Lesley
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Do Horses Know Their Name? – Why Do They Respond?
Calling your horse in from the field is often a wonderful sight – they hear their name and come running to you. This is true for most horses, and it’s a sign that they like spending time with you. But do horses know their name when you call them or is it simply a cue…
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Why is My Horse Rooting at the Bit? – And What to Do?
Part of the beauty of horses is how different they are from one another. Personality traits, quirks, likes, and dislikes vary from horse to horse, as do habits. Unfortunately, horses are susceptible to developing bad habits if their owners, handlers, and riders aren’t careful. Behaviors like rooting at the bit are annoying at best, and…
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22 Ways to Tell if a Horse is Happy – Equine Contentment
What is ‘happiness’ for a horse and how can you tell if a horse is happy? As horse owners, we like to think our horses are happy and content. But are they? Fortunately, horses can usually be relied upon to let us know whether they’re happy, or unhappy! It’s just a case of knowing what…
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Why Do Horses Bite? – 5 Causes and Simple Solutions
Horses have been human companions for thousands of years. Spending time with horses can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience, but working with horses comes with risks. One of the most common issues horse handlers face is the risk of being bitten. Understanding why horses bite and how to prevent it is crucial for any…
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Can You Ride a Horse With Arthritis? – And When to Stop
Should you, or can you, ride a horse with arthritis? Well, it rather depends on who has arthritis – you or the horse! If it’s you, then yes, you can still enjoy your favorite pastime, although you may need to support those aching joints in some way. If your horse has arthritis, it depends… The…
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What is the Difference Between Windsucking and Cribbing?
Windsucking and cribbing, or crib biting are both stereotypies. Stereotypic behavior is an action that horses repeat in a compulsive, habitual way. There are some similarities between these two stable vices, but they are not quite the same thing. So, what is the difference between windsucking and cribbing? Let’s take a look… Windsucking and cribbing…
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Should You Buy a Horse With Arthritis? Is it Wise?
Arthritis is a common yet complex disease, that can be managed with the right medication and exercise program. But the decision to buy a horse with arthritis is not so straightforward and depends on your and the horse’s circumstances. The decision to buy a horse with arthritis depends on what activities you want to do…
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Is a Quarter Horse a Warmblood? – A Breed Apart
The Quarter Horse is a versatile and dynamic breed of American origin that is used in a broad range of disciplines. The exact breeds and bloodlines that make up Quarter Horses have frequently been a topic for debate. A common question; is a Quarter Horse a warmblood? Let’s find out. Although Quarter Horses are descendants…
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Do Horses Like to Be Hugged? – Is the Feeling Mutual?
Hugging is just one of the many ways that people show affection to their horses. There is nothing better than wrapping your arms around your horse and snuggling your face into their neck. But do horses like to be hugged? Or is it something that they tolerate simply because it does not hurt them? Most…
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Can You Ride a Horse With Mud Fever? – Do’s and Don’ts
If your horse has mud fever, you will have some questions about your horse’s welfare. But equally, you will most probably be wondering about how it impacts their exercise regime and your riding. The question is, can you ride a horse with mud fever? Whether you can ride a horse with mud fever depends on…