Care considerations and tips for making the switch to 24/7 turnoutFree to roam, graze selectively, and interact with herdmates, horses on 24/7 pasture have more opportunities than stalled horses to meet their ethological (behavioral) needs, researchers say. | Photo: iStockIf youre considering changing your housing system to 24/7 pasture, youre not alone. As scientists reveal more equine welfare benefits of keeping horses out full time, owners are opening their mindsand their barn doorsto a more natural way of life for their equids.Free to roam, graze selectively, and interact with herdmates, horses on 24/7 pasture have more opportunities than stalled horses to meet their ethological (behavioral) needs, researchers say. Not limited to leisure horses, breeding stock, or retirees, pastures can make great homes for horses of all breeds and disciplines, the exception being those at risk of laminitis.But good pasturing isnt just about turning horses out and letting them adapt to whatever they encounter. Theres plenty of management left for us to doand its not always as obvious as it might seem.People who practice group housing understand that it actually demands much more of the caretaker (than traditional housing), says Jan Ladewig, DVM, PhD, professor in Animal Welfare and Ethology at Copenhagen Universitys Department of Large Animal Sciences, in Denmark. It requires more knowledge about horse behavior in general, as well as more knowledge of each individual horse.Katie Sheats, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, assistant professor of equine primary care at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, agrees. Her university keeps a teaching herd on pasture 24/7. Theres a misconception that its easier, she says. From skin and foot care to nutrition and mental state, we continue to have an important role in overseeing the health and welfare of our pasture-kept horses.HydrationWater is the most important nutritional component, Sheats says. Like stalled horses, those at pasture need a constant source of clean, readily available water.Automatic waterers in pastures can relieve handlers of constant cleaning and refilling duties. | Photo: iStockIf they have still water in a large tub, it has to be checked daily, she says. First and foremost, you have to make sure its still there.Horses water consumption can change according to weather conditions and workload, and tubswhether plastic, metal, fiberglass, or concretecan break or leak.Clean water can also turn filthy in a hurry, depending on how frequently you empty it, sunlight exposure, and what falls into it, she adds. Leaves and branches can rot over time, and wild animals can fall in and drown. Animal decomposition can contaminate the water with bacteria that can provoke serious diseases in horses such as botulism.Algae can build up over time in still-water tubs and, while a small amount is rarely a problem, if water becomes unpalatable, horses might stop drinking, putting them at risk of dehydration. It is recommended to scrub buckets and tubs once a week, says Sheats, who keeps her own two horses on a home pasture 24/7.Automatic waterers can relieve handlers of constant cleaning and refilling duties, she says. But they and the pipes that feed them can pose their own challenges, such as freezing in winter. Its good to check them twice a day to be sure theyre still running, she says.Another issue: Most automatic waterers dont give feedback on consumption (a few do). If you cant see how much the horse is drinking, youll need to keep an eye on his hydration status by ensuring his skin springs back quickly when pinched and gums feel moist, Sheats says.NutritionEquine diets are very individualized. Hard keepers might need access to more abundant, richer forage, whereas easy-keeping fat little ponies might do better kept on pastures that have been grazed by other animals so that they have to work moreand take more stepswhen grazing, Ladewig says.Most horses in light to moderate work living on pasture 24/7 typically do well on their natural forage diet complemented by trace minerals and a ration balancer, says Sheats. But, she adds, this will depend on pasture grass, geographic location, and time of year. In our region, Sheats says, it is common to supplement pastured horses with hay, because pasture acreage is often too small or stocking density is too high to maintain an adequate supply of nutritious grasses year-round.Growing horses, hard-working athletes, and pregnant/nursing mares might also need more calories than grass alone can provide. Because each pasture and animal is unique, evaluate individual