A-Z Directory
Westgate Labs celebrate 25 years of Improving the Way Horses are Wormed.
Postal worm egg count specialists, Westgate Labs, was started by husband-and-wife duo David and Gillian Booth back in 1999. The tiny business set out with a huge mission to improve the knowledge and practice of horse worming in the UK, from their farm in Northumberland. David recollects: “It was the most exciting of times, making…
Read MoreEquine Massage – What is it?
A horse’s body works really hard. It has over 200 bones, 700 muscles and can gallop at up to 45 miles an hour. It’s lungs can take in 60 litres of air. It is a well adapted machine, a herd animal that can roam up to 20 miles in a day eating vegetation and avoiding…
Read MoreShould Off-Roading On Green Lanes Be Allowed To Continue?
Patricia Stubbs for Peak Horsepower bridleway group has recently been in touch to draw our attention to the questions about off-roading in the government’s consultation on the Glover landscapes review. The government is asking whether off-roading on green lanes should be allowed to continue. Green lanes are either Byways open to all Traffic or unsealed…
Read MoreHerefordshire’s Lucy Scudamore at the Olympics
When Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are competing, you know super-groom Alan Davies will be there too, looking after the horses, but he won’t be the only groom in Tokyo. Each horse has a designated groom and Carl’s ride ‘En Vogue’ will be looked after by the ever smiling 24 year old Herefordshire born and…
Read MoreConsumer Rights Act 2015
QUESTION TO LEGAL EXPERT ALISON GOODWIN: Hi. I’ve had the offer of a full refund on two saddles a third less deposit and full refund on two girth’s. The seller did not provide any notice or told me anything about a refund/return policy on the bespoke saddles and there is nothing on their website The…
Read More“Horse Style: How to Get More Dash for Your Cash!” blog post by Helen Watts
It’s not just at Christmas time that we need to watch our budget. If Santa’s ignoring that request for those new Pikeur breeches or that jumping saddle, here’s a few tips to save money but stay stylish all year long! Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the season when keeping a horse costs more. Now, you may…
Read MoreFrom The Ground Up: Top Tips on Staying Safe When Handling Your Horse
Many of us read the recent story on Horse and Hound and shared here on Hereford Equestrian following a 77-year old handler being airlifted to hospital after being kicked in the head. Aside from always wearing a helmet when handling horses, here are some simple, safety first tips to keep you, others and your horse…
Read More“Real Liveries of a County Near You – The Only Way Is Up!” – Blog Post by Helen Watts
There’s a farm called Misery, but of that we’ll have none Because we know of one That’s always lots of fun (Ha ha!) And this one’s name is Jollity; believe me, folks, it’s great For everything sings out to us as we go through the gate Bonzo Dog Band I was not always lucky enough…
Read MoreRiding the horse life/work balance: Is being your own boss the solution?
There can’t be a horse owner out there who hasn’t sat at their desk in the winter months, watching the light dwindle and thought about working for themselves. No more arriving at the yard when it’s dark in the morning and dark again at night. No more having to ask friends or pay to have…
Read MoreHome Is Where My Horse Is
Seeing as moving house is one of the most stressful events we can experience, moving your horse can also rank right up there with it. Yes, we may be fully aware of the long term benefits we will gain by moving. This knowledge does not lessen the short-term angst level however. I worked out the…
Read MoreHappy Rider = Happy Horse. Is your body coming between you?
Let’s get one thing out there right off the bat: this post is not about body shaming. It’s about having a happy relationship with it and therefore, a happier relationship with your horse. I am not about to enter debates about whether or not you may be too heavy for your horse either. Also, if…
Read MoreBridle for Showing Yearling?
Question to Claire: “Hi, I have a yearling filly, born august 2018. I am planning doing a couple of local shows with her in hand at the end of the season. She is small for her age and I was just wondering what bridle I should use with her? ive been told to show her…
Read MoreAll the Single Riders – Put Your Hands Up!
