Section Key Points Understanding the Equestrian Workout Horseback riding engages the rider's body in constant motion and exertion, requiring balance, strength, and endurance. It is a full-body workout. Limitations of Traditional Fitness Trackers Traditional fitness trackers rely on step counting, leading to inaccuracies during horseback riding since horse movements are mistaken for steps. Power of Heart Rate Monitors Heart rate monitors in fitness trackers like Garmin Vivosmart HR+ provide accurate exertion tracking by focusing on the rider's heart rate. Advancement Through Specialized Trackers Specialized trackers, such as Estride Precision Pro, offer detailed insights into both the rider's and horses movements, including stride count and gait pattern. Choosing the Right Tracker Prioritize heart rate tracking capabilities for reliable exertion and calorie burn data. Consider specialized trackers for detailed horse movement insights. Manual Calibration Tips Manual adjustments post-ride can improve data accuracy, ensuring the recorded effort reflects the true workout nature. Tried and Tested: Equestrian Community Feedback A combination of traditional and specialized trackers can enhance accuracy, using heart rate monitors and step counters for cross-verification. Nurturing the Equestrian Partner Maintaining the horse's health with supplements ensures peak condition for the equestrian partner. Protective Apparel and Accessories Utilize protective gear like stable rugs and turnout rugs to shield from the elements and provide comfort. Concluding with Confidence Heart rate monitors and specialized trackers provide comprehensive workout data, allowing riders to optimize their technique and settings. How to Accurately Track Your Horseback Riding Workouts with Fitness Trackers Horseback riding, a beloved pastime for many, offers not only the joy of bonding with these majestic animals but also a superb workout. However, accurately tracking these workouts can prove challenging. In this blog, well unravel the complexities of using fitness trackers for horseback riding, providing you with actionable insights and expert tips. Understanding the Equestrian Workout While on horseback, the rider's body engages in constant motion and exertion that is not typically captured by traditional fitness trackers. The subtle art of riding requires balance, strength, and endurance, making it a full-body workout that deserves accurate tracking. The Limitations of Traditional Fitness Trackers Conventional fitness trackers often rely on step counting to measure physical activity. During horseback riding, however, this can lead to inaccuracies, as the horse's movements are mistakenly counted as steps by the tracker. This ultimately skews calorie burn estimates and distorts other metrics. The Power of Heart Rate Monitors Integrating heart rate monitors in fitness tracking devices is a game-changer for equestrians. Devices such as the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ provide a more accurate portrayal of exertion by focusing on the rider's heart rate, rather than step count. Consequently, this offers a much closer estimate of calories burned during horseback riding. Advancement Through Specialized Trackers For those seeking precision, specialized trackers such as the Estride Precision Pro excel by offering detailed insights not just about the rider, but also the horses movements. They record metrics like stride count, gait pattern, and stability, giving a holistic view of the workout. Choosing the Right Tracker Riders should prioritize heart rate tracking capabilities within their chosen device. This ensures that the tracker provides reliable data on exertion levels and calorie burn during rides. Consider investing in a specialized equestrian tracker if detailed insights about the horse's movements are a priority. Manual Calibration Tips In the absence of specialized settings, users might need to manually adjust the trackers data after workouts. Altering the activity type post-ride can enhance the accuracy of the recorded effort and duration, reflecting the true nature of the workout more precisely. Comparing Your Workout Gear Whether its your first ride or youre a seasoned pro, ensuring comfort and functionality in your gear can elevate the experience. Explore the Jodhpur Collection for a range of riding pants designed for style and performance. Enhancing the Riding Experience Coupling the right riding boots with your riding attire provides both safety and style. The Horse Riding Boot Collection offers various options tailored to different equestrian needs. Tried and Tested: Equestrian Community Feedback Equestrians have suggested using a blend of both traditional and specialized trackers to maximize accuracy. By integrating data from heart rate monitors and step counters, riders can cross-verify workout metrics for enhanced precision. Nurturing the Equestrian Partner Riders should not overlook the importance of maintaining their horses health. Supplements from the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements collection ensure your equestrian partner remains in peak condition. Protective Apparel and Accessories Stay shielded from the elements with the right gear. From the innovative collection of Stable Rugs to Turnout Rugs, these accessories offer protection and comfort. Concluding with Confidence By employing both heart rate monitors and specialized equestrian trackers, riders can obtain a comprehensive understanding of their workout. With accurate data at their disposal, equestrians can refine their technique, optimize their health tracker settings, and enjoy every ride to the fullest. For those on the path of elevating their equestrian experience, a visit to Just Horse Riders is a must. Explore their abundant resources and gear options to enhance both rider and horse performance. Happy riding and tracking! ```html```

This article was originally published in the April 2020 issue of The Horse.

