Freedom, forage and friends these are the fundamental pillars of equine welfare, which are often referred to as the three Fs for horses.These basic horse care needs are essential for their physical and mental health. Horses need social interaction, access to constant grazing and unrestricted movement to replicate their natural lifestyle.When we think about our horses whether they are ponies, horses, leisure horses, or competition horses ultimately they, as a species, have a variety of needs that must be met to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally, says vet and animal behaviourist Dr Amber Batson, who founded Understand Animals in 2007, during a World Horse Welfare webinar.When we think about meeting things like the three Fs, we can consider how that concept helps us meet their basic needs things they require every day as well as how we can use it to add extra elements. Basic need meeting and enrichment are not the same thing, and that distinction is important.Basic needsHorses are a social species. They are more flight-driven than many other mammals. They value freedom to move away from threats, freedom to make choices, and freedom to communicate. They require 14 to 16 hours of ingestion of a high-fibre, low-sugar, low-starch diet.As a species, horses have evolved to eat and move, says Amber. They also need to eliminate waste and typically do so in specific areas before moving on. As a prey species, they do not tend to linger where they have defecated.They must be able to regulate their temperature. Horses are generally quite warm internally due to the fermentation of plant material. They also require opportunities for coat care, including rolling, scratching, and rubbing. Some of this serves a communicative function within the group and supports group cohesion, not just individual hygiene. Horses must also sleep and rest.FreedomThe concept of freedom covers both movement and choice. Horses require freedom from a host of basic needs, including hunger, thirst and pain. For stabled horses, considering their freedom to move is imperative, because they have evolved to move constantly. Their musculoskeletal system, circulation, digestion, respiratory system and hooves are designed for movement. Restricting it increases the risk of foot, locomotor, digestive, and respiratory disorders.Horses are not a species that stands still for long periods. They are almost constantly in motion, says Amber. Some studies suggest horses may move one hoof every 15 to 30 seconds on average, reflecting their home ranging and historical migratory tendencies.Restricting turnout is unavoidable at times, particularly in the UK during the wet and muddy winter months, but limiting movement can be detrimental to a horses physical and mental health. Therefore, alternative options should be explored.Alternatives to turnoutMovement opportunities might include riding, hand walking, or exploring different areas on a lead rope. Movement supports physical, emotional, sensory, and cognitive wellbeing, states Amber.Turnout does not have to mean pasture. There are many options: pasture-based systems, barn living, yard and shelter setups, or mixed systems. While many people feel constrained by local availability, caregivers can still ask what additional elements can be added, says Amber.We must also consider the quality of turnout. Muddy paddocks with no forage often result in horses standing still by the gate. Expanding the usable environment through attached pens, shelters, barns, or hard-standing areas can greatly increase continuous space. Even small increases in movement can be valuable.ForageNot only is providing a horse with a forage-led diet essential for their digestive health, but the act of encouraging them to forage is also very important.Foraging involves the use of lips, whiskers, tongue, and nose, allowing horses to discriminate between different plants. This seeking behaviour can be replicated even in stable environments, says Amber.Horses benefit from access to soil-based microflora. When soil access is limited, caregivers can hand-pick materials and incorporate them into forage. Spreading forage across multiple locations [think cafeteria style] encourages movement and natural behaviour.Patch-workingMethods such as strip grazing, patch-working pasture, and using varied substrates can help regulate forage intake while increasing movement.Patch-working is a way to restrict grazing without restricting movement, particularly useful in areas with obesity issues or unsuitable soil, explains Amber. It involves creating varied surfaces grass, carpet, straw, bark, fenced-off areas so horses must move more while grazing less. From above, it looks like a patchwork quilt.In non-grazing environments, forage can be provided in multiple small piles, low nets, or scattered areas. Repetitive browsing and tugging above chest height can increase physical strain on the jaw, neck and incisors ground-level feeding best reflects natural behaviour.FriendsHorses crave companionship, so ensuring they have access to friends is important for their physical and mental well-being as well as to ensure they feel safe. Being herd-orientated animals, horses rely on other horses for security.Stable design should allow horses to see, hear, and smell one another, but compatibility matters, says Amber.Introductions should ideally begin with scent, then visual contact with barriers. Double barriers can be helpful. Introductions should occur in familiar terrain, with corners and obstacles minimised. Resources should be maximised.Horses can have play dates, adjacent turnout, mutual grooming over barriers, shared hand walks, enrichment activities together, or scent exchanges through brushings or swapped droppings.Think outside the boxThere are many ways to offer the three Fs, even when horses are moderately or significantly restricted, concludes Amber. Whether we own or rent space, or have full or part livery, there are always options if we think creatively.Freedom, friends, and forage offer many possibilities. We need to keep thinking outside the box and truly give all the Fs.World Horse Welfare Wednesday Webinars are free to watch. Find out more and view previous episodes here.Main image ShutterstockAbout the expertDr Amber Batson is a vet, animal behaviourist and the founder of Understand Animals in the UK. Amber graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1999 and has worked in clinical vet practice ever since.She has a particular interest in the links between animal behaviour and health and set up Understand Animals in 2007 to provide a bridge between current science and its practical application to help animals living their lives alongside humans.Related contentHow do horses sleep? Experts explainThis is why feeding a horse from the floor is best practiceCafeteria-style feeding and its important role in a horses diet explained *Video*How to tell if a horse is happy: 13 signs to look forThe post How to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do) appeared first on Your Horse.

