The revision of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 does not explicitly provide protection for horses being ridden or driven on public roads, bridleways or other public access routes, despite widespread belief within the equestrian community that it would.The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 was revised in March this year and a key area of change stated that the law had been extended to cover livestock worrying and attacks that take place on roads and paths.Many equestrians welcomed the change and common perception was that riders when riding or driving their horses would now fall under this act if they suffered an incident on roads and paths. However, Katie Smart, one of the campaigners behind Leash & Release, whose horse died as a result of injuries sustained during a dog attack in his field, sought clarification on the legislation and was told by a Defra representative that this is not the case.Regarding the recent amendment to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, the Act now includes roads and paths when livestock are being moved between fields, in addition to agricultural land. The Act also includes horses within the definition of livestock. However, it does not extend to ridden horses on public roads, bridleways, or open-access land, said the representative.As a result, the protections afforded under this Act do not automatically apply to ridden horses in public spaces. In cases involving ridden horses, enforcement typically relies on the Dangerous Dogs Act or other relevant welfare or public order legislation. Prosecution decisions remain at the discretion of the CPS, with final determinations made by the courts.A matter for the courtsDefra told Your Horse that incidents involving ridden horses may still be considered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, depending on the circumstances.A spokesperson for Defra said:We recognise that dog attacks can have horrific consequences, and we take this issue very seriously. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 protects livestock, and this term includes horses. If a horse is attacked by a dog whilst being ridden on a road or path, there may be sufficient evidence that the dog was dangerously out of control within the meaning of section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.The Crown Prosecution Service would assess whether to proceed with a prosecution under section 3 of the 1991 Act or the 1953 Act (or any other relevant legislation) on a case-by-case basis. It remains a matter for the courts to ultimately decide, whether on the facts of the case, an offence has been committed. We expect the courts to interpret road or path in line with their ordinary meanings, which are broad.Current legislationThe clarification means riders whose horses are attacked by dogs in public places cannot assume incidents will be dealt with under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. Instead, cases may be considered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or other relevant legislation, depending on the circumstances of the case.Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence for the owner or person in charge of a dog to cause or permit it to be dangerously out of control in any place.Defra told Your Horse that a dog may be considered dangerously out of control if it injures a person or a horse, or causes a person to fear that it may injure them or their horse, and the person responsible for the dog does not have proper control of it.Leash & ReleaseLeash & Release is a campaign that aims to raise awareness of dog attacks on horses and promote responsible dog ownership around equines. It has been campaigning for stronger protections for horses, riders and carriage drivers, and greater clarity around the laws covering dog-related incidents. The campaign also extends to protect other animals, including livestock and dogs.Find out more about the campaign here.Main image Your Horse LibraryRelated contentMPs support campaign for better protection for horses from loose dogsOwner pays tribute to pony who died on the road after being spooked by loose dogPrioritising the freedom of dogs: concern as Defra responds to dangerous dogs petitionOwner of horse killed after dog attack in its field backs dangerous dogs petitionThe post Revised livestock worrying law does not extend protection to horses being ridden on public roads and paths appeared first on Your Horse.

