Saturday 30 March 2013
Fitness for Your Horses
Whether your horse is competing at high levels or just being used for the occasional trail ride, it must have a certain level of fitness to perform well and endure the activity without injury. Asking the horse to do too much, too soon, can spell trouble. This is especially true for those pasture potatoes that have had little in the way of regular exercise, and are then suddenly expected to carry their equally unfit owner on a two-hour trail ride. Regardless of the discipline the horse is used for, they should be gradually adapted to greater workloads over time. But how do you know when your horse is fit enough?
Top-level athletes are put into rigorous training programs and are often in training year-round. However, the training program of most horses is usually interrupted. In Alberta, winter often means a substantial decrease in activity level because adverse weather may prohibit riding. Other horses may be given time off after the show season. Injuries may also require a period of lay-up while the horse recuperates. The question then becomes, how much fitness is lost and how fast does it disappear?
Training involves a combination of physical conditioning and task-specific schooling (i.e., schooling in the various tasks required of a specific event or competition). A discussion of schooling techniques for the various equine disciplines is beyond the scope of this paper. Rather, we will focus on how the horse's body adapts to the rigors of regular exercise, with particular attention to the time course of these adaptations. This paper will also cover the principles of conditioning used to obtain and maintain fitness.
Basic Energetics of Exercise
In order to understand the adaptations that occur with physical conditioning, we must first understand the energy-generating processes involved in muscle contraction during exercise. An appreciation of these processes will also help you to design an appropriate training program for a particular event.
The immediate source of energy for muscle contraction is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The energy released when a phosphate bond is cleaved from ATP is used directly by the contractile mechanism in the muscle. However, the concentration of ATP in skeletal muscle is very limited. If muscle contraction is to continue for more than a second or two, then ATP must be resynthesized. The replenishment of ATP is achieved by two distinct processes: 1) Anaerobic and 2) Aerobic mechanisms.
The generation of ATP by anaerobic processes occurs in the absence of oxygen. ATP is resynthesized anaerobically in the muscle from creatine phosphate or from carbohydrate, such as blood glucose or muscle glycogen. Breakdown of carbohydrate by anaerobic mechanisms is known as glycolysis, and results in the production of not only energy, but also lactic acid.
In contrast to anaerobic metabolism, ATP generated by aerobic mechanisms requires oxygen provided by blood circulation through the muscles. Carbohydrates and fats serve as the primary fuels for aerobic energy production. Carbohydrate sources include blood glucose and muscle glycogen. Sources of fat include fatty acids released from the adipose tissue, as well as triglyceride stores within the muscle. Another aerobic energy source is protein. However, the break down of proteins for energy is very inefficient and, therefore, does not contribute greatly to energy production during exercise.
Energy is generated more efficiently with aerobic metabolism. The net yield of ATP by aerobic metabolism is 36 ATP for each glucose molecule, whereas anaerobic metabolism of glucose produces only 2 ATP. Even more impressive, aerobic metabolism of a single fatty acid yields 138 ATP. Fats cannot be used as an energy source by anaerobic metabolism because the breakdown of fat requires oxygen.
The greatest advantage of anaerobic metabolism is that it is quite rapid, with glycolysis reaching peak energy production in about 30 seconds. By comparison, aerobic metabolism of substrates is a slower process because of the complexities of the reactions and the cardiovascular lag in supplying oxygen to the muscles. Nonetheless, aerobic processes are in full production within 60 seconds.
The relative contributions of aerobic and anaerobic pathways to the regeneration of ATP during exercise depend on both the intensity and duration of exercise. In general, as the intensity of the exercise increases, so does the contribution of anaerobic energy production. Conversely, as the duration of the exercise bout increases, the more muscles utilize aerobic energy. Trot and slow canter exercise on level terrain can be regarded as primarily aerobic. This means that ATP generated by aerobic metabolism can support almost all the energy demand of the exercise. There is very little contribution of either creatine phosphate or glycolysis, and the exercise may be continued for hours. At the other extreme, sprint exercise lasting less than 25 seconds, such as Quarter Horse racing and timed rodeo events, rely principally on anaerobic energy production.
It is important to remember that although one pathway may generate the majority of the energy at a given exercise intensity, both aerobic and anaerobic pathways are probably utilized in the muscle to some degree at all workloads. For example, most Thoroughbred and Standardbred races last between 100 and 200 seconds. Even though these are high-intensity events, anaerobic energy sources probably contribute less than 30% of the total energy output, leaving the majority of energy to be supplied aerobically. Submaximal events that involve intermittent bursts of activity, such as jumping and cutting, also involve significant energy production by both aerobic and anaerobic pathways.
Adaptations with Training
Five major systems are affected by an adequate period of physical conditioning:
1 Cardiovascular system - improved capacity to deliver oxygen to the working muscles.
2. Muscular system - improved capacity to utilize oxygen and more efficient fuel utilization.
3. Supporting structures (bone, tendon, ligaments, muscle) - an increase in the size and/or strength of these structures.
4. Temperature regulating system- greater ability to lose body heat during exercise, thus avoiding excessive increases in body temperature.
5. Central nervous system - improved neuromuscular coordination, which means the horse is better able to complete the skills required for its particular discipline. All of these adaptations allow the fit horse to exercise more efficiently, as well as perform more work before fatiguing. Tired horses are more likely to take a misstep or overextend themselves; so proper conditioning may also prevent injury to muscle and supporting structures. The average amount of training needed to elicit these adaptations is presented in Table 1.
Friday 29 March 2013
White Line Disease and How To Prevent It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lnk9RWP2nU
Horses don't get sick as often as other animals. However, a horse's hooves are a breeding ground for most of the common horse diseases. The reason why is because horses spend most, if not all of their lives, standing and aren't able to lie down for any length of time without getting sick. This is why horse shoes are very important, and taking care of your horse's hooves and making sure they can withstand normal wear and tear is the most important part of horse care.
One of the most common problems in a horse's hooves is white line disease. This disease attacks the part of the foot where the hoof actually meets the foot, the inner hoof wall. If left undetected, it'll eventually cause the complete separation of the laminae and hoof wall and cause the coffin bone of the horse to rotate. It starts as a simple white line that may not look very serious, but as it deteriorates and eats away at the hoof, your horse will experience a great deal of pain. If you don't catch it and treat it, your horse will go lame and you may be forced to put him down.
The actual disease is a bacteria and fungi combination that usually lives around the barn or pasture but really thrives in a non-oxygen environment, like a cracked hoof. Horses become more likely to contact the disease if their hooves are cracked, have chronic infections like abscesses, are unbalanced, or have suffered some major trauma. It doesn't matter what horse breed you own: it affects all breeds and can be found in one or all four hooves.
The early signs of white line disease infestation are: a bulge shape in the hoof, a hollow sound when the hoof is tapped with a hammer, tender soles, and of course, a white line that's soft and chalky. If your horse has lost a shoe and piece of hoof, that may also be a sign of infestation. To figure out what the best treatment is, you should consult a veterinarian and a farrier. They may need to x-ray the horse's hoof to determine how extensive the damage is. The farrier will need access to these x-rays if s/he needs to shoe the horse therapeutically to support the weakened hoof wall.