Do you ever find yourself feeling unsure on the approach to a fence and that perfect take-off spot tricky to find? Its a common problem, but we have good news it can be fixed. The way to avoid panicking is to plan ahead. You need to be set up with the right canter and a clear decision about your route to the fence and beyond before you turn the corner and approach.Commit to the fenceAccording to Will Fletcher, who is the eldest son of showjumping legends Tina and Graham Fletcher and who has made several senior Nations Cups appearances, committing to the fence and riding proactively is key.Its much better to make a decision and commit, because most of the time itll come out well.Even if the horse doesnt end up meeting the fence perfectly, riding with purpose is much better than getting in a muddle and backing off, he explains. You cant fix a poor approach in the last couple of strides.RelaxI often see horses get strong when the rider is a little bit tense and is holding the contact too much, says Will. Again, planning is key. Its harder to feel nervous if you know whats coming. Then, as you come around the corner, take a deep breath and relax your shoulders, elbows and hands to help remove some of that tension.Leg to hand connectionAnother thing to consider is your leg to hand connection, adds Will. If you forget about your leg and just pull, the horse will go against the contact. If you keep a little bit of leg on and hold the contact in a soft way with relaxed shoulders and hands you wont get stuck in a battle of wills, because this will ask your horse to maintain the power but shorten his stride. In this way the horse stays with you rather than running against your hand.Confidence in the canterSome riders lose confidence on the approach to a fence, which affects the quality of the canter and the take-off point. Work on keeping a bigger canter around the corner and on the approach, advises Will. When a rider doesnt trust their eye it makes them cautious and they come to the fence a bit slow, then a few strides out they over-push to make up for the loss of power.Approaching in a slower canter means that you dont have enough energy in the gait to adjust it. If you start in a bigger canter in a regular rhythm you then have the option to either contain or push, which makes the approach much smoother.Seeing a strideFor riders lacking confidence in their ability to see a good stride, Will recommends training their over poles.Sometimes its the pressure of having to jump a fence that puts riders off, he says. My advice is to forget jumping and work over poles instead.Once you can keep a good quality canter to a pole and meet it on the right stride, its really no different when the poles become fences. The distances and pace all remain the same all that changes is your position over what is now a jump.Place poles at randomYou dont need to set up the poles in any kind of formation randomly on the ground around the arena or field is fine. Riding planned routes over them with the aim of keeping a strong, forward canter rhythm and playing with lengthening and shortening the stride will soon have you meeting poles on the right stride every time, says Will. Once you can do this, youll have a quality, adjustable canter to use over fences and the knowledge that you can find a stride.Keep it cleanWhen a horse chips in a half-stride in front of a fence, it is usually down to rider error, states Will, and the solution is polework every time. The random pole exercise [above] will assist and repetition is key, he says. This really helps you to analyse where you went wrong and to make adjustments to your riding.Canter poles before a fence are always good, but its best to wait for your trainer to help and oversee you so you know that they are set up correctly. Really, though, you can put poles anywhere in any sized arena and practise all the skills you need.Main image by Sally Newcomb Your Horse Library. NB This is a stock image and Will Fletcher is not pictured riding.Related contentFEI coach explains how to stop a horse chipping in a stride when jumpingWill Fletchers exercises to improve the quality of your horses strides when jumpingJump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust with this exercise from Piggy MarchJoe Stockdales exercises to stop a horse drifting between fencesThe post Will Fletchers advice for nailing the approach to a fence every time appeared first on Your Horse.

