A new method to provide early detection of health issues in horses is being explored in a research collaboration between the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Aberdeen-based biotechnology firm, Formartine Bio.Growing concerns about equine obesity are at the heart of the study, which will explore Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis, both of which are closely linked to obesity, something which affects an estimated 50 to 70 percent of horses in the UK.Current testing methods for horse health issues are often invasive and identify problems late, according to the study team. The new approach to be used in the research is low-stress and non-invasive for the horse and can be carried out by owners without a vet present.The research will monitor glycans also known as complex carbohydrates or sugars in horses. Collected via a saliva sample directly from the horse, monitoring glycans can provide early, sensitive information about inflammation, immune function, injury, metabolic health, and overall physiological stress often before traditional clinical markers change.From a health and welfare perspective, earlier identification and monitoring of physiological stress or disease risk in horses has clear potential benefits for both the horse and its owner, said Dr Mia Burleigh, Reader in Clinical Exercise Physiology at UWS. Improving how we recognise emerging issues may help support more timely management decisions, reduce the risk of disease progression, and contribute to better long-term outcomes for horses across a range of settings. This research aims to ensure better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and safer, more sustainable horse management.Dr Kimberley Mackenzie, Founder of Formartine Bio, added: By studying glycans, the collaboration aims to support the development of more precise diagnostic tools for horses, with potential benefits for earlier detection, monitoring, and management of disease.Related contentWhats your horses score? How to body condition scoreStrip grazing delivers a steadier supply of nutrients than free grazing, research findsAre grazing muzzles cruel? Expert shares her insightThe post Equine obesity concerns at heart of new research project appeared first on Your Horse.

It is all too easy to accrue four or more faults for knocking down a fence during a showjumping round, potentially costing you and your horse a top placing.With particular exercises practised at home to improve the quality of a horses jump and that expertise utilised in the ring, you will improve your chances of pulling off a clear round.There are many other things that riders can do, too, to avoid careless pole knocks, which we will explain on this page.Tack fitFirstly, check your saddle fit. You should also make sure the horses bridle fits correctly and that they are wearing the right bit.Could it be too strong, making the horse tuck their nose in too much? If their neck is short and tight they cant use themselves properly. If they have their nose out, they can use their body and back more effectively over a fence. Rein contactThink about the contact down the reins to the horses mouth. If they are kept on a short, tight rein, they wont be able to softly bascule over the fence. The rider letting out their reins even by a fraction will allow the horse to take the contact forward. It is also important when jumping a course to keep a consistent rhythm, as this will give the horse the best chance of clearing all the fences. As well as remembering to breathe, riders can count or recite the days of the week as they go around the ring.Alternatively, they could say something to themselves, such as Keep the rhythm. It doesnt matter what it is as long as it works.BasculeBy bascule, we mean the shape the horse makes over a fence the natural round arc of their body as they go over.There are things you can do in training to help develop a horses technique.Try gymnastic work, advises five-star event rider and BHSI and BE accredited trainer Helen Martin.Using V poles helps the horse to stay straighter and push with more power to bascule and become rounder.You can also use a place pole in front of the fence and a landing pole afterwards. Doing these things encourages the horse to keep their balance coming into the fence. They also prompt them to lower their head and look at the landing pole while jumping, preventing hollowing as they bring up the head, adds Helen.Such poles also help the horse to use their shoulders and lift their withers as they land and to think about footwork.I might also use a low but wide fence to get the horse to really open their back. Falling out through the shoulderWhen turning to a jump, you want to feel that your horses body is turning with you, rather than the shoulders falling out or in, which will affect your striding and make turns trickier to ride.In this scenario, Helen recommends using tramlines in your training.Set poles and blocks out like tramlines so that you ride through them into the jump and after landing. You canuse these tramlines on a diagonal line, too. Use them to stop the horse falling in and anticipating the turn. You can even mark out a square shape so that you do a bit of flatwork afterwards. Your inside leg is also there as an aid to move the horse away and not fall in. If your horse doesnt understand this on the flat, the problem will only become magnified when you jump. Iwould introduce leg yield and some lateral work on the flat. Jump a fence and move into a flatwork movement, riding a square afterwards or going straight and then turning a circle. The horse has to