nutritional needs on a horse-by-horse basis.How to Feed Your HorseThe best you can do is pay attention to the condition of the horsein other words, noticing if their ribs are standing out or if they are completely buried in a layer of fat, says Ladewig.If your horse falls into the layer of fat category, youll want to intervene, because obesity can increase horses risk of joint issues, laminitis, and other health concerns, says Patricia Harris, MA, VetMB, PhD, Dipl. ECVCN, MRCVS, RCVS, head of the Equine Studies Group at the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, in Waltham on the Wolds, U.K. She and her team have studied strip grazing as a useful tool for restricting weight gain in pastured horses.With strip grazing handlers keep horses in a fenced-off section of a larger pasture, and they move the fences over by about a foot every day (keeping the same size fenced-in area). This keeps equids grazing all day on overgrazed areas, with a strip of ungrazed, more nutritive grass consistent with their dietary needs, says Harris.Grazing muzzles can be a useful alternative, provided they fit correctly and you check them regularly. Many horses, however, learn to graze very efficiently through them, so monitoring body condition remains critical. On the flip side, horses on poor-quality pastures (especially in winter) and underweight horses need additional forage and/or complementary feed. The goal is to ensure they have enough free-choice forage to meet their needs for chewing and consuming most of the day and night. Hoof CareHorses at pasture might not need shoes as much as their stalled counterparts because they move around more normally than when theyre standing all day, our sources say. Without shoes, blood circulation in the foot increases, allowing the hoof wall and sole to thicken, says Ladewig. If you remove your pastured horses shoes, however, note that it can take several months to more than a year for this thickening, particularly of the sole, to occur. Removing shoes, at least the hinds, is also safer for horses sharing the same living space, he adds, as shod horses can cause more damage when they kick. However, dont cut back on farrier visits, says Sheats. People often think, Oh hes outdoors and barefoot, so he can go longer, maybe eight weeks, between trims, she says. But it depends on the horse. In some cases waiting eight weeks between trims can lead to overgrown toes and flat feet.Rather, more frequent trims, every three to four weeks, can help restore and maintain a healthier hoof for barefoot pasture horses, she explains.If a horse works on hard or rocky terrain, has certain foot/limb conditions, or performs in a concussive discipline such as show jumping or eventing, though, he probably needs shoes even as a pasture horse, says Ladewig. Ideal pasture footing is firm, grassy ground, Sheats says. But even in optimal enclosures high-traffic areas often get muddy, which can lead to hoof cracks, white line disease, and other foot ailments. Owners can improve footing in high-traffic areas with ground stabilizers and good drainage, she says. When pastures get muddy, establish a rotation schedule and temporarily fence off sections to give them a chance to recover from constant treading. While its important to pick horses feet every dayespecially to check for injury or lodged rocksthe most critical thing is daily observation, Sheats explains. You need to notice if hes not walking normally so you can intervene right away, and you need to know when was the last time he was walking normally, because thats important information to tell the farrier and vet, she says. Preventive CareHealthy adult pasture horses typically need twice-annual wellness exams and preventive care visits, says Sheats.These visits are the best way to keep a horse in optimum health by preventing vaccinatable diseases, maintaining oral health, identifying issues that require correction (i.e., performance problems, weight gain or loss, hoof issues, dental abnormalities), assessing maintenance of chronic health conditions (e.g., pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, equine asthma), and achieving early diagnosis of a new disease that may have insidious onset, she explains. At these visits the veterinarians can also answer management-related questions and provide owners with access to additional resources.Skin and ThermodynamicsAway from the protective cover of the barn roof, horses skin and hair get a lot of exposure to the elements. Moisture is the main concern, which can put horses (especially those in warmer climates) at risk of developing the bacterial disease rain rot, says