The only way to stop it is by applying medicine (like bedatine, merthiolate, or two-percent iodine) and making sure your horse's hooves are filed down to the point there they are no longer affected by it. If the disease has progressed, this might be even harder for you to do. One of the best ways you can prevent this is to follow the same path when preventing other common horse diseases: making sure your horse is living in a safe, warm, dry, and clean area where they don't have to worry about bacteria.
Of course there are other common horse diseases, like colic, to which your horse may fall victim. Be a diligent owner who takes the time to make sure bacteria doesn't have a chance to grown and infect your horse, and you and your horse will be enjoying many happy riding years together.
Horses don't get sick as often as other animals. However, a horse's hooves are a breeding ground for most of the common horse diseases. The reason why is because horses spend most, if not all of their lives, standing and aren't able to lie down for any length of time without getting sick. This is why horse shoes are very important, and taking care of your horse's hooves and making sure they can withstand normal wear and tear is the most important part of horse care.
One of the most common problems in a horse's hooves is white line disease. This disease attacks the part of the foot where the hoof actually meets the foot, the inner hoof wall. If left undetected, it'll eventually cause the complete separation of the laminae and hoof wall and cause the coffin bone of the horse to rotate. It starts as a simple white line that may not look very serious, but as it deteriorates and eats away at the hoof, your horse will experience a great deal of pain. If you don't catch it and treat it, your horse will go lame and you may be forced to put him down.
The actual disease is a bacteria and fungi combination that usually lives around the barn or pasture but really thrives in a non-oxygen environment, like a cracked hoof. Horses become more likely to contact the disease if their hooves are cracked, have chronic infections like abscesses, are unbalanced, or have suffered some major trauma. It doesn't matter what horse breed you own: it affects all breeds and can be found in one or all four hooves.
The early signs of white line disease infestation are: a bulge shape in the hoof, a hollow sound when the hoof is tapped with a hammer, tender soles, and of course, a white line that's soft and chalky. If your horse has lost a shoe and piece of hoof, that may also be a sign of infestation. To figure out what the best treatment is, you should consult a veterinarian and a farrier. They may need to x-ray the horse's hoof to determine how extensive the damage is. The farrier will need access to these x-rays if s/he needs to shoe the horse therapeutically to support the weakened hoof wall.
The only way to stop it is by applying medicine (like bedatine, merthiolate, or two-percent iodine) and making sure your horse's hooves are filed down to the point there they are no longer affected by it. If the disease has progressed, this might be even harder for you to do. One of the best ways you can prevent this is to follow the same path when preventing other common horse diseases: making sure your horse is living in a safe, warm, dry, and clean area where they don't have to worry about bacteria.
Of course there are other common horse diseases, like colic, to which your horse may fall victim. Be a diligent owner who takes the time to make sure bacteria doesn't have a chance to grown and infect your horse, and you and your horse will be enjoying many happy riding years together.
Thursday 28 March 2013
Artist Nick Cave launches Horse Sculpture installation in New York
We love it when people get creative with their love of horses; and you can't get much more creative than this!
Renowned American artist and sculptor, Nick Cave - not to be confused with the fantastic Australian musician of the same name - this week unveiled a horse-themed live art installation to celebrate the centennial of New York City's Grand Central Terminal that already has captured the imagination of the city's many thousands of daily commuters, and not to mention us too!
Running until the 31st March, HEARD NY, is a combination of performance art and sculpture which involves 30 costumed horses (or Soundsuits) grazing, moving and dancing on the main floor of the Vanderbilt Hall, to the sounds of live music from around the world.
The horses, although operated by pairs of live performers inside carefully-constructed costumes, the figures take on lives of their own, flitting in and out of moments of still movement and seemingly random choreography. The performances, spread throughout the day are intended as a colourful representation of how important Grand Central Terminal has been in bringing many different people from vastly different parts of the world together through its transport network.
But above all, it's also meant to provide an escape from the regularity of every day routine, and the hustle and bustle of the big city, and instead serve almost as an momentary escape from the grind for anyone with a child-like imagination and a of course a love of horses!
Each costume is uniquely designed, with each 'horse' being decorated with a mask made from hand-selected textiles from all over the world, almost giving each one its own fun identity! The piece has also been performed in other locations, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, however, let your mind run free in the fields of your imagination and watch this great video of HEARD NY below!
Renowned American artist and sculptor, Nick Cave - not to be confused with the fantastic Australian musician of the same name - this week unveiled a horse-themed live art installation to celebrate the centennial of New York City's Grand Central Terminal that already has captured the imagination of the city's many thousands of daily commuters, and not to mention us too!
Running until the 31st March, HEARD NY, is a combination of performance art and sculpture which involves 30 costumed horses (or Soundsuits) grazing, moving and dancing on the main floor of the Vanderbilt Hall, to the sounds of live music from around the world.
The horses, although operated by pairs of live performers inside carefully-constructed costumes, the figures take on lives of their own, flitting in and out of moments of still movement and seemingly random choreography. The performances, spread throughout the day are intended as a colourful representation of how important Grand Central Terminal has been in bringing many different people from vastly different parts of the world together through its transport network.
But above all, it's also meant to provide an escape from the regularity of every day routine, and the hustle and bustle of the big city, and instead serve almost as an momentary escape from the grind for anyone with a child-like imagination and a of course a love of horses!
Each costume is uniquely designed, with each 'horse' being decorated with a mask made from hand-selected textiles from all over the world, almost giving each one its own fun identity! The piece has also been performed in other locations, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, however, let your mind run free in the fields of your imagination and watch this great video of HEARD NY below!
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Too fat for your horse?!
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| Bearing excess weight can potentially lead to health problems in horses |
As detailed in a recent article in The Telegraph, almost a third of recreational riders are too heavy for their horses, and run the risk contributing to bad backs, arthritis and lameness in their animals. This recent study, which focuses on over 150 horses from the Devon and Cornwall area, also found that just one in 20 riders sat within the optimum weight range for recreational horse riding which, according to the research is less than 10 per cent the weight of the horse. To put it into the context of the average stable horse, which is though to weigh between 500-600kg (between 79 and 94 stone) this means a rider should weigh approx. 60kg (9.4 stone).
The issue originally came to light last year when it was reported that a US company announced that they had started producing “extra large”, 18-inch saddles for obese riders. This has proven worrying as there is growing concern from equestrian experts over the impact of the health and behaviour on horses ill-equipped to deal with the weight.
However, it has been suggested that heavier breeds should be used for heavier riders such as thoroughbred horses such as The Household Cavalry Horses, which according to the article: "are able to carry a 13 to 14 stone man, plus four stone of armour, when they are on parade.”
Perhaps one of the biggest difficulties is bringing up a problem which can be quite personal and embarrassing. But it's not something that the equestrian community is taking likely, and probably not for very long.
Tuesday 26 March 2013
New safety guidelines to Slow down horses for the Grand National
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| There has been some concern over the safety of courses such as Aintree (Photo: Carine06) |
According to an article in The Guardian, a set of new guidelines have been issued by Aintree ahead of this year's Grand National, which takes place next month, with the aim at slowing down participating horses during the initial run to the first fence, which has been known to be precarious during previous meetings.
