Wilmington, Ohio The final Hunter Derby Friday of the 2024 Fall Classic Series at World Equestrian Center Wilmington commenced in the R+L Arena where 20 combinations met for the $15,000 GGT Footing USHJA National Hunter Derby. Tammy Provost impressed with Angela Pietig Browns Mariner, securing their second career derby win together. This is only his third derby and he has won two of[...]Read MoreThe post Tammy Provost & Mariner Impress in the $15,000 GGT Footing USHJA National Hunter Derby of WEC Wilmington Fall Classic V appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

SEIB Insurance Brokers was presented with the Marketing & Customer Engagement Award at the UK Brokers Awards which took place at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham earlier this month.The award recognised SEIBs response to horse owners needs during the current cost-of-living crisis by creating SEIB Core Horse Insurance, an affordable, accidental external injury-only policy.SEIB Core Horse Insurance was created after SEIB, sponsors of the main arena at Your Horse Live, conducted a national survey on equine costs which highlighted the need for an accessible policy which suited those horse owners on a budget.The policy has premiums which cost under 10 a month and can be accessed via a simple online system.Our focus has always been on delivering what customers truly need, and the feedback from the equestrian community was clear. Horse owners needed a more affordable option, without compromising on essential cover, said Katie Oswald, head of marketing.SEIB Core is a direct result of listening to their concerns, and we are incredibly proud to see it recognised with this award.SEIB Insurance Brokers have also seen perceptions of their brand change through the launch of SEIB Core.Thanks to innovative marketing using grassroots equestrian influencers, such as Riding with Rhi, Life on the Left Rein and EMD Eventing, the company has engaged a new audience.Fresh visual identityIt has seen a marked increase in Facebook and Instagram reach and that,combined with the company raising its profile at key industry events such as Your Horse Live, has seen it develop a fresh visual identity.SEIB is now seen as a versatile and accessible provider which offers flexible products to suit the needs of all horse owners whatever their budget.Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire SEIB team. Weve listened to our customers and acted on their feedback to deliver a product that really makes a difference. Were committed to continuing this customer-first approach, ensuring we provide tailored insurance solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of the equestrian community, said Suzy Middleton, CEO of SEIB Insurance Brokers.The SEIB Search for a Star Championships will take place at Your Horse Live on Friday 8 November.Related contentNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSFabulous Thoroughbreds to line up for the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Final at HOYSThe Your Horse Live countdown: prizes and offers revealed every dayWhats on at Your Horse Live?The post Your Horse Live sponsor wins award for customer focused insurance policy appeared first on Your Horse.

Feeding Solutions Description Trickle Nets Popular solution for slow feeding, enhances natural eating pace. HayChix Nets Durable, customizable hole sizes for fitting horse's eating speed. Gutzbusta Hay Nets Known for quality and effectiveness, with various hole size options. Stall Ground Feeders Simulates natural grazing, reduces waste, and secures hay. No Spill Feeders Prevents hay spillage using a lip or rounded bottom design. Hay Pillows Ground-level feeder for natural grazing positions, reduces frustration. Homemade Solutions DIY feeders using materials like plastic boards for customization. Key Considerations Description Material Choose durable materials, like polypropylene or nylon. Hole Size Match to horse's eating habits, smaller holes for aggressive eaters. Ease of Use Simple to load and hang, reducing time and frustration. Health Benefits Supports natural grazing, reducing boredom and stress. Setup Tips Description Gradual Introduction Mix traditional and slow feeders, increasing usage over time. Positioning Ensure feeder height supports neck and spine health. Multiple Feeders Provide extra feeders in herds to prevent competition. Exploring Innovative Alternatives to Trickle Nets for Feeding Horses EfficientlyWhen it comes to feeding horses, ensuring they eat at a natural pace is crucial for their digestive health and overall well-being. Trickle nets, or slow feeder hay nets, have been a popular solution, but there are several innovative alternatives that can offer even more benefits. In this blog, we'll explore these alternatives, their advantages, and how they can enhance your horse's feeding experience.Slow Feed Hay Nets: Beyond Trickle NetsWhile trickle nets are effective, other slow feed hay nets offer similar or even superior performance. For instance, HayChix nets are highly recommended for their durability and ease of use. These nets come with various hole sizes, allowing customization to fit your horse's eating speed.Another option is Gutzbusta Hay Nets, which are well-reviewed for their quality and effectiveness. These nets, available with various hole sizes, are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, making them a strong challenger to traditional trickle nets.Stall Ground