The equestrian world is mourning the loss of Stephen Clarke, one of the most respected and influential figures in British and international dressage, who passed away on Saturday 13 June 2026.Stephens remarkable career saw him officiate at the very highest level of equestrian sport, including the Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games, FEI World Cup Finals and FEI European Championships.Among his many prestigious appointments, he served as president of the ground jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games a role he described as one of the proudest moments of his life.In 2013, Stephen was appointed FEI Dressage Judge General, helping to shape the future of international dressage judging and education. He played a key role in developing the FEI Judges Handbook and evolving the FEI Dressage Rules.A lasting impressionBut his contribution to dressage extended far beyond the judges box. He was also a sought-after coach, mentor, educator and ambassador for the sport.For Your Horse writer and dressage rider Lauren Williamson, who trained with Stephen for 10 years, his passing marks the loss of a mentor, teacher and friend.Lauren described him as being one of those extraordinary people who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.She added that he had a generous nature, sharp wit, and infectious smile and a remarkable ability to make those around him feel at ease and valued.Training sessions with Stephen brought clarity when everything else seemed chaotic. Despite leading an incredibly busy life, he never appeared hurried. He was measured in his approach, thoughtful in his guidance, and seemed to know exactly the right thing to say at exactly the right moment, said Lauren.No matter what horse you rode, Stephen could help you improve it. His deep love of horses shone through in every lesson, reflected in the positivity, patience, and encouragement he offered so freely.He had a gift for building confidence, helping riders believe in both themselves and their horses.The outpouring of tributes following his passing is testament to the countless lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, respect, and thoughtful guidance will live on in the countless people he inspired.Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his lessons, his encouragement, and his example with us always.Working with Your Horse While Stephen was respected worldwide for his achievements and expertise, many Your Horse readers will remember him for a different reason. Over the years, he worked closely with the magazine on multiple training features, generously sharing his wisdom, experience and unique insight into dressage.His ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and warmth made him hugely popular with readers, who valued his practical advice and approachable manner.A distinguished FEI 5* dressage judge, Stephen dedicated more than four decades of his life to the sport he loved, earning admiration and respect from riders, judges and officials around the globe.Renowned for his exceptional knowledge, fairness and unwavering commitment to dressage, he played a pivotal role in shaping generations of competitors and officials, leaving an enduring legacy that will be felt throughout the sport for many years to come.He helped shape our sportStephen was one of those rare individuals who made everyone around him better, and the extraordinary outpouring of tributes since his passing stands as a testament to both his deep love for the sport and his regard for those within it, said FEI Dressage Director Ronan Murphy.He was generous with his knowledge, consistent in his fairness, and always took the time to support and encourage others, from senior officials to those just beginning their journey.Stephen was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Fair, thoughtful and quietly wise, he never sought the spotlight, yet his presence and influence can be felt throughout our sport to this day.We have lost not only one of dressages greatest judges, but also one of its kindest and most respected figures.Everyone at Your Horse extends their heartfelt condolences to Stephens partner, Julian Sebire, his family, friends and colleagues.Main image by Julia Reinhart/Getty ImagesMore from Your HorseStephen Clarke: the Secret to Learning to Ride With an Even ContactDressage pro Emile Faurie explains how to stop a horse hollowing in transitionsThis is how to improve a horses poor toplineDressage judges explain how to improve your test scoreThe post He had a gift for building confidence: Dressage world mourns the passing of Stephen Clarke appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in collaboration with DengieHelping an overweight or fat horse lose weight takes time, dedication and a lot of careful management, and it is easy for some of those early good habits to slip once progress starts to show.However, reaching a healthier weight is only part of the picture regular monitoring and small day-to-day checks are just as important when it comes to keeping your horse on the right track.Here are 10 practical tips to help you manage your horses weight long-term. 1 Weigh your horse regularlyUsing a weigh tape every two weeks will help to identify the trajectory of your horses weight. If it starts to creep up, then you will be aware and able to act sooner.If you have the opportunity to weigh your horse on a weighbridge, use the weigh tape at the same time to calibrate how much difference in weight there is between the two. Weight loss takes time and it has been suggested that losing between 0.5-1% of bodyweight per week is safe and realistic. That means, if a 500kg horse has 100kg to lose, based on a loss of 0.5% of bodyweight per week it will take almost a year to achieve your target. Plot your horses weight on a graph to see how far theyve come and how your hard work has paid off.2 Fat score monthlyFat scoring is the most practical tool we have to identify if your horse still needs to lose weight or whether they have reached a healthy weight. However, changes in fat score can be frustratingly slow, so dont be disheartened if it is taking time for a change in fat score to be apparent.On the five-point fat scoring scale, it takes around 40-60kg of weight to be lost to reduce the score by one point, but if your horse was a 5+ on this scale, then it could take much more. Taking photos from the side and from behind can also help you step back and see changes in your horses weight over time when reviewing the pictures. 