Free P+P on Dainese products at Tic Tac Equestrian

Free Postage and Packaging
on ALL Dainese Products at TicTac

At TicTac Equestrian, finding the balance between high quality, top of the line equestrian products and good ol' fashioned 'value for money' is important to us. This is why we are offering FREE Postage and Packaging on all Dainese brand equestrian products!

Known for their innovations in durable, specialised garments for a range of specialised sports interests, including motorbiking and extreme/winter sports such as skiing, etc., esteemed Italian manufacturer, Dainese, has been turning its hand to equestrian accessories for some time, cementing themselves as one of the top brands in this particular area of expertise.

From riding hats and gloves to breathable protective waistcoats, Dainese utilizes the latest synthetic technology to develop products that are not only comfortable and versatile, but which also perform exceptionally well when put under considerable pressure or subjected to wear and tear. 

We carry a number of great Dainese products and highly recommend trying out some of their fashionable yet functional garments - a must for any rider who wants to look and feel like a pro.

For more information on Dainese as well as a list of available products, feel free to visit the official TicTac store. 

Tendon Boots at TicTac Equestrian

Mark Todd Tendon Boots

We all need support, but for horses, proper support and care of hooves, legs and tendons is of paramount importance, especially when you're training your horses for competition of field work. 

Luckily, at TicTac Equestrian, we have an impressive, extensive range of Tendon Boots in store, from some of the finest quality equestrian brands out there, including Mark Todd, Tekna and Equilibrium.

Made from the highest quality materials, with the latest equestrian technology, these boots are perfect for providing additional support to your horses to avoid unnecessary pain or strain.

So for a full range of products, be sure to check out the official TicTac Equestrian site. 

Horse Hoof Abcess

We all love horses and one of our main concerns as owners is making sure our horses and ponies are happy, healthy and in tip top condition. There are a few common ailments that are easily treatable if you can spot early signs. 

One particularly trouble health condition in horses are hoof abscesses. 

A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection in the sensitive part of the hoof. Pus is produced as a reaction by the horse’s body to the infection which can accumulate within the layers of the hoof wall and causes increased pressure, causing significant pain. 

Most abscesses are found in the sole of the hoof, but other types of abscess can be found elsewhere. 

Signs of a Hoof Abscess
Typical signs of a hoof abscess include sudden and severe lameness and pain. The horse bears little to no weight on the leg with the abscess or may walk on its toe. 

Other signs include heat in the limb or hoof, an increased digital pulse, and can include a swollen leg and/or a low-grade fever. The tendons in the affected leg can become painful and swollen due to congestion of blood vessels. 

As the abscess progresses, the infection and pressure of purulent fluid (pus) accumulation in the hoof often cause severe pain until the infection works its way up the hoof wall and pops out at the coronary band, or the bulb of the heel or drains out the sole. 

Causes of a Hoof Abscess
A hoof abscess can be caused by a sharp object penetrating the sole of the hoof (such as a nail), or by bacteria migrating in to the defects, fissures and cracks in the white line. 

If the abscess is caused by bacteria migrating in to the hoof from the outside, a particle of sand or soil enters the softer white line area and becomes engrained in the sensitive 'lamina' area underneath the hoof wall, resulting in an infection inside the hoof. The infection can then travel up the hoof and drain at the coronary band or stay close to the sole of the hoof. An abscess can also occur under the bars of the hoof. 

The infection can also enter as a result of a nail driven too close to the white line, a hoof wall defect or hoof separation. Horses that have been shod and then go barefoot tend to have an increased chance of developing a hoof abscess until the hoof becomes stronger. 

Diagnosis of a Hoof Abscess
A hoof abscess can be diagnosed by examining the hoof for heat and pain, swelling and by the presence of a pronounced digital arterial pulse. 

If the horse is shod, the shoe is removed and the hoof cleaned. Hoof testers are often used to test the horses’ sensitivity to pressure in specific areas of the hoof to locate the point of origin. 

Treatment of a Hoof Abscess
While a hoof abscess can heal on its own, this is not recommended. An abscess can be extremely painful for the horse and the healing process will take significantly longer without intervention. It is recommended that you work with your veterinarian and/or farrier to diagnose and treat an abscess. 

If the horse is shod, the shoe is normally pulled. The hoof is then thoroughly cleaned and hoof testers can be used to help locate the point of entry and better determine the location of the abscess. 