Time to saddle up your inner Beyonce. And not just the single ladies out there. This includes LBGQT riders or anyone in a relationship who feels alone. Or with the fear their fate is the equine equivalent of Crazy Cat Lady as they age. Ending up that weird horse hoarder with several assorted equines of…
Read MoreChecking out from Heartbreak Hotel: From Unhorsed to Back in the Saddle Again.
I never thought I would buy a second horse. Of course, there were the lottery win fantasies we all indulge in. Where in addition to buying that dream horse property and its purpose built American style barn with 20 Loddon boxes, I also bought or adopted the horses with which to fill it. Aside from…
Read MoreOff the Track: Could an Ex-Racehorse Be Your New Best Friend?
Whenever I can I like to get up to the HEROS Racehorse Rehoming Charity at North Farm Stud which is located just outside of Wantage in Oxfordshire. The charity, which occupies 80 acres of rolling Oxfordshire countryside, is run by Grace Muir who has successfully rehomed hundreds of ex-racehorses since she set up HEROS in…
Read MoreFaecal sand testing now available
Faecal sand testing now available for horses to help reduce the risk of sand colic by monitoring sediment levels Colic is one of the most common emergency problems in the horse and has many different causes, one of which can be sand in the horse’s gut. Animals ingest it as they graze and it can accumulate…
Read MoreThe Importance of Roughage in the Horse Diet
The horse’s diet has evolved over the years due to the way in which they have had to look for food, water and shelter. Horses are known as nomadic gregarious herbivores. Which means they move around in herds for safety, eating grass and other roughage they can find on their journey to find the sparse…
Read MoreGet Back – You Don’t Know Me Like That! The Skinny on Yard Bullies
A friend of mine just messaged me very distressed. A person on her yard had called her ugly. Apparently there had been previous altercations and the individual in question has a reputation for being somewhat unpleasant – not only to my friend but to others as well. This kind of behaviour – and we can…
Read MoreBoots, Breeches, Bling! My Fake Instagrammable Riding Life
We give so much of our time to our horses. But what about some ‘me’ time for us? We don’t have to be perfect. But would feeling good or better about ourselves influence how we ride? I could probably put good money on the fact that each and every one of us has this vision…
Read MoreBridle Colour
Question to Claire: “What colour bridle should I use to show my highland mare in hand. She is a dun colour, should it be brown or black leather? Shelagh” Answer from Claire Oliver: “Hi Shelagh I would suggest you use a plain brown leather bridle, on your highland. Best of luck at your competition.…
Read MoreHappy Hacker? Or Just #Hackedoff?
How many readers out there describe themselves as ‘just a happy hacker’? And before you stop reading, yes, if you do compete as well, this article is also for you. Chances are you hack and also compete or show to varying degrees. Or perhaps you are one of those riders who is never happier than…
Read MoreGet Back on the Horse: Feel the Fear and Ride Anyway
I’m sitting in a chilly classroom on the campus of a local community college on a freezing Saturday morning. It’s a back to school moment complete with radiators that do nothing but emit worrying banging sounds worthy of the Victorian plumbing that orchestrated the school rooms of my youth. Desks are notably absent but rows…
Read MoreGuidance for the recent outbreaks of Equine Flu and other contagious diseases.
