How does a horse look at and assess a fence when you are asking them to jump it? Understanding this as a rider is key to being able to go clear and stay safe around a course, as well as keeping both you and your horse feeling confident.Whatever type of fence you and your horse are tackling whether its showjumps or cross-country fences, for example they need to be able to look and see the obstacle if theyre going to be able to clear it.How do horses see a fence?In the following video, six-time Badminton winner and Petplan Equine ambassador Lucinda Green explains how horses use different parts of their eyes to see a fence.She also explains why the position of their head in the approach and at the point of take-off is crucial to jumping clear.Fascinating sightSight of a horse is a fascinating thing, says Lucinda.The distance vision of a horse is the bottom half of his eye; if hes on the bit coming into a fence he actually cant see it so its our job to say, Oi, get your head up, theres a fence.The close vision is the top half of his eye, so when hes coming into what looks like a perfectly normal telegraph pole, he might at the last second go, Ah, ditch/trakehner I didnt see that! and hell throw his head down because the top half of his eye is his close vision [and he wants to look at it].In an ideal world we want horses looking [for the fence] as they come out of the turn, which means we dont want them on the bit because if theyre on the bit they cant see the fence ahead.Heads down to lookLucinda adds a tray under a pole.Very often, if horses see something theyre not expecting theyll put their head right down because the top half of their eye is where their close vision is.Remember getting the head up [as you turn to the fence] because the horse wants maximum looking time.Main image: Your Horse Library (stock image). Video by Equestrian Pro TVRelated contentFives gears a cross-country horse needs to haveCommon problems with a riders jumping position solvedHow to improve your ditch jumping confidence at home, with Lucinda Green *VIDEO*How to assess your horses fitness, by Lucinda Green *VIDEO*The post How do horses see a fence? Lucinda Green explains *VIDEO* appeared first on Your Horse.

Credit: Peter Nixon  Organisers of London International Horse Show are proud to unveil the latest instalment of its acclaimed LeMieux Masterclass Series, the "Flawless Flying Changes Masterclass" taking place on Wednesday 18 December in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena. The Masterclass will feature Paris 2024 Olympic Games team gold medallist and individual FEI Eventing World...