Often a black line is identified and the line is followed to locate the infected area. Using a hoof knife or loop knife, a very small hole is made in the sole of the hoof to allow for drainage and provide relief of the pressurized fluid. When the pressure built up by the trapped pus is released from the hoof capsule, often a black or brown exudate will drain from the site and the horse will experience some relief immediately. 

If the point of origin and the abscess cannot be identified or the infection is too deep in the hoof, (the abscess could be deep in the heel/frog/bars region), no cutting or holes will be made. Cutting too much or going too deep can be more harmful than beneficial to treatment. If a drain hole is not able to be made or cannot sufficiently drain the abscess, then most likely the abscess will progress up to the coronary band and the pus will drain there…. a slower and more painful process for the horse. 

Whether a hole is made or not, it is important to keep the hoof as clean and protected as possible and to apply a poultice. If no hole is made, the poultice can help soften the sole. If a drain hole is made in the hoof, then it is imperative that the hole be protected and kept clean while the abscess drains and the hoof heals. A poultice applied to the bottom of the hoof can help pull any remaining infection out of the hoof and help to prevent the abscess from progressing up to the coronary band. 


What you can do
To help lessen the chances of your horse having a hoof abscess, maintain a regular schedule with your farrier or trim your horse on a regular basis. Often hooves with too much toe or excessive bars are more prone to hoof abscesses. 

Act promptly to treat a hoof abscess, as the healing process can usually be expedited and resolved relatively quickly with fast action. 

However, if you ever have any concerns over abscesses or other horse health problems, be sure to contact your vet. 

Hair Whorls - The Prophet's Thumb Mark

We all have lovely little attributes that make us who we are - from the colour of your hair, your hair line, moles, birthmarks, eye colour and even fingertips, we each possess little differences that make us special, and it is no different in horses! 

Of course you own horse is special in its own right, but there are little physical differences that tend to share a common thread in some horses that have been known for their cultural significance, particularly 'Hair Whorls'.

A hair whorl is a patch of hair growing in the opposite direction of the rest of the hair on a horses body. Locations where whorls are found in equines include the stomach area, the face, stifle areas, and sometimes on the hocks.

Hair whorls in horses are also known as crowns, swirls, trichoglyphs, or cowlicks and can be either clockwise or counterclockwise in direction of growth. Whorls, like many marks or blemishes on humans, such as moles or birthmarks, have been known throughout the centuries for their spiritual or mythical significance.

One legend of whorls is the ‘Prophet’s Thumbmark’, a small indentation in the horse’s neck. The legend reads: “Prophet Mohammed tested his horses by depriving them of water for several days. He then released them near a waterhole but before they reached it, he sounded his trumpet to summon them. Only five mares responded and returned to him, and these were kept for breeding. He pressed him thumb into their necks, leaving an indentation which they passed onto their offspring.” 

It has since been said that if you ever have a horse that has the marking, they are blessed, and if that person’s thumb fits exactly in the indentation then you are the horse’s true owner!

So, if you find something similar upon your horse, why not try and see if you're a perfect fit! 

Prophet's thumb mark

Botanica Skincare Products

Check out our great range of Botanica Products

At TicTac Equestrian, we like to cover ALL areas of a Horsey lifestyle, and that includes taking care of your own outer beauty as well as that or your beautiful equine friends. 

As well as great value, high quality riding gear, equestrian fashion and horse care accessories, we also carry a number of fantastic cosmetic items perfect for go-getting outdoor types. Our range of Botanica Herbal cosmetics and household products are perfect for maintaining a radiant and healthy disposition after those hard days out in the field!

For full information on our range of Botanica products, head to the official TicTac Website.

The World's Smallest Horse

Thumbelina, the World's Smallest Horse

Further to our previous post about miniature horses, we thought we'd go a little further and tell you a little bit about the 'World's Smallest Horse'.

'Thumbelina', born in St. Louis, Missouri in 2001 stands at a small but mighty 43 centimetres (17 in) tall and weighs 26 kilograms (57 lb). Thumbelina was born with Equine Dwarfism which, similar to its effects in human births, resulted in shortened limbs, accounting for Thumbelina's diminutive stature. 

There have been several attempts at Thumbelina's title in the Guinness Book of World Records, including Einstein, who was the World's smallest New Born Foal, born in Barnstead, New Hampshire in 2010, weighing only 9lbs and standing at a minute 14 inches tall. 

However, as Einstein is not a dwarf Horse, his growth naturally takes him beyond Thumbelina's tiny frame.

Have you seen a horse that could challenge Thumbelina's title? Please get in touch and let us know! 

