Its hard to believe that it was all the way back in April when Scottie went lame, once again. Due to him not being insured for these type of issues anymore and how quickly he improved before the vet came out, we decided not to investigate it and just manage it as though he had reinjured his loss of use injury.Im pleased to say that nearly 4 months on, he is looking great.Continue reading Scottie Update ~ Doing Well (despite his antics!) at EquiPepper.

Its hard to believe that it was all the way back in April when Scottie went lame, once again. Due to him not being insured for these type of issues anymore and how quickly he improved before the vet came out, we decided not to investigate it and just manage it as though he had reinjured his loss of use injury.Im pleased to say that nearly 4 months on, he is looking great.Continue reading Scottie Update ~ Doing Well (despite his antics!) at EquiPepper.

Section Key Points Hickstead All England Jumping Course Located in West Sussex Hosted prestigious events like Longines Royal International Horse Show Attracts over 100,000 visitors annually State-of-the-art facilities (12-acre grass arena, 1,000-seat grandstand) Personal experience by Emily Fletcher (professional showjumper) Burghley Horse Trials Located in Lincolnshire Hosted prestigious events like Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Attracts over 50,000 visitors annually Features stunning parkland setting and 4-star hotel Personal experience by Tom McEwen (professional event rider) Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Located in Oxfordshire Hosted prestigious events since 1990 Attracts over 30,000 visitors annually Features a stunning palace setting and state-of-the-art facilities Personal experience by Oliver Townend (professional event rider) Impact of Equestrian Venues on Career Significant milestone; offers global exposure leading to sponsorships and career advancements Equestrian Apparel for Competitions Importance of jodhpurs for flexibility and grip Significance of quality horse riding boots for support and protection The role of gloves in improving grip and control Diet and Nutrition for Peak Performance Importance of everyday horse vitamins & supplements Benefits of horse treats for motivation and health enhancement Equestrian Gear for Different Seasons Stable rugs for indoor warmth and protection Turnout rugs for outdoor activities and weather protection Advanced Fly Protection Essential solutions like fly rugs and sprays to ensure horse comfort Essential Accessories for Equestrian Enthusiasts Importance of horse riding socks for comfort Conclusion UK's iconic equestrian venues offer unique and unforgettable experiences Visit Just Horse Riders for a range of horse riding equipment and apparel Exploring the UK's Favourite Equestrian Venues: Insights and Personal Experiences from Riders As an equestrian enthusiast, there's nothing quite like the thrill of competing at a top-notch venue. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class facilities, the UK is home to some of the most iconic equestrian venues in the world. In this blog, we'll delve into the UK's favourite equestrian venues, exploring what makes them so special and sharing personal experiences from riders who've had the privilege of competing at these legendary locations. Hickstead All England Jumping Course Located in West Sussex, Hickstead All England Jumping Course is one of the UK's most prestigious equestrian venues. With a rich history dating back to 1961, Hickstead has hosted some of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, including the Longines Royal International Horse Show and the British Showjumping National Championships. According to a survey conducted by the British Equestrian Federation, Hickstead is the UK's most popular equestrian venue, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a 12-acre grass arena and a 1,000-seat grandstand, it's no wonder that Hickstead is a favourite among riders and spectators alike. Personal Experience "Competing at Hickstead is a dream come true. The atmosphere is electric, and the facilities are second to none. I've had the privilege of competing at Hickstead several times, and each time I'm blown away by the sheer scale and professionalism of the event." - Emily Fletcher, professional showjumper Burghley Horse Trials Located in Lincolnshire, Burghley Horse Trials is one of the UK's most iconic three-day event venues. With a history dating back to 1961, Burghley has hosted some of the world's most prestigious eventing competitions, including the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the British Eventing National Championships. According to a survey conducted by the British Eventing Association, Burghley is the UK's second most popular equestrian venue, attracting over 50,000 visitors each year. With its stunning parkland setting, 4-star hotel, and state-of-the-art facilities, Burghley is a must-visit destination for any equestrian enthusiast. Personal Experience "Competing at Burghley is an incredible experience. The course is challenging, but the atmosphere is electric. I've had the privilege of competing at Burghley several times, and each time I'm blown away by the sheer scale and professionalism of the event." - Tom McEwen, professional