Learn about the common signs of pigeon fever in horsesincluding abscesses in chesthow your vet might diagnose and treat the disease, and how you can prevent it.The post Pigeon Fever in Horses appeared first on The Horse.

Key Focus Details Market Growth and Trends Equestrian equipment market projected 3.9% CAGR until 2032, driven by sports popularity, animal welfare awareness, and technological advances. In 2022, rider equipment sub-segment generated over USD 1,537.80 million in revenue. Consumer Preferences and Behavior Consumers prefer equipment prioritizing comfort, safety, and performance. Demand for lightweight materials, ergonomic designs, and smart technology in gear. Role of Online Retailers Online retailers are vital, but independent sports stores remain strong. Hybrid retail models combining physical and online platforms are effective. Effective Marketing Strategies Social media presence, partnerships with clubs/influencers, and customer-centric products are key. Market research identifies valued innovations. Sustainability and Social License Eco-friendly initiatives with recyclable materials and reduced plastic usage enhance brand reputation and operation viability. Overcoming Challenges Address high costs and competition with price variety, financing plans, and emphasizing quality. Strengthen supply chain resilience through strong supplier relationships and local sourcing. Conclusion Success involves understanding market dynamics, quality, safety, sustainability, and marketing. The equestrian market shows growth potential driven by sports engagement and technology. Exploring the Future of Equestrian Retail: Opening a Tack Shop in the Digital Age The equestrian industry has saddled up for impressive growth, prancing to a valuation of over $177 billion in the U.S. by 2023. As more people gallop towards equestrian sports and recreational riding, now is the opportune moment to consider opening your own tack shop. This guide will navigate you through market trends, consumer preferences, and the impacts of the digital age on equestrian retail. Market Growth and Trends The global equestrian equipment market is cantering along with a projected 3.9% CAGR until 2032. This trot towards a valuation of USD 3,125.1 million (source) is fueled by the rising popularity of equestrian sports, heightened awareness around animal welfare, and innovative technological advances in equipment design. In 2022, the rider equipment sub-segment hit the jackpot, generating over USD 1,537.80 million in revenue. Sporting around 40% of the sales channel market, independent sports stores have proven their gallantry in maintaining the charm of traditional retail. Understanding Consumer Preferences and Behavior The equestrian consumer is galloping towards equipment that prioritizes comfort, safety, and performance. The infusion of smart technology into equestrian gearenabling tracking and analysis of performancehas captured the fancy of many equestrians. Smart and Ergonomic Designs Lightweight, robust materials and ergonomic designs are in high demand. For example, padded seats and stirrups can significantly alleviate pressure on a rider's legs and feeta significant consideration in consumer choices today. The Role of Online Retailers With the digital age galloping in, online retailers are becoming crucial in equestrian retail. Though independent sports stores still largely reign, the ease of online shopping is luring more consumers from all corners of the world. Hybrid Retail Models Many consumers still prefer shopping in specialty stores where they can glean expert advice and ensure product quality. Thus, a hybrid retail approachcombining a physical tack shop with an online platformcan broaden your customer base effectively. Effective Marketing Strategies Cracking the code of equestrian retail success involves employing strategic marketing tactics. Here are some approaches to win over your target market. Social Media and Online Presence A compelling social media presence is key to showcasing your products, sharing customer testimonies, and educating equestrians. Ensure your website is user-friendly and e-commerce-ready to capture those precious online sales. Partnerships and Collaborations Join forces with equestrian clubs and influencers to boost product promotion. Building partnerships aids in reaching niche audiences and building credibility. Customer-Centric Product Offerings Gear your product offerings to meet specific customer desires. Market research will help pinpoint the features and innovations most valued by equestrian aficionados. Sustainability and Social License to Operate Sustainability isn't just a buzzword in the equestrian worldit's a demand. Customers are now more aware of their eco-footprint, pushing brands towards greener practices to maintain social acceptance. Eco-Friendly Initiatives Incorporate recyclable materials, reduce plastic usage, and align with sustainability standards