As of the 13th February 2019 the British Horseracing Authority decided to resume racing. Thousands of samples where taken and tested by the Animal Health Trust and they are cautiously optimistic that the current outbreak of equine flu is relatively contained to a small number of cases. The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) continues to closely…
Read MoreInformation about tetanus, flu, EVA, EVH and Ringworm
What are Vaccinations? Prevention is ultimately better than cure and vaccinations play an important role in preventing disease in horses. Vaccinations are used to: • reduce the risk of a disease outbreak occurring • reduce the spread of disease in the event of an outbreak • decrease the severity of illness in affected animals. Vaccinations…
Read MoreRide to Freedom – How I reconnected on the Mongolian Steppe by Katriona Shrives
I stared out the window of the plane at vast wilderness of Mongolia. It was our fourth year bringing guests to this incredible destination and although I was excited at the prospect of seeing great friends I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. With so much to do the…
Read MoreGirl Meets Horse – What To Do When That Happily Ever After Doesn’t Happen by Helen Watts
Girl meets Horse. Or guy meets horse. Or gender fluid person meets horse. Sorry, but the last two didn’t quite have the punch I wanted for a headline. Besides which, we all know women make up a disproportionately large proportion of the leisure horse sector. Hey – I’m just playing the numbers here. No bias…
Read MoreThinking about fitness – an article by Sam Goss
When you are thinking of going out and about with your horse, you really need to make sure that he or she has been working and is fit enough otherwise you can cause injuries like a damaged tendon or sprained ligament, or simply a gall or pulled muscle. We need to think about their bodies…
Read MoreLooking for Mr. Ride – Is the Perfect Horse as Elusive as the Perfect Man?
Although everything that follows is true, some names have been changed to protect the identity of the horses. Back in the Saddle ‘Get back on the horse and do it again.’ Mortified and miserable I clamber to my feet. Cheeks flaming, but thankfully concealed by my cheap, ill-fitting jodhpurs, I dust myself off. A few…
Read MoreOwning a horse is a labour of love
The lows of winter – mud, wet rugs and dark days, which we are all no doubt currently experiencing, make it difficult to remember the highs – the clear rounds, the relaxing hacks and the accomplished feeling of cracking that dressage movement. I’ve managed to compound these miseries of winter by both owning my own…
Read MoreGetting ready for the lighter Evenings
Sam Goss entered the following article for the recent Hereford Equestrian blogging competition and won the runner up prize jointly with Ceri Belli. Here is Sam’s entry which was written before Christmas. Sam will regularly blog for Hereford Equestrian during 2019 and I’m sure you will find her articles very useful. Getting ready for the…
Read MoreHorse health professionals rally to determine best practice as “Equitape” horse wormer to be discontinued from October 2018.
From October 2018 the wormer brand, Equitape®, commonly used to treat tapeworm infection will be discontinued from sale in the UK. This wormer is the only licenced product for horses containing praziquantel as a single active ingredient. Going forward, it will only be available in ‘combination wormers’ also containing either ivermectin or moxidectin, the drugs…
Read MoreQuarter Marks?
Question to Claire: I am in hand showing a 3 year old British bred Hanoverian in the young stock classes. Should I put quarters marks on the hind quarters or leave them bare. Ruby Answer from Claire: Thank you for your enquiry, I would put quarter markers on your 3 year old. Best of luck…
Read MoreHeight Restrictions Hack & Riding Horse Classes
Question: Dear Claire, I have a rising 4YO Trakehner gelding whom I expect to make 16hh/16.1hh, once he is of age, I would love to do some ridden showing. I am aware of the height restrictions on hack and riding horse classes so I am after advice as to which classes I may be able…
Read MoreApplying for Jobs
As the owner of the Hereford Equestrian website I am regularly emailed by students coming to the end of their college course asking if I have any jobs available. As yet, not one of the emails has captured my attention and all for the same reason and what is that?…… The most recent one was:…
Read MoreRacing Yards Require Staff
Looking for a job in the racing industry? Keep an eye on the classified ads, jobs section. Many local racehorse trainers use Hereford Equestrian when looking for lads and lasses. Click here
Read MoreDanger of Acorns Poisoning Horses
Horses can die if they eat a lot of acorns due to a toxin called tannins. Whilst most horses don’t usually bother eating acorns especially if there is adequate forage available, sometimes they will eat them. Other parts of oak trees are also toxic including the leaves if eaten in large quantities and this can…
Read MoreUse of Cryotherapy in the Equine Athlete
Immediately after an injury an inflammatory response begins with the migration of white blood cells called neutrophils and macrophages to the site of injury. Along with these cells inflammatory mediators also rush in. These inflammatory mediators increase the permeability of capillary walls allowing oedema to develop. Oedema is often visible as a swelling or puffiness…
Read MoreUnderstanding Collection and Why We Ask For It.