Discover the Benefits of Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries for HorsesAt Just Horse Riders, we love bringing you the best equestrian products that can make a difference to your horses well-being. Today, were diving into Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries, a natural supplement that supports your horses hormonal balance. Whether you have a moody mare or an older horse, this product could be just what you need to help stabilize those unpredictable moods. Keep reading to find out more about this fantastic productand why you should consider adding it to your horses diet.What Are Chaste Tree Berries?First things first, what exactly are chaste tree berries? These little berries, also known as monks pepper, have been used for centuries to help calm tempers. They were historically believed to help monks maintain their vows of chastity (hence the name). While your horse wont be taking any vows anytime soon, these berries are still known to have a calming effect, particularly when it comes to hormonal imbalances.The Main Benefits of Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree BerriesAccording to Aaron from Just Horse Riders, This products main function is for hormone balance, especially in older horses and moody mares. But thats not all. Recent research suggests that chaste tree berries may also be beneficial for horses prone to laminitis, adding even more value to this supplement.Support for Hormonal BalanceHormonal imbalances can cause a range of issues in horses, particularly mares. If your mares mood swings are more unpredictable than the British weather, this product could help smooth things out. The supplement is also useful for both male and female horses, making it a versatile addition to any stable.Potential Benefits for LaminitisIn addition to supporting hormonal balance, Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries may help horses that are prone to laminitis, a painful condition affecting the hooves. The high fiber content in the berries plays a role in this, offering additional digestive support. Aaron mentions, Recent research suggests it may be beneficial for laminitis cases, adding extra value for horses with this condition.High in Fiber for Digestive HealthNot only do chaste tree berries support hormonal balance, but theyre also high in fiber. In fact, this product contains 48% crude fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion in your horse. Maintaining digestive health is crucial for any horse, and this supplement offers an easy way to support that.Simple Feeding GuidelinesFeeding this supplement is a breeze. For smaller horses and ponies, the recommended dose is 0.75 scoops per day, while larger horses should receive 1 scoop per day. Each scoop equals 28g, making it easy to measure the correct amount. As Aaron says, It comes with simple feeding guidelines of 0.75 scoops for small horses and ponies and one scoop for larger horses.Be sure not to exceed the recommended dose, and if youre unsure, always consult with your vet. Its also worth noting that this supplement should not be fed to mares in foal.Why Youll Love the PackagingIf youre anything like us, youll appreciate good packaging that keeps things fresh and easy to use. Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries come in a resealable tub thats not only practical but also stands out in your tack room. Aaron points out, The great thing about this tub is that it is resealable as well, so you wont lose it in the tack room. Plus, it helps keep the product fresh for longer.Perfect for Everyday UseThis supplement is perfect for daily use and can easily fit into your horses routine. Whether your horse needs hormonal support or digestive help, you can trust that Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries will deliver results.Where to Buy Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree BerriesIf youre ready to try this supplement for your horse, you can purchase it directly from our website. Just click the link below to shop now:Buy Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree BerriesWe also stock the full Dodson & Horrell supplement range, so if your horse has other nutritional needs, be sure to check out our collection and find the right product for you.Other Essential Horse ProductsAt Just Horse Riders, we offer a wide range of equestrian products beyond supplements. Take a look at some of our popular categories:Jodhpur CollectionHorse Riding Boot CollectionHorse Riding Gloves CollectionHorse Riding Socks CollectionHorse Treats and GiftsEveryday Horse Vitamins & SupplementsStable RugsTurnout RugsFly ProtectionWatch the Full Product Review NowIf youre curious to learn more about Dodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries, watch our full review on YouTube. Aaron gives a detailed overview of the product and how it can benefit your horse. Dont miss outwatch now!Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider This SupplementDodson & Horrell Ground Chaste Tree Berries offer a natural and effective way to support your horses hormonal balance and digestive health. Whether you have a mare with mood swings or an older horse in need of extra care, this supplement can provide the help they need. Remember, you can shop now directly from our website or watch the full review to see if this product is right for your horse.Buy Now | Watch Now

What types of feeds improve a horses energy levels? Why might a sluggish horse need additional electrolytes? An equine nutritionist explains.The post Nutrition for Sluggish Horses appeared first on The Horse.

