How Horses Are Changing Education Just Horse Riders Podcast Ep. 23Imagine a world where learning doesnt have to happen inside a classroom, where struggling students find a new sense of purpose, and where horses become teachers. Sounds like a dream? Well, it's happening right now thanks to the Changing Lives Through Horses program by the British Horse Society.In Episode 23 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander sits down with two incredible guests to discuss how equestrian education is transforming the lives of young people who struggle in traditional schooling. Watch now or keep reading to find out more!Horses as Teachers? Yes, Really!For many young people, the traditional school system just doesnt work. Aaron sums it up perfectly: If there was something like this around when I was a kid, I probably wouldnt have gone in because I was a bit too thick. Anyway.But the truth is, **horses provide an alternative form of education that is both engaging and life-changing**. The program helps children and young adults (ages 5-25) develop six key life skills, including:Communication Learning how to interact with both horses and humansConfidence Gaining self-belief through hands-on experiencePerseverance Overcoming fears and setbacksResponsibility Taking care of a horse builds accountabilityTeamwork Working with others to complete stable tasksProblem-solving Learning how to adapt and think on your feetAs one of the guests puts it, Its almost like learning by stealth kids are having so much fun, they dont even realise theyre developing critical skills!From the Classroom to the StablesMany of the young people in the program have struggled in mainstream education. The structured, sit-down learning approach doesnt suit everyone. **Horses, however, dont judge, shout, or give detentions.** They listen, respond, and offer a safe space for growth.One of the guests shared a powerful story about a young boy named Charlie. Charlie described school as a thunderstorm in his head, with overwhelming sensory overload and bullying. But through the Changing Lives Through Horses program, he found confidence, friendship, and even became a star of an equestrian video magazine!Why Schools Are Getting InvolvedOne of the biggest shifts happening in education is the increasing **recognition of alternative learning pathways**. More and more schools are seeing the value of integrating equestrian education.Weve had a 40% increase in the number of children joining the program in just three years, one of the guests noted. With over **1,400 young people currently registered**, the demand is growing fast.So, whats driving this change?Schools need new ways to engage struggling studentsAttendance rates improve when kids are excited to learnEmployability skills are built through equestrian workPhysical and mental well-being benefits are undeniableThe Business Side Helping Riding Schools ThriveBeyond the educational benefits, the Changing Lives Through Horses program is also **helping equestrian businesses stay afloat**.Riding schools are struggling, Aaron points out. Everything is going up through the roof and people dont always have the money to ride.By integrating the program, riding centres gain a **new revenue stream**, more exposure, and a chance to make a real difference in their communities.How You Can Get InvolvedWhether youre a teacher, parent, equestrian business owner, or just someone who believes in the **power of horses**, there are plenty of ways to support this incredible initiative:Share this podcast with educators and equestrian centresVisit the Changing Lives Through Horses page to learn moreEncourage local schools to explore alternative education programsSupport riding schools that participate in the initiativeWant to Hear More?If this topic fascinates you (or you just love hearing Aarons witty takes on life), then watch the full podcast episode now or listen on Spotify.And if youre a rider yourself, why not check out some of the best equestrian gear available at Just Horse Riders? Browse our top collections:JodhpursRiding BootsRiding GlovesHorse Treats & Gifts**Horses are changing education, one student at a time.** Be part of the movement watch the podcast now!

Horse inspections are designed to ensure horses are sound to compete. | FEI/Benjamin ClarkHorse inspections held prior to the start of a 3-day event and again prior to the competitions show jumping phase are designed to ensure horses are sound to compete. Veterinary delegates and an inspection panel perform them. However, the final decision of a horse being accepted to compete lies with the ground jury. This can cause a variety of challenges, said Elin Hernlund, DVM, PhD, associate senior lecturer at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in Uppsala, during her presentation at the at the 2025 IGNITE Sports Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar, held Jan. 12-13, in Ocala, Florida.Challenges During Horse InspectionsHorse inspections at events are brief, and varying standards even within disciplines make it particularly challenging for experts to agree on visual assessments of soundness. In cross-sectional studies of the inspections, researchers have found asymmetries in horses movements are prevalent, said Hernlund. Practitioners typically consider symmetric movers sound and severely asymmetric ones not sound. However, some asymmetries can make it difficult for veterinarians to determine if the horse is truly sound or lame, she said.Although veterinarians have worked to establish threshold values for lameness, opinions vary widely on what qualifies as lame. There are no threshold values we can use at the moment, said Hernlund.Study on Gait Analysis and Horse InspectionsResearchers have gathered data at seven FEI-level long-format eventing competitions from five countries, recording a total of 323 horse inspections. In preliminary results the investigators showed that measurements taken using a smartphone-based AI program largely support human decisions about soundness made at the inspections. Horses sent to the holding box (the area where horses go when the ground jury wants to reevaluate them for soundness) are more asymmetrical than those that do not go to the holding box, but there are exceptions, Hernlund said. Further results from the study will be forthcoming.Take-Home MessageThe goal of the horse inspection at every event is to ensure horses entered are sound and fit to compete. This is for the safety of horses and humans alike. Using data gathered by AI can help quantify what the veterinarians and ground jury see. While the idea is still in the early stages, Hernlund said it shows promise for the future.