to boost your brand's reputation. This not only enhances appeal but also ensures your operation's long-term viability. Overcoming Challenges While opening a tack shop may sound like a fairytale, it does come with hurdles. Lets wrangle these challenges like a pro: High Costs of Premium Equipment Offer a variety of price points to cater to different budgets. To make premium options more accessible, consider offering financing plans. Competition from Low-Quality Products Highlight the quality and safety aspects in your expertise arsenal, using reviews and certifications to build consumer trust. Supply Chain Resilience Forge strong supplier relationships and diversify your sources. Local sourcing can mitigate global supply chain hiccups. Conclusion Setting up a tack shop in today's digital age requires sharp insight into market dynamics, customer needs, and retail innovations. Focusing on quality, safety, sustainability, and savvy marketing will help you ride through industry challenges. A few key takeaways: The equestrian market gallops with growth potential, backed by increasing engagement in sports and progressive technology. Customers crave equipment that guarantees comfort, safety, and performance. Leverage a robust online presence that enhancesbut doesn't replacea physical store's uniqueness. Sustainable operations boost brand credibility amongst environmentally savvy buyers. Strap on your helmet of adaptability, and you'll soon be trotting towards a prosperous equestrian retail journey.```html```

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Life with horses is full of significant moments, and perhaps one of the most important is the beginning of their education towards becoming a ridden horse. Whether you refer to it as breaking in a horse or colt starting, this initial stage of development should not be hurried. The trainer has a responsibility to ensure the horse has the very best possible start and should be viewed as a core part of your approach to horse care.The world over, it is still widely common practice for horses to be broken to ride in a process that is both intense and quick. These trainers are often revered for their skill and effectiveness, when often little consideration was shown for the horse during the process. From 30-day colt starting in the USA, to cantering in six weeks, neither are practices that I feel have the horses best interests at heart.To support the horse through our training of them, there are a number of ethical considerations to factor in, with a primary focus being the horses physical capabilities.Colt starting: are they ready?In contrast to common thought (and regardless of breed), horses do not reach skeletal maturity until a minimum six years of age, with the final fusion of specific growth plates around eight years.The intensity of exercise asked of horses without appropriate consideration for their physical capabilities heavily compromises their ability to perform. Too often, this results in the early onset of disease and hampers the horses long-term performance.Correct physical conditioning to correctly support a rider takes years. It also takes time for a horses mental maturity to develop. The latter is an often overlooked aspect that comes with age and compassionate training.Over the years I have had the pleasure of being the first rider on a variety of breeds of all different ages, from Gypsy Vanners to Arabians. Contrary to popular belief, I have never found the backing process of a 10-year-old to be any different than that of a five-year-old, because I ensure they all have one thing in common: readiness.Breaking in a horse: the foundationThe breaking-in process begins with ground workA horses ridden education begins on the ground. This is where we lay down the foundation, whichis essentially the base behaviour and responses that all further education is built on throughout the horses life. The actual starting process begins a long time before I even think about measuring up for a saddle. It is a progressive framework of groundwork exercises that includes lunging and long-reining. The step to the saddle is then a natural continuation.Working with the horse as an equal partner in a two-way conversation of behavioural and reciprocal feedback should be a foundational principle of any training approach. I encompass the following fundamentals that are a priority with each horse I work alongside:Emotional flowFunctional movementPhysical readinessTogether, these three key fundamentals form the basis of a foundation training plan through which a progressive framework is tailored to meet the horses individual needs. It follows the ABC considerations: adaptability, balance and connection.Colt starting: what are the ABCs?There are many different methods and programmes for training horses. I personally dont subscribe to a methodology. Instead, I adapt a training plan to meet the needs of the individual horse and rider in front of