The UK is experiencing a significant rise in livery yard contract disputes as horse owners face mounting costs and unclear agreements, a specialist lawyer has revealed.Inadequate contracts between horse owners and stable operators have created a perfect storm of legal issues, with cases reaching county courts at alarming rates, according to Lara Davies, Head of Legal atOLS Solicitors.The number of disputes between horse owners and livery yard operators has grown substantially over the past year, Ms Davies said. Most stem from verbal agreements or poorly drafted contracts that lack clarity on basic terms like notice periods, fee increases, and responsibility for veterinary costs.The increase comes amid rising inflation and costs for equestrian essentials like feed, hay and bedding, as well as staffing expenses, often putting horse owners in difficult positions.County Court claims for contract disputes rose 18% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, Ms Davies said. Many of these involve equestrian matters where parties had no written agreement or terms were ambiguous.The Ministry of Justices latest civil justice statistics show that money claims valued between 1,000 and 3,000 the typical range for livery disputes increased by 30% compared to early 2024, with other damages claims jumping 81%.Horse owners often assume goodwill is enough, but when costs rise or circumstances change, relationships can deteriorate rapidly, Ms Davies said. Without clear written terms, both parties become vulnerable to costly legal battles.The lawyer has seen cases where livery owners introduced unexpected price hikes with minimal notice, leaving horse owners scrambling to find alternative stabling. Equally, yard owners have faced financial losses when clients leave without proper notice.One client faced a 40% fee increase with just two weeks notice. The yard owner claimed rising costs left no choice, but the contract was silent on how and when price changes could occur, Davies said. Another yard owner had three clients leave simultaneously with no notice, creating significant financial pressure.The British Horse Society estimates there are over 27,000 livery yards in the UK, ranging from DIY to full livery, yet many operate on informal agreements.According to Ms Davies, the most common dispute triggers are unclear fee structures and notice periods for price increases, followed by confusion over who pays for damage to property, unclear responsibilities for horse welfare and ambiguous termination clauses.She highlighted that disputes dont just affect finances but can impact horse welfare. When relationships break down, horses can become caught in the middle, she said. Weve seen cases where owners were denied access to their animals during disputes, creating welfare concerns.Data from theMinistry of Justiceshows that defended cases in county courts increased 8% to 67,000 in early 2025, with the average time for small claims reaching 49.8 weeks almost a year of legal uncertainty.Ms Davies recommends all horse owners and yard operators put comprehensive written agreements in place, regardless of existing relationships. A good contract protects everyone involved, she said. It should clearly outline services provided, costs, notice periods for changes, termination procedures, and liability terms.She added that contracts need regular reviews as circumstances change. Many disputes arise from contracts that havent been updated for years and no longer reflect current costs or services, she said.For yard owners, Ms Davies suggests creating transparent pricing policies that acknowledge potential increases. Being upfront about how and when prices might change builds trust and reduces shock when increases become necessary, she said.Horse owners should carefully check contracts before signing and seek clarification on vague terms. Ask questions about anything unclear and get amendments in writing, added Ms Davies. Never rely on verbal assurances that arent in the contract.The specialist warned that the current economic climate makes these issues more pressing. With rising costs across the equestrian sector, clear agreements arent just helpful theyre essential for protecting both businesses and horse owners, she said.Prevention is always better than cure. A professionally drafted contract costs far less than litigation and protects relationships as well as finances.Related contentTop tips to protect your yard from thievesEssential guide to horse health insurance: costly gastric ulcers and colic are leading causes of claimsHow much does it cost to own a horse? *Promotion*Could not wearing high vis leave horse riders liable in a road