Find the best deal all week with Redpost EquestrianTo make your Black Friday shopping experience easier this year, well be doing our best to match the price offered by any other retailer.The Redpost Price Match is live now and lasts all the way through to midnight on Cyber Monday, 2nd December.We have some incredible deals for Black Fridaybe the one of the first to hear them by downloading the Redpost App. Plus, there will be early access to our best offers exclusively for Stride members! The Redpost App Stride membership Our best deals How It WorksActivating a Price Match is easy! During the day, contact us through our Live Chat and a member of our team will look into your enquiry, so you can shop quickly and with confidence that youre getting the best deal.If youd like to contact us in the evening, please email info@redpostequestrian.co.uk and we will respond the following day.The item must be exactly the same product, including colour and sizeThe item must be in stock and ready for immediate despatch on both sites.The Price Match request must be submitted through our Live Chat service, located at the bottom of the page and the bottom of the app.You will need to send screenshots of the page on the other retailers site, plus a link to the site.The item must be with a UK retailer, and the offer does not include Amazon or eBay.Our team will verify the match and send you a unique discount code.The item does not need to be part of a Black Friday offer to qualify.The Price Match must be verified BEFORE you complete your purchase we will not be able to issue refunds for Price Match requests submitted after purchase.If We Cant Match The PriceVery rarely, there may be an occasion where we cannot match the price. If this happens, well offer you the very best price we can. Youll of course be under no obligation to continue with the purchase.Questions?If you need help, our team are available by phone Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm on 01803 812040 or by email at sales@redpostequestrian.co.uk. The post Black Friday Price Match first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

New BEVA president Bruce Bladon has addressed the role of equine practice in the downfall of antibiotics in his role as guest editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ).Growing resistance to antibioticsis a serious concern and poses a global threat tohorse health.It is estimated that 10 million people will die because of antimicrobial resistance by 2050. Bruce believes public interest in the threat of the demise of antibiotics appears limited.Bruce selected 15 of the most relevant articles on the subject from the EVJ, an international equine veterinary science journal, and its sister journal Equine Veterinary Education. He aims to highlight the significant risk resistance posed and the need to monitor and change protocols in equine practice.No available dataDespite several individual studies and surveys on food animal veterinary antibiotic usage in terms of wholesale turnover taking place, there is no national data on antimicrobial usage within equine practice.Ultimately, the issue is reducing antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the human healthcare field, said Bruce.It is acknowledged that surgeon behaviour is a limiting factor in the adoption of appropriate surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis policies. Maybe if a clinician was persuaded that avoiding antibiotic prescription would reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance, they might be more inclined to withhold prophylactic treatment. There is a need for a national surveillance programme. If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.Bruce, the principal equine surgeon at Donnington Grove Equine Vets, was appointed president of BEVA for 2024-26 in September.He hopes to start a national antibiotic monitoring programme so that the use of antibiotics in equine practice can be published alongside farm animal usage data in the Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS).The virtual EVJ issue, which is free to view until 20 January 2025, can be found here.Related contentNew BEVA president plans national antibiotic programme for horsesBEVA warns horse owners about seasonal dangers of sycamore treesVet nurse driving significant change among winners at BEVA CongressThe post BEVA president highlights issue of antimicrobial resistance in EVJ appeared first on Your Horse.