me. It is the trainers job to tailor the plan to accommodate the horse when breaking in, and not the other way around.For all progressive relationships, balance is key, both emotionally and physically. A horse that has been presented with a good foundation of education will have been worked with in a way that nurtures their ability to flow between emotional states and with their physical needs taken in to account.None of this will come together without connection between horse and trainer, which is the result of effective communication. Decide what kind of relationship you wish to have with your horse and how you conduct yourself in the process of achieving that. Training with your horse as opposed to doing is far more productive in the long run.Steps to colt startingWhen starting a horse, I often begin with a series of in-hand exercises. They are designed to enhance improved functional movement, mindset and muscular development. This is essential (and yet often overlooked) to the longevity of the ridden horse. Bringing these steps towards physical conditioning in at an early age allows the equine body to prepare through the stages.Continue to progress physical development while improving body control and manoeuvrability. This is through a blend of tactile body communication cues that are within the horses level of understanding so that they are able to execute them with confidence. It might be isolation exercises, such as a turn-on-the-hindquarters, or lateral manoeuvres like a side-pass.Pay attention to the cues the horse has learned on the ground, and how these will be relevant when they are under saddle. I often pair a verbal cue with the physical movement at the breaking-in stage so that its easier for the horse to understand when they begin ridden work.I am a huge fan of variety in the training of all horses, including when colt starting. That might be working with poles and cones in a controlled environment like an arena to build emotional resilience. Or it could be hand-grazing and walking out in-hand for enrichment, making the most of natural obstacles, like changes in terrain, fallen branches and puddles.Breaking in a horse: introducing the saddleA belly wrap is a useful precursor to introducing a saddleThe next stage is to introduce the saddle (no rider at this stage) to give the horse time to feel comfortable and confident with the weight and feel of it on their back. They continue doing the groundwork exercises. It is important to watch and consider the horses response to the saddle. Neverlet a horse buck it out of their system. This is poor horsemanship and we know how to do things better. A saddle and girth should be introduced gradually over time.Use a belly wrapA nice little exercise I like to do is a belly wrap (pictured right). This is along rope wrapped around the barrel of the horse. Keep it light to begin with and gradually make the loop a little tighter.Colt starting: be thoroughI am exceptionally thorough with the set-up of the horses I work with as I have a responsibility to the horse and to their owner. Remember, the process itself doesnt have to be linear, just consistent and within your horses capability and capacity.I like to ensure any horse I am starting under saddle has a good understanding of what I may need to ask of them when riding. I like to have a forwards, backwards and sideways movement at the very least.A horses physical responses provide us with indicators of how they are feeling and their emotional state, which is why an adaptable approach so important, as it promotes true connection and gives an optimistic outlook. I always say that I would rather have a horse that can feel more and do less, rather than one who can do more yet feel less.Ultimately, my horses let me know when we are ready, only then do we move on to the first ride.Breaking in a horse: why less is moreLeaning over the horses back is a soft introduction to feeling the weight of a rider in the saddleI start horses in a well-fitting rope halter with reins attached (a natural hackamore). It promotes more focus on seat cues and ensures the reins are there for communication. A horse can establish all three paces in the halter, rather than being bridled with a mouthpiece for control.Im not saying all training with a bridle is inappropriate. I simply feel that a horse has a lot to think about in their early days, so a less is more approach is beneficial. Many horses I train remain bitless. For those progressing towards having a bit in their mouth, they begin wearing it on the ground while doing in-hand bridle exercises.Before the first ride, horses I train will have felt my weight (I lean over the saddle) and they will have seen me from above. Begin introducing and working on this for a few months prior to getting in the saddle.Seeing a person in their saddle space can get horses a little worried. Try things like standing at the mounting block (so youre on the top step at the side