As also detailed in the article, "the start of the race has already been moved forward 90 yards further away from the grandstands in an attempt to keep the horses as calm as possible."
The issue of reducing the pace early in the race is among a series of new guidelines issued in conjunction with Aintree and the Professional Jockeys' Association, following a series of incidents during last year's event. During this one race alone, there were two false starts and two major fatalities, including the death of former Gold Cup winner, Synchronised.
Officials have voiced concern that slowing horses down for the initial portion of the popular race meet is 'easier said than done', due to the logistics of keeping 40 horses together prior to the beginning of the race.
Although these incidents are fairly rare in terms of statistics, it's sensible to try to impose new measures to prevent the repetition of previous tragedies, but is has been suggested that the natural unpredictability of circumstance and indeed that of the horses' behaviour themselves in these kinds of situations is part and parcel of the nature of the event, although measures to reduce the potential threat of difficult fences on this initial run has been welcomed.
However, it has also been reported that the RSPCA has suggested that the iconic Becher's Brook fence should be axed, although this isn't likely to happen. Again, there is concern over the employment of extraneous safety measures turning arguably the most famous competitive horse meeting in the U.K. into a 'flat race', with many arguing that there are more challenging fences and obstacles on other tracks, with some of the lesser fences being the source of several accidents in the past too, so there is no guaranteeing such a drastic measure would solve the problem.
Either way, there appears to be a lot to think about in the lead up to this year's Grand National, which should be, regardless of apparent controversy, just as big an event as ever.
Monday 25 March 2013
Amazing Horse Snow Sculptures
Seeing as the winter weather is back with a vengeance and has been for quite some time this month already, we thought we would try and find the good in the bad (weather) and show that sometimes a lot of show ain't so bad; as seen by the incredible Snow Sculptures constructed in China last year as a celebration of the beauty, the power and cultural/spiritual significance of the Horse.
Inspired by closely watching a local herd of wild horses, dedicated ice sculptors spent days last December carving out what they claim to be the world's biggest horse sculpture of it's kind as part of the annual Jingyue Snow World festival in Jingyuetan National Forest in the heart of China's Jilin Province.
After incredible work hours and bracing punishing temperatures of -30, the results were absolutely breathtaking, as can be seen in the video below.
SO, next time you're complaining about the snow, why not get inspired and make your own Snow Horse? World Record or not, it's got to be more fun than staying indoors!
Inspired by closely watching a local herd of wild horses, dedicated ice sculptors spent days last December carving out what they claim to be the world's biggest horse sculpture of it's kind as part of the annual Jingyue Snow World festival in Jingyuetan National Forest in the heart of China's Jilin Province.
After incredible work hours and bracing punishing temperatures of -30, the results were absolutely breathtaking, as can be seen in the video below.
SO, next time you're complaining about the snow, why not get inspired and make your own Snow Horse? World Record or not, it's got to be more fun than staying indoors!
Sunday 24 March 2013
Warming up and Cooling Down with your Horse
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| It's important to properly warm up and cool down ito correctly condition your horses for competitions |
Cooling a horse off and allowing him to stretch out his neck and back muscles can help to prevent the build up of lactic acid in the muscles. Research shows that a high level of lactate eventually prohibits the muscle fibers from contracting, which in turn leads to fatigue, painful cramping and strains on ligaments and tendons. Cooling down will also allow the horse’s heart and respiration rate to return to normal. Relaxing and walking the horse at the end of any ride should become a habit that is a pleasant, positive experience, preparing him for the transition from exercise to rest. It should also benefits the rider as well.
Always divide your ride into three elements – warm up, activity and cool down. And don’t forget to warm up yourself too! This can be done unmounted if necessary and will help to increase blood flow, circulation and flexibility. Simple stretches, bends and walking or gentle jogging can all help to make you a more effective rider.
The older a horse is, the more warm up and cool down will be necessary, and although walking on a long loose rein for 20 to 25 minutes may seem a little dull at times it will be appreciated and is ultimately much better than paying for a veterinary surgeon to visit because your horse has gone lame.
During the cold winter months, you should increase your warm-up time by five to ten minutes as the colder temperatures mean it takes longer for muscles to adapt. All horses vary in how much warm up is needed in order for them to perform well, and you can learn a lot by visiting shows and observing the routines developed by top riders. Warming up for competitions can be somewhat experimental at first, as you will need to discover the best way to prepare your horse to perform at his best in the arena.
Warm up and cool down can be done at varying paces of walk, but allow the horse periods when he stretches deep and down as if he is looking for the contact. Walk in large circles, serpentines and around the edge of the arena in different directions. The aim is to warm up and cool down - not to allow your horse to nod off to sleep! Suppling exercises, including circles and neck bends can also be performed during the cool down period. Gentle leg yielding, while working the horse ’long and low,’ is an effective way to stretch the back and hindquarters.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Protexin Probiotic Gut Balancer - at TicTac Equestrian
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| Head to TicTac Equestrian.com to see our great range of Protexin Gut Balancer products |
Does your horse suffer from Colic; get grumpy during the cold weather, shy away from food and lose weight easily?
Well, Protexin Probiotics - available now at TicTac Equestrian - could could be the answer.
The new and Improved Gut Balancer formula from Protexin is a unique Alfalfa-based powder meal supplement, containing the highly concentrated probiotic bacteria, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCYC Sc47) 4b1702 1 x 109 CFU/g.
The Gut Balancer comes in a range of different sizes, tailored to a wide variety of uses, however, it is designed primarily for horses that dont 'do' well in terms of feeding and digestion, as well as being well-suited as a preventative measure against colic and similar ailments for stabled horses that compete at any level and senior/veteran horses. It helps to ensure the gut microflora is optimised for immune system support, and that nutrition is fully absorbed for maximum energy release.
Dosage is 10g (1 level measure) for NORMAL use, added daily to your horse's regular feed, whereas for Stress Use, it is recommended instead that you use 20g (2 level measures).
Gut Balancer is ideal for:
• General wellbeing
• Improving digestibility
• Horses prone to losing condition
• Horses/ponies susceptible to colic
• During periods of stress (e.g. travel, competition)
• During periods of antibiotic usage'
For more information, be sure to check out our range of Protexin products at the official TicTac Equestrian store.
Friday 22 March 2013
Grooming Horses with TicTac Equestrian
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| One of the many grooming kits for horses on offer at TicTac! |
For our full range of items, from brushes, clippers and massage mitts to hoof picks, be sure to check out the grooming items section of the official TicTac website.
There is also a great selection of Horse and Pony Grooming Kits on offer at TicTac, combining many of these essential items with lots of other little surprises to help you get the most out of that mane and to enhance the enjoyment you will no doubt already be having tending to your beloved horses and ponies!
With items from exciting, high quality equestrian brands such as Mark Todd and John Whitaker you'd be silly not to check these out! (Great Gift Ideas too!!)
Head to the Grooming Kit section of the TicTac site now before we run out!