In true collection, the horse is required to shift his centre of gravity to the hind limbs, which should be well placed under the body. In doing so the pelvis tucks under, the spine raises and the horse has the freedom to ‘lift’ through the withers and out of the base of the neck. The…
Read MoreWhich GP saddles for Welsh Cobs and Native Breeds?
The Horse Boutique are often asked which GP saddles are particularly well suited for Welsh cobs and other native breeds, so have written an article with three great recommendations all currently in stock at the Horse Boutique. For further details about their quality new and used saddles, do please call their proprietor, Michael Burleigh, Master Saddler and…
Read MoreTraditional Carriage Driving Experience
Learn to drive a horse and carriage from professional coachman Marc Lovatt from The Cavalry of Heroes. Call 01497 831297
Read MoreConsumer Rights Act 2015 – Saddle Question
Hi Alison. I have a horse with big shoulders who has always under-performed because his saddle rams into his shoulder, displacing his scapula and forcing him to tense through his back and neck. Until recently I was unaware of the reasons for his pain response but aware that I needed to rehabilitate him without a…
Read MoreConsumer Rights Act
Question: Hello, I Hope you can help. We bought a 2nd hand saddle from a registered saddle fitter for my daughters horse, it was the first horse that we have bought having had others on loan & we are quite novices in tack. The saddle fitter came & fitted the saddle & said it was…
Read MoreBrown or Black Boots?
Question: Hi Claire, I have recently bought a new horse and wish to start showing with her. She has been beautifully produced and although she is only 6 years old, she has been to the big shows in England, and done well [always in the ribbons] I haven’t partaken in much showing at all, apart…
Read MoreColic
In a bid to prevent colic reaching critical stages, The British Horse Society and The University of Nottingham have launched REACT Now to Beat Colic. A comprehensive library of new resources has been produced to support horse owners about the wide range of issues relating to colic, in particular the steps that can be taken…
Read MoreTension
Question: I have a very talented Lusitano mare who sometimes gets comments about her being tense. However, before this last weekend, she had never had a score as low as 51% which I think was unjustified and insulting. She has been winning consistently with scores in the mid 70’s all summer . The mare is…
Read MoreUnsound
Question: “I have a 13 year old Shire X mare who came back from loan in April. Since her return she has simply hasn’t been right. We initially thought it was in her back, now she appears ‘wrong’ in the front. She hasn’t really been lame just seems sore all over. We have had her…
Read MoreHow to Improve the Canter Into a Fence
Question: My horse is a temperamental 5 year old 15hh welsh section D, she loves jumping and we have done 3 indoor show jumping competitions, one out door and we are at a show on Sunday. I am actually taking my horse along with two other youngsters cross country training tomorrow, I was just looking…
Read MoreBreach of Contract/Negligence
Question: I would like some advice. I had my sand school put in about 6 years ago by a local firm after doing a large amount of research. I was advised at the time to go with a limestone binding layer instead of a second membrane as although more expensive it will last much longer.…
Read MorePoorly Fitting Saddle
Question: I do dressage clinics at a friend/client`s private yard in Scotland. Recently a girl, who I had not previously taught, came for a lesson. She arrived for help with her horse in a brand new saddle. I watched her warm up and gave some advice to improve her position, but after a short while realised…
Read MoreBreach of Contract re Sale of Horse
Question: I purchased a horse on 04/10/14 her advert stated 8 years old however she still has not given me his passport and vet scanned his microchip he’s actually 11 almost 12! I have a contract in place with the purchase and that too States he’s 8. She made a lot of excuses about passport…
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