accident? Solicitor answersThe post Spike in livery yard legal battles amid inadequate contracts and rising fees appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in association with SPILLERSAs our equine companions get older, their nutritional needs evolve, and many owners of veteran horses and ponies find themselves wondering if they should change their feed as they age. With the term senior encompassing anything from 16-40+ years, theres a diverse range of individual needs to consider, which means theres no single answer.Start with body conditionTo put it simply, an overweight horse needs less calories and a lean horse needs more calories this is true of all equines, regardless of age. Those who are in a healthy body condition need to maintain the calories theyre on.Consider any clinical issuesHealth considerations play a significant role in diet planning. Those who develop clinical issues will be limited by what feeds they should eat.Is the horse still active?Activity level is another important factor exercise burns calories. Active, laid-back seniors may benefit from a little extra energy.What is the horse currently eating?Knowing how much a horse is currently consuming helps establish what adjustments may need to be made to the diet. This includes all hard feeds, supplements, forage, and grazing. While we cant measure grass intake, we can consider the quality of the grass and time spent grazing.Consider your horses living arrangementsYour horses environment will impact their diet and wellbeing. Some yards dont allow certain management practices; some have excessive grazing. Ask yourself: are you able to care for your horse the way you need to or might there be a better facility nearby? Know your horse is it common for them to lose weight in winter?One of the most important principles to get right when it comes to feeding horses and ponies is to provide them with a balanced diet. By gathering as much information as possible, we can then work out how to achieve this.A balanced diet is fundamental to a healthy senior horse. Credit: SpillersGood doers no extra calories needed!Balancers provide minimal calories, but maximum nutrition.For any horse maintaining their weight well on grazing and forage alone, a feed balancer is the ideal way to ensure they receive all the essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein they need to thrive from minimal calories.Some calories required?Choose lower calorie feeds or a 50/50 diet.Some horses need a few more calories but dont require a full ration of compound feed. Alongside plentiful forage, feeding a combination of half a ration of cube/ mix/ mash and a half ration of balancer can be effective. When selecting feeds consider the feeding rate and calorie content, measured in megajoules (MJ) of Digestible Energy (DE). Low-calorie feeds are typically around 8 to 9 MJ DE/kg, while high-calorie feeds are around 12 to 13 MJ DE/kg.Poor doer lots of calories needed!Choose higher calorie feeds.For horses who need substantial extra calories on top of grass and plentiful forage to maintain their weight, aim to choose high calorie feeds make sure you still supply a balanced diet. Keep meals small, feed no more than 2kgs per meal by dry weight and feed two, three or even four times a day.Struggling to eat enough forage?Hay replacer required.For senior horses with failing dental health, they may struggle to eat enough forage/grass to maintain their weight, even if on 5-6kg of hard feed per day. Hay replacers or mashes may become essential. Substitute 1kg of dry hay with 1kg of the feed and always check the instructions on the bag.As teeth wear, a mash feed may be needed. Credit: SpillersHow senior feeds differ from leisure horse feedsMany senior feeds include higher levels of protein to support muscle and topline and are often medium/high calorie to reduce the risk of weight loss. Senior feeds may also contain extra nutrients to support immunity and muscle health, plus pre- and probiotics for digestive support or ingredients such as glucosamine to support joint health.Senior horses are as diverse as the people who care for them, and their diet should reflect that individuality. By providing the right balanced diet you can help them thrive. If youre unsure, reach out to a nutrition specialist theyre there to help!Related contentThis is why a senior feed balancer will help your ageing horse thrive for longer *Sponsored*Slow the decline of topline in a senior horse with this advice *Sponsored*Why every horse will benefit from eating a soaked feedThe post Design the best diet for your senior horse or pony with this advice *Sponsored* appeared first on Your Horse.