of the saddle, but behind the horse) or sitting on top of a fence that is above their eye line.Breaking in a horse: the first rideThe first ride looks very different depending on the individual horse.Some find the starting process mentally taxing after a few steps, while others may offer a more confident walk. Either way, it shouldnt be overly dramatic.Yes, some horses do buck, but in my experience this is the exception and not the rule. Thinking about it, I cant recall a horse I have ever started that has bucked on their first ride.I adapt the first ride and how long it is/what we do according to how the horse is feeling. Its about knowing what is appropriate for them, and not comparing them with another horse. At this early stage, my primary focus is to blend the work we have been doing on the ground with being ridden. Dont rush to introduce different paces; you dont want to introduce speed without precision. Although if it is offered with the right energy, go with the flow!Ensuring a good startListen to your horse. Be aware of how they feel, how they act and how they respond to you and act accordingly. Integrity when starting a horse comes above all else.My biggest advice is to take your time and do it right. If youre sending a horse away for training, look for someone who will put their needs first. This sets a horse up for a successful and enjoyable ridden career. If you rush you will only get to the wrong place faster.Main image: copyright Shutterstock; other images: copyright Ross CooperRelated contentAge-related training: when do horses physically mature?Long-reining a horse: how to do it, plus 5 useful exercises to tryHow much weight can a horse carry?Why there is a lot more to lunging than never-ending circlesThe post Why starting a horses ridden career has nothing to do with breaking appeared first on Your Horse.

November 1, 2024 Ocala, FL Riders are reminded to enter now for theWorld Equestrian Center (WEC) November Dressage CDI3* show presented byHampton Green Farm, which runsNovember 13-17, 2024, in Ocala, FL.Entries are open onlinethroughFoxVillage.comuntil November 2. The Fdration Equestre International (FEI) and USEF/USDF-rated competition offers$15,000 in prize money for the CDI classes, and national classes offer qualifying opportunities at all levels. Novembers dressage[...]Read MoreThe post Enter Now for World Equestrian Center November CDI3* and National Dressage Show appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Halloween season is upon us and pumpkins are in abundance, but they arent typically considered to be a part of a horses diet. Can horses eat pumpkins? According to independent nutritionist Fiona Watkins, the short answer is yes, orange pumpkins are safe to feed to horses, including the seeds but thats not to say that all squashes and pumpkins are suitable for horses to eat.An orange pumpkin is low in calories and also has a low glycemic load, meaning that when metabolised, it will not cause a rapid increase in blood glucose, especially when eaten in small quantities. This makes it a safe choice for horses with clinical nutritional diseases, such as laminitis or equine metabolic syndrome, explains Fiona.In addition, pumpkin seeds are reported to have many health benefits. According to human-focused scientific research, they may have a positive impact on nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide is an important cellular signalling compound, and a powerful vasodilator.As always, its important to carefully incorporate new feeds into a horses diet so as not to upset their gastrointestinal system and cause problems such as colic.As with any new ingredient into an equine ration, it is best to introduce pumpkin slowly and gradually, advises Fiona. Remember to feed it in small amounts and cut into appropriate pieces preferably sliced or cubed.Alternatively, you could cook the pumpkin and use the softened flesh to make homemade horse treats. For example, the cooked pumpkin could be combined with oats and a little bit of cinnamon. However, oats are not suitable for equine with clinical nutritional diseases, such as laminitis or equine metabolic syndrome.Do not feed pumpkins which have been carved and left out, or had candles inside.Seasonal snacks and treats for horsesOther fruits growing in the hedgerows around this time of year include blackberries and rosehips.Blackberries are high in a number of micronutrients, namely vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K, says Fiona, which makes them a safe snack for horses to enjoy.Rosehips also make a great snack they are super high in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants.Another vegetable that is available around this time of year is celery.Its a less common vegetable snack for horses, but celery is high in vitamin A which aids eyesight and helps to keep skin healthy, says Fiona. In addition, its a natural hydration agent for horses as it is full of water