Articles

Equine gastric ulcers are one of the most frequently discussed health issues in horses. Owners and riders often link ulcers to a range of performance and behaviour problems — from irritability and girthiness to weight loss and poor coat condition.

With so many professionals offering equine dental services across the UK, it can be difficult to know who is best qualified and what level of care your horse truly needs. One of the most common and most important questions horse owners ask is: “Who should I trust to look after my horse’s teeth?”

For any animal, or human to perform to their full potential, they must be pain-free. In the horse world we readily accept that back pain or lameness affects a horse’s performance, but dental pain is often overlooked and is something that can have a profound impact, even if it’s less obvious.

More and more of our horses are living longer due to better health care and owners who are happy to keep retirees. With older age however comes health challenges that need special care and, at some point, a special diet. In this article, Clare MacLeod, Independent Registered Equine Nutritionist shares her advice on feeding the older horse.

Every horse owner treasures the bond they share with their horse. From the excitement of bringing on a young horse and what the future may hold to the twilight years of quiet companionship, these animals give us their trust and loyalty, but as our horses age, their needs change and with that come some of the most important and, at times, most difficult decisions we will ever make as owners.

As soon as we sit on the horse's back we compromise his posture and ability to move, affect his balance and increase the strain on his joints, tendons and ligaments. Recognising this and how it happens is important before we can study how the horse supports his posture and musculoskeletal system. From there we can look at ways to strengthen his body in preparation for a rider and performance, whatever the discipline.

Equine dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years. Once considered a routine rasp to smooth sharp edges, modern dentistry now plays a vital role in supporting welfare, comfort, and performance. Today, we understand far more about how the mouth connects with the rest of the body – and why dental pain should never be overlooked.

Science has the power to transform the way we care for, ride and manage our horses, but let’s be honest, research papers can often feel like a foreign language and if you've ever tried to read one and ended up more confused than when you started - you’re not alone! The world of equine research is full of fascinating discoveries, but it’s not always easy to work out what they actually mean for you and your horse. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new series of online articles with...

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “No hoof, no horse.” It may sound like a cliché, but this timeless truth highlights just how critical good hoof care is to your horse’s health, performance, and long-term soundness. In fact, the hoof is not just a supporting structure - it’s a dynamic, weight-bearing, shock-absorbing marvel that influences everything from movement to posture.

How can we tell if a horse is strong, or strong enough for the job we ask them to do? This seemingly simple question is one that can lead to myths and misconceptions. In this article, Gillian Higgins looks at some of the myths surrounding muscle strength, gives an overview of basic muscle anatomy and biomechanics and offers practical ways you can assess muscular strength in your own horse.