Showing posts with label Tic Tac Equestrian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tic Tac Equestrian. Show all posts

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

A Bitter Spring - Horses and Dealing With Cold Weather

Sadly, winter isn't over just yet!
It's getting brisk outside again, with up to 6-7 feet of snow falling in some areas of the U.K.! So we thought now's about as good a time as any to remind you about what you can do to stay prepared and ready to battle these Arctic conditions, to make sure your horse is as warm and toasty as you are, and nice and healthy throughout this last little winter stretch.

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, 12 March 2013

The More You Know - STUD HORSES

The word "stud" comes from the Old English 'stod' meaning "herd of horses, place where horses are kept for breeding"

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 CentreSet 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.

Saturday, 9 March 2013

Hot Shoeing vs Cold Shoeing

Hot Shoeing - Photo by Hans Splinter
Take it from us here at TicTac - everyone loves a nice new pair of shoes, even Horses!! No, especially horses!

But seriously, when it comes to protecting you horse's hooves, there are two main methods - Hot Shoeing and Cold Shoeing - and there are several arguments to support each method, but as with anything relating to horse care, there are also a number of factors to consider. As we all no, all horses (and owners) are different, so it's up to you to decide what works best for you and your four-legged friends. After all, it isn't you that's going to be trying them on!

However, you should always keep an open dialogue with an experienced farrier in order to get reliable advice on how to proceed. To give you a heads up though, here's a quick run-down on the basics of each method.

Hot Shoeing - is the application of hot shoes to the horses' hooves. The shoes are heated, moulded and if required after sizing them up, the blacksmith will place them back on the anvil in order to make any necessary changes before cooling them and nailing them into place. 


The advantages of hot-shoeing include: 
  • The ability to draw and custom-fit clips for added strength.
  • Hot metal shapes easier and more accurately than cold-shoeing.
  • Accuracy - the hot impression on the hoof shows exactly where the nail holes lie, reducing the chance of pinching.
  • The highs and lows of a dressed hoof will show and be corrected. 

The process can produce clouds of smoke/steam, which can be off-putting for some. And also, many voice their concerns over the loss of moisture in the horse's hooves by using this method. However, if applied correctly by a reliable farrier, the Hot Shoeing process is perfectly safe and effective.

Cold shoeing - is to simply take a cold shoe and shape it to the horse's hoof as accurately as the metal will allow before nailing it into position. Cold Shoeing tends be more beneficial for the blacksmith as opposed to the horse, in terms of its effectiveness and accuracy but it is generally less expensive, faster and more practical.

Other benefits of Cold Shoeing Include: 
  • The fact that generally it's a much faster system
  • Cost-wise, it's less expensive for the blacksmith and owner alike.
  • This is a practical method for someone who wants to do their own horses. The investment in equipment is much less as is the skill required.
  • If the blacksmith is not able to get close enough to the barn with his forge because of weather, etc., then cold shoeing is a suitable replacement.


To find out more about horse riding, and if you live near Crieff Hydro make sure you check out Crieff Hydro Hotel's Riding Centre in Perthshire. 


Saturday, 2 March 2013

Get a head start at The Pony Club

Join The Pony Club and join in the Fun!
Photo: Donkey Sanctuary Press
We Know There's nothing more memorable than the first time you get up on a horse and have your first horse-back ride. The feel of being on top of that saddle and viewing your surroundings from a perspective you've never seen before, sharing your journey with a trusting four-legged friend - it's truly magical, and is perhaps one of the main reasons many riders continue to ride for the rest of their lives, it's really that addictive. 

Like most activities, it's very beneficial and arguably much more exciting to experience them at a young age which is why groups such as The Pony Club, are so valuable, allowing youngsters to get involved in Pony Riding at a young age and learn the skills, freedom and fun involved in horse and pony riding. 

With lessons, resources and information accessible via over 345 branches and 600 centres in the UK alone, The Pony Club is a great way to get started. So what are you waiting for?! Head over to the Official Pony Club site to see how you can get involved at a centre near you!!

For all your pony-riding equipment needs, be sure to check out the TicTac Equestrian Store too!

Friday, 1 March 2013

Plaiting Horses Hair

If you're anything like us, you'll know how nice it is to get fixed up and looking smart for a competition. It's a lot of fun to get dressed up and preen yourself so that you will be a genuine head-turner when out in the arena.

But it's not just humans that can benefit from getting scrubbed up and sporting a nice new hairdo. Horses like to get done up too, and take it from us... they scrub up just as well as the riders!

Plaiting your horses mane and tail is just one way to make them look beautiful, and believe it or not, it's not as difficult as it might look, as shown in this informative video: 




For more information on how to deck yourself out in the finest threads for show riding, or even just out in the field, go to TicTac Equestrian

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

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. 

Saturday, 23 February 2013

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! 

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

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.

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

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 

Sunday, 17 February 2013

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:


Akhal Teke
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
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.







Caspian
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.



Saturday, 16 February 2013

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.

Friday, 15 February 2013

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. 

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

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. 




Monday, 11 February 2013

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. 

Friday, 8 February 2013

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.

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

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

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

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'!


Monday, 4 February 2013

Spoil your Horse this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day gift ideas at TicTac Equestrian
Valentine's Day is nearly upon us, so now's the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care - and that goes double for horses!!

Luckily, to help you with Valentine's Day gifts for your horsey buddies - from sweet-smelling toiletries and grooming gear to delicious treat packs - TicTac Equestrian has got you covered.

There are also plenty of fun and stylish accessories too, if you want to spoil a fellow horse lover.

For more information and a for a fantastic selection of great quality gift ideas, go to the official TicTac Equestrian store

We hope you have a lovely day!


Saturday, 2 February 2013

Foaling Around - New year, new life, new foals

Foaling season is arriving soon!
A new year means new beginnings and for us here at TicTic Equestrian, we know that can mean much more than a change in career or kicking your smoking habit. For many horse owners/breeders, this is a particularly special time of the year as we approach a new spring, and in turn, a new Foaling Season.

Commonly, foaling season takes place in the spring months, from around February to April, although this can obviously change a month or so either way, but generally horses are bred early in the year to sync with show seasons.

Typically, a mare will undergo an 11-month gestation period before giving birth. The miracle of birth is something incredibly special to behold, whether you've got two legs or four, and there's nothing quite like the magic of watching a beautiful new foal take its first careful steps into a new life. 

Horses are typically prey animals so their births are designed to allow new offspring to be capable of running alongside their parents in the event of a predatory threat. This is why healthy newborn foals will be able to run around on their own accord, merely a few hours after birth. 

There is a rough timetable of common events that take place after a foal is born, which give you a good idea of what to expect, as well as what to look out for in case any problems occur.

Here's how soon after birth certain vital milestones are typically reached:

  • 30 seconds to three minutes: lifts and shakes head
  • One to 10 minutes: foal shifts up to its chest in sternal recumbency
  • Two to 10 minutes: suckles reflexively on a finger placed in front of its mouth
  • 10 to 40 minutes: moves ears and head to follow sound
  • 15 minutes to three hours: stands

After the foal stands, it's important to note how soon after a second set of milestones is reached. Typically they run as follows:

  • 15 minutes to three hours: walks well
  • 30 minutes to 1.5 hours: nurses
  • 30 minutes to 1.5 hours: passes meconium, the waste matter accumulated in the foetal digestive tract
  • One to 15 hours: urinates
  • Two to four hours: stretches, trots, gallops

For more information be sure to keep in regular contact with your local vet. For more information on horse care products to help you properly look after your wonderful new addition to the family, go to the official TicTac Equestrian site.