Conformation, saddle fit, rider body weight, and training practices can all influence your equine athletes toplineEven without a rider, a horses back must support the weight of the thoracic and abdominal organs, as well as ingesta. | iStockAn equestrian who sees a lame horse often has an instinctive, knee-jerk reaction to blame the limbs. Which leg is it? often precedes the bigger question of, Is it a leg? Thats understandable, considering the most common causes of lameness do originate from the limbs, with arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, hoof abscesses, and podotrochlosis (navicular disease) being some of the most frequently diagnosed. In reality, however, legs are not always the sole culprit. Many cases of equine pain, lameness, and poor performance stem from a problem higher up. And because the spine is at the center of the horses locomotion, any problem that originates in the back or sacroiliac (SI) region can have repercussions throughout the body, legs included.As a sports medicine veterinarian, I am asked to evaluate a fair number of performance and lameness problems, says Cooper Williams, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMR, Certified ISELP Instructor, owner of Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland, based in Hampstead. A large percentage of these performance problems can be attributed to conditions involving the axial skeletonneck, back, and pelvis. In this article well look at the factors that affect functionand dysfunctionin your horses topline.The Ridden Horses ChallengeThe equine species was not designed to carry humans, much less perform athletically while doing so. The horses back is made up of 18 thoracic and six lumbar vertebrae, and it is the rigidity of these sections of the spine that makes riding possible. Nonetheless, some ridden horses experience dysfunction, injury, and pain despite our best efforts to provide proper care and maintenance.Preventing back pain in horses is challenging, says Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, PhD, associate professor at the Orthopaedic Research Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomechanical Sciences at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. As well discuss, many factors can increase the risk of back pain; it is difficult to adequately manage them all, especially as we push horses to perform at their highest possible athletic potential.Does Conformation Really Matter?Think of the horses back like a suspension bridge anchored by the pillars of the front and hind limbs connecting at the shoulder and sacroiliac joints, respectively.Lets start with an analogy. Williams encourages us to think of the horses back as a suspension bridge. This bridge consists of the main structural elementthe spinal columns vertebraeand support struts: muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The front and hind limbs are the pillars that anchor the bridge into the ground, connecting via those soft tissue struts at the shoulder and the sacroiliac joint, respectively. Even without a rider, this living bridge is being asked to support a significant amount of weight because of the sheer mass of thoracic and abdominal organs, as well as ingesta, Williams says.Riders often believe horses with long backs are more prone to back pain than those with short backs. Thats because physics tells us the greater the space between the pillars of a two-pillar suspension bridge, the weaker the bridge. But our sources are hesitant to jump to conclusions regarding back conformation. There isnt currently good scientific evidence to support this claim, says Haussler. A measurably longer distance between the withers and pelvis does not automatically mean that the back is weaker or more prone to injury. Thats mainly because muscles play a vital role in providing strength, support, and movement of the back. The horses ability to comfortably carry a rider depends more on proper muscle function than on isolated conformational features such as back length. This is promising because while you cant change conformation, you can improve fitness.The same goes for horses with swayed backs, a condition known as lordosis. Conformation relates to structural features such as size, shape, and contours, explains Haussler. However, posture is just as important when we discuss back pain and dysfunction from long or swayed backs. We will never be able to change the relative length or angle of the horses back, but we can improve function by building muscle strength and core stability with tailored exercises.When talking about conformation, we must be careful about rules, adds Williams. Having been a lifelong horseman and a veterinarian for close to 40 years, I realized over time that every time you set rules on what is optimal, individuals break those rules. Proper conformation and its evaluation are very subjective. The phrase ride the horse, not the X rays has become popular in the sport horse world for that reason.This being said, radiographs and other diagnostic modalities do play important roles in evaluating a horses particular back and sacroiliac anatomy and, therefore, potential dysfunction. Imaging is useful when the horse faces a soundness or performance problem and also helps prospective buyers make informed decisions during prepurchase examinations (PPEs).Aside from the conformation faults such as long or swayed backs that we can see from the outside, there are several internal developmental abnormalities that can play into back problems in horses, explains Williams. These include spinous process impingement (kissing spines), an extra thoracic rib or extra lumbar transverse process on one side only, and congenital ankylosis (fusion) of a (spinal) disc, for example, he says. A key concept here is that asymmetrical structure leads to asymmetrical function, which increases the wear and tear on our structures and can predispose the horse to back dysfunction and pain. There are also acquired issues in the back and sacroiliac region that can result from falls or other injuries.Our sources recommend working with your veterinarian to discuss potential limitations a horse might have based on conformation faults and your riding goals. They agree that how a horse is asked to use his back, the duration and intensity of exercise, and horse-rider interactions are likely much more relevant than conformation flaws.The Importance of FitnessThis leads us to our second point: The role of physical fitness in proper back function. For horses to successfully carry us on their backs pain-free, they require strength, flexibility, and good back muscle development, says Haussler. Lack of proper musculature increases the chance