Ladewig. Still, healthy coats usually have an oily skin coating that helps ward off moisture, he adds.Regardless of coat quality, horses should always have access to shelter or shade trees so they can choose to get out of the rain, wind and other severe weather, or sun. Regular groomingone or two times a weekcan also remove dirt and air out the skin, helping prevent bacterial growth. If your horse does develop rain rot, keep him indoors or put a rain sheet on him during wet weather while he heals. Body-clipped horses, seniors, and more cold-sensitive breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians might need blankets during particularly cold and windy days.Shelter is also critical for protecting horsesespecially those with white hair and pink skinfrom sun exposure. In addition, it can give them a break from flying insects. You might need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to sensitive horses more frequently.Blanketing horses can disrupt their natural thermodynamics, Ladewig says. If theyre kept outdoors and left unclipped, most horses grow enough hair to stay warm in winter, especially if you provide them with adequate supplemental forage, which helps them produce heat through the internal combustion of digestion. Blankets also deny horses the insulating effect of piloerectionraising of the hairs by skin muscles when its cold out.Body-clipped horses, seniors, and more cold-sensitive breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians, however, might need blankets during particularly cold and windy days, Ladewig says. Lethargic or shivering horses might be too cold and, if they have body temperatures lower than 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, need a blanket. Just remember to remove blankets regularly to check for rubs and body condition, says Harris.Herd DynamicsReleasing a group of horses together in a pasture can be dangerous if not done correctly, our sources say. Its an art that requires careful observation and knowledge of individual horses and their relationships with each other. Horses develop complex hierarchies over time, and the best situation is when the groups are stable, says Sheats. Its the introduction and removal of a horse from a group that can upset the structure and create problems, she explains.Ensure lower-ranking individuals can access food, water, and shelter without the risk of getting trapped. | iStockWhen introducing a new horse, group him with one or two calm herd members, separately from the others, for a few days before putting everyone together, suggests Ladewig. Generally speaking, larger groups and larger pastures allow for more peaceful hierarchy establishment after this initial introduction to a few horsesprobably due to the extra space that lets them distance themselves when needed, he adds.Ensure lower-ranking individuals can access food, water, and shelter without the risk of getting trapped, our sources say. Keep food and water away from fences, and offer them at several locations set far apart from each other. Avoid shelters with only one door; they should either be fully open on one side or have two doorways so lower-ranking horses can escape when needed.Good SecurityStalled horses rarely end up loose on a road because they have so many barriers keeping them in. But pasture horses often have a single line of fence stopping them from free-roaming, so regular fence checks are critical, says Sheats. Walk the perimeter or drive it every day, she recommends. Better yet, have a double perimeter, especially if your farm is near a busy road. Falling trees, wind, and the horses themselves can down fences, and a second security fence can keep them safe, she says. For electric fences, regular maintenance includes checking the current and controlling grass/weed growth under the bottom strand, because this can interfere with the electrification. I have a current detector box that informs me if theres an issue, so that simplifies things, Sheats says. Never leave your horses more than a day without having someone check on them, she says. Even if theyve got unlimited food and water, they still need someone to look out for their health and safety in case of injuries, fence failures, or sudden illnesses such as colic. At the very least, someone needs to come close enough to make a visual inspection, make sure theyre ambulating normally, appear to have a good appetite, and that their water is okay, says Sheats. Take-Home MessageIt takes time and effort to maintain horses on 24/7 pasture in groups, says Ladewig, but knowing your horses are happier and healthier outdoors is worth the work.