Tom March the husband of five-star event rider Piggy cycled into Royal Windsor Horse Show this afternoon, marking the end of his mammoth 800-mile journey to raise money for Spinal Research.Along the way he also climbed Britains three highest peaks on foot: Ben Nevis (1,345m) in Scotland, Scafell Pike (978m) in the Lake District and Mount Snowdon (1,085m) in Wales. Tom took on the Pedal3Peaks challenge in memory of his late sister Caroline, an event rider who died by suicide last year after being paralysed in a fall while competing. He set out from Balmoral Castle last Sunday, 11 May, and achieved his goal of arriving in Windsor within 100 hours.His journey, undertaken to raise vital funds for Spinal Research, theUKs leading medical charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord, pushed him to his physical and emotional limits.Day one was tough but enjoyable. Day two was not fun in any way, shape or form, said Tom. The days kept getting longer and harder, especially with no sleep, but what kept me going was remembering why I was doing it, to raise money and awareness for Spinal Research, and in the darkest moments, that gave me the strength to dig deep and keep moving.Right at the limitBefore he set off, Tom said the challenge was designed to be right at the limit of what can be achieved and acknowledged that it would be a huge test.Losing my sister Caroline last year was incredibly difficult, but Im hoping I can use that heartbreak to help raise awareness and funds for the work of Spinal Research, he said. Having experienced paralysis close up you understand how life changing it can be its about so much more than just being in a wheelchair. Sadly it wasnt a life Caroline wanted for herself but I want to use the heartbreak we experienced to achieve something positive in her memory to help others.Spinal Research is the nominated charity for this years Royal Windsor Horse Show.In November 2024, Tom and Piggy March, plus several other members of the equestrian community, including Olympian Ian Stark, completed Cycle4Caroline, a 1,100km cycle ride from Blair Castle in Scotland to the Savoy Hotel in London.It raised almost 350,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.Main image Royal Windsor Horse Show/Peter NixonDonate to Toms Just Giving page hereRelated contentHead injuries: why its important to take a break from riding after a fallMore rider falls take place when hacking or schooling at home, study findsConcussion and brain injuries in riders: what you need to knowThe post Tom March completes mammoth 800-mile cycle and three mountain climbs in 100 hours appeared first on Your Horse.

These studies offer practical implications for veterinarians. | iStockThe Kester News Hour at the annualAmerican Association of Equine Practitioners Conventionshowcases key developments around the globe in equine research. In the 2024 edition Maria Schnobrich, VMD, Dipl. ACT, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, highlighted three recently published equine reproduction studies.Factors Affecting Mare Pregnancy RatesThe researchers objective in the first study Schnobrich described (Pasch et al., 2024) was to evaluate how the number of straws provided as a breeding doseas well as other mare, stallion, and management factorsaffected pregnancy outcomes with cryopreserved semen.The key takeaway message was that mares may not need to be checked as frequently for ovulation as previously thought, said Schnobrich. The pregnancy rates were similar for mares bred one time up to six hours post-ovulation compared to mares bred within three hours of ovulation.The researchers conducted this retrospective study over 11 years and included 624 estrous cycles. They induced ovulation in the mares with deslorelin (a synthetic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which is a common technique. The authors compared a single insemination post-ovulation versus a timed protocol with insemination occurring approximately 24 hours after they administered deslorelin and pre ovulation, and again within six hours post-ovulation.These are exciting findings because it means we dont need to be as panicked to tighten the ovulation to insemination window post-ovulation, said Schnobrich. And, for the stallions in this study, there was no significant effect of the number of straws used for insemination on pregnancy rate.Effects of Obesity During Pregnancy in HorsesSchnobrich presented a study (Robles et al., 2023) in which the researchers described the effects of obesity during equine pregnancy on placental structure, gene expression, and colostrum and milk fatty acid concentration.This study built on the findings from a previous study demonstrating a negative impact of obesity in pregnant mares on their offspring (Robles, 2018), said Schnobrich. Specifically, foals born to obese dams had higher inflammation and increased prevalence of osteochondrosis lesions (53%) at 6 months of age compared to foals born from normal body condition mares (10%).In this equine reproduction study the researchers compared placentas and milk quality in obese mares and normal mares. They did not observe any significant differences in the placentas between