Equine nutraceuticals play an important role in supporting horses, but with a rapidly expanding market, making informed choices can be challenging.Join our roundtable webcast discussion on advancing equine supplementation. Leading experts will share in discussions of the latest research on products, of whats new in the market, and how veterinarians can advise horse owners surrounding this topic. Whether youre looking for evidence-based insights to guide your recommendations or ways to support equine joint health, this webcast sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. is designed to help.Buy Cosequin ASU Balance NowAbout the Experts: Emma Adam, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSEmma Adam, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVS, currently works at the Gluck Equine Research Center, in the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky. She has worked as a primary and referral clinician, being board-certified in both internal medicine and in surgery. Her PhD was in cartilage biology and pathobiology.Greg Fox, DVMGreg Fox, DVM, practiced full time at Laurel Racetrack from 1990 to 1993 before relocating to Lexington, Kentucky, where he splits his time between racetrack practice and sales work. In 2004 he took a six-year sabbatical from practice to test his theories as a licensed Thoroughbred trainer and won several graded-stake races during this time. In 2011 he returned to full-time practice of veterinary medicine at Payson Park, in Florida, until 2016 when he returned to his prior racetrack practice and sales work in Lexington. Mark Akin, DVMMark Akin, DVM, is a 1986 Graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is the owner of Akin Equine Veterinary Services, a practice that has specialized in the treatment of lameness and performance issues in the equine athlete for 39 years.Jessica Leatherwood, PhDJessica Leatherwood, PhD, an associate professor at Tarleton State University, in Stephenville, Texas, conducts research using noninvasive methods to assess inflammation and cartilage turnover in young horses alongside dietary strategies to reduce joint inflammation. Her recent projects prioritize equine welfare and competition integrity, aiming to enhance the health and performance of young equine athletes. She has published nearly 40 refereed journal articles and has secured over $3 million in external grants to support her research initiatives.

To celebrate reaching 50k followers on our Instagram, were hosting an unbelievable Become a Points Millionaire giveaway of 1,000,000 rewards points to spend with us online or in store!With endless possibilities of what to spend 1,000 on, could you be our very first Points Millionaire? Follow us on Instagram to enter, and to double your chances, fill out the form below! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM LIKE US ON FACEBOOK T&Cs This giveaway is open worldwide! Winners will be contacted by the social media account used to enter this giveaway. Entries will be received until 11:59pm on Sunday the 23rd of March 2025. We reserve the right to end this giveaway before this date stated above.The post Become a Points Millionaire! first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Some hay suppliers might be willing to store hay if there is limited storage space on your farm. | iStockQ: I do not have much space for hay storage on my farm, so I only buy about 10 bales at a time from my local feed store for my pony. They get their hay from various sources so there is little to no consistency. How can I make these constant changes easier on my pony? Should I get my hay tested with each shipment to make sure it is meeting his nutritional requirements?A: Youre correct in being concerned about the impact of hay variability on your ponys nutritional well-being. This is an issue I see fairly frequently, even with large boarding facilities, because it can be difficult to source enough hay for the year and have the space to store it.I have two main concerns with continually changing the forage source in your ponys diet. First, when you change the fiber type abruptly, it can shock the microbes in the horses gastrointestinal tract and cause digestive upset. Second, maintaining a balanced diet that is optimal for your pony can be challenging when you are unaware of the forages nutritional content.Finding a reliable hay supplier is easier said than done; however, if you can travel to pick up the hay, I recommend inquiring with local hay suppliers about purchasing from them regularly. They might be willing to store hay for you, which could increase the consistency of your 10-bale batches.Testing Hay When Making Horse Hay ChangesIf you cannot change hay suppliers or none in your area have a storage system, testing every shipment to make sure it is adequate for your pony is the gold standard. Hay batches often have large variations in nutritional values such as protein, energy, minerals, sugars, and even fiber digestibility. Maintaining your pony on a quality ration balancer that provides a digestible source of vitamins and minerals will reduce the risk of dietary deficiencies from the forage.RELATED CONTENT: How to Assess Your Horses ForageSince you are consistently getting new shipments of hay, testing every single batch can become costly. So, despite this being