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Horses & Foals is a horse blog run by two equine enthusiasts to share their love for horses. Learning

24/07/2023

Clicker training is a positive behavioral training technique that is used with many animals, including horses. It is a way of providing instantaneous, positive reinforcement and fine tuning training once your horse has learned the basics.

There are several ways to use horse clicker training, and there are pros and cons connected with each approach.

In this article, we introduce some of the ways you can use clicker training with your horse. Learn horse clicker training pros and cons.

22/04/2023

A well ridden and well cared for horse should display a symmetrical, rounded shape from head to tail. He should have a well muscled chest as well as a well muscled topline, and he should appear mentally and physically relaxed.

As he moves along, you should see the muscles of the loin coil and the base of the neck raise. This allows the horse’s shoulders and back to move freely as the hind legs move along in powerful steps. This is all possible when a well cared for horse is allowed to make use of his neck and head for balancing. This is done by riding in a light handed, intuitive manner that makes good use of leg and seat cues.

Heavy handed riders who maintain excessive contact with the mouth and/or force their horses to carry their heads unnaturally by raising the head too high, shortening the neck or over flexing at the poll cause their horses a great deal of stress and tension as well as unnatural muscle development and poor topline development.

When you force your horse to carry his head and neck unnaturally, he is unable to balance properly and use the strength in his back correctly. This leads to pain and abnormal muscle development and a poor topline. Chronic, heavy handed riding can cause real physical damage to your horse. This can lead to use of unnecessary gear such as draw reins and even to dependence on horse drugs intended to reduce stress and relieve pain.

For this reason, improving your own riding skills and keeping yourself in good condition as a rider is a very important part of developing a good topline in your horse. When you grow strong enough and skilled enough to communicate with your horse and keep your balance without clinging to the reins, you and your horse will both be better for it.

A well ridden and well cared for horse should display a symmetrical, rounded shape from head to tail. So how do I build my horse's topline?

20/04/2023

Horses’ nostrils and sense of smell are very sensitive. In fact, horses communicate a great deal with their noses. What does it mean when a horse nudges you with his nose, snorts or blows through his nostrils?

What does it mean when a horse nudges you with his nose, snorts or blows through his nostrils? In this article, we explore these nosy questions and more.

18/04/2023

When a horse “softens to the bit”, it means that when you simultaneously squeeze with your legs and pick up your reins, he will tuck in his nose creating slack in those reins. This is a sign that he is listening to you and waiting for your instruction. If you lift his head or tosses it, pulls on the bit and/or braces his neck, it means that he is rebelling and resisting your instruction.

In this article, we help you teach your horse how to soften to the bit. Read on to learn more on how to get my horse to soften on the bit.

08/04/2023

Horses are unable to produce vitamin E themselves, so it’s very important that they get plenty of this essential vitamin in their diet. Vitamin E is best delivered along with a bit of fat as this helps it to be absorbed correctly.

Horses naturally get an abundance of vitamin E from the grass they eat. In fact, free grazing can provide as many as two thousand international units of vitamin E every day. Horses who are able to graze freely also get plenty of fat from fresh green grass, and this helps with vitamin E absorption.

Frequent illnesses and digestive problems are signs of lowered immunity, which may be caused by vitamin E deficiency in horses.

22/03/2023

WHY DO HORSES PAW THE GROUND?
If your horse is pawing, it may be an indication that something is bothering him or her, or it may be a bad habit. In order to address this behavior, you have to understand it. No matter what the cause, you can be sure your horse is not just pawing to annoy you. Horses don’t think that way. Getting angry and scolding or punishing your horse for pawing won’t do any good.

Very often, pawing has an actual purpose. To determine if this is the case, you’ll need to take in the whole picture. Is your horse trying to accomplish something by pawing. If you want to address your horse’s pawing successfully, you must first identify its cause.

In this article, we will discuss why horses paw the ground and offer advice on reducing this unwanted behavior. Read on to learn more.

25/12/2022

If you are looking to get yourself an unusual horse, with a very comfortable pace of riding for long distances, why not have a look at the Tennessee Walking Horse vs American Saddlebred?

Both these horses were developed into what we know and love today in America, and they share some similar ancestry and characteristics. Both have some very interesting paces which you will struggle to find in any other horse, so they are well worth looking into: https://horsesandfoals.com/tennessee-walking-horse-vs-american-saddlebred/

If you're looking to get yourself an unusual horse, why not have a look at the Tennessee Walking Horse vs American Saddlebred?

24/12/2022

Many people, even professional horse trainers, believe that once a horse passes a certain age, it can no longer be trained. This is really not the case. Horses of all ages can be trained, but it’s important to understand the horse’s history and background in order to know the right approach. It can be challenging to work with a horse who is mature yet lacks experience, but this can also be very rewarding: https://horsesandfoals.com/training-an-older-horse/

In this article, we discuss what you need to know to successfully train an older horse. Read on to learn more on training an older horse.