the two groups, but they found the colostrum from obese mares lower in medium-chain fatty acids, and their milk had a more proinflammatory profile.These findings again emphasize that obesity in the pregnant mare should be avoided, said Schnobrich. As we see an increase in obesity in our population of broodmares, this further highlights our need to be diligent about a healthy body condition during pregnancy.Equine Pregnancy Success Rates After Twin ReductionsVeterinarians eliminate equine twins by manual crush of one twin approximately 14 to 16 days post ovulation with minimal adverse effect on the remaining pregnancy. For those that either go undiagnosed until later in pregnancy or have not naturally reduced on their own, the options for elimination include transvaginal aspiration. This method, however, offers approximately a 50% chance of success.Schnobrich presented a retrospective study (Sielhorst et al., 2024), in which the researchers examined nine years of data on dizygotic twins (the result of two separate eggs) reduced using transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. They studied a variety of factors (i.e., position of pregnancy, medications used, technique of procedure), and considered pregnancy outcomes at three different time points following the pregnancy (five to seven days, three to four weeks, and at live foal delivery).This study helps us understand when to utilize this procedure and what helps optimize outcomes, said Schnobrich. Intervention in most cases of twins is required as in cases of bilateral twins (one pregnancy in each uterine horn). Most that are there at 16 days post-ovulation will be there at 40 days.The authors recommended veterinarians reduce one twin between Days 28 and 32, and definitely before the endometrial cups form at Day 35, so the mare can be bred back if she loses the pregnancy.Take-Home MessageSchnobrich said these equine reproduction studies offered practical implications for veterinarians and breeders and that, collectively, the findings emphasize the importance of timely interventions, careful monitoring of broodmare condition, and evidence-based decision-making.

A foal born to a rescue pony at the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) is doing well despite a tricky start to life after her dam struggled to produce enough milk to sustain her after she was born.Wotsit, a three-year-old chestnut mare, was found abandoned on common land by the RSPCA when she was three months pregnant. Shortly after she was rescued she was transferred to HAPPAs Burnley base for further care and rehabilitation. She had had limited interactions with humans and was extremely nervous of human touch, particularly by the vet and farrier.The staff at HAPPA have spent the past few months developing Wotsits confidence around humans and introducing her to new experiences in advance of her giving birth to her filly foal who arrived on Friday 9 May.Despite a problem-free birth, a few hours lateron-duty HAPPA equine care supervisor, Nicole Simpson, noticed that something didnt seem right.Equine emergencyI knew that we needed to act fast to save Wotsits newborn foal. I called the vet and unfortunately after a blood test it was found that Wotsit had not expressed enough milk after giving birth, therefore not providing her foal with the much-needed nutrients found in colostrum (natures first milk), said Nicole.This was an emergency, if the little foal did not receive the nutrients needed in the next couple of hours, then things would deteriorate very quickly, possibly resulting in the foals death.The attending veterinarians from Aireworth Vets managed to source colostrum from a very kind donor, Ess Jay Arabians.This subsequently had to be fed through a tube directly into the stomach to ensure, with every certainty, that the vital nutrients were absorbed into the little foals frail body and blood stream. Then the real work began!Round the clock careNicole and a team of vets worked through the night to ensure Cheeto had the best chance of survival. A second blood test showed that nutrients in her blood stream had improved so over the weekend Wotsit was given medication to bring on her milk.Every two hours, the HAPPA equine care team held Wotsit and gently guided Cheeto to her teats. A bucket of horse formula milk was also offered to Cheeto to top up the milk that Wotsit was unable to offer.Watch Cheeto slurping milk out the bucket in the video below:Over the past few days Cheeto has gone from strength to strength and has been out playing with her mum in the indoor school (see video below).For more information about HAPPA or to donate to the care of Wotsit and Cheeto or their other residents, click here. Videos and images HAPPA.Related contentHow to tell if a horse is happyUK bans live export of horses for slaughterPetition set up with the aim of updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect horsesPublic attitudes towards horse sport on the right track but there is still more to doLearn to read your horses body language with this expert adviceThe post Cute foal born to abandoned pony thriving after tube feeding and round-the-clock care *Video* appeared first on Your Horse.