the gold standard practice, it might not be practical. If you cannot test each shipment, at least test a few batches so you can better understand the forages variability.Maintaining Equine GI Health With Hay ChangesAs mentioned, one of the main concerns with abrupt fiber changes is the risk of digestive upset. The large population of microbes in the equine gastrointestinal tract gets accustomed and adapts to the day-to-day diet. Therefore, when your pony switches from one hay type to another frequently, it can be challenging to maintain optimal gut health. A simple way to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset when switching hay types is to save a couple of bales (even just two or three) to mix with the new batch of hay.Get your new shipment of hay while you still have a couple of bales remaining from the last batch. Then begin to feed the new forage in combination with the previous batch. You can start with 25% of the new forage and 75% of the previous batch. Ideally, you would maintain this ratio for a couple of days prior to moving to a 50/50 split. From there, you would continue to increase the proportion of new hay in the diet as you decrease the previous batch. In a perfect situation this transition would happen over seven to 14 days, but any type of slower transition is better than an abrupt change. The slow transition will reduce the shock on your ponys gastrointestinal tract and allow the microbial population time to adapt to the new forage slowly.Take-Home MessageSourcing hay can be challenging, especially when storage is limited; however, with careful management, you can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset for your pony. Additionally, testing hay when possible and using a quality ration balancer can reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies in your ponys diet.

Some horses might need vitamin E supplementation if their diet is lacking in the nutrient. | The Horse StaffVitamin E is an important nutrient for your horses health because it supports muscle health and protects cell membranes. This nutrient is an essential vitamin, meaning your horse cannot synthesize it and it must be provided in the diet, and it is fat-soluble.Vitamin E is perhaps best known for its antioxidant properties. When the horse metabolizes oxygen, free radicals are produced, which can overload the body and cause oxidative stress. For horses, vitamin E is the most popular antioxidant (among horse owners), it will scavenge the free radicals to reduce any cellular damage, says Carey Williams, MS, PhD, professor of animal sciences at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Green pastures are great sources of vitamin E but, when this is not available, how do we ensure the horse is consuming the amount he needs?How Much Vitamin E is Recommended for Horses?The National Research Councils (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses, published in 2007, provides a recommended vitamin E intake level based on your horses body weight and workload to prevent deficiency. An average size horse that is not in work is going to require about 500 IU (international units) of vitamin E daily; however, I recommend 1,000 IU for the average horse as this level to help to accommodate any deficiencies, says Williams. Horses in heavy exercise or breeding have increased requirements for vitamin E.There isnt a true known optimal amount for all horses, says Rachel Mottet, PhD, an equine nutritionist and the owner of Legacy Equine Nutrition, in Ocala, Florida. There is an established requirement that is recommended to prevent deficiency, yet optimal, especially as it relates to equine athletes, needs more work.Further research is required to fully elucidate the optimal vitamin E dose for equine athletes. When a horse exercises, there is exercise induced oxidative stress. This is due to increased amounts of free radicals. Therefore, feeding these animals more vitamin E is thought to be beneficial due to its antioxidant qualities. However, the ideal supplementation amount to optimally support equine athletes has yet to be determined.Horses metabolize vitamin E at different rates, Mottet adds, so research into optimal supplementation levels is challenging. I periodically see horses getting the recommended amount of vitamin E (yet), based on their serum samples, are still deficient, she says. Part of the widespread deficiencies I see may be in part attributed to nonviable forms of vitamin E in different supplements, as the vitamin itself is prone to quick degeneration.How to Evaluate Your Horses Vitamin E StatusEnsuring your horses daily ration is meeting the NRC requirements for vitamin E is a crucial first step in evaluating your horses vitamin E status.Because it is not realistic to measure the vitamin E content in pasture and hay, look at what the horse gets in the rest of his daily rationration balancer, concentrate, and any top-dressed supplementsespecially if hes on a primarily hay diet or has period of the year where pastures are scarce. Talk to an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian about what you find.If you are concerned about your horses vitamin E status have the veterinarian pull blood to evaluate, says Mottet. As long as the sample is handled properly and submitted quickly, this is a great (and the most accurate) way to determine if your horse is getting an adequate amount.If there is a deficiency detected via blood serum, then your horse likely needs additional vitamin E supplementation. 