FeedersFor a more integrated feeding solution, Stall Ground Feeders are an excellent option. These feeders mimic natural grazing by allowing horses to eat from a corner or wall-mounted feeder. They are designed to prevent hay from being flung out, reducing waste and ensuring the hay stays secure.No Spill FeedersNo Spill Feeders are another innovative solution that can be adapted for hay feeding. They feature a simple lip or a rounded bottom that prevents grain or hay from being easily knocked out. Using feed saver rings can convert standard round feeders into cost-effective no-spill solutions.Hay PillowsThe Hay Pillow is a unique alternative that allows horses to eat from a pillow-like feeder placed on the ground, encouraging natural grazing positions. This not only reduces frustration in aggressive eaters but also offers a comfortable feeding angle. It's particularly beneficial for horses that need to eat with their heads down, simulating grazing.Homemade and Custom SolutionsFor those considering a more DIY approach, crafting a homemade slow feeder can be a viable option. Using materials like plastic boards, one can create a feeder suitable even for extreme weather. This method allows for customization and can be a cost-effective alternative to commercial products.Key Considerations for Slow FeedersChoosing the right slow feeder involves several considerations: Material: Look for feeders made from durable materials like polypropylene or nylon. Hole Size: Select hole sizes that match your horses eating habits, with smaller holes being ideal for more aggressive eaters. Ease of Use: Opt for feeders that are simple to load and hang, reducing time and frustration. Health Benefits: Ensure the feeder supports natural grazing, reducing boredom and stress for the horse.Setting Up Your Slow FeederTo ensure a smooth transition to a slow feeder, it is important to introduce it gradually. Follow these steps: Gradual Introduction: Start by mixing traditional feeding methods with slow feeders, increasing usage over time. Positioning: Position the feeder at a height where the horse can eat naturally, supporting neck and spine health. Multiple Feeders: In herds, provide extra feeders to prevent competition and stress.ConclusionInnovative alternatives to trickle nets enhance your horse's feeding experience. From the durable and versatile options like HayChix and Gutzbusta hay nets, to integrated stall-ground and no-spill feeders, numerous choices are available. By considering material, hole size, ease of use, and health benefits, you can select the best feeder for your horse.For more detailed information and product recommendations, you can explore options like the Jodhpur Collection or discover Horse Treats And Gifts for your equine companions. Remember to introduce feeders gradually and position them to mimic natural grazing, ensuring optimal health and well-being for your horse.

Section Key Points Understanding Saddle Fit Essential for horse health; prevents back pain, suspensory problems, tendon strains, carpal fractures. Key Factors for Horse - Tree Shape & Length: Should match horse's back, not extend past last rib. - Channel Width: Must include spinal processes/ligaments. - Girth Strap Alignment: Align with girth groove. - Trapezius Muscle Freedom: Ensure arch-shaped saddle front. Evaluating Saddle Fit for Rider - Seat Size: Must fit rider, allowing 2-3 finger space. - Stirrup Position: Hang from middle or slightly in front. - Rigging: Different positions affect girth placement. Signs of Poor Saddle Fit - Saddle Slip & Soreness. - Crooked Tail. - Head Tilt. Steps for Proper Saddle Fit 1. Consult a Professional. 2. Use High-Quality Saddles. 3. Regular Checks. 4. Monitor Horse Movement. Maintaining Horse Health During Recovery - Training Schedule: Balance hard and light work. - Foot Care: Maintain hoof balance. - Rest & Recovery: Allow for rest and light training. - Ice & Cold Therapy: Reduce inflammation. Choosing the Right Saddle: A Guide to Supporting Your Horse's Lameness Recovery Journey When it comes to supporting your horse's health, especially during a lameness recovery journey, selecting the right saddle is crucial. A poorly fitted saddle can exacerbate existing issues, leading to discomfort, pain, and even further injury. Heres a comprehensive guide to help you choose a saddle that supports your horses well-being and aids in their recovery. Understanding the Importance of Saddle Fit A saddle that fits both the horse and the rider is essential for maintaining the horse's health and preventing lameness. A saddle that does not fit correctly can cause a range of issues, including back pain, suspensory problems, tendon strains, and even carpal fractures. Key Factors in Saddle Fit for the Horse Tree Shape and Length The tree of the saddle should follow the shape of your horse's back. The tree length should not extend past the last rib of the horse. Ensuring this fit helps prevent pressure on the horse's back and shoulders. Channel Width The channel of the saddle must be wide enough to include the spinal processes and ligaments. A saddle with an inadequate channel width can put pressure on the horse's spine, leading to discomfort and lameness. Girth Strap Alignment The girth strap should align with the girth groove to ensure proper positioning of the saddle. Misalignment can cause the saddle to shift, leading to uneven pressure distribution on the horse's back. Trapezius Muscle Freedom The trapezius muscle