event rider Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Located in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the UK's most prestigious eventing venues. With a history dating back to 1990, Blenheim has hosted some of the world's most prestigious eventing competitions, including the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and the British Eventing National Championships. According to a survey conducted by the British Eventing Association, Blenheim is the UK's third most popular equestrian venue, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year. With its stunning palace setting, 4-star hotel, and state-of-the-art facilities, Blenheim is a must-visit destination for any equestrian enthusiast. Personal Experience "Competing at Blenheim is an incredible experience. The course is challenging, but the atmosphere is electric. I've had the privilege of competing at Blenheim several times, and each time I'm blown away by the sheer scale and professionalism of the event." - Oliver Townend, professional event rider Impact of Equestrian Venues on Career For many riders, competing at these prestigious venues is not only a dream but a significant milestone in their careers. Such venues offer a platform where they can showcase their skills and talents on a global stage. This exposure often leads to sponsorships, endorsements, and other career advancements. Equestrian Apparel for Competitions When competing in high-caliber events, equestrian apparel plays a crucial role. Ensuring comfort and safety is paramount for optimal performance. Jodhpurs, for instance, offer flexibility and grip, enhancing the rider's connection with the horse. The Importance of Quality Boots Another essential part of the competition apparel is the boots. The right pair of horse riding boots can make a significant difference in a rider's performance. They provide the necessary support and protection, ensuring that riders remain comfortable throughout their events. The Role of Gloves in Equestrian Events Gloves might seem like a small accessory, but their impact cannot be understated. Horse riding gloves provide better grip, protect against blisters, and ensure that riders can maintain control of their reins, especially during intense competitions. Diet and Nutrition for Peak Performance Just like human athletes, horses also require a balanced diet to perform at their best. Hence, the importance of equestrian supplements cannot be overemphasized. Everyday horse vitamins & supplements are designed to provide horses with essential nutrients, promoting overall health and fitness. Horse Treats and Their Benefits In addition to their regular diet, offering horse treats and gifts can be an excellent way to reward and motivate horses. These treats often contain beneficial ingredients that can enhance the horse's coat, boost their energy, and promote digestive health. Equestrian Gear for Different Seasons The right gear ensures both comfort and protection regardless of the season. Horses, too, require protection from the elements. Stable rugs and turnout rugs are essential for keeping horses comfortable and healthy throughout the year. Stable Rugs for Indoor Protection When horses are kept indoors, especially during colder months, stable rugs provide the necessary warmth and comfort. They are designed to insulate and protect against drafts, ensuring that horses remain in optimum health. Turnout Rugs for Outdoor Activities For outdoor settings, especially in unpredictable weather, turnout rugs are crucial. These rugs are designed to withstand the elements, keeping horses dry and warm, which is particularly important for their overall well-being and performance. Advanced Fly Protection Fly protection is another critical aspect of equestrian care. Flies can be a significant nuisance to horses, causing discomfort and potential health issues. To address this, the right horse fly protection solutions are essential. These can range from fly rugs to fly sprays, ensuring the horse remains comfortable even in fly-prone areas. Essential Accessories for Equestrian Enthusiasts In addition to the primary gear, there are various accessories that can enhance the riding experience. From socks to grooming kits, investing in quality accessories can make a significant difference. The Role of Riding Socks While often overlooked, horse riding socks can improve comfort and performance. These socks are designed to provide extra cushioning, reduce friction, and ensure that riders' feet remain comfortable during prolonged periods on horseback. Conclusion The UK is home to some of the world's most iconic equestrian venues, each with its unique history, atmosphere, and facilities. From Hickstead's state-of-the-art facilities to Burghley's stunning parkland setting, each venue offers a unique and unforgettable experience for riders and spectators alike. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or an equestrian enthusiast, these venues are must-visit destinations. With their rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class facilities, they offer a truly unforgettable experience that's sure to leave you feeling inspired and energized. For all your horse riding needs, visit Just Horse Riders for a wide range of horse riding equipment and apparel.