21/12/2022

To be a successful rider, you must have an independent seat. This is the result of a combination of suppleness and stability and can be attained by staying fit and by performing focused exercises to improve the flexibility of your joints. Supple, flexible joints allow you to move in rhythm with your horse. This improves your riding and provides your horse with a better experience as well: https://horsesandfoals.com/exercises-to-open-hips-for-horse-riding/

In this article, we introduce exercises to open hips for horseback riding. Read on to learn more in this guide.

19/12/2022

Equine veterinarians are fully qualified vets who specialize in treating horses, donkeys, mules and perhaps other equines (e.g. zebras). A horse veterinarian’s duties can be challenging because they involve traveling from place to place to see patients, working in less than optimal conditions and dealing with large animals (and their owners) who may be under duress.

Even so, people who pursue this career usually do so because they love horses, so the challenges are all just part of a days’ work. https://horsesandfoals.com/how-to-become-a-horse-vet/

How to become a horse vet? In addition to formal education, an equine vet must have good horse sense, genuine compassion for equines...

18/12/2022

If your horse becomes anxious and stressed whenever he is kept apart from other horses, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. When this happens, your horse may nicker loudly and become difficult to handle.

Most horses become a little bit anxious when they are kept apart from other horses, but those that are suffering from true separation anxiety can be dangerous to themselves and others: https://horsesandfoals.com/separation-anxiety-in-horses/

Here we describe separation anxiety in horses and provide tips to help you and your horse cope with this potentially dangerous situation.

11/12/2022

Have you wondered about feeding your horse Chia seeds or flax seeds? Both are very good sources of a omega-3 fatty acids, but your choice regarding which one to feed depends on the reason your horse needs omega-3 supplementation. In this article, we explain the need for Chia seeds vs flax seeds in your horse’s diet and help you make the wise choice: https://horsesandfoals.com/chia-seeds-vs-flax-seeds/

In this article, we explain the need for Chia seeds vs Flax seeds in your horse’s diet and help you make the wise choice. Read on.

10/12/2022

Training a young horse is such a rewarding experience, especially the first time around. But the question of when to start training a young horse typically centers around the moment that the rider first hops on the horse’s newly saddled back.

Inspirational horse movies and the long-standing tradition of “breaking” horses seem to indicate that the moment of truth is when a completely green, sometimes wild horse faces its first saddle and rider all at once.

However, the reality is that a young horse’s training starts nearly the moment he comes out of the womb: https://horsesandfoals.com/training-a-young-horse/

In this article, we're outlining what you can do in the pre-riding stages of training, as well as the ideal age to start training your horse under saddle.

04/12/2022

The rider’s legs in horseback riding are perhaps our greatest tools for directing horses well. Working in tandem with our seat and hands, our legs influence not only the pace, tempo, and gait of our horses, but also their direction.

Today we will explore the role of our legs in horseback riding, i.e. what to do with your legs when riding a horse: https://horsesandfoals.com/what-to-do-with-your-legs-when-riding-a-horse/

Do you want to know how to use your legs when riding a horse? Read on to learn what to do with your legs when riding a horse.

03/12/2022

There are many reasons why a foal may become orphaned. A mare may have problems during pregnancy or during the delivery and be unable to care for her foal.

Of course, sometimes a mare may die while foaling, she may survive just fine but reject the foal.

For whatever reason, from time-to-time a horse breeder can expect to have an orphaned foal to raise: https://horsesandfoals.com/how-to-feed-an-orphaned-foal/

In this article, we provide sound advice on successfully raising an orphaned foal. Read on to learn more on how to feed an orphaned foal.

30/11/2022

Anyone knows the difference between Tobiano Vs Overo Vs Tovero horses? https://horsesandfoals.com/tobiano-vs-overo-vs-tovero/

The difference between Tobiano vs Overo vs Tovero is the type of coloring of the coat - and this can vary markedly. Read on to learn more.

28/11/2022

When you’re choosing a horse, you may think that a taller or bigger horse is always a stronger horse, but this is not necessarily the case.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right size horse to suit your needs.

In this article, will review some of the things you should keep in mind when choosing the right horse for you: https://horsesandfoals.com/how-to-choose-the-right-size-horse/

Let's review some of the things you should keep in mind when choosing the right horse. Learn more on how to choose the right size horse.

27/11/2022

How often should you brush a horse’s mane and tail? How often should you wash a horse’s mane and tail? Should you braid your horse’s mane and bag his tail to keep them clean? https://horsesandfoals.com/horses-manes/

Horses manes and tails are beautiful, but what purpose do they serve? Why do some horses have thin manes and tails and others have thick?

17/11/2022

When I was a child, I was introduced to horses before I could walk. My mother took me along to take care of her trusted horse, Peaches, and I observed handling grooming feeding and vet care while I was still a baby.

I began learning to ride before I could walk, and I did this by riding in front of my mother, mostly ba****ck. In my opinion, this is the best way to teach child to ride a horse.

Sitting in front of my mother as we rode along, I learned to sense what the horse was feeling and thinking and to anticipate what might happen next.

I learned to watch my horse’s ears for signs of what the horse was thinking. I learned to watch far ahead for anything that might be alarming or dangerous or distracting.