should be free and not clamped between the front of the saddle panels. Trapping this muscle can prevent the horse from lifting its back and moving forward comfortably. It is crucial to ensure the front of the saddle forms an arch rather than an 'A' shape. Evaluating Saddle Fit for the Rider Seat Size The saddle seat size must be appropriate for the rider. A seat that is too big will cause the rider to sit behind the stirrup position, while a seat that is too small will be uncomfortable and restrict leg movement. The ideal seat size allows for about two to three fingers of space between the riders thigh and the fork/swell of the saddle. Stirrup Position The stirrups should hang from the middle of the saddle seat or slightly in front of the center. This positioning ensures the rider's leg is directly under their body, preventing imbalance and discomfort. Rigging Understanding the rigging of a Western saddle is important. Different rigging positions (full, 7/8, 3/4) affect where the girth is placed relative to the horse's front leg. Incorrect rigging can cause the saddle to ride on the horses shoulders, leading to discomfort and potential lameness. Signs of Poor Saddle Fit Recognizing the signs of a poorly fitted saddle is vital for early intervention and preventing further injury. Saddle Slip and Soreness: If the saddle slips or causes soreness on the horse's back, it may indicate a poor fit. This can lead to stiffness in the joints, particularly in the hind quarters, causing the horse to bounce or swing the saddle. Crooked Tail: A crooked tail can be a clue to hindlimb lameness or sacroiliac (SI) pain. Research by Dr. Sue Dyson indicates that 88% of horses with a crooked tail remained crooked after the lame hindlimb was blocked. Head Tilt: A head tilt can also indicate hind limb lameness, though it can be confused with other issues such as bad hands in the rider, an incorrectly fitted bridle or bit, respiratory problems, imbalanced teeth, or TMJ pain. Steps to Ensure Proper Saddle Fit Consult a Professional: It is highly recommended to have a local saddle fitter or an experienced trainer evaluate the fit of the saddle for each horse. Saddle fit is complex, and even experienced horse owners can benefit from professional advice. Use High-Quality Saddles: Opt for saddles from reputable brands. Poorly made saddles can easily cause back pain and other issues for your horse. Regular Checks: Regularly check the fit of the saddle as the horse's body can change over time due to age, training, or recovery from injury. Monitor Your Horse: Observe your horse's movement regularly. Look for signs of stiffness or gait irregularities, and address them promptly to prevent escalation. Maintaining Your Horses Health During Recovery In addition to ensuring a proper saddle fit, several factors are crucial for maintaining your horses health during a lameness recovery journey. Training Schedule: Plan your horses work schedule carefully, including both hard work and lighter sessions. Be willing to adjust the schedule based on how the horse feels. Foot Care: Regular hoof care is essential. Shorter shoeing or trimming intervals can help maintain correct balance, which is critical for keeping your horse sound. Rest and Recovery: If your horse is sore, rest is often the best course of action. A couple of days off or light training days can help in recovery and prevent more serious injuries. Ice and Cold Therapy: For minor injuries, applying ice or cold water can help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. Conclusion Choosing the right saddle is a critical component of supporting your horse's health, especially during a lameness recovery journey. By understanding the key factors in saddle fit for both the horse and the rider, recognizing signs of poor fit, and following steps to ensure proper fit, you can significantly contribute to your horses comfort and recovery. Remember, good horsemanship and regular professional advice are essential in maintaining the well-being of your horse. For the best in horse riding equipment and accessories, visit Just Horse Riders```html```

I havent been able to ride much over the past few years. Its been sporadic at best. This is the life of a parent though, kids take a lot of attention that may otherwise be used for riding. Now that my kids are old enough to function and do their own taxes, I decided Im going to make riding work again. Ive been detailing it a lot on my YouTube channel, definitely go check it out. But I want to talk about one thing in particular: Fear.Riding fear is really common. Its amazing how something we love so much can also scare us. Obviously we dont want to be scared of it we dream of blissful rides, making the gallop through open fields, wind in our face, a beautiful sunset on the horizon. We want to do that, but then we think, what if my horse wont stop? What if he crashed into something? What if he starts bucking. All the what if?s hit us hard. Its much easier to just stay in our safe spot, doing out little trot sets, avoiding anything that might have bad results.Stu, my only riding horse now since I sold my beloved Berry, is a giant, green warmblood. Hes been in training over the years, but I personally havent ridden him very much, because of the aforementioned children. Finally, I have now worked out a system where I am actually riding him multiple times a week, but now theres a bunch of factors that make me feel afraid.The primary factors are being