Our team of independent owners and riders have been using a selection of fly sprays as part of their horse care routine for at least two months, including during the summer when flies are at their worst. Each spray has been assessed for ease of use, effectiveness and value for money.If the fly spray you are interested in is not listed here, let me know and we will add it to our testing process. There are a number of effective ingredients to look out for when choosing a fly spray. More on that, plus top tips for choosing a fly repellent, further down the page.The Your Horse test: fly sprays and repellentsThis is an independent test; we are not paid to review them, so you can expect honest, accurate comments from our testers who are aiming to find out which are the best fly sprays for horses.Fly Free EquineFly SprayYour Horses tester Rachael Turner saysIve been applying this spray on to my hairy cob in the mornings when the weather is due to be warm and it seems to be very effective. Ive noticed a visible reduction in the number of flies on my horse and as a result havent been using his fly mask very often. It seems to have good staying power too so I dont feel the need to re apply. This is ideal as I am always short on time, so a quick spray when he has his morning feed is all that is needed.He seems very content without being plagued by flies and doesnt rub his face shake his head as he has on previous years when there are lots of bugs landing on him. Ive also not been feeding any fly-deterring supplements as in previous seasons, so I cant help thinking the spray has played a big part in this.I think this represents good value for money. The cheaper popular brands are around the same price point, with many more expensive products on the market, so I think you would struggle to find a more affordable fly spray.Read the full review of this fly sprayRRP 12.95 for 750mlBuying in the UK? Purchase hereEqyss Premier Marigold SprayYour Horses tester saysThis product is quick and easy to apply and the spray in the bottle gives great coverage over the horses coat.One of my horses is particularly sensitive and can get agitated when fly repellents are applied, but I didnt have any issues with this one at all.It really keeps the flies away and I only needed to apply it once a day maximum twice when it was really warm.Both of my horses appeared happy and relaxed when they had the spray on, with very little tail swishing going on. It smells of marigolds, which is pleasant and not at all overpowering.I really like this fly spray and the results it gives. It is gentle yet effective and it smells amazing. The bottle lasts a while even when using it on two horses. I would definitely recommend it and have already bought more of the same.RRP 22.95 for 946ml (US$24.99 for 32oz)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMastacare Extra Strength Fly RepellentYour Horses tester says...I found this fly repellent easy to spray straight onto my horse, or it can be applied with a sponge. The spraying mechanism is effective and the repellent has a very pleasant smell of subtle lemon that isnt at all overpowering. The instructions are easy to follow, although quite vague when it comes to explaining how long it will actually last before it needs to be topped up.This fly repellent has been very effective on my horses when applied twice a day. It doesnt leave any marks or residue on the coat and after a few days of using it my horses coat felt conditioned and even had a healthy shine.I think this is a great product and even though I applied it twice a day it is a reasonable price. Achieving an improved coat condition was an added perk which isnt included in the description. I would definitely recommend it.RRP 18.59 for 500ml (offer price)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereKilchurn Equestrian No Fly ZoneYour Horses tester saysI was sent a 1 litre bottle for testing and I used it on two horses. It lasted a few weeks, which I was happy with. I did find the nozzle on the spray a little fiddly to adjust, but once I had it how I liked it the spray was good and it gave decent coverage over my horses coats in several squirts.This fly spray has a particularly strong smell that made both of my horses sneeze when it was applied. However, it does seem to be effective and it only needs applying once each day.No Fly Zone is made from a blend of 100% natural ingredients, including neem oil, organic apple cider vinegar, lemon extract and tea. One of my horses is particularly sensitive and I try to use natural products on her wherever possible, so this was a real positive for me. She had no reaction when using this fly spray at all.Although this is towards the higher end of price for a fly spray when compared to others I have bought over the years, as it only needs applying once and 1 litre lasted several weeks, I think it is good value for money.RRP 22 for 1 litreBuying in the UK? Purchase hereCavalor FlylessYour Horses tester saysI like the spray mechanism on this fly spray as you get good coverage of your horses coat with just a few squeezes of the trigger.Ive found it to be a very effective fly repellent that seems to last longer than other sprays I have used. After five or six hours, neither of my horses appeared to be bothered by flies even during very hot and humid weather.It did a really good job of keeping away horse flies, which were particularly bad when I was testing this fly spray. Ive used it on myself too, as it is safe for humans, which is a real plus point. The spray doesnt leave any residue on the horses coat and it boasts a pleasant, clean smell.The slight downside of this fly spray is that it is on the pricey side and you can buy repellents that are cheaper. However, you get what you pay for and this is an effective and long-lasting fly spray, so I would buy it again.RRP 25.99 for 500ml (US$25.29)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereLincoln Power RepelYour Horses tester saysThis fly spray is easy to use and it covers the horse with a mist of repellent which gives good coverage. I think it has a strong smell a sharp odour with a hint of lemongrass which is powerful but not unpleasant. Once applied, the product didnt leave any residue on my horses coat.This