of injury during exercise. But achieving proper fitness takes more than simply riding.Youll need tailored exercises and training to improve strength and endurance, as well as stretching and chiropractic care to improve flexibility, he explains. If the horse does develop back or sacroiliac dysfunction, youll also need acupuncture and rehabilitation to manage the pain and any muscle atrophy (wasting).Carrot stretches are perhaps the most simple and accessible physiotherapeutic exercise for owners to improve topline musculature in their horses. In a 2013 study Rodrigues et al. found that consistently performed carrot stretches increase the size of the stabilizing muscles in the horses back, effectively building topline.Rider Body WeightUnsurprisingly, the tack and rider collectively have a monumental impact on the ridden horses back function. As discussed, the horses back naturally supports a significant amount of weight, even when not in work. Then, we add a rider, a potentially heavy passenger constantly shifting positions, says Williams. Riders have different riding and athletic abilities, not all optimal. Many researchers have explored the intricate horse-rider relationships with regard to each individuals biomechanics and musculoskeletal function.In 2019 Dyson et al. examined the influence of saddle fit and rider weight on horse gaits and behavior and concluded that large riders could induce temporary lameness and behaviors associated with musculoskeletal pain. The authors recognized lameness associated with the riders weight is a multifactorial issue: The horses age, fitness and muscle development, conformation, speed and duration of exercise, and the riders skill, balance, and coordination can all affect the ridden horses musculoskeletal health.Interestingly, rider body weight guidelines in the United States are not the same as those in European countries. In the U.S. we generally consider it acceptable for a horse to carry up to 20% of his own body weight. That means a 1,000-pound horse could carry a rider and tack weighing up to 200 pounds. In most of Europe, equestrians are instructed to follow the much stricter 10% rule, by which standards the same 1,000-pound horse could only carry a 100-pound rider. But its not so straightforwardbased on social media and forum discussions, Europeans themselves criticize this guideline as overly restrictive and unrealistic for many horse and rider combinations.Science hasnt been able to produce a numeric acceptable vs. unacceptable cutoff for rider weight, our sources say, largely because many factors, from horse and rider fitness to saddle fit, can affect an individual horses ability to comfortably carry a particular rider. The horses own weight and fitness also affect his back function. Metabolic issues and weight management are another huge issue, no pun intended, says Williams. An overweight horse cannot perform as an athlete and hold up over time.Saddle FitRelated Content: Understanding Saddle FitDifferent saddle types and construction induce variable pressures under the saddle, says Haussler. English saddles typically have a much smaller contact area on the horses back than Western saddles, spreading the pressure across a smaller part of the horses back. He adds that treeless saddles, which are very popular in some riding communities, have been found to produce higher peak pressures over an even smaller area because they lack a tree to distribute the pressure evenly across both sides of the thoracic back.Saddles must not bridge (lack contact in the middle), rock (poor contact in front or back), or shift from side to side, adds Williams.Horse and Rider BiomechanicsEven if the saddle fits the horse well and the riders body weight is deemed appropriate for that horse, there is no guarantee that back dysfunction wont happen once the pair is in motion. The locomotion of both equine and human partners greatly impacts the horses back function. In 2019 Gunst et al. found that rider posture and horse movement, the latter of which often relates to conformation, can cause asymmetrical force distribution across the horses back. For example, if the rider collapses one hip at the sitting trot, his compensatory weight-shift into the opposite hip and leg increases the force on that side of the horses back. Over time this can cause pain and dysfunction.The Impact of TrainingMuch like different saddles have different effects on back function, so do equestrian sports. Disciplines are quite varied in the type, intensity, and duration of ridden activities, says Haussler. In barrel racing, horses are required to produce very rapid acceleration and deceleration movements with sharp turns, which demand trunk strength, flexibility, and agility. Show jumping requires impulsive hind-limb movements to carry the horse and rider over the various obstacles and forelimb support during landing, both of which directly involve the back and sacroiliac joint. Dressage requires long bouts of training to develop core stability and fine motor control, increasing the risk for chronic repetitive-use injuries of both the limbs and the back.Working with a reputable trainer and listening to your horse are our sources top recommendations for mitigating discipline-related back dysfunction in equine athletes.Starting the Conversation About TreatmentMaintaining a healthy, pain-free topline in a ridden horse might be challenging for some but, in todays world, horse owners and veterinarians have an abundance of therapeutic modalities available to them.Chiropractic, acupuncture, and other bodywork modalities can help, and so can devices such as functional electrical stimulation (FES), pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), therapeutic lasers, and shock wave, says Williams. We also need to think about changes we can make in how we ride and train our equine athletes to help prevent the recurrence of back and sacroiliac pain. Many are common sense: Working the horse in moderation, not overriding and overtraining. Taking the time to do proper warmups and cool-downs. Williams recommends the book Activate Your Horses Core for extra guidance and education.Final Thoughts One of the most overlooked aspects of horsemanship is a failure to listen to the horse, says Haussler. Horses communicate in their own highly developed manner, and we need to listen very carefully to what they are trying to tell us and respond appropriately if we are to help prevent back pain or other injuries. Only with thoughtful management, paying attention to the horse, and a comprehensive program provided by a team of practitioners can we minimize the detrimental effects of back pain and optimize the equine athletes comfort and performance.