Thursday 21 March 2013
Mile Cyrus supports band on New York Horse Carriage Rides
Miley Cyrus is speaking up for the innocent horses that are used to pull carriages for rides in New York City. Miley’s mom, Tish Cyrus shared the following about her daughter’s efforts to save the animals:
Miley grew up around animals and with all our horses growing up, so she is very passionate about protecting all animals. Miley’s fans have been amazing…We were trying to reach at least 100,000 people signing the petition and, after Miley tweeted, her fans got us 6,000 signatures in a few hours and pushed us over. We couldn’t have done it without all her fans.
Miley tweeted a petition to kickstart the ban on Twitter and a vast number of fans joined in on the cause. A representative for the organization reported that Miley’s petition scored over 100,000 signatures and shattered their original goal. They are now hoping to have a total of 110,000 signatures by the end of the month.
I think it’s awesome when stars use their star power to help raise awareness and promote causes they believe in. And I agree with Miley about the horses and carriages, I don’t think anyone should be using horsed to pull a carriage. I think Miley is using her star power to help make the world a better place and that’s an admirable thing. Do you agree with Miley Cyrus about the horses? Did you get q chance to sign the petition? Let us know your thoughts on all of this!
Wednesday 20 March 2013
A Bitter Spring - Horses and Dealing With Cold Weather
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| Sadly, winter isn't over just yet! |
Winter Tips (And yes, we know it's supposed to be SPRING already!)
Keeping your horse healthy during cold, wintry weather requires a bit of planning precaution. During spates of extreme weather such as we've been having recently all across Britain usually make it difficult to turn out your horses, and isn't advised until it has settled. But usually a horse, when it has a choice, will often choose to remain outside, even in the coldest conditions, due to their thick winter coat.
However, if you choose to keep your horses outside during the winter, it is still your responsibility to give your animals some form a shelter; a place where they can get out of the wind and snow if need be.
Perhaps the main concern with turnout in icy conditions however, is for stabled horses, who are much more prone to injuries due to slipping.
As for exercising your horse during this time, you need to be careful about cooling him down afterwards without getting chilled. Deep snow can be hard on your horses’ tendons, so ride in good footing.
Apart from that, with a bit of good prep and a keen eye, you can weather these last few winter storms and your horses' natural instincts and self-preservation tactics in the face of harsh conditions will take care of the worst and with a bit of common sense and organisation, the two of you can make it through the other side to a bright beautiful Spring and with any luck a stunning summer - we've certainly deserved it!
ALSO - For information on Winter Rugs for that extra bit of warmth, be sure to check out TicTac Equestrian
Tuesday 19 March 2013
Showjumping
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| Photo: Tomer Arazy |
The feeling of working hard and training your horses to the best of their ability to become athletes in their own right and enjoy the thrill of competition is a feeling unlike any other, and one of the most challenging, yet rewarding aspects of this is competitive Show Jumping.
We know most of you are likely familiar with Show Jumping - if not experienced jumpers yourselves! - but as we'll be posting about upcoming shows, trials and competitions, we thought we'd give you a little introduction, just in case!
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping", "open jumping", or "jumpers", is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation.
Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines.
Jumper classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations; usually with many turns and changes of direction and the intention is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time, avoiding any faults or disqualification.
In most competitions, riders are allowed to walk the initial course beforehand to plan their ride. This gives the rider a chance to walk the lines he or she will have to ride, in order to decide how many strides the horse will need to take between each jump and from which angle. Going off course will cost time if minor errors are made and major departures may result in disqualification, so any opportunity to stay sharp and on top of your game is a must for all competitive jumpers!
Now, these are just the basics - there is a whole lot more to Show Jumping! But why not see for yourself at an event near you?
And of course, for all your horse riding and eventing accessories, be sure to check out the official TicTac Equestrian store
Monday 18 March 2013
Shock as Glasgow restaurant introduces Horse Meat dishes
We like to use this blog as a way of spread horsey news from all over the world and from across the Web, and also to give you valuable info and advice on common matters of interest for modern horse owners as well as useful products and devices that might be of interest also.
However, occasionally there is the opportunity to use this platform to explore slightly deeper Equine issues; one of which being the recent Supermarket scandal regarding the emergence of Horse Meat in some 'processed 'beef' products.
As some of you will likely already be aware, the story has taken on a life of its own over the past month or so especially, with every news day bringing some new angle of the story to light.
Well, popular Glasgow restaurant, Stravaigin, has weighed into the debate over the recent Supermarket Horse Meat scandal in typically bold fashion by announcing that it will now be serving Horse Meat Lasagne.
The announcement was made on the restaurant's official Facebook page; to say the news was met with a mixed reaction would be an understatement.
Here is the original announcement:
"NEWS FLASH!
In true Stravaigin fashion, from 5pm on Friday 1st March, we will be serving up 100% horse lasagne.
In our research we found that numerous cultures have been eating mare, mustang and filly long before it became the topic of scandalous conversations in the UK.
Not convinced? Well hay! (Sorry) It’s wonderfully healthy, with half the fat of beef and ten times the cholesterol shattering Omega 3s so gallop in."
It is true that other countries are no strangers to eating horse and other animals and there is certainly a debate to be had over why it is OK to eat some animals and not others, but is this announcement in poor taste, given the timing and the upset caused by some of the recent revelations made about malpractice regarding the illegal production of Horse Meat?
Several commenters on the now infamous post certainly think so:
"Sick never eating at Stravagins again yuk and remove from FB"
"Stupid PR stunt that makes me lose respect for such an otherwise fine restaurant..."
"Hope you are kidding regarding this horse meat thing. Maybe good for a wee bit free publicity but I will never eat in your restaurant again. Think you've made a big mistake with this."
However there a considerable few in favour:
"Open your minds a little! We all seem so content to eat lamb and veal...where does horse cross the line? I salute you Stravaigin!"
However, occasionally there is the opportunity to use this platform to explore slightly deeper Equine issues; one of which being the recent Supermarket scandal regarding the emergence of Horse Meat in some 'processed 'beef' products.
As some of you will likely already be aware, the story has taken on a life of its own over the past month or so especially, with every news day bringing some new angle of the story to light.
Well, popular Glasgow restaurant, Stravaigin, has weighed into the debate over the recent Supermarket Horse Meat scandal in typically bold fashion by announcing that it will now be serving Horse Meat Lasagne.
The announcement was made on the restaurant's official Facebook page; to say the news was met with a mixed reaction would be an understatement.
Here is the original announcement:
"NEWS FLASH!
In true Stravaigin fashion, from 5pm on Friday 1st March, we will be serving up 100% horse lasagne.
In our research we found that numerous cultures have been eating mare, mustang and filly long before it became the topic of scandalous conversations in the UK.
Not convinced? Well hay! (Sorry) It’s wonderfully healthy, with half the fat of beef and ten times the cholesterol shattering Omega 3s so gallop in."
It is true that other countries are no strangers to eating horse and other animals and there is certainly a debate to be had over why it is OK to eat some animals and not others, but is this announcement in poor taste, given the timing and the upset caused by some of the recent revelations made about malpractice regarding the illegal production of Horse Meat?