out of riding shape, the ring being very isolated, and just the general feeling of not knowing Stu very well, feeling like he could react to something unexpected.The most obvious answer is to take some lessons to regain my confidence and I have. I just took one a few days ago actually! Ive been trying a few times to start up lessons, and it hasnt been working out due to my weird schedule revolving around the kids. Im working on getting a regular weekly lesson slot now though.But theres also something inside of me that just hates the principle of it. Not against the principle of lessons, I love lessons. Its that Ive taken hundreds of lessons over the years, studied so much about riding, and I do know what I should do. I hate being reliant on someone else to hold my hand to be able to ride. I dont want to feel scared just because that person isnt there. The amount of time Ive spent riding green horses should have made some kind of impact!.I really believe its just a mental block. Im timid and scared, unless Stu actually acts up. Then I revert into serious training mode, this is how we are doing it, I mean business. I need to be in serious training mode from the start.The fear video above I posted nearly a month ago. The good news is that my confidence has vastly improved since then. I wouldnt say that Im ready to gallop through open fields (cause I dont think hed stop) but I really feel way more confident.Here are some of the ways I built up my confidence riding.Strategies for Building Your ConfidenceRiding INstructor / TrainerIm going to state the most obvious one first get help. If youre really scared, having someone to stand with you and coach you is probably the best thing you can do. Ive done this with multiple horses, and Ive always been thrilled with the results. Theres probably no faster way to build up your confidence.Again, I will admit that this is not the strategy I primarily used, but I have been taking lessons on and off with my trainer, it just hasnt been on a consistent basis. Its been hard to schedule lessons around childcare. But again, I took a lesson a few days ago, and Im going back on a regular schedule now.Really, theres no reason to struggle and be upset when you can get help and guidance. I highly recommend this as the first option to be considered. If you feel theres no trainers around you, consider traveling trainers, haul in trainers, even virtual trainers. Or even try searching on YouTube, theres some big name trainers on there who give advice. Theres options to be considered. You dont have to go at this alone, and sometimes all it takes it a few lessons (or sometimes even just one) until youre enjoying your horse so much more.Review the Horses Training Go Back to BAsicsWhen I thought about the reasons I was scared, I realized a lot of it came from a feeling of not being in control. Ive complained in the past about Stu feeling like a train, just barreling forward in whichever direction he feels like. So the answer was to go back in his training, and work on his steering. I spent a lot of time just working on retraining basic turning. Yes, he should have already known this, but for whatever reason, he didnt.I started out on the ground, teaching him to give to the bit, and then I moved onto riding him at the walk, reinforcing giving to the bit. We did a lot of work at the walk, doing lots of turns and halting. When we moved on to the trot, he was responding much better, and I did feel in control. It had felt slow to do so much work at the walk, but it really paid off.If youre able to pinpoint the exact behavior of your horse that is making you uncomfortable, you can go back to the basics and retrain your horse. That is definitely an oversimplified thing to say, since theres a huge range of horse behaviors that could make someone uncomfortable, but if you can figure it out, going back to the basics of training can help fix holes.Working On YourselfTheres a good reason why theres a specific position used while riding, heels down, back straight It gives you the most secure seat. Equitation isnt for looking pretty, its the most effective way to use your own body.When I first started riding again, my body was not used to it. But one of the benefits of creating my YouTube channel was that I got a ton of footage to review my position. I could see my own mistakes, and remember to fix them on the next ride. Fixing my own position gave me a stronger base, making me feel more secure in the saddle. I still need a lot of improvement, but improvingOf course, having a trainer there coaching would have been immediate results and way faster than filming myself, reviewing the footage, and then remembering for the next time. Just saying!Pushing Outside Your Comfort ZoneThere comes a certain point where, if youve put in the background work, youve just go to do it. If your dream is to ride from the arena to the barn instead of walking it, at some point youve just got to get on and go. If you want to trail ride, youve just go to hit the trail. Prep for it sure, maybe dont trail ride alone the first time, but the only way to get braver is to just do it. The first time can be scary, but every time gets easier.Im not recommending you do something your horse isnt ready for, dont be unsafe. But you are probably capable of more than you think. The only way to build your confidence circle is to push it out, little by little. Every ride push yourself a little bit more. Gradually steps, baby