Horse trailers are a substantial investment — not only in terms of cost but, most essentially, in the horses that rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable. A few thoughtful steps will prepare your trailer for winter and prevent headaches in the spring, extend the life of your trailer, and enhance the safety of your horses.

The Hidden Carbon Cost of Equestrian Events Revealed - At the 19th International Society for Equitation Science Conference in March 2024, which took place in Cambridge, New Zealand, Iris Huisman from Wageningen University in the Netherlands presented research on the significant environmental impacts of sport horses, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and their lifecycle footprint.

If you’ve dreamed of combining your love for horses with a meaningful career, Horse Therapy of Centre Canada (HTCC) offers the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality. With over 15 years of experience, HTCC leads the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and education in Canada, offering certification programs that blend hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge to set participants up for success in this unique and rewarding profession.

Purchasing a horse can be an exciting yet stressful experience, particularly when it comes time for the pre-purchase examination, or “vetting.” For the seller, there may be anxiety about uncovering health issues that could end the sale. For the buyer, there’s the fear that their dream horse might fail the vet check, leading to disappointment. However, understanding the true purpose of this essential veterinary service can help ease the tension and ensure a smoother process.

At the National Army Museum in London, a unique exhibit showcases an intriguing box. Inside, the box’s walls are lined with mirrors, each reflecting the others. Dozens of cut-out horses, all white and anonymous, are arranged within. As the mirrors reflect them repeatedly, the horses seem to multiply endlessly. This hauntingly simple image serves as a poignant reminder of the over eight million horses that perished in the devastating battles of the First World War.

Dealing with a horse that pulls back when tied is both stressful and dangerous, posing risks to the animal, equipment, and anyone nearby. But is pulling back a behaviour issue or a training problem? In reality, it’s both. Horses pull back for two main reasons: fear or because they can get away with it. While it may seem like a learned behaviour, the main cause is often fear.

A good grooming session is a lovely way to connect with your horse, and most horses appreciate the pampering. However, often avoided is the important task of cleaning the sheath of a male horse. Whether it's the fear of being kicked, uncertainty of how to do it properly, or simply feeling squeamish, many with geldings and stallions tend to avoid the chore. Despite the reluctance, veterinarians recommend regular cleaning and inspection of a horse's sheath as vital to the health of the male horse.

The biggest risk factor of a horse sustaining injury during transport is due to inadequate or improper training for loading and hauling. The key to avoiding these injuries lies in investing the time to teach the horse in a way that suits his learning style. It's important to keep in mind that, as with any form of teaching, if one method isn't working, there are plenty of other strategies to try. The alphabet still has 25 letters if Plan A does not work!

Each equestrian discipline has its own specialized movements, requiring distinct training, balance and footwork. While some of these maneuvers may look similar, they serve unique purposes within their respective sports. For instance, in dressage, riders guide their horse’s front end around the hindquarters in elegant pirouettes; ranch riders execute quick 180-degree turns to track cattle; and reining horses perform fast, precise 360-degree spins. Although all involve turning, the reasons and techniques behind these movements are different. To understand their purpose, timing, and differences, we consulted a dressage rider, a ranch horseman, and a reining judge for insight.