Several commenters on the now infamous post certainly think so:
"Sick never eating at Stravagins again yuk and remove from FB"
"Stupid PR stunt that makes me lose respect for such an otherwise fine restaurant..."
"Hope you are kidding regarding this horse meat thing. Maybe good for a wee bit free publicity but I will never eat in your restaurant again. Think you've made a big mistake with this."
However there a considerable few in favour:
"Open your minds a little! We all seem so content to eat lamb and veal...where does horse cross the line? I salute you Stravaigin!"
Sunday 17 March 2013
Getting ready for the Grand National
In early April each year, the world and its media descend upon Aintree Racecourse for three of the biggest days in the British sporting and social calendar, the John Smith’s Grand National, which in 2013 will take place from Thursday 4th – Saturday 6th April.
A British sporting institution, the Grand National attracts over 154,000 racegoers for three days like no other, which includes Grand Opening Day, Ladies’ Day and a day which needs no introduction, John Smith’s Grand National Day.
Over 11 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2012 race on the BBC and were witness to many firsts; a photo finish deciding the winner and a first Grand National victory for champion trainer, Paul Nicholls. Neptune Collonges victory over Sunnyhill Boy also added Neptune Collonges to the history books as only the third grey to have ever won the race in its rich 165-year history.
Are you looking to entertain guests in style or are you looking for that something special to treat a loved one to this year? Download Dining Packages for the 2013 John Smith's Grand National.
Did you know that Crieff Hydro Hotel has its very own Riding Centre? Perfect for riders of all ages, we offers Horse Riding Lessons, Horse Riding Holidays and much more.
For more information, please check out the official Crieff Hydro Riding Centre Website at http://hydroriding.com/
Did you know that Crieff Hydro Hotel has its very own Riding Centre? Perfect for riders of all ages, we offers Horse Riding Lessons, Horse Riding Holidays and much more.
For more information, please check out the official Crieff Hydro Riding Centre Website at http://hydroriding.com/
Saturday 16 March 2013
Easter gift Ideas from Tic Tac Equestrian
It's fast approaching Easter and although we're fairly convinced your horses and ponies aren't aware of the story of Jesus - if we're wrong and you have somehow happened to teach them, then we would be very impressed indeed! - Easter Time is not only a religious holiday for some, but also signals the arrival of Spring - properly this time!
Although we are rumoured to be destined for a continuous cold snap until further into May, there's no reason why we shouldn't make the most of this bank holiday weekend and celebrate this time with our loved ones - and that goes double for the horses!
In lieu of Horsey Easter Eggs, we have a wide range of Treats, Accessories and Fun Gift Ideas over at TicTac Equestrian.com to see this Easter Weekend in, in style; just what you need to get through this last little cold snap, then we are one step closer to summer, and loooooong, warm treks into the countryside! Well, fingers crossed eh?!
Do you want to find out more about horses and live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/.
Although we are rumoured to be destined for a continuous cold snap until further into May, there's no reason why we shouldn't make the most of this bank holiday weekend and celebrate this time with our loved ones - and that goes double for the horses!
In lieu of Horsey Easter Eggs, we have a wide range of Treats, Accessories and Fun Gift Ideas over at TicTac Equestrian.com to see this Easter Weekend in, in style; just what you need to get through this last little cold snap, then we are one step closer to summer, and loooooong, warm treks into the countryside! Well, fingers crossed eh?!
Do you want to find out more about horses and live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/.
Friday 15 March 2013
The threat of Neglected and Abandoned Horses
Like us, the thought of neglected horses in any capacity is probably a horrifying one to bear for any responsible Horse Owner. But sadly, like many other distressing issues surrounding the poor treatment of British horses at the moment, equine abandonment and neglect is a seemingly growing trend.
Official statistics released last year showed that in Scotland alone, as much as seven times as many horses and ponies were abandoned in 2011 compared to ten years earlier in 2001.
Unfortunately, it's fairly easy to see the reasons why many horse owners might feel forced to choose the livelihood and well-being of the rest of their family over the upkeep and various outgoings, not to mention the responsibility, of looking after horses and ponies.
The impact of the ongoing Global recession has left many families in a position where they can no longer afford to care for their horses, and often, as a result of bankruptcy, or other drastic changes to their financial situation, are forced to make panicked decisions, which have the potential to prove dangerous for some domestic horses.
Those figures, released by the SSPCA last year, show that the charity recorded the abandonment of 21 horses and 8 ponies in 2011, compared to just four horses and no ponies in 2001. The rate of increase is worrying as many of Scotland's major re-homing centres struggle to keep up with the pace. Scotland’s largest horse re-homing and adoption centre, Mountains Animal Charity, currently cares for 99 horses, but has recently warned it cannot afford to take on any more.
Although there is compassion towards families and individual horse owners who suddenly find themselves in precarious financial positions due to job loss, etc., Animal Charities like the SSPCA are battling to make it as clear as possible that it is a criminal offence to abandon a horse; one that carries a penalty of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.
You should always look to responsibly re-home your horse, but if there is ever difficulty in doing this, always be sure to contact your local SSPCA branch for re-homing advice.
Alternatively, if you happen to discover a horse that you suspect has been abandoned or is potential victim of neglect, call the charity on 03000 999 999.
Do you have a keen interest in horses and live in the Perthshire Area? Did you know that Crieff Hydro Hotel has its very own Riding Centre - check out its official website for more information - http://hydroriding.com/
Official statistics released last year showed that in Scotland alone, as much as seven times as many horses and ponies were abandoned in 2011 compared to ten years earlier in 2001.
Unfortunately, it's fairly easy to see the reasons why many horse owners might feel forced to choose the livelihood and well-being of the rest of their family over the upkeep and various outgoings, not to mention the responsibility, of looking after horses and ponies.
The impact of the ongoing Global recession has left many families in a position where they can no longer afford to care for their horses, and often, as a result of bankruptcy, or other drastic changes to their financial situation, are forced to make panicked decisions, which have the potential to prove dangerous for some domestic horses.
Those figures, released by the SSPCA last year, show that the charity recorded the abandonment of 21 horses and 8 ponies in 2011, compared to just four horses and no ponies in 2001. The rate of increase is worrying as many of Scotland's major re-homing centres struggle to keep up with the pace. Scotland’s largest horse re-homing and adoption centre, Mountains Animal Charity, currently cares for 99 horses, but has recently warned it cannot afford to take on any more.
Although there is compassion towards families and individual horse owners who suddenly find themselves in precarious financial positions due to job loss, etc., Animal Charities like the SSPCA are battling to make it as clear as possible that it is a criminal offence to abandon a horse; one that carries a penalty of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.
You should always look to responsibly re-home your horse, but if there is ever difficulty in doing this, always be sure to contact your local SSPCA branch for re-homing advice.
Alternatively, if you happen to discover a horse that you suspect has been abandoned or is potential victim of neglect, call the charity on 03000 999 999.
