Fundacion Bienestar Equino EPONA

30/01/2025

03/11/2024

Absolutely...🤎
There-are-no-bad-horses

Picture source unknown

04/10/2024

IS YOUR HORSE HAPPY TO BE MOUNTED?

In recent years there has been several studies into the facial expressions of horses in relation to pain and stress. Recognising the horse’s subtle body language signals may lead to better communication between people and horses, which is essential to ensure the safety of both.

A 2022 study examined horses’ emotional state and facial expression during leading and standing next to the mounting block. Researchers from Poland assessed eleven leisure horses from 6 to 12 years old when leading and standing next to the mounting block both with and without a saddle.

Photographs were taken every 5 seconds when the horses were led and then when standing next to the mounting block.

The photographs were reviewed and each horse’s facial expression was analysed. The signals the researchers looked for were lowered ears, contraction of the upper eyelid, tensed facial muscles, tensed muzzle, strained and dilated nostrils and whether the eyelids were half-closed.

The team found no significant signs of stress when the horses were led – which suggests that saddle itself had no impact on the horses. However, the horses’ facial expression changed significantly to show clear signs of stress when they were brought to the mounting block.

These results suggest that horses may have negative associations with the mounting block. This could be caused by horses having an unpleasant experience when being mounted, anticipation of pain from pressure on an ill-fitting saddle or indeed anything associated with riding or the riding process.

Again this confirms that horse owners, riders and riding instructors need to learn about equine behaviour and body language. They also need to pay more attention to horse-friendly mounting and riding to ensure better welfare of working horses.

This study was presented at the ISES conference in 2022: Recreational Horses’ Facial Expressions Prior to Mounting: K. Olczaka, N. Łazarczykb from the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Horse Breeding, Balice, Poland and University of Agriculture in Krakow.

Post by Justine Harrison - Equine Behaviourist

03/10/2024

27/09/2024

Nuno Oliveira told us: ‘If the horse is happy, everything will be all right; if he is constrained everything will go wrong. And in case that it is necessary to use force, then one enters a domain that does not fit the equestrian art, neither for that matter, in the circle in which civilised people dwell’.
“I urge my readers to apply the aids to help the horse, not to put him in a mould.”
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2021/10/the-aids-and-the-horse-a-classical-approach/

17/09/2024

23/08/2024

https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/buying-guides/bitless-bridles/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1ZQ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXtwGX74jDYtR4vuEXalB42M7LkloT3heNreHJaUEvXsaalIno2mvepMEQ_aem_A5C_PiqvZ3bmRFIR9gQu4A

Many horses accept bitless bridles and can be more comfortable in them. Read our guide to some of the most popular designs

13/08/2024

Paul Belasik reminds us…
“In the 1600’s, the Duke of Newcastle said the whole objective of schooling the horse is to get the horse upon the haunches. When the hind end comes down and under, the rider will also feel a lift in the horse’s back, the intended consequence will be the lightening of the forehand, the strengthening of the core, back and hind legs. “
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2023/03/collection-and-the-neck/

05/08/2024

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

04/08/2024

30/07/2024

11/06/2024

Mientras Johnny Depp estaba grabando la película "Sleepy Hollow" (La leyenda del jinete sin cabeza - 1999) se enteró que el caballo sería sacrificado una vez finalizara el rodaje debido a su avanzada edad.

El actor quedó espantado con la noticia, y decidió tomar el caballo en adopción para cuidarlo durante la última etapa de su vida.

¡Así se hace!

18/05/2024