Thoroughbred Horses

We Photo: Five Furlongs

We love everything about horses and one of the most fascinating aspects of horse care and any interest in Horses and professional riding, is horse breeding. 

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word 'thoroughbred' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of pure-bred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. 

Thoroughbreds are known for their agility, speed and spirit and, the breed, as it is known today, originally developed in 17th- and 18th-century England, when native mares were crossbred with imported Oriental stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman descent. 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Thoroughbred spread throughout the world; they were imported into North America starting in 1730 and into Australia, Europe, Japan and South America during the 19th century. Millions of Thoroughbreds exist today, and more than 118,000 foals are registered each year worldwide.

Thoroughbreds are used mainly for racing, but are also bred for other riding disciplines such as show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting.

Thoroughbred racehorses perform with maximum exertion, which can resulted in high accident rates and health problems. There are several theories for the reasons behind the prevalence of accidents and health problems in the Thoroughbred breed, and research continues. However, Thoroughbred horses are still highly sought after for both their aesthetic qualities and athletic brilliance. 

Mother's Day gift ideas from TicTac Equestrian

Mother's Day is nearly upon us (Sunday 10th March) and we all know how important it is to show your love, affection and appreciation to your mother; perhaps the most special person in your life that doesn't happen to have four legs!! 

Treat your mother, this Mother's Day

This year we are proud of the wide range of Mother's Day gift ideas we have on offer at TicTac, from show gear and other riding accessories, to beautiful healthcare products and cosmetics.

For more information on what wonderful items we have on offer, please head over to the official TicTac Equestrian store. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Be Sure to spoil yours!! 

Horse Riding Holidays

A horse Riding Holiday is a great way to
treat the family and brush up on your skills!

We're now well into a new year - sadly, not year of the horse - and it's fit to burst with plenty of exciting new ground to cover and wonderful new experiences and locations to explore for the horse riding enthusiasts out there (ourselves included!) 

With only a few months before the Summer Holidays, we've been thinking it's a great time to start planning a special holiday for the horse lovers in your family.

If you're thinking the same thing, then you're in luck as there are a number of great places where you can go to relax and explore beautiful surroundings with a number of fantastic four-legged friends and some of the finest facilities in the country.

The four-star luxury leisure resort, Crieff Hydro Hotel - set within a lush estate near the quaint town of Crieff in rural Perthshire - is a haven for horse lovers, with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. 

They regularly look after guests who are experienced riders, while others have never even met a horse, let alone sat on one. Either way, they're well-equipped to cater to any and all of your horse-riding needs.  Ultimately, if you want to explore the serene 900-acre estate on horseback, they'll make it happen.

The Crieff Hydro Riding Centre is approved by the British Horse Society (BHS) and the Trekking and Riding Society of Scotland. Suffice to say, the horses are at Crieff Hydro Hotel are happy and our people have proper certificates.

For children under five, they offer hand-led pony rides, while there are larger ponies for children over six. For adults, lessons, horses and supervised routes for all levels. For more information, just contact the Riding Centre Site.

Equine Dental Issues

Photo - Rachel Cowan

Horses have big beautiful smiles, full of great big powerful teeth. However, in lieu of electric toothbrushes and mouthwash, it's up to you as a horse owner to make sure those gnashers are in tip-top condition!

There are a number of unwanted conditions that can arise as a result of poor dental care in horses, or general wear and tear. However, have no fear as there are a number of ways to combat these as well as a number of truly helpful organisations that have a few handy tips to keep your horse in good health!

The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) have a plethora of helpful information on their website to help you properly identify potentially harmful conditions involving the teeth and gums of your horse, with plenty of tips on how to combat them.

Give them a visit - here 

DIY Livery vs Full Livery

What Livery option's best for
you? Photo: (c) DS Pugh

Like many decisions to be made by Horse owners these days, the choice of Livery option can be a little confusing! But trust us, it's really not that hard to find a suitable option for you and your horse! 

We've compiled some information on the different types of Livery Options available for you and your horse to help you make an informed choice

DIY Stabled Livery

This type of livery provides the horse owner with a stable in which to keep their horse and a field or paddock in which to turn their horse out during the day. The horse owner is responsible for all care including mucking out, turning the horse out to the field and bringing the horse in from the field and feeding of the horse on a daily basis. Bedding and hay are often not included and the horse owner must purchase these separately, although some livery yards may offer DIY stabled livery at a higher price with bedding and hay included. This type of livery requires the horse owner to attend to the horse in the morning and evening of every day.