Topic Details Benefits of Intensive BHS Courses Structured Learning Environment Expert Guidance Networking Opportunities Stage 1 Formal Assessment Progressive Riding Tests Challenge Awards Stage 2 Care: Yard Management and Anatomy Ride: Balanced Riding and Communication Lunge: Techniques and Equipment Coaching: Principles and Planning Suitability for Adult Riders Experience and Background Time Commitment Cost: 2,300 for 12 weeks Age and Learning Style Choosing the Right Equestrian Gear Invest in quality riding gear such as Jodhpurs and Boots for comfort and support. Conclusion Intensive BHS courses offer structured learning, professional mentorship, and networking. Consider financial commitment, timing, and personal preferences before joining. Additional Resources Explore equestrian resources and essentials for comprehensive gear and training. Is an Intensive BHS Course the Right Path for Adult Riders Looking to Level Up Their Skills?For adult riders aiming to rapidly advance their equestrian skills, an intensive British Horse Society (BHS) course might be a compelling option. These courses promise a fast-tracked learning journey. But is one right for you? Here, we'll explore the strengths, structure, and suitability of these programs for adult equestrians.Benefits of Intensive BHS CoursesEngaging in an intensive BHS course offers a wealth of advantages: Structured Learning Environment: Such courses provide a focused and immersive learning space, allowing participants to delve into both theoretical and practical horse care aspects. Expert Guidance: Courses are facilitated by qualified BHS instructors, ensuring professional and personalized training. Networking Opportunities: Engaging with a cohort of like-minded riders fosters camaraderie and long-lasting professional relationships.By participating, you're part of a community striving for excellence, such as those described by Quob Stables.Structure and ContentAn intensive BHS program like the 12-week course at Quob Stables typically involves daily training with both group sessions and hands-on learning. Participants will work on specific BHS stages that enhance their riding and horse care skills.Stage 1 Formal Assessment: Combines structured training with a final evaluation. Progressive Riding Tests: Prioritizes continuous assessment, avoiding formal exams. Challenge Awards: Focuses on mastering individual skills, whether in riding or horse care.Stage 2 Care: Encompasses the roles involved in equestrian yard management, including routine care and understanding horse anatomy. Ride: Improves skills in balanced riding and horse communication. Lunge: Offers training on the appropriate techniques and equipment for lungeing. Coaching: Introduces foundational coaching principles and lesson planning.More details on this stage and its requirements can be found on the BHS website.Suitability for Adult RidersConsidering an intensive BHS course depends heavily on individual circumstances and motivations.Experience and BackgroundIf you have a solid base in riding and equestrian experience, taking the leap into an intensive course is an excellent option. However, if you're just starting, consider fundamental courses or private lessons first.Time CommitmentSuch courses demand a significant time investment, a challenge for those with busy lives. Nevertheless, the payoff in skills and knowledge could save time in the long haul.CostThe cost of completing an intensive course such as Quob Stables information found at their homepage, which is approximately 2,300 for 12 weeks, is a substantial investment considering possible additional accommodation expenses.Age and Learning StyleAge shouldn't be a deterrent. Evaluate if the intense course pace aligns with your learning style. Some may prefer a relaxed environment or a more flexible schedule.Choosing the Right Equestrian GearEmbarking on any equestrian training requires the right gear. Investing in quality equipment can make a huge difference. To enhance your riding experience, explore our diverse Jodhpur Collection and equip yourself with Horse Riding Boots for optimal support and comfort during rides.ConclusionIntensive BHS courses offer adult riders a rigorous path to advance their skills swiftly, given they have a strong foundation in equestrian activities. The structured learning, professional mentorship, and unique networking opportunities make these courses a lucrative choice.However, consider the financial commitment, timing, and your personal learning preferences before you dive in. If you're ready to undertake the challenge, it could redefine your riding skills remarkably.For further exploration into BHS courses and opportunities, visit the comprehensive resources at BHS website or consider the offering listed at Courses for Horses.Additional Resources and Equestrian Essentials Find more about essential gear, check our Horse Riding Gloves Collection.