3 Grazing muzzlesIf you are using one, check the grazing muzzle hole(s) regularly and the grass length in the paddock. Over time with regular use, the size of the hole(s) in your horses grazing muzzle can increase with wear. A bigger hole means more to eat, so replace as necessary.As the summer progresses, and particularly if we have drought conditions, check the grass remains long enough to poke through the muzzle hole(s). Its important your horse still has something to eat, so consider what alternative options you have available if there isnt enough grass. 4 Strip grazingIf you strip graze, keep an eye on the grass growth in your strip and compare to an ungrazed area outside of the strip. If your horses isnt losing weight, and the grass is actively growing in the ungrazed area, it may mean that the size of your horses strip needs to be reduced to continue to encourage weight loss.Equally, if the grass is very sparse in the strip, and not actively growing in the ungrazed area, then additional forage will need to be provided to maintain digestive health.Plan ahead so that, if extra forage is needed, you dont undo your hard work by introducing higher-calorie options. Soaked hay, straw, or low-calorie forage replacers such as Dengie Meadow Lite with Herbs can all help maintain forage intake while supporting digestive and behavioural health. 5 Count the droppingsCount the number of droppings you are picking up. This can give an idea of whether your horses food intake is increasing or decreasing over a period of time. Keeping an eye on the consistency of droppings and knowing whats normal for your horse can also give you a window into their digestive health. 6 Check their diet is balancedIf you have made significant changes to your horses diet then their essential nutrient intake will also be significantly reduced. Possible changes include restricted or no grazing, feeding soaked hay, using more straw in their diet, all of which means the horses essential nutrient intake will be significantly reduced. This may mean they need a higher feeding rate than usual of products (supplements or balancers) to maintain a balanced diet or require a higher specification product.Work with an ENFAR-registered equine nutritionist or feed adviser who will be able to help advise the most appropriate products to ensure that your horses diet remains balanced. Check out the BETA Equine Nutritionist and Feed Adviser Register (ENFAR). 7 Weigh all forageWeigh supplementary conserved forage not only whats offered, but also whats left over.If you are providing your horses minimum forage requirement of 1.5% of their bodyweight on a dry matter basis daily in a bid to manage their weight and they arent eating it all, then they wont be consuming sufficient forage.Soaking hay in the summer months when the weather is hotter can make it less palatable and a shorter soaking time may be necessary. When introducing straw to the diet it can also take some getting used to. 8 Get forage testedAt this time of year, you are likely to be moving on to a new supply of conserved forage post-harvest. If you have a consistent supply, getting it tested with a basic NIR package can be useful to give an overview of its nutritional quality, including an estimate of digestible energy (DE), which tells us how calorific the forage is.If you know the forage is likely to supply more energy than your horse needs to maintain weight, then you can take additional measures to reduce the calorie intake from forage by soaking the hay, or by mixing straw through the hay or haylage ration.Straw should only be considered if your horse has good teeth and must be introduced gradually to the diet to allow time for the digestive system to adapt. 9 Keep a record of the work theyre doingKeep a diary of your horses exercise. It can be really helpful to track how much and what exercise they are doing, plus any notes about the sessions. Doing this can give you some good insight into your progress. If you notice that your horse is getting fitter and finding the work easier, then its a good sign your hard work is paying off. 10 Monitor insulin levelsIf your horse is overweight and has been diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), work with your vet to monitor insulin levels, as these can help to indicate how at risk of laminitis your horse is, and whether further dietary management changes are required. Main image ShutterstockRelated contentHow weight loss transformed my horse: four case studies you need to readFat horses: why the equine obesity epidemic matters now more than everHorse weight loss plan: 10 ways to lose those excess pounds *Sponsored*Dr David Marlin explains how to ride a horse so that they burn more caloriesThe post 10 top tips to help manage your horses weight *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

Football fever has taken hold at a Devon donkey charity, with residents practising their football skills ahead of Englands World Cup opening match this evening (Wednesday 17 June).Donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary have been showing off their agility, balance and fancy hoofwork through football-themed enrichment activities at the charitys site in Sidmouth.The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off last week and is being hosted by three countries: Mexico, Canada and USA. England mens team will play Croatia in their first group match at 9pm this evening in Dallas, Texas.Residents at The Donkey Charity have been enjoying football-based enrichment activities.Natural talentDonkeys are naturally alert, sure-footed and great communicators, they thrive as part of a team and stay calm under pressure all qualities any footballer would be proud of.Enrichment activities are a vital part of the donkeys lives. They prevents boredom, ensure physical and mental stimulation and encourage them to play and interact with different objects as well as their environment.The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen who was appalled by the state of the donkeys she saw at a market in Exeter. She started buying the donkeys who were in the worst condition and The Donkey Sanctuary was registered as a charity in 1973. Since then the charity has transformed the lives of millions of donkeys around the world.Images The Donkey Sanctuary.Related content from Your HorseArsenal socks a game changer for horses and donkeys at RedwingsCharity asks Senegal totake a stand against the donkey skin tradeOur donkeys are suffering: Concerns raised for the UKs working equines as summer approachesEquine charity launches petition to urge Amazon UK to ban sale of donkey skin products6 fascinating facts about donkeys as we celebrate World Donkey DayThe post Match of the Bray: residents at donkey charity hone their football skills appeared first on Your Horse.