Grass Livery

This type of livery provides the horse owner with a field in which to keep their horse. The horse owner is responsible for all care and feeding of the horse on a daily basis. This type of livery requires the horse owner to attend to the horse every day even if no feeding is necessary, in order to ascertain that the horse has suffered no injury or illness each day.

Part Livery

This type of livery is similar to DIY Stabled livery but the day to day care of the horse is shared by the owner and livery yard staff and the care routine will vary from yard to yard. Some livery yards may offer staff care during the week, with the horse owner responsible for the care of the horse at weekends, other livery yards may offer staff care in the mornings with the horse owner responsible for care of the horse in the evenings. Some livery yards may include some exercising of the horse within their part livery service. This type of livery is ideal for those horse owners whose work schedule makes it difficult for them to attend to their horse twice a day, 7 days a week.

Full Livery

In addition to providing the horse owner with a stable in which to keep their horse and a field in which to turn their horse out during the day, full livery usually also includes bedding, hay and feed. Livery yard staff are responsible for all care including mucking out, turning out the horse to the field and bringing the horse in from the field and feeding of the horse on a daily basis. Some livery yards may include exercising of the horse within their full livery service. This type of livery is ideal for the horse owner whose busy schedule does not give them the time to care for their horse on a daily basis.

Working Livery

Livery yards that also operate as a riding school sometimes offer a Working Livery. The horse is kept at livery (grass, DIY stabled, part or full livery) but a reduced rate is charged in exchange for the horse owner allowing the livery yard to use their horse in riding lessons.

Different Horse Breeds From Around the World

Like their owners, Horses come in different shapes and sizes! You horse will always be unique to you, but there are so many factors that influence the look, shape, size and behaviour of horses resulting in dozens of different breeds each with their own defining characteristics.

First off, here's a bit of history.

Horses were one of the first animals that were domesticated by man for meat and milk. History records tell us that horses were first tamed by the people of the steppes region of central Asia around 3000 BC to 4000 BC. 

There are even cave paintings made by Stone Age man that depict images of animals with strong, erect heads with manes that are similar to the modern horse. There are a variety of different horse breeds that are diverse with respect to appearance, nature and toughness.


Here is a selection of some exotic horse breeds from all around the world:

The shimmering Akhal Teke

Akhal Teke: is one of the ancient horse breeds. Its presence dates back to about 500 BC. Also known as Turkoman, Akhal Teke horse has a self willed nature and the rider can hardly do anything if it changes its mood. Despite its bad temper, the horse has a majestic appearance with narrow chest and slender in appearance. Has been prized possession for central Asiatic nomadic tribes because the horse being very hardy which can travel for long distances by crossing deserts without a drop of water. The horse is a long jumper and is often seen to be taking part in sports.

Anglo Arabic

Anglo Arabic: The horse is the result of years of interbreeding. The horse is native to Britain, France and Poland. It is by nature brave and joyous. It has a long neck often forming an arch. The head of the horse is delicate with large highly expressive eyes. Have a broad shoulder and neck but with a short back. The bones of the horse are generally of good quality and the legs are long and slender in form. These horses are commonly used for sports, eventing and for hunting.

Cleveland Bay

Cleveland Bay: This breed of horse is native to England. The horse is generally of brown in colour. Do not purchase this breed of horse with white marks. You may purchase the horse if it has some traces of white hair or white specks near the legs. The horse is extremely hardy. The entire body structure has convex like appearance and has a large head. This breed of horse is characterized by kind appearing eyes and is highly intelligent. This horse is nick named as Chapman horse as during the 16th and the 17th centuries the horse was used as the mode of transport for travelling long distances by the Chapmen or the merchants.

Hackney

Hackney: This breed of horse has its origin in England. It grows up to the size of about 14 hh to 15 hh in height. The horse is genuinely very alert and is also very sweet natured. It has a straight head with strong shoulders. The horse has flexible joints and strong legs and has a flamboyant pace. Each gallop is taken with a second’s rest of the foot in air resulting in a graceful movement.

The Caspian

Caspian: This breed of horse is an exotic one which a few decades back were through to be extinct. The variety of horse falls in the miniature breed of the horses. The horse was highly coveted by people of ancient civilization to carry out ritualistic purposes. These horses are native to Persia, Mt Elbrutz region and Caspian Sea. These horses are characterized by bay, brown or chest nut colours. The head has the appearance of the Arabian horses with small ears and prominent eyes. The horse is quite active and has a tendency of jumping while galloping.

