery and post-operative period went well. Six months later, a small bony nodule was palpable at the surgery site but Daisy was not lame. She began gentle ridden work and three months later returned to eventing.Images: copyright Shutterstock. Diagram: copyright Leona Bramall/Oakhill Equine VetsRelated contentEverything you need to know about horse jointsHow to tell if a horse is lameSwollen legs: why it happens and how to manage itEssential hoof care guideThe post How to recognise and manage a splint appeared first on Your Horse.