Do you have a keen interest in horses and live in the Perthshire Area? Did you know that Crieff Hydro Hotel has its very own Riding Centre - check out its official website for more information - http://hydroriding.com/
Thursday 14 March 2013
Worming your horse
Anyone who owns or cares for horses knows that good health is essential if your equine is to perform all the tasks that are expected of him and to help keep him happy and settled. Horse owners work hard to ensure their horse is kept in the best of health and an effective worming programme is vital if he’s to stay fit and well.
The prevention of both internal and external parasites is key to a healthy horse. As an animal with a complex and delicate gut that provides a perfect environment for worms to live and breed, it’s very important that horses are treated to eradicate any parasites that may be present. It’s also important that any worming programme is carried out in consultation with your vet.
Types of worm
Bots
The bot is the larval stage of the bot fly which is ingested and attaches to the stomach lining causing pain and inflammation.
Hairworms
Another stomach-dwelling creature, the hairworm is unique as it can affect horses and ruminants such as cows and sheep.
Ascarids
These parasites are common in very young horses. Symptoms of a heavy ascarid burden include coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and colic.
Threadworm
Again, this parasite is common in very young horses but rarely affects those over six months of age. The infection is usually passed through the mare’s milk.
Tapeworm
The tapeworm lives in the small intestine and caecum, feeding off the contents of the gut rather than the gut itself. Despite not feeding on the gut directly, they can cause illness by attaching themselves to the wall of the stomach, leading to ulcers that can cause abscesses and colic.
Large strongyles
A large strongyle infection is potentially very serious. These parasites can damage arteries during the migratory stage, which can lead to blood clots in the intestinal wall. Symptoms of a large strongyle infection include anaemia and a loss of condition.
Small strongyles / Small red worms
Another potentially serious invader, the small strongyle migrates into the wall of the intestine where they create cysts. When migration ceases and after a period of inhibition, a mass emergence of larva occurs from the cysts that can have a devastating impact on the horse. Loose stools, ulcers on the mucus membranes accompanied by bleeding and colic are all symptoms of a small red worm burden.
Pinworm
A pinworm infection is fairly common in horses and is usually characterised by irritated skin around the anus.
Lungworm
This is mainly a parasite of donkeys, and horses generally become infected by sharing fields with them. Although they may have an infection, horses might not necessarily show any signs of respiratory distress at the time, although the damage caused by this parasite may contribute to respiratory disease as the animal ages.
Methods of worm control
Chemical treatments called Anthelmintics can be used to effectively control bots, hairworm, lungworm (benzimidazole anthelmintics only), and large and small strongyles, while Pyrantel and Praziquantel are the only equine treatments available for threadworm in the UK. All other parasites will be controlled by a regular worming programme using one or a combination of wormers. Pasture management is also recommended for keeping parasitic infection at bay. Regularly removing faeces from the paddock and rotating grazing will help keep worms in check.
It is also important to vary the types of wormer you use as the worms can build up a resistance to treatment if the same medication is used each time. There are many brands or wormer with many combinations of ingredients to help you keep your worming routine varied and to help prevent resistance. It’s important to research your wormers thoroughly however, and choose a different ingredient for the same job, not just another brand.
A worming programme – rotational and tactical
As the weather in the UK – damp summers and warmer winters – is perfect for worms to thrive, it’s essential that your worming programme is considered carefully and in conjunction with your vet. Dry summers and bitterly cold winters are the enemy of worms so your worming programme needs to be as tight as it can be.
By developing a tactical plan to target specific worms during the winter and a rotational approach - using different chemicals - during grazing (generally the summer months) you will certainly feel and see the benefits.
Tactical worming means that you are worming for whichever parasite species is prevalent at that particular time of year. For example, you should worm for bots and small redworm during the winter months and tapeworm during the summer. Large and small strongyles can also be targeted during the grazing period.
It is also becoming increasingly popular to worm only when needed; by having your horse’s droppings tested and worming depending on the results. Testing kits can be purchased from farm and tack shops and include instructions on how to collect your sample. The faecal matter you collect will be sent to a laboratory where it will be screened and the results sent back to you. Using this method means you are only worming when absolutely necessary and for the species that may be present. This can save money and means your horse isn’t exposed to powerful chemicals more often than is necessary.
Health and environment
When deciding on a worming programme it’s vital you take the age and health of the horse into account. You should also gauge the weight of the horse using either a weigh bridge or a weight tape. Under estimating the weight of the horse can mean that not enough wormer is delivered which can leave the infection unaffected and could even mean the worms build up resistance to the chemicals and pass that resistance on to their larvae. Foals should only be given treatments suitable for use on foals and pasture management should also be undertaken.
Wormers contain powerful chemicals so the environment in which your horse lives should also be considered. Do you have ponds or streams with aquatic life nearby? If so it would be wise to stable the horse during worming and for two or three days afterwards to ensure no chemicals enter the watercourses. This also protects the local plant and wildlife from spillages.
Dogs, cats and small children should also be kept away from areas where wormers are stored or used as some of the ingredients can prove fatal to dogs. Border Collies are particularly at risk.
Are you interested in horses and looking for more information and live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre,it boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Hay and haylage
GOOD quality forage is the most essential part of every horse or pony’s diet. As the great British climate becomes more changeable, making good quality forage has never been more challenging and this season has been no exception.
A very dry spring followed by variable weather throughout the country over summer, means most farmers are reporting reduced yields. Rain, which came to some areas later in the season, has been a mixed blessing, helping to boost second cuts for many producers, but also making harvesting crops difficult.
Traditionally, hay has been the supplementary forage fed to horses, but with more and more farmers producing haylage it has become more readily available. However, they are two very different products, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Whichever you chose it is important it is good quality. Paying a little more for a good product will be more cost effective than buying inferior feed, which can actually do your horse more harm than good, or may end up being wasted.
The nutrient value of hay and haylage depends on the grass species used, the time of year it is cut and the environment conditions at the time, but generally the nutrient value of haylage is higher.
Forage is a horse’s natural feed and should be the basis of its diet, with extra feed added only if forage cannot supply sufficient nutrients. A hard working horse is likely to require some concentrate feed in addition to forage, but for horses and ponies with low nutrient requirement, who are good doers and in light or no work, forage should supply all the energy and protein they need.
However, even the best quality forage may not supply all the vitamins and minerals a horse needs and horses on a forage-only diet should be fed a balanced source of vitamins and minerals.
Forage can vary significantly in nutrient value and the only sure way to know exactly what you are feeding is to have your forage analysed. Many producers now offer a nutrient analysis or you can have this done yourself.
Protein, fibre and energy analysis is relatively cheap, but vitamin and mineral analysis is more expensive. If in doubt, use a broad spectrum or forage balancing supplement alongside your forage.
The obvious difference is haylage is wrapped in plastic and hay is not. Grass for haylage is usually cut later than for silage, but several weeks sooner than for hay. Therefore, grass used for haylage tends to be younger and so is more digestible to horses and they tend to do better on it, so this must be taken into consideration when feeding it. They usually find it more palatable and will consume more than hay if fed ad-lib.
