Equine welfare charities and horse health experts across the UK are warning owners of the increased risk of laminitis this autumn. Heavy rainfall combined with warm weather could prove dangerous to horses and ponies, particularly those prone to laminitis. Lush grass is appearing in paddocks which were scorched and bare just weeks ago, prompting organisations to remind equestrians to be vigilant.World Horse Welfare has been seeing more cases of laminitis than usual this time of year, and advised owners to look out for several warning signs. These included strong or bounding digital pulses at the back of the fetlock and excessive heat in the feet, as well as a reluctance to walk forward and difficulty making a tight turn. Owners should also watch for horses shifting their weight from foot to foot when at rest as well as lameness, stiffness, or a short, stilted or pottery walk, especially on hard ground.Cinder Hill Equine Clinic echoed World Horse Welfares concerns and urged owners to keep their horses weight in check to reduce their risk of suffering from laminitis. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and body condition score, overweight or at risk equines could benefit from wearing a grazing muzzle or being put on restricted turnout. They also advised soaking hay for at least eight hours to lower sugar content and avoiding high-sugar or starch feeds. Exercise, if appropriate and safe, can also mitigate a horses chances of suffering from the painful condition.Horses and ponies with laminitis can display one or more signs, so if your horse is showing any of the early symptoms, contact your vet for advice. Your vet is the best person to examine your horse, provide treatment and advise on the necessary management changes to assist them.Severe laminitis is an emergency and ongoing disease can result in painful long-term consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment as soon as the signs of laminitis are recognised will not only relieve the pain, but also reduce the risk of long-term damage.Image by ShutterstockRelated contentWhat is insulin resistance in horses?All about Cushings diseaseEquine metabolic syndrome: what it is, risk factors and prevention adviceThe post Laminitis warning after unpredictable weather leads to spike in cases appeared first on Your Horse.

Green Jackets shine on four continentsOn a week when Irish athletes posted big results on four continents, Conor Swail was the big winner in America, where Michael Duffy also performed strongly.There were strong performances from other Green Jackets too, with Cian OConnor really consistent at the five-star show in Mexico with a trio of podiums and a top-five Grand Prix return, Bertram Allen also making a podium in Austria and Susan Fitzpatrick posting a fourth-place finish at four-star level in Morocco.Swail was involved in the lucrative Major League Show Jumping event in Greenwich week and the Down native played a crucial role with two clear rounds on Casturano to lead the Trelawny Trailblazers to victory in the 200,000 Trelawny Farm five-star team competition.There was another Irish presence on the podium as Galway man Duffy was a member of the Helios squad that was ranked third when the dust had cleared, steering RMF Clinton Son to a clear and four faults in their two trips.The event kicked off with a five-star speed class, in which both Irish athletes were flawless but Swail and Casturano were quicker, slotting into the third, only four-tenths of a second behind Germanys Rene Dittmer in second, with a brilliant with a time of 69.55.That was a crucial return for the home team, with Egypts Nayel Nassar having one down on speed specialist Ivory TCS and Natalie Dean (USA)) also registering four faults on Oasis van de Bucxtale.Swail and Casturano were foot-perfect once more in the second round of the team event, and with Nassar and Ivory TCS matching that effort, an opportunity for top spot was presented to Dean in a gold medal jump-off.The American grasped it with both hands, crossing the line clear in a rapid 39.70 to land the spoils.Further south, OConnor made the long trip to Mexico pay with some strong results at the Coapexpan five-star show .The Olympic medallist kicked off with a fourth-place finish in the first part of the 1.45m two-phase class on the Grass Arena with Kentucky TN, despite being first into the arena.It proved a real test for the contestants with many failing to navigate the power sector. Only the top three managed double clears with OConnor and his bay the best of the rest on a total of three faults in a time of 48.36.And the Karlswood Stables supremo followed up with third in the second, piloting Pegasus to a double clear in a time of 45.42.OConnor returned on Friday with Kentucky TN to record a brilliant double clear for a silver medal return in the 1.55m jump-off class.Only three combinations qualified for the tiebreaker from Peter Grants initial examination and the Irish pair stopped the clock at 37.77. Victory went to Brazils Rogdrigo Lambre, with Take-Off Diara PS.OConnor also had Bentley De Sury with him and they finished fifth in the fiercely difficult Grand Prix on Saturday.Only Lambre and Take-Off Diara PS managed a double clear but with only two in the jump-off, the Meath-based Kildare man and his trusty steed were among the quickest four-faulters to claim a sizeable share of the prize money.Back in Europe, Bertram Allen made his presence felt on the Longines Global Champions Tour by finishing third in the Grand Prix of Vienna on Sunday with Qonquest de Rigo.Allen and Aloga Stables talented nine-year-old have competed on the biggest stages together this year and the best should yet be to come given the manner in which the Wexfordian is bringing his young charge through.They excelled in the Austrian capital behind Philipp Wishaupt (GER) with Kilmister, and Harrie Smolders (NED) with Monaco, posting two clear rounds and getting themselves on the podium with a jump-off time of 42.31 seconds, to earn 46,290.And finally, in Rabat, Susan Fitzpatrick and the talented nine-year-old mare Lovely Stassi PS posted an outstanding fourth-place finish in a four-star two-round class that was won by Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) with Heartbeat W.There was no horse younger than the bay the Kilkenny pilot owns with Rosemary Farm and the duo were among only five to register two clear rounds in Fridays 1.55m class, the speed time of 44.35 ensuring a valuable ribbon.The post Swail Blazes a Trail in Greenwich appeared first on .