steps, moving towards your ultimate goal of riding freedom.Circling once more to the trainer having a trainer will help with this confidence building. They are going to keep pushing you, little by little, to build you up. You dont need to do it alone.Thats the goal for Stu and I. Were going to keep pushing, little by little, until I can gallop through those fields again. Until I can head out on a trail ride without worry. Well get there, not today, or tomorrow, but even if it takes a while, well get there eventually. Enjoy the journey of working and learning with your horse, and it wont feel like an unachievable challenge. Itll be a natural progression of growing as a horseperson.Check out my recent lesson below.The post Building Up Riding Confidence appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Section Key Points Understanding the Standardbred's Background Standardbreds are primarily bred for harness racing. They favor pace gaits, making adaptability to new gaits challenging but achievable. Establishing the Trot Start with groundwork to expend energy. Use vocal commands like "trot" and apply gentle pressure. Focus on patience and consistency for success. Transitioning to the Canter Use terrain like steep hills for natural canter transitions. Work at liberty or with a longe line to guide the horse. Provide rewards and positive reinforcement for efforts. Improving Flexibility and Roundness Enhance lateral flexibility with forehand turns and leg yielding. Cultivate roundness by going "on the bit" with gentle contact. Encourage relaxation with long and low exercises. Additional Training Tips Use trot poles to disrupt pacing habits. Liberty work boosts confidence. Seek professional guidance if needed. Training Tips for a Green Standardbred: Overcoming Cantering Challenges and More Training a green Standardbred can be a truly rewarding experience. These magnificent creatures, though primarily bred for harness racing, possess the potential for so much more. Helping them transition from pacing to under-saddle work requires dedication, patience, and strategic training. Let's delve into the approaches to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Understanding the Standardbred's Background The Standardbred is renowned for its prowess in harness racing, often favoring the pace gaits over the traditional trot or canter. This early training makes their adaptability to new gaits slightly challenging, yet not insurmountable. Establishing the Trot Before venturing into cantering, it's essential to establish a solid foundation of trotting. Ground Work Start with basic ground work. Allow your horse to expend energy in a round pen before introducing a halter and longe line. This helps in minimizing limitations and boosts their learning process. Vocal Commands and Pressure Incorporate vocal commands like "trot". Gentle pressure with a whip or flag behind the horse's drive line encourages trotting. If the horse begins to pace, a gentle tug on the longe line combined with a "walk" command can smoothly transition them back. Patience and Consistency The key to success is patience and consistency. It may take several months, but with dedication, Standardbreds can adopt new gaits. Often, celebrating small victories motivates both the trainer and the horse. Transitioning to the Canter Once trotting is second nature, it's time to progress to cantering. Using Terrain to Your Advantage Utilize terrain to assist your horse with cantering. Riding up steep hills makes pacing difficult and encourages natural canter transitions. This beneficial method feels less forced. Longe Line and Liberty Work Working at liberty or with a longe line can simplify the transition from trot to canter. Guide your horse using body position and vocal commands. If pacing starts, calmly bring them back and start again from a trot. Reward and Relief Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Every attempt, even a few steps, should be met with rewards. This establishes a positive association with the canter. Improving Flexibility and Roundness Another challenge is the often-focused muscle structure of Standardbreds, lacking the flexibility and roundness seen in Dressage horses. Lateral Flexion Enhance their lateral flexibility using exercises like forehand turns and leg yielding. These stimulate muscle development and coordination, crucial for overall agility in your Standardbred. Roundness and Contact Culture your Standardbred to go "on the bit" through sustained contact. Avoid rigid tools like side reins initially; instead, gradually introduce contact through gentler approaches. Long and Low Encourage your horse to relax its back and lower its neck; this promotes the flexibility of the top line. Consulting a Dressage coach can offer more specific techniques to achieve this fluidity. Additional Training Tips Use of Trot Poles Trot poles are a beneficial tool to disrupt pacing habits. Used correctly, they instill a firm trotting stride. Building Confidence Allowing liberty work in a round pen can boost a horse's confidence. This autonomy often results in a more settled and confident disposition. Professional Guidance If you encounter difficulties, professional help might be invaluable. A qualified trainer can offer tailored advice and fresh insights. Conclusion Training a green Standardbred involves time, patience, and devotion. By emphasizing groundwork, leveraging terrain, enhancing flexibility, and reinforcing positivity, these horses can smoothly transition into new skills, including cantering. Remember to maintain realistic goals, rejoice in small victories, and remain patient. For further insights into mastering this art, consider exploring additional resources or consulting with specialists.```html```