stay upright and in balance as a consequence. How to stay confident in your jumping positionHelen recommends using a set distance if you are struggling with your confidence in your position while jumping or if you are just looking to improve your jumping position. Practise using a set distance so that you can focus on your position rather than panic about the fence, says Helen. Think about securing your lower leg position so that you arent unbalancing the horse, whether that is by getting ahead of the movement or being behind it and hollowing the horses back. Stay in the middle, with your weight in your heels. Eyes should always be looking through the horses ears, ahead and in the direction you are wanting to travel.If, however, you want to land and turn left, for example, if you look too much that way over the fence you can throw the horse off balance. Therefore, look straight and focus on jumping the fence straight. You want the horse to develop his push and power off the floor with a balanced take-off. Also think about influencing his balance and rhythm with your seat and upper body rather than your hands. Keep these level by the neck strap. Quite often I bridge the reins to keep my hands down and level.How to best walk a showjumping course for ultimate resultsHelen recommends keeping a close eye on lines in a course while walking it, as well as using the arena. Look at your lines as well as using the arena. Where are you going to turn? she says. At a higher level, if you are looking to cut a few metres off the track so that you dont accrue time faults, you might want to think about turning inside a fence. Or, to help guarantee a clear, stay out a little to give the horse more time to read the fence. Use of the arena really is key, as is making sure that you are on a line and jumping the fences square, straight and in the middle.Watch other rounds to see how the course is riding and, if you can, watch from different angles. You can then appreciate how distances ride for different horses and how the lines taken can affect the distances or the approach to fences. Turning points can be influential they can add or take away half a stride. Walk the distances to see if they walk short or long. Helen also says that you should think about the topography the jumping arena. Consider the terrain, too. Grass arenas can be on a slope so if you are riding to a combination downhill, the horse will make up that distance, but when riding uphill you will need more power. The gradient will take away a bit of the horses impulsionand stride length. About the trainerWiltshire-based Helen Martin (ne Cole) is a five-star event rider and a BHSI and BE accredited trainer. She competed at Badminton Horse Trials last year and this year with Andreas, a 19-year-old Dutch-bred gelding, with whom she recorded a top 20 finish in Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI4*-L last autumn. Helen is married to farrier Philip Martin.Images: Sally Newcomb/Your Horse Library Related contentJumping exercises for a strong and keen horseTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassHow do horses see a fence? Lucinda Green explains *VIDEO*Five gears that every cross-country horse needs to haveCommon jumping position errors fixedThe post Improve your chances of jumping a clear round with these tips appeared first on Your Horse.

A horse has died and a rider has been injured following a dog attack in East London.The horse and rider were in Havering Park Woods on 20 March when the incident took place. It was reported that two dogs attacked the horse and the rider fell.The horse had to be put to sleep as a result of its injuries and the rider was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.The female rider, who is in her 30s, suffered injuries not deemed to be life-changing or life-threatening, according to the Metropolitan Police.Police were called to Havering-Atte-Bower at 5.15pm Officers seized two dogs at the scene which remain in police kennels, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Your Horse. No arrests have been made at this time, and enquiries are ongoing.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 5965/20MAR, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to ensure that their dogs are kept under control at all times in public and private places, added the police spokesperson. Failure to do so can result in serious criminal consequences.Updates to the Dangerous Dogs ActThe attack comes after updated legislation surrounding the Dangerous Dogs Act.The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, making it law and updating the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) 1953.It came into effect on 18 March this year in England and Wales and strengthens the tools available to police and the courts, enabling them to respond more effectively when incidents happen.Key changes include rewording, so that attacking livestock is treated separately from worrying livestock. It also extends the law to cover livestock attacks and worrying on roads and paths, and the penalty has also been increased to an unlimited fine.In addition, the law gives police enhanced powers to seize and detain dogs, collecting samples or evidence from dogs or livestock, and entering premises to prevent future attacks.More from Your HorseIts not the season itself that causes spring laminitis, warns vetTop tips to prepare you and your horse for competing outdoorsThe secret to adding more focus and precision to your schooling sessions, plus 4 exercises to tryThe post Horse dies and rider injured in dog attack appeared first on Your Horse.

