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Did you know that a quick 30-second check  could make all the difference in diagnosing whether your horse has gastric ulcers—and even help determine if they’re acute, moderate, or severe ? Ulcers are one of the most common yet overlooked health issues in horses. They can cause discomfort, behavioural changes, and even impact performance. The good news? You don’t need hours or expensive equipment to start spotting the signs. 👉 Watch the Practical Why This Quick Check Matters

When temperatures soar above 30°C , your horse’s body works overtime to stay cool. But did you know that heat can also affect your gelding’s sheath? Today, I noticed swelling in a few horses—and upon inspection, found extra smegma deposits and beans that needed flushing with cool water. Here’s why this happens and why it’s important not to ignore it. Why Does Heat Cause Swelling? Increased circulation:  Hot weather causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to mild swelli

When disaster strikes, every second counts. For horse owners, bushfires and other emergencies can turn calm paddocks into chaos. In these moments, identifying your horse quickly and accurately is critical —and that’s where an Equine Emergency ID Tag  becomes a lifesaver. What Is an Equine Emergency ID Tag? An emergency ID tag, like the Manestay Equine Emergency ID Tag , is a simple yet powerful tool that attaches securely to your horse’s mane or halter. It contains essential

Embarking on the journey of horse ownership is both exciting and challenging. For new horse owners, understanding how to train their horse effectively while building a solid bond is crucial. This blog post provides you with essential advice, exercises for groundwork (in-hand) and riding, and emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Understanding Your Horse’s Needs Before diving into training, it is important to understand your horse’s ne

Why Heat Management Matters When the mercury climbs above 30°C, horses are at risk of heat stress, dehydration, and discomfort. As responsible owners, we need to take proactive steps to keep them cool and happy. Here are practical, horse-friendly strategies you can start using today. 1. Hose Them Down (But Skip the Scraper!) A cool rinse is one of the fastest ways to lower your horse’s body temperature. ✅ Tip:  Don’t scrape off the water—letting it evaporate helps cool the sk

Things to Consider if your Stable Your Horses Creating a safe and comfortable stable environment for your horse is crucial for their well-being and performance. A well-designed stable not only enhances the horse's quality of life but also makes it easier for owners to manage their care. Below, you'll find valuable tips on stable design, maintenance, and how to create the perfect environment for your equine friend. Importance of a Safe and Comfortable Stable A safe stable is m

Understanding Tough Days, Trauma Triggers, and Why True Horsepeeps Choose Education Over Giving Up Ever had a ride where your horse feels like they’ve forgotten everything you’ve worked on? They push through the reins, hunker down, or even bolt. It’s frustrating—but it’s also normal. These are what I call “reset rides.” Why Reset Rides Happen Horses, like humans, have good and not-so-good days. Stress, past trauma, or environmental triggers can cause them to revert to old beh

Minimising Stress and Maximising Safety for Horses and Humans Introducing a horse, or a group of horses, to a new paddock can be an exciting time for both you and your equine friends. However, it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully to reduce stress, avoid injury, and ensure everyone’s safety — two-legged and four-legged alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Australian conditions, with tips on the best time of day and practical advice to make the transit

Maintaining the health and well-being of your horse is crucial for their performance and enjoyment of life. Horses can face a variety of health issues throughout their lives, from minor ailments to serious conditions. Understanding these issues and how to prevent them will help you keep your horse healthy, happy, and active. Understanding Common Health Issues in Horses Horses are vulnerable to several common health issues. These can arise from improper management, diet defici

How Introducing Challenges Fuels Growth for Both Horse and Rider Horse riding is more than just a hobby for many. It's a passion that combines the joy of bonding with a majestic animal and the thrill of overcoming challenges. However, as equestrians strive to improve their skills, they can sometimes find themselves caught in a cycle of frustration. Riding challenges can lead to plateaus, making it hard to maintain enthusiasm. Every horse rider—whether just starting out or wit

Understanding Timing, Aids, and Adaptation Across Environments Raising and training a young horse is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and a good understanding of equine learning. One of the most crucial – yet often underestimated – aspects of this journey is giving your young horse time to process. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to let your young horse process, why it’s essential, and how you can apply the right timing and aids in a variety of settin

A Guide for Horse Owners and Caretakers Laminitis is one of the most serious health concerns facing horses in Australia and around the world. Whether you care for a backyard pony or manage a professional stable, understanding this condition is vital for the wellbeing of your horses. In this blog post, we’ll break down what laminitis is, why it happens, the warning signs to watch for, and what you can do to prevent and manage it. With prompt action and the right knowledge, you

Guidance for Horse Owners: From Diagnosis to Rehabilitation Kissing spine, medically referred to as Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes (ORDSP), is a condition in horses where the bony projections along the spine—known as dorsal spinous processes—become too close together or touch (“kiss”). This contact can cause pain, inflammation, and discomfort during movement, often leading to changes in behaviour, performance issues, and reluctance to work. Kissing spine most commonly af

Lick and Chew Away When it comes to horsemanship, one of the most crucial – yet often misunderstood – aspects is the bit. Selecting the...

Keep Your Mate Comfy and Protected This Summer If you’re a horse owner in Australia, you know just how relentless the flies and harsh sun...

How to Use Body Condition Scoring to Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy Monitoring your horse’s body condition is essential for ensuring...

An Aussie Guide for Horse Owners, Riders, and Trainers When it comes to our horses, ensuring their comfort and welfare is always at the...

How to Keep Your Horse’s Hooves Healthy and Strong When it comes to horse health, there’s a saying that rings true in every paddock: “No...

The Link Between Leading Skills and Loading Your Horse Safely Horse floating can be a stressful experience for both horse and handler....

Essential Techniques, Red Flags, and Recommended Gear for Handlers Leading a horse confidently and correctly is one of the most important...