Swim with adopted horses, the Jamaican way, at Montego Bays Half Moon Resort.Photo courtesy Half Moon Bay ResortErrol stood squarely between us and the undulating turquoise sea.I need you to listen to me, he said. People who know how to ride never listen to this part, and they always mess it up. His sternness was softened by a twinkle in his eyes.My friend Beth and I looked at one another and grinned before returning our full attention to our guide, who explained how we would ride our horses into the water and get ourselves into position for an only in Jamaica experience: floating behind our mounts powerful hind ends while they swam, towing us with their tails.Even for a pair of lifelong equestrians with a penchant for travel, this adventure was a first.Half Moon Resorts Commitment to RescueBeth and I met more than a decade ago in Colorado as volunteers for a racehorse rehoming organization. In the years since, life took us to opposite ends of the country, making in-person visits hard to come by. It made sense that our first reunion after years of separation, the stresses of Covid, and our own personal stories of grief would center around horses.Stacey and her friend Beth arrive on the beach.It was a perfect surprise to arrive at Half Moon Resorts elegant stables to find that 13 of the programs 23 mounts are adopted horses in different stages of rehabilitation.Theres Timmy, the failed polo pony with trust issues. Precious, a sweet off-track Thoroughbred. Ebony, a 25-year-old pony who was near death when Half Moons Equestrian Director Trina Delisser rescued her from a roadside pony-ride operation eight years ago.She wasnt supposed to live six months, but here she is, says Delisser.Delisser has been running Half Moons equestrian program for 37 years. Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she grew up riding whenever she could as the daughter of an international polo player. She came to Montego Bays Half Moon Resort when it became clear that continuing her passion would require turning it into a career. And while she has competed in polo and showjumping, she clearly loves giving horses a second chance. Under Delisser, life at Half Moons Equestrian Centre is flexible for the horses. She has the skills and commitment needed to give a horse like Timmy the attention and mental rehab he needs. Older horses like Ebony and those that are intermittently sore benefit from the opportunity to swim (with or without guests, depending on their needs). And those in good mental and physical health get a fun job.Swimming with HorsesAfter touring the airy white barns and greeting the dogs, donkeys, and Gene the goat, our group of three guests and two guides mounted up and began the walk to the beach. I rode Zayne, a lanky gray rescue who sauntered happily along behind our guide Errol and his mount Coltrane.Minutes later, we traded tree-lined pavement for sugary white sand, where we dismounted and readied ourselves for the main event: the swim! Once the horses were untacked and the humans stripped down to swimwear, we climbed on bareback. I now rode Coltrane while Errol rode Zayne (since the gray became a natural leader in the water) and marched into the sea. As Errol led us toward swimming depths, he belted out Bob Marleys Three Little Birds. The crystal clear water grew deeper, and the horses began the distinctive rumble that indicates they were starting to swim.Drop your reins! Errol shouted over the noise, and suddenly, we were weightless. I tangled my fingers in Coltranes mane and leaned forward, letting my legs floating behind me as we swam into the rolling waves.Errol leads the group into the sea.Suddenly, I heard Errols voice again. To the tail! he shouted, and I gently pushed myself toward Coltranes chestnut tail.As we swam in sweeping circles, I held onto Coltrane for guidance, but the sea kept me afloat, and somehow, there was minimal resistance. I turned on my side and found Beth. We were both laughing the way we probably did the first time we cantered. I kept rotating onto my back, to look at the cotton-ball clouds. Then I spun onto my stomach to take in the strange vision of horse ears held just above ocean. As we turned toward the shore one last time, we let the waves push us onto our horses backs. My heart sank. The ride was over. But as I squinted at the palm-lined beach, the postcard water, my dear friend, and the shine of a wet equine neck, I took a deep breath of gratitude. For at least a moment, it felt like Errol (and Bob Marley) were right. Everything would be alright. Opportunities for Different Levels of ExperienceBeyond the Jamaican magic of swimming with horses, Half Moon Equestrian Centre offers a range of experiences suitable for riders and non-riders: Private dressage, jumping, or polo lessons are available for beginner to advanced riders over 10 years old. Inexperienced and rusty riders 6 and older may opt for a leisurely horseback Sand Stroll to the beach with a bit of a dip in water (but no swimming) or a mini lesson in the arena followed by a ride around the property. Kids 6 and under can spend their time learning to interact with the array of animals that call the Equestrian Centre home, including donkeys, goats, and of course, ponies! Adults