The future of the Dartmoor Hill Pony is at risk according to campaigners, who say new rules could lead to up to 90% of the population being lost.Under proposed new grazing contracts, livestock numbers are drastically reduced and ponies will be included alongside other animals in the overall count.Campaigners fear commoners will be forced to remove their ponies to maximise the number of more commercially viable animals. More than 130,000 people have signed a petition against the new contracts, which could come into force by the end of 2026. The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony (FDHP) said the change is likely to result in a cull to ensure the stock numbers are correct, and up to 90% of the ponies could be lost.They said the ponies were at risk of losing their place on the moor and ultimately becoming extinct.On 2 September, the FDHP will be delivering their petition to Downing Street, accompanied by some of the ponies they are working to protect.A Defra spokesman told Your Horse it recognises the value of the biodiversity embodied by the Dartmoor Hill Pony.In line with the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor, we are working with partners, to help ensure that we maintain numbers of semi-wild ponies on the Moor for generations to come, they said.Lead image of Dartmoor Hill Ponies. Credit: ShutterstockMore from Your HorseOur pick of fly masks and veils for horsesIs your horse is uncomfortable in his bit? Signs he is unhappy and how to solve itHow hacking can improve your competition performanceThe post Dartmoor Hill Ponies at risk: Petition gains traction as ponies prepare for Downing Street delivery appeared first on Your Horse.

A woman has been found guilty of causing a number of ponies to suffer following a welfare case at Lincoln Magistrates Court.Three ponies a piebald colt, a chestnut Shetland gelding and a bay miniature pony gelding suffered unnecessarily, while a fourth a grey miniature pony gelding did not have his needs met.The court heard that in February 2024, the RSPCA and Bransby Horses investigated the neglect of several horses at a location in Meadow Lane, North Scarle, after reports of welfare concerns were made to the charities.RSPCA Inspector Annette della-Porta, accompanied by officers from Bransby Horse Rescue, observed the horses and ponies in wet, muddy paddocks containing hazards. The team noted several horses owned by Beth Lane, 26, of Eagle Moor, were unwell, including a piebald pony who was very underweight, extremely uncoordinated and unsteady on his hind legs and a small chestnut colt who was extremely underweight and had severe hair loss across his loins.In total, four horses were removed by Lincolnshire Police and placed into the care of the charities. By April 2024, all four horses had begun to gain weight.They included a one-year-old bay colt, who was discovered with muscle wastage on his back and lice. He had sharp teeth and nasal discharge with frequent coughing, and wheezy lungs.Another pony, a one-year-old grey colt, also had muscle wastage on his back and lice. He had very long, overgrown feet, sharp teeth, and weakness when turning. When tested by the vet, his lungs were wheezy.A specialist equine vet who examined the horses concluded that three had been suffering unnecessarily between two and three weeks due to Lanes failure to manage parasites, and by failing to address their poor body condition. All four horses were so underweight that they had a body condition score of just one out of five.Lane was sentenced earlier this month (2 June) following a trial.She was given a 12 month Community Order and must attend 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and received a 500 fine. Lane must also pay 10,000 in costs.Charities worked together to bring the ponies to safetyIt was incredibly sad for our team to see these ponies in such a poor state, said RSPCA Chief Inspector for Lincolnshire Rebecca Lowe after sentencing. Its essential that issues such as weight loss and parasites are adequately addressed, and the fact that these ponies have made a good recovery since being removed, shows that they werent given the appropriate care that they really needed.Positively, this investigation was a great example of the joint-work that goes on between welfare charities. Collaborating with equine welfare specialists like Bransby Horses forms a huge part of our rescue work and wed like to thank their team for the fantastic work theyve done in helping us with this case, and these ponies.The ponies are now in charity careThe four horses have made a good recovery under the care of the charities.At sentencing, the District Judge acknowledged that Lane acquired horses which were unwell and suffering but therefore became responsible for them, and she fell short of what was necessary which prolonged their suffering.In mitigation, the court was told that Lane reduced her horses to 12, keeping them between two sites only.Making progress after their rescueMore from Your HorseBest fly sprays for horses as tested by our team of owners and ridersTwo in-hand exercises to improve a horses core strengthCommon causes of coughing in horses and what to do about itNervous out hacking? This is how hypnotic language could boost your confidenceThe post Incredibly sad to see: Owner in court after emaciated ponies rescued appeared first on Your Horse.