An equine vets is urging horse owners to check their fencing to ensure their animals are safely secured within their fields.The plea follows news of several horses being killed in collisions after breaking free from their grazing and straying onto roads.Recent wet and stormy weather has damaged fence structures and left many boundaries weakened. This, coupled with reduced grass during the winter months, can make break-outs more likely.Five horses were killed and three injured after breaking free from their fields in Hampshire earlier this month, prompting Animed Equine Vets to speak out. In an unprecedented week [] we would like to encourage everyone to take some time to check the viability of their field fencing, they said. It is possible that a combination of wet stormy weather damaging fences and limited grazing at this time of year causing hungry horses to push their way out of fields looking for more grass is contributing to these events occurring.For the sake of our beloved equines and the innocent drivers who are involved in these events, and often unable to do anything to avoid them, please have a walk around your field boundary and ensure everything is as it should be.The vets shared their warning in a post on Facebook earlier this month. The post has been shared more than 500 times and attracted hundreds of comments.The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends that fencing should be inspected daily.When selecting any fencing ensure it is safe and sufficiently strong, the BHS website states. It is important to note that if your horse escapes from their pasture because of inadequate or unsafe field boundaries you may be liable for any damage caused. Be cautious where hedgerows are used as the sole boundary as they can become weak and require reinforcement.Related contentEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetPoisonous plants for horses: in pictures9 essential things to get right when youre taking care of a horseThe post Owners urged to check fencing after horse fatalities appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in association with DengieYouve identified that your fat horse needs to lose weight and are ready to act, but what are the fundamental things you can do to ensure their weight loss plan is a success? Below are 10 top tips to help you manage your horses weight loss, so that they become the fittest, healthiest version of themselves.1 Work with an equine nutritionist or feed adviser They can help with practical advice for your horses weight loss plan, including advice on what and how much forage to feed and how to keep your horses diet balanced with the nutrients that they need without the energy or calories they dont. Check out the BETA Equine Nutritionist and Feed Adviser Register to find a suitably qualified expert (ENFAR).2 Manage grass intakeGrazing often represents the greatest source of energy intake in the leisure horses diet and unrestricted grass intake is often the biggest barrier to weight loss. However, managing grass intake can often be the trickiest part of a horses weight loss plan, especially if you dont own your own land and have less choice regarding the paddock or herd your horse is kept with. The key here is to look at the available options for grazing restriction to identify which is the most practical option for your situation and which is going to be well tolerated by your horse. If, for example, you have no choice about which paddock your horse goes in to and are not allowed to implement strip grazing, then the use of a grazing muzzle is a great option. Watch this video about out how to use a grazing muzzle appropriately.3 Make sure you meet minimum forage requirementsIf your horse has reduced grass access, then the reliance on conserved forages increases to maintain their forage intake. At a minimum, all horses should consume 1.5% of their bodyweight on a dry matter basis daily. If for example your horse weighs 600kg and you want to do the calculation to work out how much to feed, start by calculating the dry matter requirements.How to calculate dry matter requirementsThe calculation is: 1.5 (target percentage) divided by 100 and multiplied by the horses weight.In this example for a 600kg horse, the calculation is: 1.5 100 x 600 = 9kg dry matter required.Once you have calculated your horses dry matter requirements, the next step is to work out how much to feed as fed. How to calculate feed as fedForages like hay and haylage contain very different amounts of water and if this isnt taken into account you risk significantly underfeeding haylage and therefore fibre, because there is a lot more water in haylage making up its weight. Hay typically provides around 85% dry matter and haylage 60% dry matter.The calculation is: amount of dry matter required forage dry matter percentage x 100In this example for a 600kg horse with a dry matter requirement of 9kg, the calculation is: 9 85 x 100 = 10.6kg4 Maximise forage intake Whilst minimum forage recommendations exist, the horse has evolved to eat on a little and often basis, which is a behaviour known as trickle feeding. As such, where possible we want to maximise forage intake so that we aim to satisfy a horses appetite. Additionally, this supports their