Headshaking in Horses

Head-shaking is an unfortunately common condition in slightly older horses that can be difficult to diagnose and incredibly frustrating and heart-breaking to endure.

However, recent studies into the condition, which causes horses to repeatedly shake, twitch and their heads in uncharacteristically erratic fashion is not, as was once thought, simply a vice or a neurotic bad habit, but a response to an irritation. The difficult thing, however, is establishing an exact cause.

Symptoms

Some of the signs to look out for if you are concerned about head-shaking in your horse include one or more of the following:

• Shaking the head from side to side
• Shaking the head up and down - "flipping nose"
• Behaving as if there is a bee buzzing up the horse's nose
• Snorting or sneezing
• Rubs his nose on objects such as his legs or the ground
• Appearing anxious in association with head shaking.

Most of these signs tend to appear in mature horses with the average age of onset estimated at around 9 years. However, unfortunately, it has also been known to occur in good, reliable horses with no other problems.

There are a number of often unidentifiable causes, so different treatments work for different cases, while some horses do not respond to any treatment at all. Some potential causes of Head-shaking include:

Allergies

Some researchers believe that an allergy, similar to hayfever in humans might be the cause,however, drugs to control allergic conditions do not always stop horses from head shaking.

Other vets have suggested that a previous viral infection, particularly equine herpes virus, may be involved, or some other agent which causes a typeof nerve damage.

Light plays a role as a stimulus for head shaking in some cases - as can exercise or noise.

This suggests that stimulation to one of the main nerves within the head with bright sunlight, for example, can cause pain elsewhere in the head - rather like a kind of neuralgia.

If light plays a role, then keeping the horse out of bright sun can help.

With many head shakers, it may be impossible to find the cause.

Trying treatments

Many conditions can cause head shaking, including middle ear disorders, ear mites, sinus and gutteral pouch problems, eye abnormalities and dental disease.

If a cause is identified, the appropriate treatment can then be selected. If no specific cause is found, various empirical treatments are available.

A mesh or veil over the nose is a one of the most common treatments. It works by decreasing irritation from small airborne foreign bodies, such as dust, pollen and midges.

A change of environment improves other head shakers. Various pills or surgery to cut the nerves involved have been tried, some of which help one case and some another. If a drug has a beneficial effect, it should be noticeable within days.

Seasonal condition

In many cases, headshaking is seasonal. The most common time for it to occur is spring and early summer.

This means that a significant number of horses, who are bought apparently normal in the winter, can become unrideable in the summer.

Unfortunately, head shaking can often be a repeating pattern over many years. It is certainly a condition which presents a diagnostic challenge to the veterinary profession and is a cause of concern to horse owners.

Equine Cremation

Here at Tic Tac we know that saying goodbye to a beloved horse is one of the hardest things any owner can face. But rather than avoiding the inevitable, it's much better to be well-prepared to give your much-loved family friend the special send-off it deserves. 

For some owners, the option of burying their horse at home is sadly not possible. However, an increasing number of horse and pony owners are using pet cemeteries or crematoriums as a suitable way to take care of their pets after they pass away. 

Most of these establishments offer a range of options to suit all budgets and tastes, but above all, they allow you the chance to provide your horse with a fitting tribute. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a death can be traumatic, but many services cater for all your needs and most offer some form of bereavement counselling.

The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria (APPCC) has a standard code of practise that covers pet cremations and burials and is currently the only organisation in the UK setting standards for cremation. 

Where a service is described as either a cremation or burial, it will offer the following:

• The sympathetic handling of the pet at all times

• The burial or cremation carried out according to the legal requirement of the country

• The committal of the body or the ashes to a particular area intended for that purpose, or in cremation the return of the ashes to the owner.

For more info, go to the APPCC site for a list of local services. 

HAPPY HORSEY VALENTINES DAY!

Photo: MaartenB

It's finally here!! Yup, today is the day that we are reminded of the importance of showing your loved ones - be they two-legged or four - just how much you love them!! 

At TicTac Equestrian we have plenty of ways to spoil your favourite equine pals - from lick treats to handsome new threads! It's never to late to show how much you care, so for a belated treat for your stablemates or even a fellow horse-lover, then canter over to TicTac or try our new Amazon Store. 

So what do you have planned to make today a Horsey Valentines day to remember?? 

To help you get in the spirit of Valentine's Day, here is a wonderful love poem inspired by two horses! 