A small robot designed to combat ragwort will begin field trials at farms and across land in Dorset this summer.The electrically powered platform, named Raggyby its creators, has arrived at Dorset Innovation Park, which has a growing reputation as a hub for testing uncrewed systems across land, air and sea, for final testing.Ragwort is a poisonous weed which can be deadly if eaten by horses, cattle and other animals, whether consumed fresh or dried. Usually it is pulled up by hand, which is labour intensive, costly and can pose risks to people and the environment. The aim of Raggy is to detect and remove ragwort while reducing chemical use and labour demands.Ragwort is poisonous to horses.The root of the problemRaggy uses advanced machine vision and connected technology, powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing platform, to identify and remove ragwort mechanically at the root, said Jake Shaw-Sutton, director at Robotriks, a South West firm who helped develop the robot.This approach reduces the need for harmful chemicals, supports healthier soils and protects animals and habitat.Robotriksdeveloped Raggy in partnership with Dorset Council and long-time collaborators Telint and Neutral Networks using funding from Qualomm Incorporated through its Qualcomm for Good Initiative, which aims to enrich lives through programmes that strengthen economic and social development.Through Qualcomm for Good, we are proud to support Dorset Council and Robotriks in harnessing edge AI capabilities to modernise agriculture and solve real-world challenges for farmers and the environment, said Ben Timmons, senior director, Business Development of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.Raggy is a powerful demonstration of whats possible with intelligent connected technologies.Reducing workloadsBetween field trials, Raggy will be maintained and stored at BattleLab collaboration centre at Dorset Innovation Park.The team of Rangers, who do a great job managing and maintaining Dorsets fantastic Country Parks, nature reserves and open spaces, spend many hours each year removing ragwort by hand, said Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council.We are delighted this autonomous and environmentally sensitive solution is being tested, evaluated and developed on our land here in Dorset.Main image Dorset Council, inset image Shutterstock.Related contentCould you identify these poisonous plants in your field?Photosensitisation in horses: causes, treatment and prevention tipsCommon horse skin conditions in picturesAtypical myopathy: important vet advice for every horse ownerThe post Meet Raggy: the robot designed to keep horses safe from ragwort appeared first on Your Horse.

Grassroots riders will be able to compete alongside British Eventing members in a new initiative designed to support participation, strengthen eventing activity and create more opportunities for riders across the UK.The first BE Lite competition will take place at Howick Horse Trials in Chepstow on Friday 12 July.Developed by the British Eventing Sport Task Force, BE Lite is a flexible affiliation model for unaffiliated events, developed to support organisers, riders and the wider eventing community. Open to both British Eventing members and non-members, BE Lite provides an accessible route into the sport while operating under the governing bodys guidelines and framework, ensuring the high standards of safety, welfare and event delivery remain.Entry processes are simplified, certain dressage and dress requirements are relaxed, and the focus is placed firmly on enjoyment, confidence-building and progression, while retaining the fundamental standards that underpin eventing.Eliminating barriers BE Lite is exactly the type of initiative our sport needs if we are serious about growing participation and ensuring eventing remains accessible for future generations, said Pippa Funnell, chair of the British Eventing Sports Task Force.It removes some of the barriers that can prevent people from taking part, while retaining the standards of safety, horse welfare and good event organisation that are fundamental to our sport.It is about opening doors, encouraging confidence and helping more riders enjoy the unique experience that eventing offers.Creating opportunitiesBE Lite builds on BEs commitment to support the grassroots community, break down barriers and improve accessibility in the sport through initiatives and programmes such as BE Prepared and Here to Help.BE Lite is about supporting organisers and riders, strengthening standards and creating more opportunities for people to enjoy our sport, said Rosie Williams, chief executive officer at British Eventing.We are delighted that Howick will be the first venue to host a BE Lite competition and are excited to see the concept in action.This initiative recognises that there is no single route into the sport and provides a welcoming, flexible framework that allows more people to experience eventing while benefiting from British Eventings expertise in safety, welfare and sport delivery.Importantly, while some competition rules are simplified to encourage participation, the core principles that matter most remain unchanged. Horse welfare, rider safety, safeguarding, veterinary and medical provision, and event oversight remain at the heart of every BE Lite competition.To enter Howick Horse Trials on Friday 12 July, click here.Related contentPiggy Marchs routine for a confident and clear showjumping roundOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshFive cross-country gears every horse need for a safe and clear roundRide confidently in and out of the start box with this advice from Emily KingThe post Eventing for everyone: BE Lite opens the door to more riders appeared first on Your Horse.