behaviour and therefore welfare. This can only be achieved without exacerbating weight gain if we choose the lowest energy forage source available for our horses weight loss plan. The amount of energy provided by forage is influenced by its digestibility, which in turn is influenced by the type of plant, environmental conditions during growth and particularly by the age of the plant at the time it is harvested. Hay or haylage?Haylage tends to be cut when the plant is less botanically mature and is therefore more digestible, providing the horse with more energy or calories than hay, which is typically cut when the plant is more mature. Hay can also be soaked to reduce its water soluble carbohydrate or sugar content which can further reduce the amount of energy supplied. Haylage typically provides more calories than hay. Credit: DengieStrawStraw is the least digestible forage source available and can therefore be a useful addition to the diet of those on a weight loss plan. There are a couple of caveats to feeding straw. Firstly, your horse must have good teeth and secondly it must be introduced very gradually to the diet to allow time for the digestive system to adapt. Once gradually introduced to the diet, straw can replace up to half of your horses daily forage intake as a lower calorie alternative. If straw is difficult to source, low calorie short-chopped fibre feeds that are predominantly straw based can be used as an alternative.5 Make forage last longer When forage quantities are restricted to encourage weight loss, then additional measures must be taken to extend forage eating time. Divide the forage ration up into as many smaller presentations as possible through the day so your horse doesnt spend significant periods of time without anything to eat. Small-holed hay nets make it more challenging to take big mouthfuls of forage, thereby extending eating time. Divide the hay ration between multiple, loosely filled nets in the stable to encourage foraging behaviour and to slow the rate of intake. Mixing straw through the net of hay or haylage not only helps to reduce the energy intake but increases eating time as the horse spends more time sorting their forage.The smaller the holes, the longer it takes to finish a net. Credit: Dengie6 Maintain nutrient intake whilst decreasing energy intake Restricted grazing, soaked and/or restricted hay and increased straw use can all result in a reduction of nutrient intake, particularly vitamins, minerals, and quality protein like the essential amino acid lysine. This is the main reason for still providing the horse with a bucket feed to top up on nutrients that are lacking in the diet while on a weight loss plan. This can easily be done by combining a low-calorie chopped fibre feed for chew time with a feed balancer at the manufacturers recommended daily feeding rate. Make sure the balancer is suitable for your horses workload and, if your horses diet is very restricted or uses a lot of straw, they may require more than the minimum feeding rate of the balancer, or one that is a higher specification.Seek advice from the manufacturer.7 Tempting treatsWhilst we all love to provide our horse with tasty treats, remember that every calorie counts and treats should be used in moderation. Provide enrichment by using things that promote extended eating time ,such as treats hidden amongst forage or by using forage or hay balls. Horse-safe veggies are low calorie options for stretching or clicker training treats.8 Keep monitoringWe dont just mean your horses weight, although we recommend this is done fortnightly with a weigh tape and by monthly body fat scoring. You should also regularly weigh your horses forage (and if any is left over that as well) to monitor intake and ensure they are eating enough. Count the number of droppings too and keep an eye on water intake, as these measures are important for monitoring health.9 Buddy upIf anyone else on your yard has a horse on a weight loss plan it can be very helpful to buddy up. Not only will this help with motivation, but you may be able to help each other out with things like different feeding times. If your horses are in ridden work, it can also make calorie-burning exercise more fun by doing it together.Its often more fun to ride with friends who share common goals. Credit: Your Horse Library10 Welfare in other waysWeve talked a lot about forage, but beyond forage dont forget that friends and freedom (choice) are also important to your horse as well. Whilst encouraging weight loss, there are still ways that you can give your horse a choice, such as different forages in different nets and locations (cafeteria diet), plus nets of mixed forages to encourage foraging behaviour. When planning grazing restriction methods, also consider ways to try and maintain your horses turnout with their friends as well.For advice on a horse weight loss plan contact DengieRelated contentWhy the equine obesity epidemic matters now more than everFitness plan: experts advise how to get a horse fitThis is how being fat affects a horses bodyDr David Marlin explains how to ride a horse so that they burn more caloriesThe post Horse weight loss plan: 10 ways to lose those excess pounds *Sponsored* appeared first on Your Horse.