Thrush in Horses and How to Prevent It

Further to our previous posts on Horse health and conditions that can affect the comfort and well-being of your equine buddies, here's a brief insight into another common, and somewhat irritating condition - Thrush.  

Thrush is a bacterial infection that occurs on the hoof of a horse, specifically in the soft inner region of the hoof known as 'the frog'. The reason it can be quite common is that unfortunately, the bacteria which cause thrush occur naturally in the animal's environment — especially in wet, muddy, or unsanitary conditions, such as an unclean stall — and grow best with low oxygen. Therefore, Horses with particularly deep clefts, or narrow or contracted heels are more at-risk to develop thrush.

Symptoms

One of the most obvious indications of thrush is an unpleasant odour that occurs when picking out your horses feet. Additionally, the areas of the hoof that are infected will be black in colour and will easily break or crumble when scraped with a hoof pick. When picking the hooves, around thrush areas, the differences between healthy and infected areas can be seen when there is healthy white/grey tissue surrounding a dark and unpleasant-smelling area.

Thankfully, Thrush is easy to diagnose, fairly easy to treat and is generally much less harmful than some of the other unpleasant conditions found in horses which can have much more serious effects. However, if left untreated, the bacteria can potentially migrate deeper into the sensitive parts of the hoof, which can sometimes even result in lameness. At this point, the horse may also react when his feet are picked out, and blood may be seen.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment for horses with thrush includes picking out the feet twice a day, taking special care to clean out the two collateral grooves and the central sulcus. The feet may then be scrubbed clean using a detergent and/or disinfectant and warm water, before coating the infected area with a specially-designed thrush-treatment product (which you can ask your vet for more information about), or with iodine solution, which may be soaked into cotton balls and packed into the clefts to reduce the spread of infection and to maintain a clean and sterile area within the vulnerable part of the hoof. 

As always however, it's usually wise to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. As a rule though, Horses with thrush, or those at risk for contracting it, are best kept in a dry, clean environment. 

Daily cleaning of the hooves also contributes to the prevention of thrush. In general, thrush is relatively easy to treat, although it can easily return and it can take up to a year for a fully healthy 'frog' to regrow after a severe infection.

For a helpful guide to identifying and treating thrush in horses, here's a quick video:

Old Billy - The Oldest Horse in the World

Old Billy - who to this day
is STILL the World's Oldest Horse

The average lifespan of the equine is between 25-30 years, but every once in a while, a very special exception to the rule rears its beautiful head; the most famous of which being the legendary 'Old Billy' - the oldest horse in the world.

Born in the Lancashire village of Woolston, England in 1760, Old Billy began life the same as any other horse of that time, or any of this time for that matter. There was, and remains, nothing to indicate that this horse would be anything above average, but lo and behold, Old Billy lived to enjoy an impressive 62 years of healthy life on this planet, spending the majority of those years working as a reliable barge horse, pulling barges up and down canals.

After sadly passing away on the 27th November, 1822, a lithograph of Old Billy - said to look like a big cob/shire horse, brown with a white blaze - was published, and shows him with Henry Harrison, his squire of 59 years. However, aside from from this precious historic artefact, very little information remains of this very special horse, who still to this day is the oldest horse ever to have lived, according the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Many have made the claim since for the title of World's Oldest Horse, but there are often problems with lack of official documents and so far, very few have given Old Billy a run for his money. But until proven otherwise, you can view the taxidermied head of Old Billy, which is on display at Manchester Museum. 

Colic in Horses - recognising key signs

At TicTac we know that an integral part of Horse care involves keeping a close eye on your horse or pony's health and well-being; something that can be helped by learning common signs of ill health and noticeable symptoms of common ailments that can affect domestic horses.

One particularly important condition to look out for that can be quite common in horses is Colic. However, with a combination of swift action, preparedness and knowledge, further trouble can be prevented.

Colic in horses is defined as abdominal pain, but it is a clinical sign rather than a diagnosis. The term 'colic' can in fact encompass all forms of gastrointestinal conditions which cause pain as well as other causes of abdominal pain not involving the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is a wise idea to alert your local vet if you are concerned about any kind of pain or discomfort in your horse.

As mentioned above, the most common forms of colic are gastrointestinal in nature and are most often related to colonic disturbance. There are a variety of different forms of colic, some of which can prove fatal without surgical intervention.

The incidence of colic in the general horse population has been estimated between 10 and 11 percent on an annual basis. It is important that any person who owns or works with horses be able to recognize the signs of colic and determine whether or not a veterinarian should be called.