When a horse is napping, they are trying to tell you something and its usually NO!. This sort of behaviour happenswhen we ignore or are not aware of thesmaller gestures horses use to tell us theydo not feel secure or comfortable enoughto go forwards.Signs could includeshowing hesitation, slowing down,turning their head sideways to get a betterlook or smell of something, and snortingand spooking. We may also experience tailswishing, evasive manoeuvres, headtossing, tension throughout the body, andbucking and rearing.Horses have a wide repertoire of behaviours and will express these louder and louder to tell us they are not comfortable. If we do not listen and try to force them forwards, we are likely to cause napping. Its very important to rule out pain and discomfort when dealing with any behavioural issue such as napping.Finding a causeA napping horse can be scary and dangerous for you as a rider, but with time and patience, this behaviour can be safely overcome. When trying to get to the root of the cause, it is important to make the following checks first:Make sure your horse isnt in pain. Ask your vet to investigate possible reasons for napping.Saddle fitters can check and makeadjustments to your saddle to preventpain from a poorly-fitting saddle.An equine dental technician, or a vet, can check your horses teeth and make sure the mouth isnt the cause of any pain.Physiotherapists can work underreferral from your vet to help where ahorse has musculoskeletal issues and painfrom tense muscles. They can developtraining plans to build muscles moreevenly if your horse is asymmetrical, hasa tendency to go better on one rein, or maybe compensating for injury or pain bymoving unevenly. Often these issues arevery subtle and hard for the untrainedeye to detect.When you have eliminated pain as being the cause, the next step is to consider that your horses napping could be a training issue.How to handle a napping horseHorses who nap frequently and are successful in getting back to their comfort zone will learn that this behaviour works and this means they are likely to do it again, explains Rosa Verwijs, a certified equine behaviour consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and who is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.If when they nap again you are ready and try not to let them succeed, they are likely to increase the intensity and severity of this behaviour, which becomes a dangerous situation for all involved.If you use punishment (anything that causes pain or discomfort, such as pulling on the reins, kicking and using the whip) you are likely to increase the anxiety levels your horse is feeling and make the behaviour worse. Instead, we need to find out the cause of the napping and deal with that problem.Predicting discomfortHorses predict discomfort andanxiety so will want to avoid this, and thats where we see horses that nap. They learn from previous experiences to avoid situations that could potentially be harmful.Many horses will nap because they do not want to leave their friends. Having equine company is really important to horses, and we often dont realise how crucial this need is, adds Rosa.If your horse is happy to hack out in company or go to the field with other horses, but starts napping when on their own, this is the likely cause of that behaviour.The same is likely to happen in any situation in which you try to take them away from their friends, such as leading in from the field, taking them away from the stables, going towards the arena, wash bays, or any other area where they know they will be on their own.Horses are very quick to learn when this will happen, and will nap to avoid doing so. This may be accompanied by high pitched whinnies as they try to locate their friends once they can no longer see them.Top tips to solve nappingWhen you are confident that pain is not a cause of napping, there are different approaches you can take depending on the cause of the napping.Its vital to identify the cause in order to be able to apply the best method of modifying that behaviour.Horses that nap due to pain and have the pain resolved may still nap because they still anticipate pain. We need to go slowly and allow them time to realise that there is no pain anymore.Reassuring a fearful horse will build their trust in you, so if you feel the tension levels starting to rise, stop and allow your horse to process the situation, scratch them at the withers to reduce heart rate and encourage them to relax, and then when they are calmer encourage them to move forwards again, advises Rosa.A great way to let a horse know they are doing the right thing is to give them food for doing so. That reward will become more important for them to focus on than whatever may be causing them to nap.This will gradually desensitise them to stressors, build a better relationship with you and help them to cope with other potentially stressful situations.Reassure a horse with a gentle pat to build confidenceLeaving other horsesWe can also use this technique for horses that nap when leaving other horses. We can separate them for short periods of time, and use distractions in the form of food, enrichment items and reassurance in the form of scratches, grooming, and other positive activities that teach the horse that although they are being separated, good things will happen.Its important to increase the time separated gradually (think seconds, then minutes, then longer periods) so they know that they will get to see their friends again, says Rosa.On hacks you can practice short separations by allowing other horses to go short distances ahead and then waiting to catch up, and allow you to walk past a short distance and take it in turns. Be careful to increase these distances slowly, otherwise your horse will become too anxious and start to nap again.You can start this with short hacks in-hand, using food rewards and wither scratches when your horse stays relaxed. Then move on to doing this while riding, continuing