I have put links at the bottom of the page to all of the products – saves you routing around trying to find them if your interested!

• SHAVINGS!! My horses are still living out but they come in for a couple of hours a day, and my beds get thicker and thicker until they are stabled overnight. I’m a shavings girl all the way & hate mucking out with anything but my Fyna-Lite shavings fork.
• Toggi Canyon Yard Boots – Had these for quite a while now and still going strong. The best yard boot I have purchased and very comfy! I use Dubarry faux fur liners inside them in the Winter but it’s a tad too warm still.
• Amigo Rugs – As I mentioned my horses have lightweights on at the moment & I couldn’t be without my Amigo’s, love all the horseware stuff but these rugs fit mine too a tee! Long lasting, durable, don’t rub, look lovely and have stayed in place through all this rain!
• Rydale hoodies – Have quite a few more than I need of these! Good quality and affordable hoodies which are great for chucking on over a t-shirt in this weather.
• Horseware socks – Again horseware! Can’t go wrong with their stuff IMO. Slightly pricey but a good investment!

The change in season is definaltey an excuse for some retail theraphy so I would like to know your Winter essentials below!

I would also love it if you would follow us on Twitter for regular updates & all things horsey! www.twitter.com/horseynet

http://www.windermereequestrian.co.uk/fyna-lite-shavings-fork-in-red-1022-p.asp
http://www.equestriansuppliesshop.co.uk/products/Toggi-Canyon-Boots.html?gclid=CPKk342-rqsCFQUNfAod6GImKg
http://www.millbryhill.co.uk/equestrian-530/horse-rugs-589/turnout-rugs-681/horseware-lightweight-turnout-44554.htm?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=44554&utm_campaign=froogle
http://www.rydaleclothing.co.uk/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=90
http://www.equestriansuppliesshop.co.uk/products/Horseware-Newmarket-Show-Socks-3-Pack.html

They fasten with a zip the whole back up the back which, unlike some boots, I have had no problems with. At first these boots are not too comfortable, they rubbed my heel and they rub the back of your knee slightly but this is only until they ‘drop.’ With the High Riders being leather they drop slightly so after a little bit of ware they sink down and fit very comfortably.

They are described as being good for general riding and for competitions. I used mine for everyday riding but personally don’t think they are stylish enough for competition, although that’s only my opinion. I also ended up using mine for yard work and they got covered in mud, dragged around, stuffed in my tack room, I went trudging through fields in them and after 3 years they are still going strong! They haven’t split, leaked or been damaged in anyway and still clean up nicely!
The lining on the inside in the heel area is wearing away slightly which has made my heel hurt again unless I wear very thick socks. I have slightly weedy legs and they are a little big around the calf for me too.

I would definitely say these boots are reliable and sturdy. I wouldn’t re-purchase these boots however as they are a little chunky for me and they are not as comfortable as some other boots I have tried since purchasing these.

I am still on the hunt for the perfect riding boot! Please let me know which boots you use

The owner is now asking “for animals lovers to help pay” the £6,000 vet bills which will have to be covered to help 17.6 inch tall Minxy. He has already had an operation to help straighten his legs and must wear bandages daily.

I am all for helping any horse, pony, donkey who is being misstreat, in trouble or in need of help. But am I the only one who thinks case this is appauling? This poor pony has no quality of life whatsoever. It is refreshing to see an owner who thinks and is trying to do best by their animal (there are far to many cases of horses being miss-treat, look at the recent drowning case – completely terrible) but you have to let your head rule your heart with horses.
They are horses, not humans! They don’t understand that all of this operating etc. is effectively trying to make them better. They can’t live like horses.
Think about their natural fight or flight instinct. How can Minxy flee when he feel he is in danger?
How can he go about a normal ‘horsey’ life?

As all of the articles seem to state, yes he is ‘cute’ yes he does ‘pull on your heart strings’ but in my honest opinion he should have been PTS. Not only for the ethical reasons but the owner can clearly not afford the vets bills and is now asking for donations?!

I’m aware this is a very controversial story but what are your opinion and what would you do if the shoe were on the other foot?

Opinions below!

As mentioned Navicular Syndrome in a degenerative disease and is thought to be responsible for 33% of all forelimb lameness. The cause is still debatable and the syndrome is still in parts not fully understood so treatment varies and tends to be a mixture of expert advice along with what you feel will suit your horse.

Clinical Signs – Signs may not be so obvious to start with, especially to the less experienced equine owner.
A sluggishness when exercised may be noticed along with a restricted gait.
The horse eventually becomes more obviously lame, expecially when turned on circles.
Quite often the lameness becomes apparent when the horse is returning into work after having time off, however in some cases a sound horse can be diagnosed with Navicular.

There is a theory that a horse will have a period of lameness and then become sound then 18-24 months after the orginal period of lameness Navicular Syndrome develops.

Causes – There are many theories as to why a horse develops Navicular and nothing is set in stone.
One of the most common trains of thought is that poor conformation leads to lameness and then onto the syndrome.

Long sloping pasterns, disproportionate body weight to bone and foot size along with shoulder legnths and angles which don’t match with pastern angles, are the some conformational faults linked to Navicular.
Some more, which are typical of thoroughbreds are, long toes and low heels , this foot type promotes pain in the heel region due to extra stresses.

Another theory is concussion. Horses with very upright conformation and small feet are thought to be at a higher risk as they take most of the concussion through the Navicualr region, which is at the back half of the foot.
A lot of concussion takes in toll very quickly as when ridden or excerised the Navicular bone takes most of the weight between the pastern and the coffin bone.

Bad shoeing may possibly be a cause, but many other lameness problems come with poor farriery.