and super low in calories.Never feed these foods to horsesThere are other fruits and vegetables that, while safe for humans to eat, can cause serious health concerns in horses, ranging from colic and organ damage and even death in some cases.There is a long list of foodstuffs that horses cant eat due to a number of reasons. Fiona warns about the risks of the most common ones below:1 TomatoesAs a member of the toxic Solanaceae plant family, tomatoes are related to deadly nightshade, horse nettle and other toxic plants, all of which contain tropane alkaloids. The leafy green parts of the tomato plant contain atropine, which slows gut function and can cause colic, explains Fiona. The tomato fruit itself contains hyoscyamine, which increases heart rate, decreases saliva production and intestinal motility, and causes severe constipation and/or diarrhoeain horses that can be potentially life-threatening.2 Onions and garlicAlong with leeks, shallots and chives, onions and garlic are members of the Allium family, which if ingested are toxic to horses, states Fiona. This plant family contains the chemical N-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells, and in turn can lead to anaemia.3 RhubarbDue to the high levels of calcium oxalates contained in rhubarb, it is toxic to horses, as well as many other animals, says Fiona. Ingesting rhubarb can cause tremors, and if consumed in higher quantities, can damage their digestive and urinary systems, leading to potential kidney failure.4 PotatoesAs another member of thetoxic Solanaceae plant family, you should not feed potatoes to your horse, especially raw, but all forms of potato should be avoided, warns Fiona. Green or rotten potatoes pose the biggest risk as their chemical composition can cause toxicosis (poisoning).Plus, if eaten whole, a potato is a major choking hazard.5 Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflowerAs members of the cruciferous family, these foods all contain a type of sugar called raffinose, which causes intestinal gas, explains Fiona. While a bit of gas is no major problem for us as humans, horses can suffer from severe abdominal pains caused by gas-related colic.In serious cases, overconsumption of these vegetables could be fatal.6 AvocadoEvery part of the avocado fruit and tree is poisonous to horses, including the skin, stone, leaves and tree bark, says Fiona. Consumption can cause a very irregular heartbeat, along with restricted breathing, colic, and in serious cases, death.Fiona Watkins BSc (Hons), Pro. Dip., is a fully-qualified independent equine nutritionist. She has a concise working and practical knowledge of all aspects of equine nutrition together with real-life experience from a client base of over five hundred equines. Visit www.thehorsenutritionist.co.ukMain image ShutterstockRelated contentImpaction and gassy colic in horses explainedHow to keep horse teeth healthy and pain freeUltimate guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Can horses eat pumpkins? Fruits and veggies that are safe to feed appeared first on Your Horse.

Horses and fireworks are not a good mix. As natural flight animals, loud bangs and bright lights can send even the most laidback of horses into a panic, meaning firework season is a particularly worrying time of year for owners and riders around the world.According to a 2020 survey carried out by Blue Cross in the run-up to New Years Eve, 69% of horse owners were found to be concerned about their horses welfare due to fireworks.With a bit of forethought, there are things you can do to make firework season easier for you and your horse, and any other animals you own.The British Horse Society (BHS) shared the following six tips for helping to ensure the safety of your horse when there are fireworks happening near your yard:1 Desensitise your horseYou can prepare your horse for loud bangs by playing the sounds on your phone; start with the volume low and gradually increase it. You can also use colour-changing LED lights to acclimatise the horse to the flashing lights.Again, build this up gradually over time so that you dont over-face your horse.If you share a yard, check in with your fellow liveries before doing this. If you dont own/run the yard, youll need to get permission first.2. Find out if there are any local events plannedEvents can take place over a number of days, so keep an eye on what is happening locally so that you can make sure youre prepared. Check for local events on social media, in your local paper and on posters/shop noticeboards.Of course, not all fireworks displays are public and private ones are trickier to predict. It is a good idea to calmly enquire about any plans your neighbours might have.Bear in mind that some people, especially those without horses or pets, may not realise the impact that fireworks can have on animals. You cant stop them, but you can find out when they might be letting fireworks off and calmly ask to