Feature Why It Matters Waterproof & Breathable Fabric Keeps rain out while allowing sweat to escape; often seen with 1000 denier or Ripstop fabrics. Fill Weight Options Light (0-150g), medium, or heavyweight (>300g) options to match temperature needs. Durability & Tear Resistance Ripstop fabrics prevent tears and enhance longevity. Quick-Drying Materials Fabrics and coatings that speed up drying, vital for wet winter spells. Detachable Neck Covers Provide flexible warmth management. Good Fit & Secure Fastenings Prevents slipping, rubbing, and water ingress. Rug Model/Brand Key Features Best For Horseware Ireland Rhino Hexstop Plus Waterproof, breathable, quick-dry, durable Winter turnout in wet climates WeatherBeeta Ripstop Turnout Ripstop fabric, waterproof, breathable All-around winter protection Kentucky Horsewear All Weather Rug Quick-dry fleece lining, detachable neck cover Enhanced warmth and comfort Choosing the Best Quick-Drying Turnout Rugs for Winter: A Riders GuideWinter can be a challenging season for horse riders and their equine partners. Ensuring your horse stays warm, dry, and comfortable during cold and wet weather is essential. In this guide, well explore the key considerations when selecting quick-drying turnout rugs that will keep your horse protected and happy throughout the season.Why Quick-Drying Turnout Rugs Matter in WinterTurnout rugs are a horse's first line of defense against the harsh winter elements. However, moisture accumulation from rain, snow, or sweat can lead to cold stress. Quick-drying fabrics reduce this risk by allowing moisture to evaporate rapidly, thus maintaining your horse's warmth and preventing skin issues.The Science Behind Quick-Drying FabricsQuick-drying fabrics are engineered to wick moisture away from the horse's body and allow it to evaporate quickly. This helps to: Keep the horse warm and dry in damp conditions. Prevent skin irritations and fungal infections. Ensure comfort so your horse can move freely and naturally outdoors.Essential Features of Quick-Drying Turnout RugsWhen selecting the ideal turnout rug for winter, consider these essential features: Feature Why It Matters Waterproof & Breathable Fabric Keeps rain out while allowing sweat to escape; often seen with 1000 denier or Ripstop fabrics. Fill Weight Options Light (0-150g), medium, or heavyweight (>300g) options to match temperature needs. Durability & Tear Resistance Ripstop fabrics prevent tears and enhance longevity. Quick-Drying Materials Fabrics and coatings that speed up drying, vital for wet winter spells. Detachable Neck Covers Provide flexible warmth management. Good Fit & Secure Fastenings Prevents slipping, rubbing, and water ingress. Leading Brands & Rug Types RecommendedHorseware Ireland: Rambo and Rhino RangesHorseware Ireland is known for producing durable, breathable, and waterproof rugs that are also excellent at quick drying. Their Rhino Hexstop Plus Turnout Rugs are particularly favored for winter warmth and weather resistance. [2]WeatherBeeta Turnout BlanketsWeatherBeeta offers rugs with Ripstop technology and breathable, waterproof fabrics, combining warmth with durability. Theyve built a solid reputation over 40+ years in the industry. [3] Kentucky Horsewear All Weather Turnout RugsWith quick-dry fleece linings and waterproof shells, these rugs are ideal for cold, wet climates and efficiently manage moisture. [7]Practical Tips for Choosing and Using Quick-Drying Turnout Rugs Assess Your Horses Needs: Take into account your horses coat thickness, age, health, and if they have been clipped for winter. Measure Properly: Ensure an accurate fit to prevent gaps and avoid chafing. Layer Smartly: Use lightweight liners on mild days and heavier ones, with detachable neck covers, during freezing temperatures. Routine Maintenance: Wash rugs regularly as per manufacturer instructions, keep them dry to maintain their effectiveness. Quick Replacement: Use two rugs to allow one to dry properly while the other is being used.Facts & Figures Adding Credibility Denier Rating: The industry standard for waterproof turnout fabrics is 1000 denier for superior durability and weather resistance. [1] Fill Weights: Rugs with heavy fills can increase warmth by 2-3 degrees Celsius compared to lighter options, essential in sub-zero temperatures. Drying Times: High-quality quick-dry rugs can cut drying times by up to 50% versus traditional materials. [5] Summary of Recommendations Rug Model/Brand Key Features Best For Horseware Ireland Rhino Hexstop Plus Waterproof, breathable, quick-dry, durable Winter turnout in wet climates WeatherBeeta Ripstop Turnout Ripstop fabric, waterproof, breathable All-around winter protection Kentucky Horsewear All Weather Rug Quick-dry fleece lining, detachable neck cover Enhanced warmth and comfort Conclusion: Keep Your Horse Happy This Winter with the Right Rug!By focusing on waterproof, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics, you can choose the best turnout rugs to ensure your horse remains warm and dry throughout the winter. Remember, proper rug care and the right fit are just as important as the rug's material and design. For more guidance and purchasing options, refer to the expert-reviewed resources and our collection of turnout rugs.Don't forget to explore other equestrian essentials such as the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boots, and more. Keeping your horse well-equipped and comfortable goes hand in hand with a nutritious diet of Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.```html```