We all strive to keep our horses content; but how to tell if a horse is happy? Of course they cant tell us whether they are by talking, but there are signs to look for to gauge how they are feeling. In fact, your horses behaviour can tell you a lot about their mental state.Signs to look out for include your horses body language, their behaviour in the field, as well as their behaviour in the stable and when you ride. Horses are constantly communicating with us and its our job, as loving horse owners and riders, to listen with our eyes and our ears, explains horse behaviour expert Dr Debbie Marsden.How to tell if a horse is happy: body languageDebbie explains 13 signs a horse is happy:1 Their nostrilsYour horses nostrils should be relaxed, soft and round. If they are unhappy, the nostrils become tight, thin and drawn.Relaxed, round and soft nostrils: signs of a happy relaxed horse2 Their lip lineYour horses lip line should curl down slightly in a relaxed, soft manner. If a horse is feeling tense, theyll be tight and drawn in this area.3 The lower jawYour horses lower jaw should be loose when they are feeling happy. Their lower mouth may hang down and you might also see the horse dribbling, a great sign that they are feeling happy and relaxed.4 The tailYour horses tail will be fairly loose and swinging freely and evenly when they move. In the absence of any injuries that affect where the horses tail hangs, it should be straight.5 Their earsThe loose drooping lip of a content happy horseYour horses ears are generally not something you should determine happiness from as they will normally point them in the direction of where they are feeling tense. If theyre pointing forward or back, your horse is probably concentrating on something in that directionHow to tell if a horse is happy in the field6 Rearing and pawingIt may look as though your horse is fighting, but rearing up with their front legs at another horse or pawing the ground are often signs they are enjoying themselves. Horses generally wont play with each other unless theyre happy. If they are galloping along the fence line, this may well be an indication that the horse is feeling stressed and unhappy.7 Looking relaxedYour horse should look physically relaxed while grazing and alert to the environment.8 Mutual groomingMutual grooming in the field is also a sign a horse is relaxed, healthy and bonding with another horse.How to tell if a horse is happy in the stable9 Regular droppingsMutual grooming is a happy signYour horses droppings should be regular and of a normal amount. When horses are stressed, they may not defecate, which is an indication they are not happy.10 Sharing a haynetIf your horse shares a haynet with a stable mate while theyre tied up in the yard, its a sign they are happy.11 A smooth bedYour horses bedding should remain largely in place, as happy horses arent restless in their stable. A stressed horse may pace around and box walk.12 StereotypiesHappy horses share hayStereotypies (vices) in the stable, such as crib-biting and box walking, are not something your horse will do only if they are stressed. They also release endorphins that make them feel happy, so vice-like behaviour could be a sign they are feeling excited. However, there is also a good chance they are unhappy about something, so dont dismiss stereotypies as being a good or a bad thing. Look for the root of the cause and then youll know what (if anything) you need to do to help your horse.How to tell if a horse is happy being ridden13 Breathing outWhen your horse breathes out through their nostrils and makes a soft snorting sound, its a sign that your horse is relaxed in the diaphragm while being ridden and feeling happy in themselves. A horse generally working forward with their ears pricked and taking in their surroundings is a good sign that your horse is enjoying themselves.Is your horse happy?A happy horse is (or should be) the goal of every horse owner. Of course there are setbacks, such as injuries and having to move yards, but generally speaking, your horse should be happy and content, which is largely done by you providing them with a safe home that fulfils all their vital needs (food, water, companionship, health care and freedom to move). I always feel that my horses are happy to see me, greeting me with pricked ears, a whicker (and kicking the door from one particularly impatient pony who just wants her breakfast). So if your horse is usually happy to see you, thats a job well done.Dr Debbie Marsden BSc PhD is an equine behaviour consultant and considered one of the worlds leading experts in her field. She is available by phone and to visit yards to assist with horse behaviour problems.Find out moreImages: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentWhat ear positions can tell you about a horses moodCan you read your horses body language?6 things you need to know about horse communicationWhy its unfair to write off an in-season mare as being moodyHow to take care of a horseThe post How to tell if a horse is happy appeared first on Your Horse.

Learn about 14 types of equine colic and their prognoses.The post What Type of Colic Is It? appeared first on The Horse.