A West Sussex equine rehabilitation charityis highlighting the growing impact that modern management practices like intermittent feeding, high-grain diets, intensive exercise and long-term medication can have on equine digestive health, which in turn can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Slinfoldwas prompted to speak out after working with Corrib, a Connemara pony, who was suffering from severe gastric ulcers.The charity believes the eight-year-old geldings associated pain and behavioural issues could have been avoided or at least significantly reduced if more traditional practices such as increased turn-out, more opportunities to forage, and ensuring horses are fed before they exercise, had been implemented.Some horses show very few signs of gastric discomfort, but many, like Corrib, make it clear that theyre unhappy, said Mary Frances, CEO at Moorcroft.He arrived weak, lame and with a tight, sore back linked to low-grade pain in both hocks and stifles. This is an issue easily missed because it affects both sides equally.He was worryingly stiff and inactive for an eight-year-old, more like an older horse.Rehab programmeMoorcroft worked with its vet, physiotherapist and specialist team to create a tailored rehab programme to help resolve Corribs gastric ulcers and restore full soundness.Treatment included long reining to stretch and strengthen Corribs back, regular physiotherapy to support postural changes and improve comfort and Platelet Rich Plasma therapy in both hocks and stifles.Over a six month period, Corrib has since undergone a marked transformation and is now back jumping, moving with a longer and easier stride on the flat, and is feeling much more comfortable to ride.New chapterWere delighted that Corribs latest test shows he is now ulcer-free, said Mary.His journey highlights what compassion, dedication, and expertise can achieve. Were thrilled that he can now look forward to a healthier, happier, and far more comfortable life.Image MoorcroftEquine Rehabilitation Centre.Related contentHorse diet: why they shouldnt go for longer than 4 hours without foodHow to tell if a horse is lameWhy saliva is key to preventing gastric ulcersHow a horses digestive system worksConcern about overweight horses being ulcer prone is on the riseThe post Rehabilitation specialist warns of risks posed by modern horse-management practices appeared first on Your Horse.

A one-eyed pony has been rehomed by his long-time handler at a Devon charity after the two developed such a strong bond she couldnt bear to be parted from him.Georgie Moore, a member of the horse care team at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, has been looking after Geronimo for the last three and a half years and has transformed the 17-year-old skewbald moorland gelding from a withdrawn pony to a much more confident animal.Geronimo first arrived at the Sanctuary in 2018 as part of a merger with another equine charity. A year later he needed his left eye removed due to ongoing problems.After surgery and recovery at the Sanctuarys Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Newton Abbot, he moved to the charitys Coombe Park yard in Totnes.A new home awaits Geronimo.Clicker trainingWhen Georgie first started looking after Geronimo she noticed he was shy and timid so she began clicker training to help develop his confidence and make him feel safe.It started off with just target training in the stable, and that grew into taking him into the arena, and he learned to touch a target with his nose, explained Georgie.We moved on to cones, then he learned to knock the cones down. Then he learned to push a ball round, so we thought, lets take it a bit further. He started doing turns and to bow.In the arena he would just follow me around and as we started learning new things, it elevated his confidence so much. Id go into the barn and call for him, and he would make lots of noise and get really excited, and wed do our routine.Geronimo training with Georgie.Favourite part of the dayIt was his favourite part of the day, and it was mine too because it really grew his confidence. He went from being one of the most timid ponies in the yard to the most vocal in the barn. Day by day we developed this wonderful bond.As their partnership developed, Georgie realised she wanted to give him a forever home so in November Geronimo made the short journey from Coombe Park to Georgies base.As I developed this special bond with Geromimo, I just knew that I didnt want to live without him, said Georgie.I already have rehomed ponies Robin and Willis at home with me. Robins got just one eye as well, so they have the same needs, the same grazing requirements, said Georgie.New chapterGeronimos settling in really well. Obviously, it was a big change for him, but he was great. He went straight out into the field with the boys the other side of the fence, and he got settled and was trotting around, seeming really excited, said Georgie.The three ponies have merged now and theyre getting on really well. Theyre grazing next to each other, and he seems really, really happy so that makes me very happy.Geronimo with his new friends, Robin and Willis.Sponsorship ponyAlthough Geronimo has retired from daytoday life at Coombe Park, he will continue as a Sponsorship Pony, becoming the first to pilot the charitys new Sponsorship Pony Loan Scheme.Supporters who sponsor Geronimo will now have the joy of knowing they are helping to fund his lifelong care in a home filled with love, alongside two other rescued ponies and a carer who adores them.Click here to find out more about The Mare and Foal Sanctuarys Sponsorship scheme.Geronimo has moved to his forever home with Georgie.Images The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.Related contentHorses love getting muddy and they need to roll outside every day, experts sayWhy feeding a horse from the floor is best practiceOur team has tried and tested these therapy horse rugs to find which really workExercise sheets tried and tested by our teamThe post I didnt want to live without him: rescue pony rehomed by long-time groom appeared first on Your Horse.