Clinical signs include: 

• Pawing and/or scraping
• Stretching
• Frequent attempts to urinate
• Flank watching: turning of the head to watch the stomach and/or hind quarters
• Biting/nipping the stomach
• Pacing
• Repeated flehmen response
• Repeated lying down and rising
• Rolling
• Groaning
• Bruxism
• Excess salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased fecal output
• Increased pulse rate
• Dark mucous membranes

For more information, or if you are concerned about unusual behaviour in your horse or ill health always be sure to contact your local vet. 

What are your Top 10 Horse Movies?

What is your favourite Horse Movie of All Time??

It's a tough question. Many of us have been inspired to join the world of Equestrian sports or stable care purely through the power of a great story involving these inspirational and truly magnificent animals. Even the casual movie-goer has been moved to tears or filled with immense joy at the captivating stories of Horses.

Whether it be the iconic Black Beauty, the heart-warming tale of The Horse Whisperer or the stirring emotional drama of War Horse. 

The Horse has long been a recognised symbol of nobility and power, with horses being used in a variety of ways for centuries; in battle, for work, or as tremendous athletes. 

There are several lists compiling some of the most iconic Horse movies of all time, but this one is a great example of the high calibre cinematic achievements and fun family films to choose from! 

Here's a couple of our favourites to help you with your own list!


War Horse

The Black Stallion

Seabiscuit

Monty Roberts - real life Horse Whisperer

Now, we're ALL horse fanatics over here. Anything to do with Horses and Ponies, we're all over like a fine Winter Coat. But there are some special people in the world whose love for the Equine transcends a simple pat on the back or a casual ride through your favourite glamour spots.

And what better example of the unique bond between man and horse, and the mutual benefits of this deep human/animal connection than Marvin Earl "Monty" Roberts?! 

You may have already heard of him, but if you haven't, real-life 'Horse Whisperer', Monty Roberts, is an American horse trainer who promotes his techniques of natural horsemanship through his Join-Up International organization, named after the core concept of his training method. 

Somewhat controversially, Roberts believes that horses use a non-verbal language, which he has dubbed "Equus". His core belief in his unique take on Horsemanship and training is that humans can use this 'language' to communicate with horses. 

Roberts has authored a number of books including his original best-seller, The Man Who Listens to Horses, and as well as running his own Equestrian Academy in California and operating a unique online study programme to promote his ideas, Roberts is also know to regularly tour his native U.S. performing live demonstrations of his techniques. 

According to the official Join-Up website: "Monty first developed Join-Up to stop the cycle of violence typically accepted in traditional horse breaking. Convinced there must be a more effective and gentle method, Monty created these consistent set of principles using the horse’s inherent methods of communication and herd behaviour. 

The result is a willing partnership in which the horse’s performance can flourish to its full potential, rather than exist within the boundaries of obedience. These principles are valuable tools to understanding what motivates horse behaviour and increasing effectiveness in any application. 

Traditional methods aim to teach the horse to ‘DO AS I SAY’ and involve the use of pain and intimidation, but Monty focuses on communion with the horse, rather than domination. “For centuries, humans have said to horses, ‘You do what I tell you or I’ll hurt you,’ I’m saying that no one has the right to say, ‘you must’ to an animal or to another human,” Monty said."

Monty's methods are certainly a site to behold, as seen below! 

Rowallan Equestrian Centre - Great spot for competitive Horse Riders

Rowallan Activity centre near Kilmarnock -
a great stop for all Horse enthusiasts and riders

Rowallan Equestrian Centre is situated within Rowallan Estates; nestled comfortably in 1000 acres of beautiful Ayrshire countryside, near the Scottish town of Kilmarnock. 

The Equestrian Centre at Rowallan is most certainly a family affair; owned and run by a family partnership consisting of Lady and Lord Rowallan, better known as Claire and Johnnie, together with daughter Sophie and grand daughter Claudia.

The benefits of being a family-run venture are easily seen in the lovely little touches at Rowallan. This wonderful equestrian centre likes to keep things family-oriented and its staff are committed to providing visitors with a warm, welcoming environment, suitable for competitors, helpers or even keen spectators, of all ages, who would much rather kick back and enjoy the festivities from a (very) comfortable distance! 

The full range of services at Rowallan includes livery options, so if you require, you keep your horse there where you will not only reap the benefits of experienced, friendly service but you will also ensure that you will be able to attend shows and guarantee exercise for your horse in the fully-equipped covered arenas at Rowallan.

Further to that - if all this wasn't enough - there is also a range of shopping options, a superb restaurant, games arcade and full activities schedule including Paintball. 