A mother and daughter who admitted neglecting a pony have been banned from keeping equines for five years and handed suspended prison sentences after a prosecution by the RSPCA.Chloe Hudson, 27, and Shantel Tansley, 46, both of Ainsworth Lane, Bolton, admitted one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and appeared at Wigan Magistrates Court to be sentenced on 20 March.The court was told that Jewell, one of five equines being kept by the defendants at Higher Pasture Barn in Broadhead Road, Bolton, was in such a poor condition that a vet decided the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep.A neighbour who was keeping her own horses on land next to the location became so concerned about Jewell that she contacted the RSPCA on 7 January, 2024.In a statement presented to the court she said that two bay ponies being kept on the field were skin and bone and Jewell looked ready to drop.Jewells condition worsened and the neighbour noticed she was suffering from diarrhoea and was uninterested in eating after she had offered to put hay out for the defendants equines during a period of snowfall a week later.When she was looking after her own horses a couple of days later she saw that Jewell had collapsed.I ran down to the field and saw that the pony was laid on her side and not moving, said said the vet, who tried unsuccessfully to contact Hudson. She was breathing but she didnt get up. The temperature was around minus six, it was freezing cold.The pony had profuse diarrhoea around her back end and on her tail and that had frozen to the ground. I was shocked by her condition.RSPCA Inspector Jennie Ronksley, who investigated the case, said that none of the equines kept in the field had natural or man-made shelter and the field was open to the elements with witnesses describing 80mph gusts of gusts.The vet, who attended at the field, stated the pony was dying and he put her to sleep. When he rolled her body over the extent of emaciation became clear as her pelvic bone was protruding and femur was visible through wasted thigh muscle.It was clear that this pony did not get into this condition overnight and with more timely intervention and treatment (for a possible parasite infection) there would have been a different outcome, the vet said. Her owners were negligent in failing to move her to a more sheltered and warmer environment and failing to seek veterinary help.View an image of the ponys very poor condition here (viewer discretion advised).In mitigation, the court heard that both defendants were very regretful and had now rehomed all the other equines they owned. Hudson was pregnant at the time of the offence and suffered from mental health issues, while Tansley has received treatment for cancer.As well as the disqualification, Hudson was sentenced to a 20-week prison sentence which was suspended for 24 months. Tansley received a 16-week prison sentence which was also suspended for 24 months.More from Your HorseSign up now for #Hack1000Miles 2026!Its not the season itself that causes spring laminitis, warns vetTop tips to prepare you and your horse for competing outdoorsThe post Dying pony found frozen to the ground, court hears appeared first on Your Horse.

A gender insight review by working animal charity Brooke has revealed that women remain significantly underrepresented, undervalued and underserved within animal health systems across Africa, Asia and Latin America.The review discovered that although women make up the majority of veterinary students in many regions, they account for just 20-30% of practising animal health professionals in low and middle-income countries. Women are entering veterinary education in record numbers, but structural barriers are pushing them out of frontline and decision-making roles, said Ellie Parravani, external affairs advisor at Brooke.This is not only a gender equity issue, but it is also a systems failure with real consequences for animal health and rural resilience. Cultural issuesCultural norms in many regions limit women farmers interactions with male veterinarians which consequently leaves major gaps in access to care. Women veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) are uniquely positioned to close this gap, improving access to timely treatment, vaccination, and disease prevention. Genderresponsiveveterinary services are consistently linked toearlier disease detection, higher vaccination uptake, improved animal welfare practices, and better biosecurityoutcomes. Evidence from FAO andBrooke country partnersshowsthat when women animal health practitioners are trained, supported, and deployed, disease surveillance improves,including forhigh-impacttransboundary diseases such asfoot-and-mouth disease,pestedes petits ruminants, and avian influenza.Despite their proven impact, women animal health practitioners face several challenges such as gender bias, pay inequality,limited access to practical training, mobility and safety risks, and disproportionate caregiving burdens.ChallengesWomen often report being paid less thantheirmale colleagues for the same work or are denied services by farmers who question their competence,particularly in largeanimalpractice.The issue of safety is also a big concern for women, particularly in remote areas, where risks include harassment violence, and unreliable transport.Gender-responsive training programmes for women VPPs in Nigeria and Uganda resulted in improved livestock survival, increased productivity, and a 53% rise in average monthly income for participants. These gains extend beyond animal health. Increased income and professional recognition for women practitioners strengthen household resilience, improve food security, and contribute to broader rural economic stability. Not optional but essentialThe evidence is clear, empowering women animal health practitioners is not optional but essential, continued Ellie. Gender equity must be embedded as a core design principle in animal health policies, training systems, and workforce development strategies. When women are supported to thrive as animal health practitioners, animals are healthier, diseases are detected sooner, and rural communities are more resilient. The benefits extend far beyond gender equity; women strengthen entire animal health systems. New initiativesBrooke has launched several initiatives to help overcome these challenges and support women into animal health systems. These initiatives include:Genderdisaggregatedneeds assessmentsBlended online andface-to-facetrainingandmentorshipChildcaresensitive schedulingandtransport supportAnimalhandling skills trainingMaleallyship programmesChallenge stereotypes and biased normsin communities and animal health systems.There are also signs of change from global organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) which hasestablisheda gender task force and isdeveloping a global gender strategy.Recent continental workforce recommendations in Africa call for equal pay, safer workplaces, gender responsive education, and leadership pathways for women in veterinary services. Image Brooke.More from Your HorseGroundwork exercises for horses to build trustGrowing resistance to antibiotics is a major threat to horse health and this is whyDo draw reins ever have a place when training horses? BHS coach weighs up the debateThe post Gender barriers hindering animal health progress, says Brooke review appeared first on Your Horse.

