Christmas is a magical time, and one way many people love to enjoy the festive celebrations is to have a horse advent calendar to open. Opening a door each day in the run up to the 25th December builds excitement and joy for horse lovers of all ages! From toys to clothes and other small treats, you can spread some festive joy to a friend or family member this season with a fantastic horse advent calendar.But its not just horse lovers who can take part in the festivities your horse or pony can too! Many brands bring out advent calendars featuring treats your horse is sure to love behind each window. You can make sure your horse feels appreciated each day in the run up to Christmas the only struggle will be making sure they dont try to eat them all at onceAdvent calendars for your horseLimit Stud Muffins Advent CalendarThe Likit Stud Muffins Advent Calendarcontains 24 festive Christmas pudding flavoured treats.Buying in the UK? RRP 9.99 Purchase hereEquilibrium Crunchits Christmas Charity Advent Calendar Enjoy the countdown to Christmas with a special edition Crunchits Christmas Advent Calendar, filled with 24 days of tasty low sugar treats for your horse, pony or donkey to enjoy. All net proceeds will go to Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Brooke, making it the perfect way to treat your horse and support both charitys work in helping horses and donkeys in need.Buying in the UK? RRP 5.99 Purchase hereMaxima Mix n Munch Advent CalendarThis award-winning calendar includes treats made with 100% natural ingredients in four limited-edition flavours apple-cinnamon, carrot, orange and cherry. Theres no molasses, soya or artificial colours or flavours, and the treats are designed in unique shapes. There are two treats behind each window.Buying in the UK? RRP 9.99 Purchase hereOriginal Landmhle Advent Calendar for HorsesThis beautiful, festive advent calendar for your horse. The 24 doors are filled with our original Landmhle treats such as apple cinnamon stars, banana hearts, raspberry drops and many more delicious varieties.Buying in the UK?RRP 14.90 Purchase hereLincoln Herb Stix Snowman Advent CalendarThe Lincoln Herb Stix Horse Advent Calendar has 24 individual opening windows, each containing two Lincoln Herb Stix treats.Buying in the UK?RRP 6.50 Purchase hereLivin Horse Shop Horse Advent Calendar with BlanketThis advent calendar contains eight wrapped gifts to open on different days in December. The gifts include treats for your horse, care products, socks, lead rope, headcollar and a saddle cloth.Buying in Europe? RRP 79.95 Purchase hereThelwell Christmas Advent Calendar TheThelwell Christmas Advent Calendarhas been created to please Thelwell fans, old and new. A premium advent calendar featuring Norman Thelwells beloved sketch of Showjumping Santa has 24 individual opening windows, each containing two delicious Lincoln treats. Celebrate Christmas with your best friend Thelwell style!Buying in the UK? RRP 8.09 Purchase hereAdvent calendars for youThe Luxury Equestrian Advent CalendarSizes: age 6-8, age 9-11, teen, adult XS XLWaiting to be opened, each dream filled drawer holds un-released and never-before-seen gifts for both horse and rider, exclusively designed and limited to the 2024 calendar.Alongside new discoveries youll find Aztec Diamond icons the celebrated stars guaranteed to dazzle any equestrian.Buying in Europe? RRP 180 Purchase hereJewels & Horses Limited Equestrian Advent Calendar Type: Classic, luxuryJ&H Gift Boxes are the perfectgift for equestrians, no matter what the occasion!If you are looking for a fantastic gift for the horse owner in your life (or just yourself!), we have just what you need our classic and luxury gift boxes.Beautifully wrapped and packed with goodies from Eskadron, Harcour, Pikeur, Kingsland, Animo and others.Buying in the UK?RRP 250 (classic); 350 (luxury) Purchase hereRocking Horse Personalised Advent CalendarThe advent calendar features 24 numbered pockets that can be used for small sweets or chocolates. Our felt advent calendars are ideal for use year on year and they make an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cardboard advent calendars. This advent calendar can be personalised with a name up to 25 characters long.Buying in the UK?RRP 26.99 Purchase hereEffol Advent calendarBehind the 24 doors, youll find a delightful selection of Effol and Effax products designed for coat, skin, and hoof care. There are also gifts for the rider and high-quality leather care products from Effax. Make this December extra special with daily surprises, perfect for both you and your horse.Buying in the UK?RRP 59.95 Purchase hereSupreme Products Giant Advent CalendarThe ultimate equestrian advent calendar! The perfect Christmas present for any horse owner. This giant advent calendar is packed with 24 full-size products from our best-selling range which are worth over 277.Buying in the UK?RRP 199.99 Purchase hereAdvent calendars for kidsScleich Horse Club Advent CalendarDiscover 24 delightful surprises with the Schleich Horse Club Advent Calendar, perfect for your little horse enthusiasts. Each door reveals a unique treat that lets you gear up your foal with a white saddle pad and bridle for an exciting training session with Sofia.Buying in the UK?RRP 24.99 Purchase herePlaymobil Christmas Sleigh Ride Advent CalendarLovingly designed Playmobil Advent Calendar for the Horses of Waterfall world with Isabella, mare Buttercup, foal Cream and dog Lucy, cute forest animals, a horse sleigh, bridle, food and a horse care set. In the sleigh there is room for a figure and a shelf for the basket. The tree ornaments can be stored in the gift box.Buying in the UK? RRP 24.99 Purchase hereAll prices are correct at the time of writing.Love hacking? Join our free #Hack1000Miles challenge and see how far you can go!Subscribe to Your Horse Magazine the perfect Christmas gift!Find out whats inside the latest issue of Your HorseGet the latest issueThe post Our pick of Christmas advent calendars for horses and their owners to suit all budgets appeared first on Your Horse.