On November 14, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Coal County, Oklahoma, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The horse, who was unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on October 18, including lateral recumbency and inability to rise. He was euthanized.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

Two Miniature Horses in Simcoe County, Ontario, recently tested positive for equine influenza after developing clinical signs on November 4, including coughing and nasal discharge. The horses were new to the property and were housed separately for two weeks adjacent to the resident herds paddock. They are now recovering.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.Click hereto read common questions and answers about equine influenza.

Ocala, FL World Equestrian Center Ocala is excited to welcome hunter riders to the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series, running from January 1 through March 23. This premier 12-week circuit will feature two World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) opportunities, giving hunter riders of all levels the opportunity to earn points toward year-end awards through the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) program. WCHR[...]Read MoreThe post Hunter Highlights for 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center Ocala appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Provisional times for this Saturdays Cryotherapy Dressage League at Gransha Equestrian Centre

Badminton and Burghley champion Piggy March, her husband Tom and several other members of the equestrian community are embarking on Cycle4Caroline, an ultra-endurance cycle ride in memory of Toms sister Caroline, today (Wednesday 20 November).Caroline, a successful event rider, died by assisted suicide in March 2024 after being paralysed in an eventing fall in 2022.Over the next 11 days, Cycle4Caroline, which is starting at Blair Castle in Perthshire, is set to cover 1,200km and aims to raise 500,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust, two causes which were close to Carolines heart. Their current total stands at 55,000.Joining Piggy and Tom on the ride are three-time Olympian Ian Stark, Alastair Wilson, husband of former European Eventing Champion Nicola, international eventer Holly Woodhead, Piggys sister Nini French, Brett Bullimore, husband of European Bronze medal winner Sarah, Racesafes Tommy How, and Catriona Williams, founder of the Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust.Were going to bust our bums to get up the hills and cycle over 100km for 10 days. It will be grim. Well get to the end, because were of that mindset, but its a massive effort ahead and were very aware of that, said Piggy about the challenge earlier this year.Were looking forward to it and hoping everyone gets together to really make a difference for the future of our sport.Earlier this year, I was grieving badly for Caroline. [The] Paris [Olympics] was a focus, but I had no top horse to focus on [for] that and I felt lost. Tom and I were chatting and said that wed like to do something to raise money for the BE Support Trust and Spinal Research.Surprise participantsSeveral special guests will be joining the ride along the route which takes the cyclists from Blair Castle all the way to London via several well-known eventing venues Belsay Castle, Bramham, Chatsworth, Burghley, Badminton and Windsor Castle. The group are aiming to cross the finish line at The Savoy on Saturday 30 November in time for the BE Support Trust Charity Ball which takes place there that evening.The challenge will start at 8am this morning with Wills Oakden joining the team on the first leg which finishes at Lucinda Russell Racing in Kinross.There are a number of opportunities for members of the public to support the group along the route including riding alongside them on the final leg. For more information and to donate visit www.cycle4caroline.com.Related contentPiggy March to lead epic 1,100km cycle in memory of her sister-in-law CarolinePiggy March training: jump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust in your horsePiggy Marchs showjumping course walk tips and winning warm-up routineThe post Charity cycling challenge featuring Piggy March gets underway at Blair Castle appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details What is a Snaffle Bit? A gentle horse bit applying even pressure, ideal for young or inexperienced horses. Benefits - Gentle Communication Facilitates nuanced signals, reducing discomfort and resistance in horses. Benefits - Versatility in Training Effective across different training