Scotlands leading animal welfare charity, the SSPCA, is calling for the creation of a Scottish National Animal Offenders Register to allow enforcement agencies to monitor bans, track repeat offenders, and identify links between animal abuse and other crimes.Currently, information about offenders is held separately by organisations such as Police Scotland, the Crown Office, local authorities and animal welfare bodies which makes it more difficult to identify repeat offenders or monitor individuals who have been banned from keeping animals.Equine welfare cases can be particularly complex because horses require specialist care, appropriate land, nutrition and regular veterinary attention. When individuals who have previously been banned from keeping animals are able to acquire horses again, the consequences can end up including severe neglect, untreated illness, malnutrition and long-term suffering.Key aims of the proposed register: Helping enforcement agencies identify individuals who have previously been banned from keeping animals Preventing repeat offending by ensuring bans are visible and enforceable across Scotland Allowing relevant partners, such as licensing officers, to check applicants for animal-related businesses or activities Strengthening links between animal welfare enforcement and wider safeguarding concerns, given the recognised links between animal abuse and other forms of harmRepeat offender riskSadly, we continue to see cases where horses and other animals suffer because individuals who have been banned from keeping animals are able to acquire them again, said Nicola Strachan, head of advocacy and strategic partnerships at the SSPCA.When bans are breached, the consequences for the horse can be severe, often leading to neglect, poor health and long-term suffering.A National Animal Offenders Register would help close that gap by allowing enforcement agencies and relevant partners to identify repeat offenders more quickly and ensure that bans are visible and properly enforced.Joined-up system neededAt the moment, information about animal cruelty offences can sit across different organisations, including police, local authorities and ourselves as an enforcement agency, but information is not widely shared, continued Nicola.A more joined-up system would help ensure that someone who has been banned from keeping animals cannot simply move area, use someone elses name, or acquire animals online without that history being visible to those responsible for safeguarding welfare.Horses are highly sensitive animals with complex physical, behavioural and social needs. Most owners work incredibly hard to provide the right care, but stronger systems are needed to protect animals from the small number of people who repeatedly fail them. Measures like a national register would help prevent further suffering and strengthen Scotlands ability to respond to serious welfare offences.Proposed changesThe proposal is the first of four key asks in the charitys manifesto which comes ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May. The other three asks include embedding animal welfare into the Scottish curriculum, review the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the introduction of a permitted list of animals that can be legally kept as pets.Images Shutterstock.More from Your HorsePreparing for disaster: How to plan for emergencies and evacuationsHorse rescued after falling through bridgeHandy guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Leading Scottish animal welfare charity seeks national animal offenders register appeared first on Your Horse.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is calling upon the government to acknowledgehow the equestrian sector contributes to society beyond sport.The government is currently consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disability(SEND) system with the aim of helping and supporting children and young people with SEND aged between 0 and 25.As an organisation working directly with families, schools, and communities, the RDA sees the growing demand for SEND provision every day.Each year, the charity enriches the lives of 39,000 disabled people 70% of which are children and young people, often with multiple and complex needs through its equine activities. Each RDA session is safe, supportive and inclusive and is tailored to the individual needs of participants. Demand outweighing supplyWith almost 4,000 people on RDA waiting lists and 71% of RDA groups reporting that demand exceeds capacity, the charity is hoping that the governments consultation on proposals to reform the SEND system will recognise the need to increase capacity in activity-based learning programmes.RDA groups are rooted in their communities, and every day we see the difference activity-based learning makes helping children build confidence, independence, and focus that translates into school and family life, said Michael Bishop, chief executive of RDA UK.The unique combination of horses and a supportive, inclusive community unlock progress that children cannot experience elsewhere. Demand for our activities already exceeds capacity, and without sustained support too many children will miss out.Proven impactThe RDAs Impact