with the scratches and rewards. This will build confidence and should help your horse to feel more secure about staying behind and taking the lead.A combination of causesSometimes napping is caused by a combination of smaller stressors that build up, the term for which is trigger stacking, which pushes your horse to a place where they cannot cope.Usually your horse can cope with these stressors individually, but if its windy, and there are a lot of cars going by too fast, you pull on the reins a little too hard and then tap your horse with the whip because they are not listening, the cumulative effect of all of these factors can be too much for your horse to cope with, explains Rosa.For them, napping is now the behaviour you are likely to listen to, and return them to a place of safety.Causes of nappingAs well as pain, horses can become fearful of some situations and begin napping due to the following:Rider expecting too much from the horse in their training. Perhaps the horse is young, inexperienced, unfit or in their older years. Dont over-face them; if you do, you risk them saying no by napping.Using punishment to correct inappropriate behaviours (shouting, hitting with a whip, for example).Lack of rider confidence causing a tense riding situation. Your horse looks to you to be the leader and takes confidence from that, so if you find a situation scary, chances are they will too.Fear of other horses working in the same arena.Fear of traffic, hedge monsters, farm animals in fields (especially ones horses can smell and/or hear but cant see), drain covers on the road, for example.Other horses that bully them in the field (or even in the yard for example a horse will be reluctant to walk past the stable of a horse who routinely reaches out to bite them).Understanding the cause of why your horse is napping is the first stage of working through it. Seek help from an expert or trainer if you need to, before the situation becomes out of hand and you and your horse start to lose confidence and trust in each other.Case study: finding the causeWhen 10-year-old gelding Paddy suddenly started freezing on the driveway out of his yard, rearing and spinning if pushed by his rider, his owner decided she needed help. They hadnt managed to hack out in weeks, and the horses napping behaviour had become dangerous.Paddys napping began when, on his last hack out, rubbish had been left at the yard entrance. As he came through the gates the wind blew the rubbish and he and some of the other horses spooked and bolted back to the yard.Step 1: DesensitisingTo help Paddy overcome his napping, I began by working on desensitising him to rubbish bags and moving rubbish by staying at a distance and waiting for him to relax before decreasing the distance. His owner stayed with him and gave him scratches and food rewards to reassure him, explains Rosa.Over time, I could get close and he began to investigate the plastic bags without showing fear.Step 2: Target trainingNow that his fear of the rubbish bags was something he could control, Rosa moved on to using a target to train Paddy to move more confidently down the driveway.We used a traffic cone, and began by waiting for him to investigate it with his nose in the familiar environment of the stable yard where he was most relaxed, she says.As soon as he touched the cone, he got a treat. He quickly learned the new touch the target, get a treat game.We then moved the target and cued him to touch it by saying target just before he did so, making sure he got a treat every time he touched it.Target training: the horse is rewarded with food after touching the cone (stock image)Step 3: Make it funThen they moved to the arena, where Paddy was loose, and played some simple movement games using the target. This progressed to moving around other areas of the yard on a loose lead rope, and eventually the driveway.He was then ridden towards the target and was offered the treat from the saddle, by asking him to stand and bend his head around to a lowered hand holding the treat near his shoulder, says Rosa.The target was used to increase distances and now Paddy stays at the end of the drive and walks calmly down the drive, touches the target and then confidently continues out on his hack.All images Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd/Lucy MerrellRelated contentTips to deal with napping out hackingCan you read your horses body language?How to stop a horse from buckingHow to cope with a rearing horse6 things you need to know about horse communicationThe post Equine behaviour consultant explains how to manage a napping horse appeared first on Your Horse.

A reminder that Horse Sport Ireland has moved to an appointment booking system for all in-person studbook/registration and FEI-related queries at the Horse Sport Ireland offices since Monday 14th October, 2024. This will help us to support customer queries more efficiently. Please click here to book an in-person appointment for all studbook/registration-related queries. Please click here to book an in -person appointment for all FEI-related queries. Drop-ins to the Horse Sport Ireland office without an appointment will not be facilitated at this time to allow us to process existing applications. In-person passport collections will be allowed as normal. Please click here for support on how to set up an account on HorseSource and complete a passport registration.

A 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in San Bernardino County, California, recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The horse was euthanized on January 20. Eighteen exposed horses on the premises have tested negative and will remain quarantined until their 60-day retest.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 EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by USEF Eventing (@usefeventing) Its high training session season and this week weve been following the USEF development program as they work in Ocala, FL with coaches...