repellent works well in normal conditions, but I did have to reapply it on hot and humid days to ensure my horses stayed protected. I normally found myself topping it up in the afternoon when the flies were at their worst, because I could see that my horses were getting irritated.I have to admit that I didnt find that it offered effective protection for up to 12 hours, which is what the manufacturer claims, but it does a good job when topped up regularly.Overall I like this fly repellent and it works well. It does work out to be on the expensive side when you need to reapply it frequently, but needs must when you want to keep your horses comfortable.RRP 22.50 for 500ml (US$21.27)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereNAF Naffoff Deet Power PerformanceYour Horses tester saysI have been using this fly spray regularly and Ive found it to be really effective for my horses. It seems to repel all annoying insects and helps keep them happy and comfortable.It sprays on to my horses coat easily enough. I think the repellent itself is quite thick and I found that it left a white residue on darker coloured horses. I also found it sticky, which attracts dust and meant that it wasnt ideal for using on my horses when we were competing.This fly spray is at the higher end of the price spectrum for a fly spray, but it is very effective and so is worth investing in for use on horses who are turned out in fly season.RRP from 19.99 (US$40) for 750mlBuying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereShires Ezi-Groom Citronella SprayYour Horses tester saysI didnt find the spray nozzle particularly powerful on this bottle, and although the spray has a fresh smell to it, it was also quite watery so I needed to apply a lot to get good coverage. The citronella smell did help to keep the flies away, but I didnt find it quite as effective as some of the other brands Ive used in the past. It is a nice-smelling fly spray with a blend of natural oils, which I really like. I find it a pleasant fly spray to use, unlike others I have tried in the past.I think this fly spray is good value for money. Its at the cheaper end of the market and worth having in your tack room or on the lorry.RRP 8.99 for 400ml (US$13.29)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereLeovet Power PhaserYour Horses tester saysI find this fly spray quick and easy to apply. It comes out in a good spray that offers excellent coverage of my horses coat in just a few squirts.This repellent has a strong smell which bugs definitely dont like and it makes them stay away. I found that is is particularly good at keeping horse flies at bay. Once I have applied this fly spray, I found that it is effective for hours too, which is a positive, as it means I dont have to top up too regularly and my horses are happy.This fly spray has been so effective while I have been using it that I think it is good value. I like all the active plant ingredients and natural oils that it includes, such as cade oil and pennyroyal oil, which are known to be insect repellents.RRP 19.75 for 550ml (US$9 for 75ml roll on)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereCarr & Day & Martin FlygardYour Horses tester saysI love the spray on this product. It is easy to use and big enough to produce a fine mist that covers my horses coat quickly and easily. I think it works well as a fly repellent. Both of my horses seemed less bothered by flies after I had applied it.On hot days I did reapply it in the afternoon to make sure they stayed protected. This fly spray doesnt have a strong smell and my horses coats look amazing thanks to the conditioner it contains. I think this is very good value for an effective fly repellent.RRP 13.70 for 500mlBuying in the UK? Purchase hereBarrier Super Plus Fly RepellentYour Horses tester saysI find that the spray on this fly repellent covers the coat well, so you dont need to use too much in one go. One of its ingredients is avocado oil, which leaves a nice shine to the coat, but no residue, which I really like.This fly repellent has quite a strong smell of cloves, but I like it. Im pretty impressed by how well this product works, although I did reapply it in the afternoon on warmer days. It also contains only natural ingredients, which is plus.Overall I think this fly repellent is very good value. It works well with no need to coat your horse in it.RRP 12.99 for 500mlBuying in the UK? Purchase hereEquimins Fly Repellent Extra StrengthYour Horses tester saysThe directions for use of this fly repellent is to apply it using a sponge and then rub onto the horses coat, so that is what I did. Obviously, it takes me longer to do this compared to being able to spray it on, but a little of this fly repellent really goes a long way. Directions on the bottle are to apply 15g of repellent over square metre of your horses body.I have found that this product works well. It keeps files and bugs at bay for some time. It works really well on mosquitos and midges, which usually irritate my horse on our evening hacks. We dont have any issues when I apply this fly repellent before we go.I think this is very good value for an effective repellent and I would buy it again.RRP 19.92 for 500ml (US$28.86 for 750ml)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereEquine America Stinger Fly SprayYour Horses tester saysThis fly spray is simple to apply. The spray is not as fine as some others on the market and I did find that I needed to apply more of it in one go in order to get full coverage of my horses coat.This repellent is very good at protecting against flies. I think it has a pleasant smell and the flies seemed to stay away. There has definitely been less tail swishing and head shaking when my horses are wearing this fly repellent. On warm sunny days I did reapply in the afternoon so that it continued to be effective.There is slightly more product inside this bottle compared to other fly sprays Ive used, so I think it is good value for an effective fly repellent.RRP 19.50 for 750ml (US$14.64)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereAbsorbine Ultrashield GreenYour Horses tester saysI love the spray on this product, because the fan covers a large area of my horses coat at a time. It also sprays when you