stages, suitable for transitioning from a hackamore to a bridle. Benefits - Promoting Softness Helps horses become more responsive and less stiff. Use Case - Training Young Horses Beneficial for transitioning young horses to a bridle, recommended between the 10th and 14th ride. Use Case - Addressing Bridling Problems Improves response to pressure, addressing bridling issues effectively. Use Case - Different Types of Snaffle Bits Variants like twisted or square snaffles provide more pronounced signals for certain behaviors. How to Introduce - Groundwork Basics Includes teaching the horse to flex using steady pressure. How to Introduce - Starting with Mild Bits Begin with a smooth snaffle no thicker than 3/8-inch in diameter. How to Introduce - Gradual Transition Use a hackamore initially and gradually introduce the snaffle bit. Conclusion Snaffle bits are essential for a balance of gentleness and efficacy in horse training. Exploring the Benefits and Use Cases of Snaffle Bits for Horse Training At Just Horse Riders, we understand the importance of selecting the right equipment for horse training. One such piece of essential equipment is the snaffle bit, especially the regular snaffle bit, which plays a crucial role in shaping young horses into responsive and manageable partners. In this article, we will explore the benefits and use cases of snaffle bits, providing insights for horse trainers and riders. What is a Snaffle Bit? A snaffle bit is a type of horse bit that applies even pressure to both sides of the horse's mouth. Unlike shanked bits, snaffle bits do not utilize leverage, making them a gentler option for horses, particularly young or inexperienced ones. This makes the snaffle bit an ideal option for initiating horses into bridling [source]. Benefits of Snaffle Bits Gentle Communication A primary advantage of snaffle bits is the gentle communication they foster between horse and rider. By allowing more nuanced signals without causing unnecessary discomfort, these bits promote a better relationship and reduce resistance or behavioral issues in horses[source]. Versatility in Training Snaffle bits offer tremendous versatility across different horse training stages. Whether you're starting a young colt or refining the skills of an experienced mount, the snaffle bit serves as an effective tool. This versatility can help smoothly transition a colt from a hackamore to a bridle [source]. Promoting Softness Another benefit of using a snaffle bit is its ability to help horses become "soft," which means more responsive to cues from the rider without any stiffness. A smooth snaffle is preferred for initial introductions because of its mild nature . Use Cases for Snaffle Bits Training Young Horses Introducing young horses or colts to a snaffle bit can be highly beneficial. Experts recommend switching to a snaffle bit between the tenth and fourteenth training ride, helping the colt transition seamlessly from a hackamore [source]. Addressing Bridling Problems Snaffle bits are also useful for addressing bridling issues in horses. By using a snaffle bit, trainers can teach horses to respond better and understand pressure, thus addressing bridling problems effectively [source]. Different Types of Snaffle Bits While a smooth snaffle is the mildest type, other varieties such as twisted snaffles or square snaffles might be used based on individual horse behaviors. For instance, horses that tend to lean on the bit might benefit from the more pronounced signals of these alternative snaffle types. How to Introduce a Snaffle Bit Groundwork Basics Before introducing a snaffle bit, groundwork is essential. This involves teaching the horse to flex its head and neck using steady pressure, which helps it understand how to yield to the bit [source]. Starting with Mild Bits Starting with a smooth snaffle that is no thicker than 3/8-inch in diameter is advisable. This ensures gentle communication without overwhelming the horse. Gradual Transition When introducing a snaffle bit, a gradual transition is crucial. It is often helpful to continue using a hackamore initially while gradually familiarizing the horse with the snaffle bit. This prevents the horse from feeling overwhelmed or confused[source]. Conclusion Snaffle bits are an indispensable tool in horse training, offering a balance of gentleness and efficacy. Their versatility across different training stages makes them highly valuable for trainers aiming for a harmonious relationship with their horses. For a deeper dive into the nuances of horse training techniques and equipment, explore our extensive Jodhpur Collection or check out our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.