Following 10 years of advocacy by the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE), the United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution formally acknowledging the essential role of working animals in disaster risk reduction.ICWE, which comprises animal welfare organisations Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA and World Horse Welfare, has been campaigning for a decade for working animals to be included into the resolution in line with their presence in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.Working animals fulfill important roles during catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. Horses, donkeys and mules provide essential support by transporting resources, evacuating people and accessing areas where vehicles cannot.We are delighted that working animals are finally recognised for the vital support they provide to communities around the world during times of disaster, said Jessica Stark, chair of ICWE and director of communications and public affairs at World Horse Welfare.Asa coalition of the worlds leading working animal welfare organisations, with a collective presence in over 50 countries,ICWE is advocating for the millions of working equids around the world to be better protected when disasters strike, for instanceby evacuating them to safety and giving them essential food, water and veterinary care.Life-saving roleThe UN resolution ensures member states consider working animals in their disaster resilience and risk management plans.In the aftermath of a disaster, working animals can play a critical and often life-saving role, said Linda Edwards, Chief Executive at SPANA.I personally witnessed donkeys and mules delivering essential aid following the Morocco earthquake which struck in 2023, reaching isolated communities that might otherwise have not received support.These extraordinary animals are invaluable assets to their communities, yet their contributions during humanitarian responses are often disregarded, and they are typically the last to receive assistance.Working animals are sentient beings, deserving of lives free from pain and suffering. The inclusion of working animals in the UN resolution is a monumental step toward a future where every working animal is not only recognised, but valued and respected.Main image (c) Brooke.Further readingEquine flu: how to lower the risk to your horse7 common winter vet call outs and how to avoid them this seasonHandy guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverHorses are designed to get wet, so many dont need to wear a rug, says vetThe post UN adopts resolution acknowledging vital role of working animals in disaster risk reduction appeared first on Your Horse.

As the weather warms up and spring approaches, it's important to ensure that your horse is well-equipped to handle the changing conditions. Spring is a beautiful time of year, and with the right horse rug, you can ensure that your equine companion enjoys it to the fullest. By providing protection, comfort, and peace of mind, horse rugs are an essential accessory for any horse owner. So, gear up your horse for spring and get ready to embark on new adventures together! In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of horse rugs for spring and provide some tips on choosing the right one for your horse.Why are horse rugs important for spring?Spring weather can be unpredictable, especially in the UK, with sudden temperature changes and unpredictable rain showers.Turnout and stable rugs offer a layer of protection against these elements, helping to regulate your horse's body temperature and keep them clean and dry. They provide insulation during cooler days and nights, while also allowing breathability to prevent overheating. Throughout our entire rug range, the lining is technically advanced offering anti-static and anti-bacterial properties, further enhancing comfort and health benefits to your horse.What are the benefits of using horse rugs?Using horse rugs in spring offers several benefits for your equine companion:Protection from the elements:Spring rugs shield your horse from rain, wind, and cold temperatures, preventing them from getting wet and chilled.The Akoni is made from 600 denier diamond triple weave polyester, this rug is very lightweight and ideal for breathable protection from unexpected showers during spring, summer, and autumn. The outer fabric has a Teflon coating for stain resistance and moisture protection. Beneath the bold outer, this rug includes a protective membrane that repels water, ensuring added comfort.Comfort and warmth: Rugs provide an extra layer of warmth during cooler spring days and nights, ensuring your horse stays comfortable; especially older horses.The Stratus Stable Sheet is an ideal choice for spring adding a lightweight, thin, anti-chill layer. The technical polyester fabric of this horse sheet/cooler has a traditional cotton feel which effectively wicks away sweat and moisture from the horses coat, allowing excess heat to escape and helping to speed up drying time. An elegant Stratus embroidery to the rear enhances the classic look and feel of this sheet.Prevention of skin conditions: Horse rugs can help prevent skin conditions such as