turn it upside down, which is great for applying underneath a horses belly.This product has a pleasant fresh smell and it contains all natural ingredients, which I like. It works well enough but it is not as effective as some other fly sprays I have used. I reapplied it halfway through the day and topping it up regularly helped to give my horse some protection from flies.This is one of the pricier fly sprays I have seen, but you wont waste any thanks to the clever spray.RRP 26.50 for 946ml (US$29.69)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereNettex Fly Repellent AdvancedYour Horses tester saysIve found that this is a really good fly spray that gives good coverage for horses. My only complaint is that I did find it left the coat a bit greasy with regular use.This is a DEET-based repellent it has worked well on my horses. Both of them seemed to be much less bothered by flies after I sprayed them. On warmer, sunny days I found that it did need reapplying during the day so that it continued to be effective, otherwise the flies started to bug my horses again.This is a fair price for an effective fly spray. Just be prepared to reapply it during the day, which isnt always easy for working riders to do as youre not at the yard all day long. Its worth having a bottle of this in your tack room to use for riding at the very least.RRP 16.98 for 500ml (US$22.19)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereBest fly sprays for horses: key ingredientsWell-known and effective ingredients used in fly sprays and repellents for horses include:DeetThis is a popular choice and is considered to be one of the best fly repellents (and sprays) for horses. Higher percentages will be more effective and last longer.NeemAn all-purpose Ayurvedic remedy, neem oil us derived from the seeds of the neem fruit. It provides a non-toxic, environmentally friendly fly repellent thats also effective for relieving itchy skin.PMDA natural chemical from lemon eucalyptus leaves means PMD smells lovely. Go for a product with high concentration for it to be a long-lasting repellent.Permethrin (and cypermethrin)This is an example of a pyrethroid insecticide. This term refers to a class of synthetic insecticides with a chemical structure tear us similar to natural pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide produced by the flowers of certain species of chrysanthemum.Three tips for picking a fly repellentFirstly, know your ingredients: insecticides kill, while repellents repel.Secondly, look at the percentages on the ingredients list. The higher the concentration of ingredients, the more effective the product is likely to be. It will also make them more expensive, but they should last longer.Thirdly, do a patch test on your horse with the fly repellent before you start using it in full. Leave the patch test on for 24 hours to check if your horse has a reaction.Related contentTried and tested: best fly rugs for horsesHow to manage sweet itch in horsesOur pick of the latest fly masks and veils on the marketLearn to read your horses body languageThe post Best fly sprays for horses as tested by horse owners and riders appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse showing can be a double-edged sword. When it goes well, its the best; but when it goes wrong it can really go wrongand have long-lasting effects on your confidence and self-esteem.Photo by Valeri Vatel/Adobe StockOnce youve been rattled, its hard to calm down and refocus on why youre there, sometimes in both the short-term (the day of the show) and the long-term (showing in general).What Is Causing Your Horse Show Anxiety?Most horse-show fear falls into two categories: fear of getting hurt and fear of making a fool of yourself. While one may strike you as easier to deal with than the other, fear in any form can be crippling.No matter where your fear stems from, there are multiple ways you can head off anxiety overload. Preparation is key, both mentally and physically. Here are some ways to be as prepared as possible next time you have an off-farm adventure.Physical Preparation1. Create checklists. While you need not carry around a physical sheet of paper (having it on your phone is fine), knowing exactly what you need before the show and confirming that its in your trailer can ease a lot of showing anxiety.Keeping everything in its designated place in the trailer ensures you know exactly whats missing at a glance. Other things to keep on hand for last-minute questions and clarification include rulebooks, dressage tests, patterns, and courses.2. Schedule like youre leaving on vacation. Preparing for vacation can be time-consuming, but the result is always worth it. Plan your show day like you plan a trip, working backward from your ride time. Knowing when you need to be in the ring will allow you to plan when to groom, tack up, get dressed, get on and warm up.Physically writing it all down lets you have a focused plan and quiets the mental chatter and doubt, according to Jessica Bollinger, a licensed clinical social worker who assists athletes from a variety of disciplines. Consider posting your schedule on your stall so its easily accessible. Rushing creates stress and is something you want to avoid.By writing down your show day schedule, working backward from your ride time, you can avoid stress and feel fully prepared when you enter the show pen. Photo by Mary Cage3. Fuel up on quality foods. While nerves can make eating anything iffy, its crucial that you take in enough calories to prep for a long show day. Eat a healthy breakfast and pack nutritious snacks. Avoid sugar, which may give you a brief uptick in energy, but will leave you crashing later. Also ensure youre hydrated.Water gives you a clear mind and focus, says Bollinger.Pack a cooler full of nutritious snacks to avoid the dreaded blood sugar crash. Photo by fahrwasser/Adobe Stock4. Practice tapping. Take your dominant hand and tap side-to-side at your sternum with your middle finger and thumb for a few minutes at a time, says Bollinger. This rhythmic pressure on specific acupressure points on the body have been shown to lessen anxiety and reduce stress. This can be done before you get on or while youre astrideany time you feel your anxiety ramping up.To lower