Report shows measurable educational, developmental and emotional outcomes. Over 70% of children feel calmer and more settled after RDA sessions and return to school more focused and motivated. Parents and teachers say that children participating in RDA sessions have improved resilience, patience and self-esteem and improved engagement with peers and adults.Parents, carers, and educators consistently report that RDAs combination of non-judgmental horses and a supportive community helps children feel safe, seen, and motivated, achieving growth that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This demonstrates that RDAs high-quality, community-based SEND provision delivers meaningful, measurable impact at scale.Image Shutterstock.More from Your HorseThese are the big benefits of regular hacking for horses and ridersHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetIntroducing your horse to a new herdThe post RDA urges government to recognise community-based SEND support in its education reforms appeared first on Your Horse.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trusts (RBST) new research has shown positive trends in demand for native breeds of horse and pony, particularly for those with practical uses such as riding, driving, and conservation grazing. This is among the key findings of two surveys under RBSTs Equine Conservation Project, which aims to identify specific issues affecting native breeds, analyse differing approaches to breeding and reproductive technologies, and ascertain the opportunities for extending the modern uses of native breeds.The project included analysis of native equine breeding decisions to provide an uptodate picture of breeder behaviour, motivations and challenges across the UKs native horse and pony sector, informed by a survey of 398 breeders representing the UKs native breeds.The UK has a fantastic array of native horse and pony breeds, each with their own unique traits and heritage, said RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price. They all have so much to offer to modern riders and land managers but sadly a number of native equine breeds remain in a precarious position. The knowledge gained through this project will help conservation bodies and breeders, working together, to target and hone action that will strengthen the outlook for all our irreplaceable horse and pony breeds.The new research findings show a committed, conservationminded breeder community that is optimistic about the future and indicates robust market demand. With enhanced support in areas such as AI access, stallion availability, genetics, and promotion, together we can significantly strengthen the longterm sustainability and visibility of the UKs native horse breeds.RBSTs research found that most breeders work on a small scale, managing between zero and three mares per year, with an average of around 1.5 stallions. It shows that market demand is broadly positive, with 44% reporting expanding demand, while only 16% seeing contraction. Breeders were motivated by conservation rather than commercial gains, with individuals driven to preserve bloodlines, improve genetic and performance traits, and contribute to breed sustainability. 76% used or would consider using artificial insemination or sexed semen, but barriers include cost, logistics, access, and a preference for natural service among some breeders.Breeders also consistently highlighted a need for greater promotion and public visibility ofnativehorses beyond the show ring; better stallion access; improved access to AI services and semen; and expanded genetic tools, training, mentoring and guidance fornewbreeders.We are pleased to supportRBSTsEquineConservationProject, which is helping to build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the UKsnativehorse and pony breeds, said Rob Bailey of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, who funded the research. It is encouraging to see that thefindingswill help strengthen the long-term sustainability of these important breeds.RBSTs Equine Conservation Project also included research into equine welfare perceptions, which showed that while commitment to good welfare is strong among owners and professionals, horses across the UK continue to face risks due to knowledge gaps, inconsistent management, and economic pressures. Nativebreeds face additional challenges requiring targeted intervention, including a decline in traditional knowledge. The RBST said improving access to reliable, practical welfare information would be essential for raising standards and supporting better outcomes across the sector.The charitys recommendations include making clear, accessible welfare education available to owners, focused on feeding, weight management, rugging, turnout practices, and recognising pain behaviours, as well as collaboration between organisations to improve consistency, quality, and reach of guidance.Lead image by ShutterstockMore from Your HorseThese are the big benefits of regular hacking for horses and ridersHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetIntroducing your horse to a new herdThe post Rare Breeds Survival Trust reports increasing demand for native horses and ponies appeared first on Your Horse.