rain rot and sweet itch by keeping your horse dry and protecting their skin from irritants.Reduced insect bites: Some horse rugs are designed witha mix of materials which offer additionalproperties, helping to keep your horse cooler on the warmer days and keep pesky bugs at bay and reducing the risk of insect bites. For extra added protection against insect bites, our Pro-Tech Bug and Fly Boots are available toenhance comfort and protection to your horse's legs during the warmer seasons. Crafted from 3D ducted sports mesh, these fly boots allow air to flow and circulate around your horse's leg to keep them cool and comfortable.Choosing the right horse rug for springWhen selecting a horse rug for spring, there are a few factors to consider:Weight and insulation: Choose a rug with the appropriate weight and insulation level for the spring weather in your area. Lighter rugs are suitable for milder climates, while heavier rugs are better for colder regions.Waterproof and breathable: Look for a rug that is both waterproof and breathable to ensure your horse stays dry and comfortable. The weather is unpredictable and ever changing, so it is always best to be prepared for all weather.Fit and adjustability: A well-fitting rug is essential for your horse's comfort and freedom of movement. Make sure the rug you choose allows for easy adjustments and provides a snug fit. Many of our rugs feature a high shoulder gusset allowing for a greater range of movement enhancing your horse's comfort and is great for horses prone to rubbing.Durability: Invest in a high-quality rug that can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and frequent use.Tips and things to considerCreating a capsule wardrobe for your horse serves many benefits throughout the seasons, with spring being a main one! Having rugs available to rotate to suit the weather is vital. With many options available across the market, it can be hard knowing which rug to choose. One advantage of purchasing rugs for warmer weather is that they can be doubled up in the autumn.Fortunately, there is a constant demand for technology, comfort, and durability to increase within the rugs and other equestrian products. With this in mind, we have provided a variation of rugs using technically advanced materials, including hybrid rug options ensuring that all customers are catered for.

There are so many options of accommodation to suit all budgets if you would like to come and stay during the Mars Badminton Horse Trials.People have been coming to camp at Badminton for many, many years and today the campsite extends to 1700 Pitches spread across 11 Fields.Many visitors return year on year to spend the week here at the event where they meet up with friends, spend precious time with family members and share their love of the event.The campsite is well equipped with an onsite store, The Dauntsey Shop, where you can get all your essentials such as milk, groceries and camping supplies.The Hub is a central meeting point where you will be able to buy a coffee or take a break from the camping stove and enjoy fish and chips and other items from the onsite caterer.Whether you are a seasoned camper or want to try it for the first time, the campsite can be used by campers with tents, caravans, motorhomes and horse lorries and if you do not have your own form of camping accommodation you can also use one of our caravan suppliers to rent a caravan for the week that will be delivered to the site ready for your arrival.The Badminton Retreat is for those that want to enjoy a rather more luxurious glamping experience within the park.Tucked away next to the Huntsmans Close the Badminton Retreat gives you the opportunity to stay in one of their luxury, fully equipped safari tents and enjoy the Retreats own Gastro Restaurant, dedicated parking, shuttle service to the shopping village, VIP lounge, complimentary spa (for Retreat guests only) and spend your evening listening to celebrity guest speakers from the eventing world in the beautiful restaurant.The accommodation list on our website is the place to visit to find local B&Bs, guest houses and accommodation to rent. Many guests from all around the world return year after year to stay with many of our local hosts who they can now count as friends.The De Vere Tortworth Court is the official hotel of the Badminton Horse Trials. A historic hotel set in stunning surroundings, Tortworth Court is just 12 miles away from the park at Wotton Under Edge. With all the facilities you would expect of this luxury hotel, it is the perfect base to return to after a thrilling day of sport at the horse trials.So, whether you want to rent a house, bring a two-man tent, enjoy a complimentary spa within breathing distance of one of Badmintons most iconic fences or enjoy the luxury offered by our official hotel, the options are endless.

28.01.2025 Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! A cornerstone of the GCL Championship, Madrid In Motion is back in 2025, armed with fresh determination and an electrifying line-up with two new signings. Following a solid 7th-place finish in 2024, the team has reloaded and is ready to shift gears, eyeing the top of the podium this season as the first official team announced for...