stress and anxiety, try tapping: Use the middle finger and thumb of your dominant hand to tap side to side over your sternum (shown in blue) for a few minutes at a time. Photo by SciePro/Adobe Stock5. Activate your vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is part of your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your heart rate, digestion and immune system. Taking a long, deep breath and a long exhale when your heart begins to race activates this nerve and helps slow your heart and respiratory rates.Whenever a thought enters [your mind] that triggers your anxiety, take that long, deep breath, Bollinger says. It will help to calm and relax you.6. Hang loose. Unfortunately, anxiety causes you to tense your entire body, making it a rigid form that your horse must work against. According to Bollinger, your horse feels everything you feel. Tension can cause you to raise your shoulders, lock your arms and clamp down on your horses sides, none of which helps you relax.One of the easiest ways to loosen up is to let your jaw flopliterally. It may feel strange at first, but you cant clench your jaw if your teeth arent together, so breathe through your mouth and let your chin wag!Mental Preparation7. Find your focus. This can tough to do, especially when our brains tend to go into overdrive during a show. Its important to focus on what you can control; dont worry about the weather or what you think your horse will spook at or anything else thats out of your hands.If you cant let go of a particular thought (Is he going to spook at that tent at the end of the ring?), create a plan to get your horses attention back and redirect his energy. Bollinger suggests using positive thoughts and positive visualization (Inside leg!).8. Break it down into bite-sized goals. Though we all want to walk into the show ring and own our course, pattern or class, sometimes you need tangible things to do to feel a sense of accomplishment. But just something might be small doesnt mean it wont add up to big results in the end.Sitting tall, not looking for your lead or riding deep in your corners are all important keys to allowing you to (one day) go in and nail every jump or movement.9. Visualize. Ride your pattern or course by closing your eyes and taking long, deep breaths, says Bollinger. Add in tapping while you visualize for an added effect.Though many people visualize watching themselves ride from the sidelines, use the perspective from the back of your horse like youre actually riding your course or test.10. Be grateful and positive. Dont forget how lucky you are to get to show! You get to be outside with your four-legged best friend, surrounded by people you enjoy.To help remain focused on these things, Bollinger suggests gratitude and positive manifestation journaling. Think about and write down the answers to these prompts either the night before or the morning of the show:What I am grateful for?How will the day culminate in a positive way?Extra Tips for Calming Horse Show Anxiety11. Be present. This one is tricky, as its easy to think ahead (When will we get home?) or behind you and obsess over what went wrong. To remind yourself to stay in the present, focus on something very specific, like rubbing your horses ears and feeling how soft his coat is or listening to your horses footfalls beneath you.Instead of letting your thoughts wander to the past or future, stay present by focusing on something very specific, like your horses footfalls beneath you. Photo by vprotastchik/Adobe Stock12. Take some quiet time. Its OK to take some time for yourself, even if your cheering squad is there to celebrate your time in the ring. A few moments to gather your thoughts, run over your pattern, and pat your horse will help you give it your best shot.Take some quiet time to focus yourself, even if you have a cheering squad present to support you. Photo by Mary Cage13. Give yourself an escape. This doesnt mean you dont try; it means you give yourself an out if things start to go sideways and you cant correct your course.This means thinking, If after 20 minutes of warmup hes still spooking at everything, Ill scratch, instead of, Hes going to be bad, I know it. Im not even going to get on. Once you give yourself permission to leave, you wont feel as trapped.Accelerated Resolution TherapyAccelerated resolution therapy (ART) uses the creation of a new script or director scene, where you see the new scene that you want to experience, explains Jessica Bollinger, a licensed clinical social worker who assists athletes from a variety of disciplines. Visualizing the new script while tapping is especially helpful, she says.Bollinger has found ART to be helpful for many of her equestrian clients.Having a bad fall or a bad experience with a horse can get [you] stuck in the limbic part of the brain, says Bollinger.The limbic part of our brain doesnt speak a language; it communicates in sensations and pictures. In ART, we process out the old, disturbing scene and replace it with the director scene. Keep the facts, lose the sensations. After a client completes their session, they can then act and react in the present, rather than from the past.Working through a stressful situation in this manner helps you let go of past falls, fears and bad situations and move forward in your relationship with your horse.We need to be calm and relaxed on our horses, says Bollinger.They feel everything that we are feeling. When we act and react in the present, we can be the best partner to them.This article about how to calm your horse show anxiety and nerves appeared in the June 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Calm Your Horse Show Anxiety appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The correct veterinary term for Cushings disease in horses is Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). This describes the region of the pituitary gland the pars intermedia which is specifically affected.If you own a horse older than 10, its important to be aware of the signs of Cushings disease in horses so that you can recognise it quickly and seek prompt help from your vet. I would advise regularly reassessing them, because some of the signs of the disease are commonly mistaken for normal signs of ageing.What is Cushings disease in horses?Equine Cushings disease is one of the most common disease syndromes to affect horse health, according to the National Equine Health Survey in 2018*. It is estimated that 20% of horses and ponies over the age of 15 are affected.In order to understand what occurs in a horse with Cushings, it helps to be aware of what happens in a normal horse without the disease.Normally the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain, produces a substance called dopamine which regulates hormone production by the pituitary gland. This is located at the base of the horses brain.The pituitary gland produces a variety of hormones that play an important role in maintaining and controlling many bodily functions.However, horses and ponies with Cushings disease dont produce enough dopamine, which means that the pituitary gland becomes uncontrolled and produces too many hormones.Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is one hormone that is produced in excess, although it is likely that there are also many others.Signs of Cushings diseaseThere are a multitude of clinical signs associated with Cushings disease in horses, and the combination of signs will vary from one horse or pony to another.Its important to be aware of all of the clinical signs of the disease as early ones are often overlooked, or can be mistaken for normal signs of ageing, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Other signs may develop over time as the disease progresses.LaminitisA curly coat is a sign of Cushings. Image credit: Royal Veterinary CollegeThe signs of laminitis can vary from mild changes in the hooves through to severe lameness. Horses with Cushings disease are at an increased risk of developing laminitis compared to older horses without the disease.Muscle wastageThis is usually seen as a loss of topline over the affected horses back.Abnormal fat depositsFat can develop in abnormal places. This is usually seen as a pot belly and fat pads over and/or around the eyes.Abnormal sweatingPatchy or abnormal sweating patterns, or unusually high levels of sweating after low levels of exercise in cool temperatures, may occur.Recurrent infectionsHorses with Cushings disease are more susceptible to infection. These may be seen as signs of infection that dont respond to treatment as expected, such as an infection that keeps coming back, or a high worm burden.LethargyTypical signs of lethargy may be that your horse appears less interested in exercise or their surroundings, or they may not be interacting with you as they normally would. Lethargy can sometimes be difficult to spot as the onset is often gradual and may sometimes be mistaken for a horse getting older. Learn more about this illness here.Increased thirst and urinationThis is not always easy to spot. It may be seen as a sudden change in the amount of bedding that is required to keep the stable dry, or a change in how frequently you need to fill the horses water trough/bucket.Abnormal hair coatEarly disease is frequently associated with delayed moulting and patches of long hair which appears to be curly. Advanced disease usually causes a more generalised hair coat and complete loss of the seasonal moulting pattern.Reduced fertilityMares with Cushings disease may have diminished fertility, and so their ability to get in foal may be reduced.Diagnosis and treatmentA long curly coat is more significant is some horses than othersThe ACTH test is the simplest and most common test for Cushings disease in horses.A vet will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory to measure the levels of the hormone ACTH. High levels will indicate that your horse has Cushings disease.Once a horse has been diagnosed, there are many management strategies that can be implemented to ensure that they remain happy and healthy. These are:1Medical treatmentIf appropriate, your vet may prescribe lifelong medication to treat the clinical signs associated with Cushings disease, for example a daily dose of the tablet Pergolide.2 NutritionCorrect nutritional support can help a horse or pony cope better with the consequences of Cushings disease, such as muscle wastage. In most cases lifelong medication is needed to alleviate the symptoms.Some horses may also show clinical signs, such as weight loss, obesity, or a predisposition to laminitis, which means they will require an individual nutrition plan.3 Preventative careIn addition to equine Cushings disease, there are a wide range of common diseases that horses and ponies are at risk of developing as they get older, such as dental and musculoskeletal disorders.Preventative healthcare is important for all older horses, but especially for those with Cushings disease, so always ensure you pay special attention to hoof care, dental care, vaccination, wormer administration and nutrition.4 ExerciseMany horses with equine Cushings disease are able to continue their athletic careers, and exercise is always helpful for their metabolism. If your horse is sound, then keep up their regular exercise.For those who are less athletic but sound then you could try to ride, long-rein, lunge or lead them out at a brisk walk regularly. If you are unsure whether it is suitable to exercise your horse then seek advice from your vet.What to do nextFinding out that your horse has equine Cushings disease can be worrying, which is why Care About Cushings was created. If you suspect that your horse or pony is showing signs of Cushings disease in horses, book a visit from your vet.They will examine your horse and, if appropriate, carry out a test to check for the presence of PPID. They may be able to claim a complementary diagnostic test on your behalf through Care About Cushings.*View the full 2018 National Equine Health Survey findings here.Lead image: copyright Royal Veterinary College. Diagram from Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentLaminitis in horses: all about this common and extremely painful hoof diseaseEquine metabolic syndrome explainedWhy every horse and pony will benefit from eating a soaked feedHow to take care of a horseHorse diet: why they shouldnt go for longer than 4 hours without eatingThe post Veterinary advice for Cushings disease in horses appeared first on Your Horse.