Mown grass for haylage is tedded and raked in a similar way to hay, but is baled and then wrapped a day or two earlier. Good hay will have been dried relatively quickly, ideally to about 14 per cent moisture. Hay which has been rained
on will have had some of the nutrients washed out, but more importantly may have been baled with too high a moisture content, leading to the growth of mould and fungi.
When you cut the strings on a good bale of hay it should ‘spring’ apart, be a greenish colour and smell sweet. If dried for longer it may be more yellow in colour and have less nutritional value, which may be more suitable for good doers and ponies. Hay which is dark in colour and has an ‘off’ smell should be discarded.
All hay contains some dust and mould spores and its low moisture content means these become airborne and are a health risk to horses, particularly if stabled, and can cause respiratory problems.
As haylage is dried for a shorter period than hay it contains more moisture, often between 40 and 50 per cent. Sealing it in plastic excludes the air and the fermentation process then preserves it. Well made haylage contains very few, if any, mould spores, and because of its higher moisture content any which are present do not become airborne and, therefore, do not cause problems.
Although haylage is often more expensive than hay it can be better value as concentrate feed can often be reduced because haylage is more nutritious.
The quality of the haylage will be reduced if the wrapping has been punctured at any time allowing air in and mould to develop. Bales should be tightly wrapped with at least six layers of plastic.
Hay will remain in good condition for a long period of time if stored correctly, but haylage will start to deteriorate once opened and should be used within a few days, meaning it is not always practical for one or two horse owners.
How much to feed
To maintain your horse’s appropriate fibre intake you will need to feed a larger weight of haylage because it contains more moisture. For example, a typical 500g 16hh riding horse requires a minimum daily roughage intake of about 1 per cent of its bodyweight ie, 5kg of hay or, due to its higher moisture content, 7-8.5kg of haylage. Although you need more haylage by weight, you will need less by volume, as again, due to its higher moisture content, haylage is denser than hay. If you have only just started feeding haylage, it may be a good idea to weigh it out initially until you get used to judging the correct amount.
Feeding haylage
If changing from hay to haylage do so gradually to allow your horse’s digestive system time to adapt
Always buy from a reliable source and check all bales for damage
Once opened use a bale as quickly as possible, as exposing it to air means there is potential for mould to develop. Do not feed mouldy haylage to horses
Sometimes on opening a bale you will see tiny white/cream round ‘colonies’ on the haylage. They have a creamy consistency and are not powdery or fluffy. These are yeasts, not moulds and will not harm horses as they do not produce spores
Silage is baled and wrapped sooner after mowing than haylage, when the moisture content is higher. It has a strong smell and is not palatable to horses. If fed it can result in digestive upsets and scouring. Some farmers still refer to all wrapped forage as silage, so the only true way to see what they are offering is to have a look at it
Do not feed any haylage which has been contaminated by soil as this can lead to the risk of toxins causing listeriosis and botulism
As long as the sealed wrapping remains intact and has not been punctured haylage will remain well preserved and nutritious for a long period of time - it does not need to be used up in the year it was made
Ideally, horses should be fed ad-lib forage on the ground to replicate their natural environment, but if it has to be restricted, break it up into as many small feeds as possible. Using a hay net with small holes will slow down eating and make forage last longer
Haylage facts
Dust free - healthier than hay
Can be stored outside
Has a higher nutritional value, but not suitable for all horses/ponies
Can be more cost effective as it can reduce concentrated feed use.
Can be difficult to move around
Is more palatable than hay
Must be used quickly once opened - not practical for everyone
Is a more natural feed than hay and more digestible
Autumn watch
Spring and summer are not the only times when laminitis can strike. Autumn is notorious for the onset of the problem, even in horses and ponies with no previous history, particularly if there is a late flush of grass - so take care.
Don’t turn out in frosty conditions as changes in the grass caused by the cold can induce laminitis
Monitor your horse’s weight - learn to condition score or use a weigh tape
Increase your horse’s workload. This will not only keep the weight off, but reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance which can lead to laminitis
Check your horse’s diet and analyse forage - it is the only way to tell how many calories it is providing. Most feed companies provide this service
Pasture management - restrict grazing by grazing paddocks with sheep or other horses or by strip grazing. Use a menage for turn out.
Are you interested in horses and looking for more information and live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/
A very dry spring followed by variable weather throughout the country over summer, means most farmers are reporting reduced yields. Rain, which came to some areas later in the season, has been a mixed blessing, helping to boost second cuts for many producers, but also making harvesting crops difficult.
Traditionally, hay has been the supplementary forage fed to horses, but with more and more farmers producing haylage it has become more readily available. However, they are two very different products, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Whichever you chose it is important it is good quality. Paying a little more for a good product will be more cost effective than buying inferior feed, which can actually do your horse more harm than good, or may end up being wasted.
The nutrient value of hay and haylage depends on the grass species used, the time of year it is cut and the environment conditions at the time, but generally the nutrient value of haylage is higher.
Forage is a horse’s natural feed and should be the basis of its diet, with extra feed added only if forage cannot supply sufficient nutrients. A hard working horse is likely to require some concentrate feed in addition to forage, but for horses and ponies with low nutrient requirement, who are good doers and in light or no work, forage should supply all the energy and protein they need.
However, even the best quality forage may not supply all the vitamins and minerals a horse needs and horses on a forage-only diet should be fed a balanced source of vitamins and minerals.
Forage can vary significantly in nutrient value and the only sure way to know exactly what you are feeding is to have your forage analysed. Many producers now offer a nutrient analysis or you can have this done yourself.
Protein, fibre and energy analysis is relatively cheap, but vitamin and mineral analysis is more expensive. If in doubt, use a broad spectrum or forage balancing supplement alongside your forage.
The obvious difference is haylage is wrapped in plastic and hay is not. Grass for haylage is usually cut later than for silage, but several weeks sooner than for hay. Therefore, grass used for haylage tends to be younger and so is more digestible to horses and they tend to do better on it, so this must be taken into consideration when feeding it. They usually find it more palatable and will consume more than hay if fed ad-lib.
Mown grass for haylage is tedded and raked in a similar way to hay, but is baled and then wrapped a day or two earlier. Good hay will have been dried relatively quickly, ideally to about 14 per cent moisture. Hay which has been rained
on will have had some of the nutrients washed out, but more importantly may have been baled with too high a moisture content, leading to the growth of mould and fungi.
When you cut the strings on a good bale of hay it should ‘spring’ apart, be a greenish colour and smell sweet. If dried for longer it may be more yellow in colour and have less nutritional value, which may be more suitable for good doers and ponies. Hay which is dark in colour and has an ‘off’ smell should be discarded.
All hay contains some dust and mould spores and its low moisture content means these become airborne and are a health risk to horses, particularly if stabled, and can cause respiratory problems.
As haylage is dried for a shorter period than hay it contains more moisture, often between 40 and 50 per cent. Sealing it in plastic excludes the air and the fermentation process then preserves it. Well made haylage contains very few, if any, mould spores, and because of its higher moisture content any which are present do not become airborne and, therefore, do not cause problems.
Although haylage is often more expensive than hay it can be better value as concentrate feed can often be reduced because haylage is more nutritious.