Key Points Details Mental Maturity and Calmness Older horses display a calmer and more composed demeanor due to their mental maturity, making them easier to handle and train. Physical Readiness Fully matured physically, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring stability in conformation. Less Training Required Often require less training since they are usually familiar with various training methods and basics. Trustworthiness and Versatility Highly trustworthy and versatile, suitable for various disciplines and ideal for riders of all experience levels. Cost-Effective and Accessible More affordable compared to younger horses, making them a great choice for budget-conscious riders. Health and Longevity Can remain in excellent physical condition well into their teens and twenties, offering many years of riding pleasure. Personal Experience and Bonding Strong bonds can form with older horses due to their well-defined personalities, enhancing the riding experience. Why Choosing to Back an Older Horse Can be a Rewarding Experience When selecting a horse for riding, many people gravitate towards younger horses, believing they possess more potential and a longer riding career ahead of them. However, numerous benefits exist to choosing an older horse, particularly for those who value reliability, maturity, and a smoother learning experience. Heres why backing an older horse can be a highly rewarding decision. Mental Maturity and Calmness Older horses have had more time to mature mentally, translating into a calmer and more composed demeanor. This mental maturity allows them to handle new situations with greater ease and stability, making the training process much smoother. Unlike younger horses, which can be unpredictable and reactive, older horses have seen more of the world. They possess a "been there, done that" attitude that helps them stay calm in various environments, reducing the likelihood of spooking or becoming frightened. This calmness is particularly beneficial for beginner riders or those who prefer a more relaxed riding experience. Physical Readiness By the time a horse reaches its teens, it has fully matured physically. This means any conformation issues or growth-related problems would have already become apparent, eliminating the uncertainty associated with younger horses. Older horses have also reached their full height, with their bones and joints fully developed. This physical readiness reduces the risk of injuries that can occur when younger horses are pushed too hard before their growth plates have closed. Less Training Required One of the most significant advantages of choosing an older horse is that they often require less training. Older horses have typically been exposed to various training methods and have already learned many of the basics, allowing you to spend more time riding and enjoying your horse rather than training them from scratch. This is particularly beneficial for riders who are not interested in or do not have time for extensive training (source: Equus Magazine). With an older horse, you can simply saddle up and go, knowing your horse is reliable and well-behaved. Trustworthiness and Versatility Older horses are often incredibly trustworthy, making them ideal for riders of all experience levels, including beginners and children. Their calm and predictable nature ensures a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Moreover, older horses can be versatile and capable of performing a variety of tasks. Whether you're interested in trail riding, jumping, or simply hacking, an older horse can adapt to different disciplines with ease, provided they are physically capable (source: The Narrow Trail). Cost-Effective and Accessible Acquiring an older horse can be more cost-effective compared to purchasing a younger horse. Many older horses, especially those that have been well-cared for, can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of a younger horse. This makes them an excellent option for riders on a budget or those who want to invest their time rather than a significant amount of money. Health and Longevity Thanks to advancements in nutrition and veterinary care, many horses can remain in excellent physical condition well into their teens and even twenties. This means an older horse can still provide many years of riding pleasure, making them a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution. Personal Experience and Bonding Working with an older horse can be a deeply rewarding experience, allowing for strong bonds to form between horse and rider. Older horses often have well-defined personalities, which can make the bonding process easier and more enjoyable. This personal connection can enhance the overall riding experience and create lasting memories. Conclusion Choosing to back an older horse offers a multitude of benefits that can make your riding experience more enjoyable, reliable, and rewarding. From their mental maturity and physical readiness to their trustworthiness and versatility, older horses provide a unique set of advantages that younger horses may not match. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, considering an older horse can be a wise decision. With their calm demeanor, reduced training needs, and cost-effectiveness, older horses can offer a riding experience that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. Explore our collection of jodhpurs, boots, and gloves to complement your horse riding experience. Additionally, check out our accessories, gifts, and horse supplements to ensure that both you and your horse are well-equipped for every riding adventure.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Liz Hallidays family and friends provided a new update on her progress yesterday:Today was a good day for Liz.The exciting update for today is for the first time, they moved her to a lounger chair and she was able to sit comfortably. While in the chair, she was a bit more alert and able to track confidently with her eyes. This is a vast improvement, seeing that yesterday she had a temperature and was much less alert, GO LIZ!Today, we brought a picture of her two dogs, Archie and Ella. We reassured her that all the horses are happy and healthy, and the farm is looking great. We cant wait to bring one of her dogs in the next couple of weeks to give her some much-needed cuddles.Lizs Aunt Becky arrived in town today and will be with us until Monday!If you would like to participate in the #LapforLiz, the Foxfire Eventing Team is taking their first lap tomorrow [Thursday, September 12] at 7 p.m! Tag us in your lap, whether on horseback or around your block on foot, and we will show Liz all of the photos and videos.#KeepFightingLizWith love and thanks, Lizs Family and FriendsLiz continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a fall at the AECs on August 29. Her team has generously kept us very up to date on her health and progress, and were continuing to send Liz all of our strong, healing thoughts and support. #KeepFightingLiz[More Liz Halliday Updates]

The mare lives in Douglas County. The post Unvaccinated Colorado Mare Tests Positive for WNV appeared first on The Horse.

The 17th annual SWB Elite Foal Auction Dressage will be held Friday September 27, 7.00 p.m. (CET). The auction will once again be held as a hybrid event, broadcast via ClipMyHorse.TV.For those wishing to bid in person, you are warmly invited to the historic surroundings of Flyinge Kungsgrd. Onthe SWB auction site, where you can []The post SWB 17th annual Elite Foal Auction Dressage appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

The pony lives in Union County, where two additional horses are exposed. The post Ohio Pony Positive for Strangles appeared first on The Horse.