The farrier is an integral part of maintaining your horses health and well-being. Their regular visits ensure your horses feet are kept in the best condition and help prevent lameness but are you doing things your farrier wishes you wouldnt? Are you making their job harder than it needs to be? Master Farrier Ben Benson AWCF explains five key things which you should stop doing to help your farrier out and enable them to do their work more effectively and efficiently. Dont oil your horses feet before the farrier arrivesWhether you intentionally decided to spruce your horse up and make a special effort for the farrier, or you rode your horse and you didnt think about it, oiling your horses hooves ahead of a visit from the farrier is a big no-no.Everything a farrier does is about your horses feet so it means that whatever is on them or in them ends up being on the farrier or their tools. Not only does everything end up being covered in hoof oil, but everything also sticks to it. A farriers rasp costs around 40 and lasts depending on the weather about a week. One oily, muddy horse can mean it lasts even less time.If your farrier hot shoes your horse when its covered in hoof oil, that oil gets evaporated which is unpleasant for the farrier. Dont present your horse with wet and dirty legsIf you want to win brownie points from your farrier, make sure when they arrive at your yard your horses legs are clean and dry and their rug is the same. The farrier spends most of his time working under your horse, so if they are wearing a wet, muddy rug that damp and dirt will be transferred onto them. Similarly, if your horse has wet, dirty legs the farriers clothes end up being damp and mucky from where theyve held the horses leg between their legs. The farrier spends all day in those clothes and they dont want to have wet and dirty jeans all day. They want to look professional when arriving at the next customer and be allowed into shops to buy their lunch!Just towel drying the horses legs and picking out their feet ahead of the farriers visit makes a massive difference to their job and the state of their clothes.Dont expect your horse to be shod in a wet, dirty and/or poorly lit environmentFarriers dont need a 1m yard with bespoke facilities, but what they do need is somewhere clean, dry and (preferably) flat, where the horse isnt stood in mud or water to shoe your horse.Working in a wet environment is a health and safety issue and can be dangerous, particularly if your horse is being hot shod. Wet environments also ruin a farriers tools. If the area you are asking the farrier to work in is wet or muddy, simply rolling out two rubber mats before the farrier arrives can transform the environment and work really well. The shoeing area needs to be large enough to allow access down both sides of the horse. The farrier must be able to walk down the side of a horse holding a hot shoe free from obstruction such as rugs hanging over doors, unless you want a new horseshoe logo melted into your rug.Good light is also essential. A farriers work is predominantly done underneath the horse so they need to be able to see what they are doing. Poor light can affect their ability to see the white line (which can be only one to two millimetres wide in some horses) and the small structures in the horses hoof where the nails are placed. If you cant clearly see in the stable or where you are expecting your farrier to work, its not good enough for them to shoe in.Dont use ill-fitting overreach bootsWhen a farrier asks you to use overreach boots, its because they want to avoid the hind foot standing on the heel of the front foot and pulling the shoe off.Many people buy overreach boots that only protect the bulbs of the heels, when in fact, what is needed is a slightly longer, deeper overreach boot that touches the ground at the back of the foot. Farriers commonly see the old-style bell boots with the spines on them being used but they dont protect the shoe as they sit a couple of inches off the ground. From a farriers perspective, the best overreach boots are slightly deeper, more warmblood-type boots. They sit lower, and theyre made of neoprene or a thick material. By having a boot that touches the ground at the back, it acts like a crumple zone instead of letting the toe grab the shoe and pull it off.Good, well-fitting overreach boots should be used as soon as theres some cut in the ground, or when the horse is lengthening, shortening, and collecting. Show jumping is an obvious example, as is hunting, eventing, cross-country, and even dressage. Any activity with changes in balance creates the opportunity for the horse to stand on itself. When the horse is turned out and galloping around, bucking and playing, thats another time when it may benefit from wearing overreach boots.Ultimately, a damaged or ripped overreach boot, as frustrating as it is, is saving you from a lost shoe. Lost shoes always seem to happen on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday when you have a competition or plans with your horse. A ripped boot saves you money, stress, and a sore horse.The secret is to have several different types of overreach boots: different makes, some with wool at the top, some plain neoprene, and to swap them regularly. Dont keep the same ones on all the