As mentioned in a previous blog, the way the grass is growing this year is causing problems for people with good doers. This time last year Diva and Mabel were out 24/7 and I was getting to the stage of giving a little hay at night as the grass just wasn’t growing. This year I feel I can practically see it growing. Mabel is out all the time as, although she is a good doer – as most cobs are – she isn’t greedy and so quickly self-regulates her intake. Diva, however, is a different story. The first flush of grass growth after the winter caught me out and I have been fighting to keep her from getting too fat ever since!
I have made a small area at the top of the paddock and put Mabel and Diva in there for a few hours a day before bringing Diva back in and putting her on the horse walker and lunging her. Getting her heart rate increased even two or three times a week helps offset any health issues. It is quite funny to see just how accurate they are when I move the electric fence a little. They don’t miss a blade that is available!
The recent hot weather means the grass in the ‘bald’ area is slowing its growth and so I can begin to increase Diva’s turnout. Unfortunately, it has no shade until the evening so I have turned her out at night rather than in the day. During the day, Mabel has access to the whole field, which has two lovely mature trees for her to get under if she needs to. She does use them like a field shelter and stands under there when the flies are bad and if it is too hot or rainy.
I always make sure that there is a large block of rock salt in the field near the water trough and both Mabel and Diva do lick it regularly.
I am pleased that I haven’t got a show whilst the heatwave is forecast as I think I might just decide to stay at home instead!
Riding your horse at night is something even the keenest of equestrians may have never even considered. Whether the idea fills you with excitement or trepidation, there might be times when it’s necessary to ride your equine after dark.
Whether you’re a weekend hacker or a serious competitor, tying a horse safely and securely is an equestrian basic. But there's much more to it than meets the eye. Here at Equesure we’ve got some important tips on how to do it safely and what to avoid.
The tables seem to have turned as to which horse is naughtiest now. Shockingly despite Bob ripping yet another of Autumn’s rugs (think that’s 6 this year already), Autumn has taken on the title as most troublesome! In the last few weeks she has taken on full diva status!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the main things you should be aware of, divided into three categories: horse welfare, horse management, and horse riding.