The worlds oldest equine charity, The Horse Trust, welcomed a trio of donkeys to its sanctuary in the Chilterns over the festive period.Milly, whos 16, her mother Molly, whos 20, and Gus, whos 17, were rehomed after their previous owner was no longer able to provide the specialist care and support they required. At the request of The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust stepped in to offer them a lifelong home.On arrival, each of the donkeys was carrying excess weight while Molly also required immediate veterinary and farriery attention due to significantly overgrown hooves. She will continue to receive specialist hoof care as part of her rehabilitation.While The Horse Trust is more well-known for providing retirement and respite for horses who have served our country or protected our communities, it is in the process of actively expanding its donkey-specific care. The charity has invested in enhanced donkey paddocks, enrichment activities and facilities.Were so pleased to welcome Milly, Molly and Gus to The Horse Trust as we grow our specialist donkey care, said ceo Jeanette Allen.Donkeys have very particular needs, and its a real privilege to give them the expert, lifelong care they deserve. Seeing them settle in so quickly has been lovely and their arrival highlights just how important public support is in helping us continue this work. Molly, Gus and Milly have settled well in their forever home.New friendsMilly, Molly and Gus are not the charitys first donkey residents, Briar, Henry and Troy each lived to be over 40 years old and become some of the charitys longest serving residents. Mother and daughter donkey duo, Lola and Nora, also reside at the Horse Trusts base between High Wycombe and Aylesbury after being rescued from the Spindles Farm cruelty case.Lola and Nora are now sharing their enclosure with the three new arrivals. Gus, whose exuberant personality is beginning to show, has particularly enjoyed meeting them and continues to embrace sanctuary life with real enthusiasm.Visitors will be able to meet Milly, Molly and Gus once The Horse Trust reopens its gates to the public on Thursday 5th February. From then, the charity will open its gates to visitors every Thursday to Sunday from 14pm. It will also be open on bank holidays and Wednesdays during the school holidays. Mother and daughter duo, Milly and Molly, share a close bond.Canon EOS R6m2 f/2.8 1/640s 70mm ISO500Top two images The Horse Trust, bottom image Christine Dunnington photography.More from Your HorseEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetExperts advise how to choose the best type of bedding to suit your horsePrevent mud fever by doing this (spoiler: it isnt actually caused by mud!)Winter hacking: How to stay safe and enjoy your rides through the colder monthsThe post Charity grows its donkey family with three new arrivals appeared first on Your Horse.

Residents at an equine charity in Devon witnessed an extraordinary display of colour earlier this week when the Northern Lights illuminated the night sky.The horse and ponies who live at The Mare and Foal Sanctuarys Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes witnessed a mix of pink, red and green hues in the sky above them between 10.30pm 11.30pm on Monday (19 January).Coombe Park is one of four sites run by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and is home to around 120 rescued equines. Residents includeSir Didymus the indomitable miniature Shetland (pictured below), the inseparable Shetland pairing of Morgan and Mousey Prince, and mares Tammy and Vogue.The Mare and Foal Sanctuary currently has almost 600 horses and ponies in its care who have been rescued from abandonment, neglect or abuse. Sir Didymus, who lives at Coombe Park, saw the Northern Lights on Monday.HistoryThe charity was founded by Rosemary Kind in 1988 and was registered as a fully-fledged charity in 1992.Her vision was to ensure that the smallest, weakest, injured or most unwanted horses and ponies had care and a home for life.In the 38 years since the sanctuary was established, it has rescued more than 1,000 horses, ponies and foals. It hasspecialist experience in managing and training feral or unhandled horses and ponies and caring for mares in foal and orphaned or abandoned foals.The Mare and Foal Sanctuary now has four sites. As well as Coombe Park, it also runs Honeysuckle, near Newton Abbot, Moorland Rescue Facility near Yelverton and Upcott Park near Holsworthy. The Sanctuary also has six charity shops.The Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display which occur in the Northern Hemisphere when charged particles from the sun collide with gases from the Earths atmosphere.The skies above Coombe Park were awash with colour.All images The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.More from Your HorseVet advice for preventing dehydration in horses this winter8 ways to motivate yourself to go hacking in winter (plus why its good for you)Jumping indoors: three exercises to help you prepareThe post Charity residents treated to spectacular Northern Lights display appeared first on Your Horse.