be informed about future private fireworks being planned by any local homes.3. Check your yard and stables are safeReduce the risk of a fire by ensuring your stables are clear and tidy. Check your fire extinguishers, fire alarm and evacuation plan so everyone at the yard is aware of the procedures.4. Is your horse best in the stable or out in the field?According to the BHS, there is no evidence to say whether your horse is safer in or out of their stable. Some horses may be better stabled, while others may cope better in a field with their companions; there are risks either way.Check your fields are secure and not too close to any displays if you do decide to turn them out. Walk around the perimeter of your field checking the fence line the day after any fireworks too, checking for any damage that needs fixing.5. Speak to your vetIf your horse particularly struggles with fireworks, then it could be worth discussing the matter with your vet so you can put together a plan to help keep them as safe and calm as possible. Sometimes a sedative that you can administer at home via oral paste can be given to protect a horse who is vulnerable.6. Report any incidences of fireworksThe BHS is urging horse riders and owners to report any incidents or near misses involving fireworks via their Horse i app. This helps the charity to better understand and monitor the rate of equine-related incidents across the UK.The law about fireworksIn the UK, there are restrictions around when and where fireworks can be offered for sale and bought, and when they can be let off:You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:15 October to 10 November26 to 31 December3 days before Diwali and Chinese New YearAt other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shopsFireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for onBonfire Night (5 November), when the cut off is midnight, andNew Years Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.Read the full fireworks advice from the BHS here.Have an action planSainburys became the first major supermarket to ban the sale of fireworks at its in 2019 as part of its yearly review of products. It followed a number of petitions calling for stricter firework regulations that amassed over 700,000 signatures.There have been legal debates about reducing access to fireworks, but in the meantime other shops and supermarkets are continuing to sell fireworks.Blue Cross launched itsHave a Heart: Dont Take Part campaign last year, encouraging people to stop and re-think their plans to host or attend home firework displays this year in order to protect pets.Horses can become distressed by the sound and sight of fireworks, so it is important to have a plan of action in place to keep them as safe and relaxed as possible, Ruth Court, Blue Crosss Horse Welfare Manager, toldYour Horse.An equine vet stated that they are traumatised after having to put to sleep two ponies belonging to Redwings as a result of fireworks. Meanwhile Blue Crosscharity advises the following to keep your equines as calm as possible around fireworks:Plan aheadHorses and ponies are easily spooked by fireworks but with preparation and planning you can keep them safe and calm throughout the season.Keep horses in familiar surroundingsIf your horses are kept out in the field, then make sure it is secure and there is nothing lying around that they can run into or hurt themselves with, such as low hanging branches or buckets. It may be an idea to remove temporary electric posts and wiring if you use it to divide your field in case your horse becomes entangled if running around.Check your horses rugsIf your horse is rugged, make doubly sure these are well secured and fitted and will remain in place should they get spooked and run around.Stable conditionsIf yourhorse is stabled, then make sure they have a deep bed and consider removing water, feed buckets and haynets to prevent injury.If your horse isnt normallystabled, but you prefer to bring them in during fireworks, then prepare them by bringing them in a few days in advance of Bonfire Night to get them used to their surroundings and being inside.Avoid big changesRemember, your horse will cope best in a familiar environment and with familiar companions.Distract them with noisePlay music or put the radioon a few days in advance so that your horse gets used to hearing it, and continue playing it up to and around Bonfire Night. Also leave the yard or stable lights on to help your horse.Be presentIf you can, and you can remain calm, stay with your horse when you know there are going to be fireworks, so that you can take quick action if they should panic and/or become injured. Keep yourself safe though and remain outside their stable or field.Related contentHow to take care of a horseCan you read your horses body languageWhat your horses ear positions tell youThe post Horses and fireworks: how to survive the season ahead appeared first on Your Horse.