looking for some quality horse time out of the saddle can sign up for a Positive Empowerment groundwork session.Beautiful clear blue waters and swimming horses make a bucket-list combination.If youre ready to get away and relax while admiring turquoise waters around horses, this could be your perfect destination.Learn more and book your stay at halfmoon.com.This article about Half Moon Resort appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Half Moon Resort: Swim with Adopted Horses in Jamaica appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Points Description Specialized Care Ensures optimal health and performance for horses recovering from stifle ligament injury surgery. ACPAT Physiotherapists Professionals trained to provide high-quality physiotherapy services for animals with complex veterinary cases. Early Rehabilitation Importance Early physiotherapy intervention reduces pain and enhances healing, preventing further injuries. Choosing an ACPAT Physio Considerations include experience with equine cases, location, collaboration with veterinarians, ACPAT/RAMP registration, and personal recommendations. Recommended Physios in Oxfordshire Classic Physiotherapy and Equine Physiotherapy Oxfordshire are well-regarded for mobile and varied equine treatments. Recommended Physios in Berkshire Physio4Animals offers ACPAT and CSP registered services with extensive experience in equine rehabilitation. Conclusion Choosing the right physiotherapist, with experience and proper certification, impacts the recovery process significantly. Choosing the Right ACPAT Physio for Post-Surgery Stifle Ligament Injury Recovery in Berkshire and OxfordshireRecovering from a stifle ligament injury can be a daunting process for horse owners, especially when surgery is involved. This journey requires specialized care to ensure optimal health and performance for your equine companion. In areas like Berkshire and Oxfordshire, finding the right ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy) registered physiotherapist is crucial. This guide will help you make an informed decision.Understanding the Role of ACPAT PhysiotherapistsACPAT physiotherapists are professionals trained to provide high-quality physiotherapy services for animals. They complete extensive training, including a degree in human physiotherapy and over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, equipping them to handle complex veterinary cases. Their goal is to optimize pain-free movement and ensure proper healing after surgery.The Importance of Early RehabilitationInitiating physiotherapy early in the recovery process can dramatically improve outcomes for horses with stifle ligament injuries. Early intervention reduces pain, enhances quality of healing, and minimizes compensatory movements that could increase the risk of further injury. ACPAT physiotherapists coordinate with veterinarians to develop a holistic plan involving physiotherapy, exercise, and sometimes hydrotherapy options.Considerations for Choosing an ACPAT Physio Experience with Equine Cases: Ensure your chosen physiotherapist has a solid background in treating horses, especially those with stifle ligament issues. Location and Accessibility: Opt for a physiotherapist conveniently located, as regular visits are crucial for rehabilitation. Collaboration: A good physiotherapist should actively work with your veterinarian and other professionals integral to your horses recovery. ACPAT and RAMP Registration: Confirm their registration with ACPAT and possibly RAMP, which indicates a commitment to high professional standards. Personal Recommendations: Leverage the experiences of fellow horse owners or your vet to find trusted physiotherapists.Recommended ACPAT Physios in Berkshire and OxfordshireEach region hosts renowned physiotherapy services:In Oxfordshire: Consider Classic Physiotherapy, known for mobile animal physiotherapy services. They are recognized by ACPAT and RAMP, ensuring quality care. For more options, Equine Physiotherapy Oxfordshire specializes in varied equine treatments [source].In Berkshire: Physio4Animals is a leading service, ACPAT, and CSP registered, with over 25 years of experience [source]. They offer reliability and expertise in equine rehabilitation.ConclusionChoosing the right ACPAT physiotherapist significantly impacts your horse's recovery journey from a stifle ligament injury. Consider experience, collaboration, and certification when selecting a physio. Early intervention and a holistic approach not only aid in effective recovery but also help prevent future injuries.By engaging professional and certified physiotherapists, you ensure that your horse receives the best care available. Remember, an informed choice can make all the difference in your horse's healing process.Call to ActionFor more information on top-quality equestrian equipment and supplements, visit Just Horse Riders. Enhance your horses wellbeing with our range of jodhpurs, boots, and fly protection products.Check out our collections of everyday supplements and equine treats to support your horses overall health.Provide your equine friend with the best accessories and care solutions, and watch them thrive toward full recovery.```html```