There is also a Feed Store too, for all your horse and dog food needs during your time at Rowallan!

For more information, contact the Rowallan centre Direct. And for information on how to get yourself fully equipped for your trip and/or for competition riding, visit us at TicTac Equestrian.

Dressage - The Highest Expression of Horse Training

Dressage in Action Photo: Just Chaos

Many of you may have already been glued to the screen last year to watch the London 2012 Olympics, and in particular the equestrian eventing. But although most people are familiar with show jumping and horse racing in the UK, there are many viewers and sports fans unaware of some of the other fantastic traditional horse-led events, in particular 'Dressage'. 

Now, if you're already investigating us here at The Equestrian Blogger, you'll likely have some idea of what Dressage is, but for anyone new to the sport, or for tips on how to explain it to confused loved ones who want to learn more about horses, here's a brief look at the wonderful world of Dressage!

Occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet", Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as: "the highest expression of horse training", where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements." 

The rider, dressed in smart, formal eventing apparel, will usually be relaxed and appear effort-free while the horse willingly performs a requested movement. Although the discipline has ancient roots in Europe, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance. The great riding masters of that period, particularly in Europe, developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then, and this method of 'Classical dressage' is still considered to form the basis of modern dressage.

In modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests" - a prescribed series of movements ridden within a standard arena. A panel of Judges evaluate each movement and assign each movement a score from zero to ten – zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent". A score of 9 is very good and is a high mark, while a competitor achieving all 6s (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.


For more information on Dressage, feel free to visit the official British Dressage website.


And for great quality riding gear and apparel for equestrian eventing, including dressage - please visit TicTac Equestrian

Ingliston Country Club - Scottish Equestrian Centre

Ingliston Country Club, near Glasgow, is one of the most luxurious country clubs of its kind and is perhaps Scotland's most lavish, state of the art Equestrian centre. 

Branded 'exceptional', receiving a prestigious five-star award from the Scottish Tourist Board, Ingliston Country Club is one of the most popular and recognised equestrian venues in Scotland, not to mention a popular countryside getaway, spa resort, wedding venue and five-star hotel.

Sitting proudly in beautiful, peaceful countryside that's just a short drive away from Glasgow airport and the city itself, Ingliston Country Club is a relaxing, yet stimulating environment tailored for the modern horse lover and competitive rider, fully-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for every level of riding - and let's not forget the fantastic on-site horse simulators to help aid learning and fitness.


The Equine Events team at Ingliston are also very experienced and can organise any level of event desired. There are popular stables on site too, looking after up to 200 happy, healthy horses and ponies at any one time. 

The experienced staff at Ingliston are passionate about caring for horses and run a tight ship, with immaculate attention to detail so you know you'll horses and ponies will be kept happy and healthy and is safe, capable hands. 

Stable Tours are available for owners and enthusiasts and the qualified teachers at Ingliston offer top class tuition in all disciplines. Clinics, individual lessons and group classes are also available for beginners, kids and experienced, competitive riders.

For more information, contact Ingliston Country Club direct

For information on horse care, equestrian products and much more, please feel free to explore the online store at TicTac Equestrian. 

Miniature Horses

What's the science that makes smaller things more adorable? Who knows, but whether it's puppies, kittens, foals, or even babies, even the most serious among us would surely melt at the sight of these tiny critters.

But it's not just infants that get all of the attention. There are in fact several breeds of naturally tiny miniature horses. 

Miniature horses are found in many nations, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The designation of what qualifies as a miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal, which, depending on the particular breed involved, is usually less than 34–38 inches (86–97 cm). While miniature horses are the size of a very small pony, many retain horse characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries. Like regular, full-sized horses, they have various colours and coat patterns.

Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people. For this reason they are often kept as family pets, though they still retain natural horse behaviours, including a natural fight or flight instinct, and must be treated like an equine, even if they being kept as a companion animal or domestic pet. They are also trained as service animals, similar to assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

While miniature horses can be trained to work indoors, they are still real horses and are healthier when allowed to live outdoors (with proper shelter and room to run). They are generally quite hardy, often living longer on average than some full-sized horse breeds; the average life span of miniature horses is from 25 to 35 years.

In popular culture they are also adored, as shown by this great clip from popular US comedy show, Parks and Recreation, which shows the employees of the local government of a small city in Indiana getting a little too excited over their city's official mascot, 'Lil Sebastian'!

TicTac Equestrian.com