A tiny foal who was found abandoned at the age of just two weeks has blossomed into a happy, healthy youngster and is ready for a new home.Noodles, a dinky cob, required round the clock care from the World Horse Welfare team at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre after he was found orphaned in July 2024. Vets at the charity believe he did not receive enough colostrum (the milk produced by a mare which is rich in antibodies and nutrients) when he was born which left him susceptible to infections and illness.So tinyNoodles was so tiny when he first arrived,saidyard supervisor,Viki.Its unbelievable that someone could abandon him without his mother at such a young age, but we were determined to nurse him back to health.Orphaned foals need a lot of intensive care and Noodles was reluctant to feed at first, so he needed attention 24/7 for weeks.Round the clock careThe team worked day and night giving Noodles bucket feeds and monitoring his progress to ensure he had the best possible chance of survival.His character really came out once he started to feel better, adds hisgroom, Leah.Noodles has grown into an inquisitive, playful little pony, which is great to see after his sorry start in life.Noodles is ready for a new home. Best friendWhen Noodles was strong enough to go out with the other ponies, he stuck up a strong bond with fellow youngster, Tintin, who was found abandoned with two empty food cans wedged over his hoof.Acting like an older brother, Tintin guided Noodles through the early stages of learning how to interact and socialise with other ponies, something he didnt know how to do as he didnt have a mother to teach him.Tintin has now been rehomed and it is hoped that Noodles will also soon find a forever home.Noodles is currently 11.3hh so he is the perfect pal for another small youngster and is looking for a home where he can continue his education, said Leah.Hes a quick learner and enjoys being with people hell come straight over to see you in the field. Id love to see him find another best friend like Tintin in his new home.Noodles (left) with his best friend Tintin.For more information or to regime Noodles, click here. Images World Horse Welfare. More from Your HorseHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsHow do horses sleep? Experts explainOur pick of fly masks and veils for horsesThe post Orphaned foal rescued at two weeks old looking for forever home appeared first on Your Horse.

The following in-hand exercises are designed to improve a horses core strength. They are easy to do at home (all you need is a reasonably flat surface and a few poles) and great to do when your riding options are limited. Perhaps you havent got a lot of time to spend riding today, or youd like to spend time working on the ground with your horse in order to improve your bond and help build confidence in each other.The exercises explained below are done at walk and will help to improve your horses balance and strength. Walk is really useful for getting your horse to use their back correctly, while reducing stress placed on their joints.It is also easier to correct abnormal movement patterns and re-train muscle memory in walk, as the large limb muscles dont overpower the rest in this gait.Before you start working on the exercises, walk your horse around for about five minutes to get them warmed up.Exercise 1: work on the rhythmSet out eight poles in a straight line with 4ft between each pole.Walk your horse over the line of poles aiming for the middle of each one and making sure the walk is purposeful and that you keep them straight.Exercise 2: engage their corePlace four poles end to end in a straight line and serpentine your horse up and down over them, making little shallow serpentine patterns as you go.So, as you look at the vertical line of poles in front of you, curve from left to right over the first pole, and then curve right to left over the second pole, and so on. Its surprisingly harder than you might think! Begin with larger curves to start with, and make the curves shallower as your horse gets to know the exercise.To make this exercise a little harder for your horse, you can raise one end of your middle two poles onto jump blocks.Give it a go and remember to have fun!Main image Your Horse Library. For illustration purposes only; the exercise described above is not picturedRelated articlesAndrew Hoys groundwork exercises to improve your horses balance, mobility and core strengthGroundwork: bond with your horse, build trust and grow in confidenceHorse behaviour: 13 signs your horse is happyThe post Two in-hand exercises to improve a horses core strength appeared first on Your Horse.