According to Dr Ben Sykes, associate professor in equine internal medicine at Massey University in New Zealand and a vet for more than 20 years, the time of day you feed and ride your horse is very important when it comes to managing the symptoms of ulcers in horses.Once thought of as a condition that mostly affected racehorses and high-performance horses (between 80% and 100% of horses in training), vets and researchers are now increasingly seeing equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in everyday horses and ponies (up to 60%).In fact, gastric ulcers is one of the top reasons for owners making a claim on their horse health insurance. Data from SEIB Insurance Brokers shows that the average cost of a claim for digestive problems was 2,459 and 59% of those claims were related to symptoms of ulcers in horses.Two syndromesThere are two types of gastric ulceration: squamous and glandular, both of which are diagnosed and treated separately.Research has also shown that there are two distinct gastric syndromes in horses, one affected by intensity of exercise and the other by the amount. In short, intensity of exercise influences squamous disease, whereas the amount of exercise influences glandular disease.Squamous diseasePrimary squamous ulceration occurs as a result of acid damage to the non-glandular lining in the top portion of the horses stomach.Causes include intense exercise, high concentrate/low forage diets, starvation, water restriction, and overuse of electrolytes.Feeding strategies used for managing squamous ulceration include ensuring horses have access to a high fibre diet ad lib and that they actually eat it (more on this below).Feeding concentrate feeds isnt a problem in itself, as long as they are fed in conjunction with plenty of fibre and the amount of non-structural carbohydrate (sugar and starch) in the feed is minimised.Exercise is also an important factor for squamous ulcers.When a horse exercises acid is pushed up onto the squamous mucosa, so thelonger the horse exercises the more damage is done.Over the course of a week, the total number of minutes a horse spends at trot, canter or gallop will contribute to the risk ofsquamous disease.Glandular diseaseThe exact causes of glandular ulcers in the glandular mucosa (bottom portion of the stomach) remain unclear, although one theory is that there is a failure in normal defence mechanisms against the acid.Exercise is also significant in relation to glandular ulcers, but for these ulcers its the number of days exercised per week, not the intensity or duration that is relevant.In one study, showjumpers exercised six or seven days a week were found to be three-and-a-half times more likely to have glandular disease than horses exercising five days or less per week.A similar study looking at racehorses found that horses working five or more days had a 10-fold increase in the risk of glandular disease when compared with horses exercising four or less days per week.This shows that rest days are important, and the current recommendation is that horses should have a minimum of two, ideally three, rest days built into their weekly routine. During training periods, it is ideally one day on and one day off, and the exercise should focus on quality rather than quantity.When to exercise a horse with gastric ulcersIts also a good idea to feed a small haynet, ideally alfalfa hay, or a fibre-based hard feed while grooming and tacking up to buffer the stomach from acid during exercise.Exercising in the afternoon rather than the morning is ideal as this is when the horse is more likely to have been eating and have food in his stomach to buffer the gastric acidity.Most horses dont eat in the early hours of the morning because they are resting and sleeping, so the morning means they may have less food in their stomachs, increasing their risk of squamous disease.The amount of chewing is also a factor high-fibre chaffs and hay encourage more saliva production than grain or concentrate meals, which buffers acid.Horses with glandular disease have a more pronounced cortisol response to stress testing and behavioural stress is an important contributor to glandular disease.For this reason, management includes trying to reduce daily stress, including by allowing co-habitation with other horses without rugs on to enable mutual grooming keeping handlers and riders consistent, and allowing an expression of natural behaviours, as well as ensuring an enriched environment.Ad-lib forage for horses with symptoms of ulcersAd-lib forage is effective only if horses are actually eating it. Horses should consume a minimum of 1% of their bodyweight per day in roughage, and ideally 2% depending on their caloric needs.Large periods of time (six hours or more) without eating can considerably lower the intra-gastric pH and increase the risk of squamous ulceration due to acid damage.Placing several piles of hay in the field or haynets in the stable will encourage the horses natural feeding pattern of moving while grazing and entice them to eat more for longer, especially overnight. Cafeteria-style feeding is a good way to encourage horses to trickle feed little and often while stabled.Main image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHorse diet: why they shouldnt go for longer than 4 hours without foodWhy saliva is key to preventing gastric ulcersHow a horses digestive system worksConcern about overweight horses being ulcer prone is on the riseHay vs haylage: which is best?The post Why the time you ride and feed affects the risk of gastric ulcers appeared first on Your Horse.

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