More than 750 delegates attended World Horse Welfares annual conference earlier this month which discussed what horses need to have a good life.The one-day event took place online and in person at the Royal Geographic Society in London and welcomed industry experts, renowned researchers and leading equestrians from across the world for a series of discussion and panel talks on that aspect of horse health.How we have provided good welfare has always been a journey informed by our experience and our evolving understanding, said chief executive Roly Owers in his opening speech.Over the past decade and more, this understanding has been turbocharged by mounting scientific evidence of what makes animals, including horses, tick. Only if a horse feels content in themself, from their own individual perspective, can their welfare be good.As we now know, depriving our horses of the three Fs freedom, forage and friends is depriving them of a good life. However, is this synonymous with how normalised certain attitudes and practices are in the horse world?Important learningsOne of the key takeaways from the conference was that everyone involved in horses has a part to play in ensuring horses have a good life.The main themes included the fact that shortcomings must be accepted and changes made rather than finger pointing and the need for a better understanding of horses through research and education.Most people and animals go through life with a mix of positive and negative experiences, said Professor Natalie Waran, director of the Good Life for Animals Centre in New Zealand, and former chair of the Independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission for the FEI.So, for a good life, what we are looking for is a life where those negative experiences are minimised and the experiences across all contexts of an animals life tend to be mainly positive. And that we work hard to ensure that, that is the case.The conference ended with a lively Q&A which featured Battersea Dogs and Cats Home chief executive Peter Laurie, racehorse trainer Lucinda Russell, the Household Cavalrys regimental veterinary officer, Major Dan McRink and the British Equestrian Veterinary Associations veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve. The Q&A was chaired by Sky News and Sports Editor, Nick Powell.For more information and to watch sessions from the conference click here.More readingWorld Horse Welfare celebrates its grooms with special dayInspiring and fearless RSPCA inspector posthumously receives special awardMother who fundraises in memory of her showjumper daughter receives cheque from John WhitakerThe post Charity conference ignites discussion on what a good life for a horse looks like appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Point Description The Importance of Saddle Fit Well-fitting saddle is crucial for horse health, preventing issues like pressure points and discomfort. Case Study: Max 8-year-old Fell Pony showing discomfort signs due to ill-fitting saddle. Enhancing Comfort Proper saddle fit distributes rider's weight evenly, improving horse's performance. Promoting Movement A well-fitted saddle allows free movement, enabling full athletic potential. Preventing Injuries Correct saddle fit reduces risk of muscle soreness and long-term back damage. Psychological Impact Good saddle fit improves horse's psychological well-being and behavior. Signs of Ill-fitting Saddle Includes white patches, uneven sweat, behavioral changes, reluctance to move. Professional Assistance Seek help from a professional saddle fitter for best fit and comfort. Regular Maintenance Saddle fit needs regular maintenance and adjustments due to horse's body changes. Understanding Saddle Fit and Its Impact on Equine Health: A Case Study of an 8-Year-Old Fell Pony As a horse owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companion is paramount. One often overlooked but crucial aspect of horse care is the fit of the saddle. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of saddle fit, using the example of an 8-year-old Fell Pony, and explore how it impacts equine health, performance, and behavior. The Importance of Saddle Fit A well-fitting saddle is essential for maintaining the health and comfort of your horse. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to a range of issues, including pressure points, restricted movement, and discomfort during riding. For instance, a saddle that does not fit properly can create pressure points and rubs, resulting in painful sores, muscle strains, and even long-term damage to the horse's back[2]. Case Study: An 8-Year-Old Fell Pony Let's consider the case of an 8-year-old Fell Pony named Max. Max is an active and athletic horse, regularly used for trail riding and light jumping. Recently, Max's owner noticed that he was showing signs of discomfort during rides, such as reluctance to move forward, uneven sweat patterns, and white patches on his withers. These signs are indicative of an ill-fitting saddle[2]. Enhancing Comfort for Optimal Performance A well-fitted saddle allows the horse to move freely and without restriction. When a saddle fits properly, it distributes the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back, reducing the risk of discomfort, muscle tension, and pain. This enhanced comfort translates into improved performance, as the horse can fully engage its muscles, move more fluidly, and execute maneuvers with precision[1]. Promoting Freedom of Movement An ill-fitting saddle can impede the horse's natural movement and range of motion. It can restrict the shoulder and hindquarters movement, making it difficult for the horse to perform at its best. A properly fitted saddle, on the other hand, allows the horse to move its legs and joints freely, enabling it to exhibit its full athletic potential[1]. Preventing Performance-Related Injuries Saddle fit directly affects the horse's susceptibility to performance-related injuries. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to muscle soreness, bruising, and even long-term damage to the horse's back. By investing in a saddle that fits correctly, you reduce the risk of these injuries and safeguard the horse's long-term soundness[1]. Psychological Impact on Horse Welfare The psychological well-being of the horse is also crucial and can be affected by saddle fit. An ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort and pain, leading to behavioral issues such as anxiety, resistance, or even fear-related responses. Conversely, a properly fitted saddle contributes to the horse's contentment, confidence, and positive work ethic, ensuring a harmonious partnership between the horse and rider[3]. Signs of an Ill-Fitting Saddle Recognizing the signs of an ill-fitting saddle is crucial for preventing soreness and injuries. Common signs include: White patches on the withers Uneven sweat patterns Behavioral changes while saddling Reluctance to move or perform certain maneuvers[2] Seeking Professional Help for Saddle Fitting When it comes to ensuring the perfect saddle fit, it is beneficial to seek assistance from a professional saddle fitter. A professional can assess the horse's conformation, measure the saddle support area, and recommend the appropriate saddle size, tree width, and padding to ensure optimal comfort and fit[2]. Regular Saddle Maintenance and Adjustments Saddle fit is not a one-time fix; it requires regular maintenance and adjustments. As the horse's body changes due to factors like age, fitness, and muscling, the saddle fit may need to be adjusted. Regular saddle maintenance, including flocking adjustments, gullet changes, and periodic evaluations by a professional, is crucial to ensure ongoing comfort and prevent potential issues[2]. Conclusion A proper saddle fit is a critical component of equine health and welfare. It enhances the horse's comfort, promotes freedom of movement, prevents performance-related injuries, and has a positive psychological impact. By understanding the importance of saddle fit and taking the necessary steps to ensure a well-fitting saddle, you can significantly improve your horse's overall health and performance. In the case of Max, the 8-year-old Fell Pony, a well-fitting saddle has made a substantial difference in his comfort, behavior, and performance. By prioritizing saddle fit and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure your horse remains happy, healthy, and high-performing.```html```

19 November 2024   The curtain has officially risen on the grand finale of the 2024 Global Champions season, as Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, gears up to host the eagerly awaited GC Playoffs for the very first time. This landmark event will unite the world’s elite show jumping athletes, the fifth edition of this thrilling event promises to deliver an unforgettable...

20 November 2024 The fifth edition of the GCL Season Awards took centre stage this evening, celebrating the standout achievements of the 2024 GCL season. The glittering ceremony, held in the heart of Riyadh, set the tone for an exhilarating weekend as the city prepares to host the much-anticipated inaugural GC Riyadh Playoffs.The event brought together an illustrious audience, including...

21 November 2024 On the thrilling opening night of the GC Riyadh Playoffs, the GCL Super Cup Quarter Final delivered high-stakes drama and unexpected eliminations, with the Shanghai Swans repeating last year’s Quarter Final rising to the top of the leaderboard for a second year running. Stellar performances by Ben Maher aboard Point Break, Max Kühner on Elektric Blue P, and Daniel...