The quality of the haylage will be reduced if the wrapping has been punctured at any time allowing air in and mould to develop. Bales should be tightly wrapped with at least six layers of plastic.
Hay will remain in good condition for a long period of time if stored correctly, but haylage will start to deteriorate once opened and should be used within a few days, meaning it is not always practical for one or two horse owners.
How much to feed
To maintain your horse’s appropriate fibre intake you will need to feed a larger weight of haylage because it contains more moisture. For example, a typical 500g 16hh riding horse requires a minimum daily roughage intake of about 1 per cent of its bodyweight ie, 5kg of hay or, due to its higher moisture content, 7-8.5kg of haylage. Although you need more haylage by weight, you will need less by volume, as again, due to its higher moisture content, haylage is denser than hay. If you have only just started feeding haylage, it may be a good idea to weigh it out initially until you get used to judging the correct amount.
Feeding haylage
If changing from hay to haylage do so gradually to allow your horse’s digestive system time to adapt
Always buy from a reliable source and check all bales for damage
Once opened use a bale as quickly as possible, as exposing it to air means there is potential for mould to develop. Do not feed mouldy haylage to horses
Sometimes on opening a bale you will see tiny white/cream round ‘colonies’ on the haylage. They have a creamy consistency and are not powdery or fluffy. These are yeasts, not moulds and will not harm horses as they do not produce spores
Silage is baled and wrapped sooner after mowing than haylage, when the moisture content is higher. It has a strong smell and is not palatable to horses. If fed it can result in digestive upsets and scouring. Some farmers still refer to all wrapped forage as silage, so the only true way to see what they are offering is to have a look at it
Do not feed any haylage which has been contaminated by soil as this can lead to the risk of toxins causing listeriosis and botulism
As long as the sealed wrapping remains intact and has not been punctured haylage will remain well preserved and nutritious for a long period of time - it does not need to be used up in the year it was made
Ideally, horses should be fed ad-lib forage on the ground to replicate their natural environment, but if it has to be restricted, break it up into as many small feeds as possible. Using a hay net with small holes will slow down eating and make forage last longer
Haylage facts
Dust free - healthier than hay
Can be stored outside
Has a higher nutritional value, but not suitable for all horses/ponies
Can be more cost effective as it can reduce concentrated feed use.
Can be difficult to move around
Is more palatable than hay
Must be used quickly once opened - not practical for everyone
Is a more natural feed than hay and more digestible
Autumn watch
Spring and summer are not the only times when laminitis can strike. Autumn is notorious for the onset of the problem, even in horses and ponies with no previous history, particularly if there is a late flush of grass - so take care.
Don’t turn out in frosty conditions as changes in the grass caused by the cold can induce laminitis
Monitor your horse’s weight - learn to condition score or use a weigh tape
Increase your horse’s workload. This will not only keep the weight off, but reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance which can lead to laminitis
Check your horse’s diet and analyse forage - it is the only way to tell how many calories it is providing. Most feed companies provide this service
Pasture management - restrict grazing by grazing paddocks with sheep or other horses or by strip grazing. Use a menage for turn out.
Are you interested in horses and looking for more information and live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/
Tuesday 12 March 2013
The More You Know - STUD HORSES
Around the world, private individuals have breeding farms of various sizes that are dedicated to animal breeding, usually of purebred livestock. Some of the largest and most impressive are those dedicated to Thoroughbred horse breeding, such as the historic Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, USA or the Darley Stud, owned by Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which stands over fifty stallions at stud in facilities located in seven countries.
Many stud farms make male animals available for breeding to outside female animals that are not owned by the stud farm. Doing so provides an outside source of revenue to a stud farm via the stud fees paid to obtain the services of the stud animal as well as contributing to the overall genetic diversity of the animal's offspring. At state stud farms, stud service is not only a source of income, but due to the high standards set for breeding animals, has an overall effect of improving the quality of animals throughout an area.
In most cases, the owner of the female brings the animal to the stud farm for breeding, sometimes leaving her there for over a month to be sure that pregnancy has occurred. However, with the invention of artificial insemination and the ability to ship semen, combined with the availability of DNA testing for parentage verification, many breed registries allow semen to be shipped from the stud farm to the location of the female animal, thus reducing or eliminating the need for animals to travel.
For more information on Stud Farms in the U.K., and for a list of potential farms in your area, click HERE.
If you live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check outCrieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique setting for horsey lovers. Check out the official Hydro Riding Website for more information- http://hydroriding.com/
Monday 11 March 2013
Using Horses as Therapy
Michael Hamm looks like your typical cowboy, but Hamm's life has been anything but normal.
Hamm- a Vietnam War veteran- is a former drug smuggler and convict.
"Some guys came to me and said we've got a business you can get into that will make a lot of money with your airplane- importing exotic plants from Central America," says Hamm.
"My first run, I came back with a thousand pounds of marijuana. They slammed the prison door shut and I didn't think I'd ever see the free world again."
Hamm did see freedom...then turned his life around. Hamm now operates a prison ministry and uses his life story to counsel both kids and young adults.
Hamm also uses horses on his 11-acre farm near Elberta as therapy and guidance for troubled kids.
Cross Roads Ranch provides "equine therapy"- an experimental therapy involving interactions between at-risk youth and horses.
Hamm hopes to expand his non-profit equine therapy program to a residential ministry and treatment facility for non-violent criminal offenders.
Cross Roads Ranch is holding a benefit rodeo May 24th and 25th at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale.
Hamm says he'll need at least six thousand bucks a month to keep the facility up and running.
If you live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, Set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique and idyllic setting for horse riding enthusiasts of all levels.
Hamm- a Vietnam War veteran- is a former drug smuggler and convict.
"Some guys came to me and said we've got a business you can get into that will make a lot of money with your airplane- importing exotic plants from Central America," says Hamm.
"My first run, I came back with a thousand pounds of marijuana. They slammed the prison door shut and I didn't think I'd ever see the free world again."
Hamm did see freedom...then turned his life around. Hamm now operates a prison ministry and uses his life story to counsel both kids and young adults.
Hamm also uses horses on his 11-acre farm near Elberta as therapy and guidance for troubled kids.
Cross Roads Ranch provides "equine therapy"- an experimental therapy involving interactions between at-risk youth and horses.
Hamm hopes to expand his non-profit equine therapy program to a residential ministry and treatment facility for non-violent criminal offenders.
Cross Roads Ranch is holding a benefit rodeo May 24th and 25th at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale.
Hamm says he'll need at least six thousand bucks a month to keep the facility up and running.
If you live in or around the Crieff, Perthshire area, make sure that you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre, Set within 900 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside at the foot of the Knock of Crieff, the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre boasts a unique and idyllic setting for horse riding enthusiasts of all levels.
Sunday 10 March 2013
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
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| Happy Mother's Day! |
Today's the day to celebrate all the hard work, effort and passion put in by all those mothers down the generations; if it wasn't for their steady hand on the reins, we would've all fallen off the saddle by now.
So have a great Mothering Sunday, and be sure to spoil yours if you can!
Take Care!
For more information on all things horsey, make sure you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's very own Riding Centre website!
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