time, because that can cause pressure sores where they rub.As soon as you take the boots off, wash them. Dont let mud build up inside the top, as that can irritate the horses skin. If youve got a horse with sensitive skin, keeping that area clean is especially important.Make sure the boots are in immaculate condition and have three or four pairs. Even boots of the same brand can fit slightly differently.Do offer them a drinkIts really important to offer your farrier a cup of tea or coffee! Their job is very physical with long hours and little or no breaks. Farriers go from playing tug-of-war, to hitting something with a hammer, to getting back in the van and driving to the next job and some of their hardest days are the dry yard days when everyone is busy. Having the chance to stop, drink a cup of tea, regroup, and refocus makes such a difference.We run a competition throughout the year called #FeedTheFarrier. We have different categories, including a professional category, and its surprising how competitive some of the groups get with their offerings of cakes, sausage rolls and bacon sandwiches. Engaging in#FeedTheFarrierreally does make a difference. Its amazing the improvement you can make to a farriers week, and even their day, just by offering them a cup of tea. Funnily enough, it also puts you right at the top of the emergency call-out list. If you make your farrier a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich, the moment you have a problem theyll be there in a flash, because youve looked after them. That goodwill makes a huge difference when youre on the other end of it. Its also important that bills are paid on time! Ask the expert Ben Benson Ben Benson AWCF is a UK-based Master Farrier specialising in high-performance and remedial farriery for elite sport horses. He has worked with leading riders, veterinary teams, and championship horses worldwide, including involvement at the last four Olympic Games, supporting equine soundness and performance at the highest level. Alongside clinical practice, he contributes to education, consultancy, and product development within the international farriery industry.Related contentWhy hooves crack and how to prevent itBruised soles: common signs and how to prevent it happeningThis is the difference between a farrier, blacksmith and equine podiatristHow to prevent and treat thrush in horsesBuying guide to over reach bootsThe post 5 things your horses farrier really wishes you wouldnt do appeared first on Your Horse.

As a horse owner, I am sure I am not alone in the daily concern about my horse. Worrying about if we are giving them the right feed, using the right bit. Does the saddle fit? Am I a good enough rider? Am I doing him/her justice? Does my horse actually like me?Do I deserve such a nice horse? If your horse seems out of sorts, do your thoughts go the worst possible scenario, causing sleepless nights, and a load of anxiety, taking over your everyday life?When you worry, your nervous system goes into survival mode, looking out for danger. Your adrenalin spikes, and logical thought goes out of the window. It is impossible to think rationally when your primal instinct is to fight, flee or fight kicks in. Panicking can lead to poor decision making, so prioritise a sense of calm, deep breaths, slowing your heart rate, before making choices.So, lets break caring for your horse down into manageable chunks.Have you a support network you trust? Moral support comes from friends, practical guidance from your vet, trainer, dentist, and other professionals as required. Mind you, this in itself can cause anxiety. How many therapists do you actually need? It is easy to fall into the trap of too many cooks, so seek help on a logical basis, getting help on a as required basis.Keeping a horse diary, or daily journal can be a useful way to log what you did with your horse this week/month. Tips to logOutline your aims/goals, with a reality check on whether these are achievable or unrealistic. I am not one to dampen enthusiasm, but setting the goals too high only leads to disappointment, beating your self up for not being good enough. Note your thoughts about your horses behaviour. How does it feel when he greets you in the morning with his ears back? What does this mean to you, and what could he be telling you?Be aware of your emotional response your feelings/mood when you are with your horse, or thinking about things in the night. What stresses you? What makes you feel relaxed?Make a plan to work through the things that worry you, or frustrate you. I love a plan- it takes away the anxiety and gives you a focus on how to fix things. I challenge you to ask yourself: why do you choose to have a horse? Do the stresses of horse oenership out weight the pleasures?Caring for your horse is a big responsibility, but remembering tht you love your horse and enjoy his company is so important to balance things out. Listen to him, and trust he will let you know what he needs. Related contentHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)This is why feeding a horse from the floor is best practiceHorse behaviour explained: why everything they do has meaningLearn to read your horses body language with this adviceThe post Do you worry about your horse? Read this advice appeared first on Your Horse.