10,000 IU doses are used short term (to rectify a deficiency) as it can interfere with beta carotene absorption (at sustained levels), says Williams. Normally, it is not toxic, but you can get to a point that you interfere with other fat-soluble vitamins.Mottet adds that it is unnecessary to supplement your horses vitamin E intake if blood serum tests do not detect a deficiency.Best Sources of Vitamin E for HorsesAgain, pasture is the best source of vitamins for horses. Sun-cured hay is inevitably vitamin-deficient. I personally like to make sure that my ration is providing my horses daily vitamin E requirement and whatever I get in pasture or hay is a bonus, says Mottet.If its clear the horse needs vitamin E supplementation, work with an equine nutritionist to be certain your horse is consuming a high-quality bioavailable vitamin E source.When evaluating vitamin E in a product, there are two main typesnatural and synthetic. The synthetic form of vitamin E is known as dl-alpha-tocopherol, and the natural form is d-alpha-tocopherol. Both natural and synthetic sources work, however, the natural vitamin E is more bioavailable (usable) to the animal, says Williams. About 20 years ago my lab looked at heavily exercising horses and if greater vitamin E supplementation would decrease oxidative stress. It was shown that intensely exercising horses that were not housed on pastures would benefit from 5,000 IU per day for a 1,000-lb horse; the synthetic form was used for this research, therefore, if you were using the natural form, you could likely get by with 2,500 IU instead.The NRCs recommendation is a helpful starting point, but it is important to remember that more is not always better. If the horse has adequate serum vitamin E levels, there isnt strong data that says more is better, says Mottet. However, as a potent antioxidant its possible that additional vitamin E could provide benefits to equine athletes.More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this supplementation method, she adds. Additionally, although toxicity risk is low, there is a potential for interference with other fat-soluble vitamins when significantly over-supplied to the horse.Take Home MessageVitamin E is an important antioxidant for horses. Equine athletes in heavy work, broodmares and breeding stallions, or those without daily pasture might need additional supplementation. Natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E are available and, while both are effective, the natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol) is more bioavailable to the horse. Therefore, if your horse has a deficiency, your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist might recommend supplementing him with a liquid form of natural vitamin E from a reputable company. Before adding a supplement to your horses diet, consult your veterinarian for blood serum testing, which can help you obtain accurate information about your horses vitamin E status.

Equinesports massage and rehabilitation therapistAshleigh Williamsis looking to establish a dedicated equine rehabilitation centre and community interest company (CIC) which will offer therapeutic care for rescue horses and those whose owners may lack the resources for treatment.Ashleigh, who is based in Kent,wants to ensure specialised equine rehabilitation and therapy services are available to all those involved with horses after spotting a gap in the market.In recent years, I have observed a growing issue: many owners struggle to afford essential rehabilitation treatments for their horses, said Ashleigh.This has become more apparent since the pandemic and continues as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I am conducting independent research to support this, and those I have spoken to so far agree there is an issue.Community benefitsA CIC is a non for profit company which aims to benefit the community rather than private stakeholders. Ashleighs CICwill offer a range of advanced treatments including hydrotherapy, salt and oxygen therapy, ultrasound therapy and spa baths, combi floor therapy as well as sports massage and rehabilitation therapy.Treatments at the centre will be available to both full-paying clients and those receiving funding which will allow rescue centres, sanctuaries and those owners in financial difficulty to access treatments at a subsidised rate. Profits from private treatments will be reinvested into the centre.The location of the centre is to be determined.I aim to establish the CIC business in the coming months, enabling me to treat more horses while we work towards creating the centre. Part of the CIC application process is compiling research and evidence to support the need for the CIC.To help Ashleigh with her research please click here for the questionnaire. To donate to Ashleighs crowdfunding campaign which has a target of 20,000, click here. Image Ashleigh Williams.Related contentSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Equine therapist aims to launch CIC to provide subsidised rehabilitation and therapy services appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Importance of Trust Trust is