I learned about reining with a light hand through simple observation and use of body weight and leg cues through the sense of touch: https://horsesandfoals.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-ride-a-horse/

Learning how to teach a child to ride a horse? The most important thing to know about riding horse is not the mechanics.

15/11/2022

If you’ve only ever ridden with the saddle, you don’t actually know how to ride. That may seem like a dramatic statement, but there is a huge difference between learning how to ride with the saddle and learning how to ride with just a horse. When you ride ba****ck you are in close contact with your horse.

You’re able to feel and move freely with the rhythm of the horse. You soon learn to anticipate his movements and his thoughts, and vice-versa. When you ride ba****ck, your horse is in closer contact with you and is better able to understand what you want from him.

Riding ba****ck makes you a stronger rider because you’re not dependent on the saddle to hold you in the correct position: https://horsesandfoals.com/horse-ba****ck-riding/

A consummate horse man or woman should be able to do horse ba****ck riding. Riding ba****ck makes you a stronger rider. Read on.

14/11/2022

If you’re thinking about trail riding or just going out for a long ride in your area, you may wonder how far your horse can travel in a day. The distance your horse can cover in a day depends on a lot of different factors, including: https://horsesandfoals.com/how-far-can-a-horse-travel-in-a-day/

How far can a horse travel in a day? Let's discuss the things you should keep in mind when considering trail riding, endurance riding, etc.

13/11/2022

There are lots of articles online that give step-by-step instructions on how to canter a horse for the first time, and quite frankly they all read like trigonometry texts to me. I believe all of these articles are geared toward working with lesson horses or stable horses in an arena environment, and that is just not my experience.

I grew up riding a variety of different horses, mules and donkeys of my own for pleasure. I originally learned to ride ba****ck as a child and then was allowed to learn to ride with a western saddle and then an English saddle. I don’t have rodeo, showing or dressage experience, but I do know how to be in communication with a horse and ride safely and securely with various types of tack and in a wide variety of settings. https://horsesandfoals.com/how-to-canter-a-horse-for-the-first-time/

How to canter a horse for the first time? I describe a simple and natural approach to cantering with your own horse for the first time.

12/11/2022

If you’re not able to get out and ride trails or go on little adventures regularly with your horse, you may find yourself getting bored with riding in an arena.

When this happens, it’s wise to keep in mind that the way to change your experience is to change your approach.

In this article, we share 15 smart tips to help you have more fun while working with your horse in an arena: https://horsesandfoals.com/fun-things-to-do-with-your-horse-while-riding/

In this article, we share 10 fun things to do with your horse while riding or working with your horse in an arena. Read on to learn more.

10/11/2022

How can you tell if your horse is afraid of water? Why do horses become anxious? How can you calm your horse down if he is afraid? Can essential oils help a frightened horse calm down? Will my own fear affect my horse? https://horsesandfoals.com/horse-afraid-of-water/

In this article, we discuss the concepts behind teaching your horse to cross water safely. Read on to learn more about horse afraid of water.

09/11/2022

Acorns can be good food for some animals, but this is not true for most livestock. Ruminants, such as goats, sheep and cattle are badly affected by eating acorns.

Horses, donkeys and other equines also experience negative effects when large amounts of acorns are consumed.

Acorns contain a significant amount of gallic and tannic acid, and both of these substances can do a great deal of damage to the kidneys and a horse’s gastrointestinal system.

In this article, we review the symptoms of acorn toxicity in horses and provide good advice on preventing it and treating it.

https://horsesandfoals.com/horses-eating-acorns/

Can horses eat acorns? Let's review the symptoms of acorn toxicity in horses and provide good advice on preventing it and treating it.

08/11/2022

In this article, we explore the results of a horse eating chicken feed. We also offer good advice to help you deal with this problem quickly and effectively should it occur. Read on to learn more: https://horsesandfoals.com/my-horse-ate-chicken-feed/

In this article, we explore the results of a horse eating chicken feed. Let's help you deal with the problem "my horse ate chicken feed".

07/11/2022

Can horses get fleas? https://horsesandfoals.com/do-horses-get-fleas/

In this article will discuss the improbability of horses getting fleas and provide tips to help you avoid this unlikely occurrence. Read on!

06/11/2022

Thrush in horse’s is a hoof condition that is caused by a fungal infection in the hoof. It can cause a great deal of pain and can even permanently damage hooves if it is not prevented or stopped in time: https://horsesandfoals.com/homemade-thrush-treatment-for-horses/

In this article, we discuss thrush including treating thrush with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and other homemade thrush treatment for horses.

19/06/2022

Horse treats can be expensive, and if the truth be known, they are really not necessary. Even so, it can be fun to give your horse a treat from time to time. In this article, we share several simple recipes for making your own horse treats at home. https://horsesandfoals.com/homemade-horse-treats/

In this article, we share simple recipes for making your own horse treats at home. Learn more about the best homemade horse treats.

26/05/2022

This is one of our in-depth guides. Everything you need to know about general horse care: https://horsesandfoals.com/horse-care/

In this article, we share some basic information on providing the horse care and attention your horse needs for good health and happiness.

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