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.

As I write this article, I am days into the arrival of my new pony Gwynna, the third member of my little herd, with a herd integration in our near future. It seems somehow fortuitous to be riding the various waves of emotion that this transition can present — trepidation, fear, anticipation, and uncertainty — as I unpack what it takes to successfully introduce a new herd member or move from a barn with horses on their own to one where the herd lives together.

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.

Better for the Horse. Better for the Rider. “We recommend ThinLine for horses that are back sore, horses that have saddle issues, and to help reduce the impacts that riding has on horses,” says FEI certified veterinarian Dr. Fernando Cardenas in North Carolina, USA who also breeds warmblood sport horses.

Joint health can be a confusing topic. We collaborated with Dr. Sarah le Jeune of the UC Davis Equine Integrative Sports Medicine and Equine Surgery and Lameness Services, and Scott Katzman of the Equine Surgery and Lameness Service, to provide some clarity.

Your horse's three primary gaits-walk, trot, and canter-each provide distinct advantages for conditioning aimed at enhancing performance. When utilized effectively, these gaits can achieve outcomes that might otherwise be overlooked. Ideally, training sessions should incorporate equal time spent in each of the three primary gaits to promote both flexibility and strength. However, specific conditioning phases may require an emphasis on one gait over the others. This article will explore how each gait benefits the equine athlete, particularly in relation to back usage, and will highlight the role of cavalletti routines in training.

During periods of heavy rainfall, many horse owners may notice the emergence of rain rot in their horses. This skin condition can be frustrating, but with proper care, it is often manageable.

Knowing how to wrap your horse's leg is an essential skill for the attentive horse owner. Questions such as What thickness of bandage should I use on my horse's leg? How do I know when wrapping my horse's leg is appropriate? What supplies do I need? are all very important. With help from this article, and a little practice, you will have master these skills in no time.