essential for a safe and harmonious partnership with a pony. Emotional Security: Reduces anxiety and stress. Enhanced Performance: Leads to better outcomes. Stronger Bond: Facilitates a deeper connection. Strategies for Building Trust Passive Dominance: Use body language for leadership. Desensitization: Gradual exposure to stimuli with positive reinforcements. Trust Building Exercises: Lowering head, tarp, and blindfold exercises. Giving Choice: Allowing pony control enhances trust. Common Mistakes to Avoid Rushing the Process: Progress at a comfortable pace for the pony. Poor Leadership: Project competence and care as a leader. Conclusion Combine patience with effective strategies for trust-building. Understand, employ techniques, and avoid common mistakes. Trust benefits both human and horse, strengthening the bond. Strategies for Earning the Trust of a Terrified Pony: Insights and Experiences Building trust with a terrified pony can be a gratifying journey full of learning and bonding. Whether you're a first-time horse owner or a seasoned rider, understanding how to create a trusting relationship with your pony is essential. This article provides insights, strategies, and even some common missteps to avoid in the quest for a strong equestrian bond. Understanding the Importance of Trust Trust forms the bedrock of any meaningful relationship with horses. It's the invisible thread that keeps fear at bay and ensures a harmonious partnership. When trust is established, a pony will feel secure, leading to improved performance and a stronger bond with their handler. Why Trust Matters Emotional Security: When a pony feels safe and secure, it experiences reduced anxiety and stress, which is crucial for its well-being. Enhanced Performance: A trusting pony is often more composed, resulting in better focus and outcomes during activities. Stronger Bond: Trust cultivates a deeper connection between pony and rider, facilitating a more profound understanding. Strategies for Building Trust 1. Passive Dominance and Leadership Present yourself as a calm yet assertive leader. Passive dominance involves using body language to establish leadership without aggression. Mirroring, or mimicking the pony's movements, is an effective way to connect and build trust[1]. 2. Desensitization and Counterconditioning Desensitization involves the gradual exposure to fear-inducing stimuli at a comfortable pace, paired with positive reinforcements like treats or praise. The goal is to transform fear into calmness[2]. 3. Trust Building Exercises Engage your pony in trust-building exercises, which are both fun and effective. These include: Lowering the Head: Encourage your pony to lower its head by gently pulling on the lead rope, helping it to relax. Tarp Exercise: Gradually coax your pony to walk over a tarp, allowing it to examine the tarp at its own pace. Blindfold Exercise: Carefully introduce a blindfold to build trust by reducing reliance on sight, a step that should be taken with caution[3]. 4. Giving Choice and Control Allowing your pony some control over its environment can significantly enhance trust levels. Innovative techniques like the "start button," where the pony indicates readiness for a particular task, are highly effective in building trust and confidence[5]. Common Mistakes to Avoid Rushing the Process One of the biggest pitfalls in building trust is rushing. Impatience can lead to increased fear and mistrust. Always progress at a pace comfortable for your pony. Poor Leadership Ensure you project yourself as a competent and caring leader. Horses look for these qualities and respond to them accordingly[4]. Conclusion The path to earning a terrified pony's trust is paved with dedication, patience, and effective strategies. By understanding the importance of trust, employing techniques like passive dominance and desensitization, and steering clear of common mistakes, you can transform your relationship into a harmonious partnership. Remember, trust is reciprocal, and its benefits extend to both human and horse, solidifying the bond that makes equestrian partnerships uniquely rewarding. Additional Resources from Just Horse Riders Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Horse Treats And Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Horse Fly Protection

The exercise involves jumping a single very small oxer on a 12-15 meter circle. Although it looks straightforward its quite challenging. It focuses on suppleness, technique, and footwork, all of which lead to greater ride-ability.Canter a circle past the fence before jumping it 3 times, in canter, on the small circle. Make sure that the circle is truly round, and the horse continues to jump around this line rather than stiffening and jumping out of the circle. Having done this on both reins you can then do the same out of trot on the circle. The trot is more challenging as it requires a greater degree of footwork.This exercise is helpful for making sure that horses adapt their landing on the correct lead and stays in the same consistent rhythm throughout.The small amount of width in the oxer means the horse has to give through their ribcage, allowing them to really let go through their back.The post Training Tip Tuesday With Harry Meade: Single oxer on a circle first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.