Prognosis – Once the syndrome has fully developed it can never be cured. BUT with strict management it is possible to control and maintain the problem.

There is now a wider range of products on the market which make life with Navicular more comfortable. Some of these are Tildren, Aquaden and the controversial Nurectomy.

However it is important to discuss any changes with your vet and don’t compromise your horses quality of life.

Share below your experiences of Navicular!

Please comment on this post with your horsey must haves!

My must have bridle - Frank Baines Flash Crank Snaffle – Beautifully made bridle which is great for general use or shows, lovely quality and has suited all horses I’ve had mine on comfortably. However I do feel the sizes come up small so beware!

My must have saddle - Jeffries Adler VSD – fantastic saddle which in my opinion suites so many horses, wears well and I have had my years and it’s still going strong and looking very good.

My must have rug brand – Horseware – Fashionable, well made, long lasting rugs which I find fit my horses perfectly. Wide range and reasonably priced.

My must have peice of first aid kit – Manuka Honey - Cheap, natural product which works wonders with healing.

My must have fly spray – NAF Off Extra Effect – Easy to get hold of, lasts a long time, works well.

My must have brushing boots – Equilibrium Stretch & Flex Training Wraps – Stylish, breathable and well made. Less hassle than bandages but give more support than a standard brushing boot. Reduced chance of problems which can occur when bandaged are fitted to tightly etc.

My must have pair of gloves – Mark Todd Winter Gloves – These gloves are great for riding/stable work and have a pig skin leather outside with thinsulate lining. Great value for money.

My must have shavings fork – Fynalite Long Handled Fork – Easy to use, long lasting shavings fork which works great. Would never use another!

My must have hoof oil – Car & Day & Martin Hoof Oil – Standard hoof oil, stocked in most tack shops, does the job and well priced. Lasts a long time.

My must have tack cleaner – Lincoln Glycerine Spray Soap – Great for lazy people like me! Works well, easy to use and the product lasts a long time.

My must have feed brand – Allen & Page – Wide range of products. Really live up to the hype in my opinion. From the ones I have tried I have seen great improvement in my horses.
Bridle:http://www.frankbaines.com/page.asp?id=65&productid=17&Flash-Crank-Snaffle-Bridle
Saddle: http://www.ejeffries.co.uk/product/123394/SFAVSD/_/Falcon_Adler_VSD
Rugs:http://www.horseware.com/site_flash/index-2.html
First Aid:http://www.manukahoney.co.uk/
Fly Spray:http://www.naf-uk.com/products/detail.php?id=70
Brushing Boots:http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/leg_protection/stretch_amp_flexreg_training_wraps/
Gloves:http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Mark_Todd_Winter_Gloves_with_Thinsulate-(42).aspx
Shavings Fork:http://www.fynalite.co.uk/s_shave.html
Hoof Oil:http://www.carrdaymartin.co.uk/index.html
Tack Cleaner:http://www.rideaway.co.uk/lincoln-glycerine-spray-soap-500ml/default.aspx?var=139683&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=purenet_feed
Feed Brand:http://www.allenandpage.com

What’s your must have horsey products?

For around a year now I have owned a navy version of the Charles Owen H2000 riding hat. The stylish looks of this hat are what first attracted me to it, and after I had tried it on I liked it even more. The one point I would make everybody aware of is that in my opinion its very small fitting. But as with any hat I get it fitted so it wasn’t a problem.
Charles Owen do a range of styles, some quite similar so if you like this hat but find it doesn’t fit (as I mentioned they are very small fitting – which is good for my little head!) there are many more styles.

The hat is extremely comfortable due to its absorbent cotton and extra lining. It’s a hat, in my opinion, that’s great for dressage, showing, showjumping or just general riding and hacking. It’s available in black/navy and comes with a flesh coloured padded strap which is one of my favourite features of this riding hat.

Another great point about any Charles Owen Hat is that they are dual standard and meet the Pony Club rquirements.

The only downside I would mention about this hat is that it doesn’t do a great job of getting air to your hair, which it isn’t advertised to do so not a major problem for me. I find after riding my head, along with the hat, can be quiet sweaty.

Depending on where you buy your riding hat from the H2000 varies from £80 – £100, I would advise anybody looking for a new hat to go and get it correctly fitted.

Check out www.charlesowen.co.uk for their full range of styles!

What’s your favourite riding hat? Leave a comment below

3 weeks and 2 days later and it’s looking brilliant! Due to my vets fantastic work but also in my opinion with the help of Manuka honey.
Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is a totally natural product. Its high sugar content makes it a natural antiseptic.

 Once I had thoroughly cleaned his wound I applied a generous helping of the honey onto it and left it alone. My vets been out again and she things the scar will be very small and will probably be covered by his coat when it grows back in. She’s also a firm believer in the use of Manuka honey.

Friends of mine have also mentioned using this on their dogs after an operation etc.

I wanted to share this with you as I think it’s fab and should be in every horse owners first aid box, it’s also much cheaper than most products designed for horses, with prices around £6 for a jar and £17 for 250g.

Comment below your cheap/alternative and unusual products to use for horses!

I now use this on my current 15.3hh (adjusted etc. by a master saddler) and have used it on another horse and found it great in every way. I feel it really helps the horses way of going as it sits completely behind the shoulder.

This saddle retails for £1,780 and I think it’s worth every penny, I highly recommend for anyone focusing on flat work!

http://www.ejeffries.co.uk/product/123394/SFAVSD/_/Falcon_Adler_VSD <– Link to this specific model.

Daisy was competing in the open intermediate course at the popular Gatcombe Horse trials when this tragic incident occurred. 18 year old Spring Along, who is very well known, died instantly while jumping fence 23ab, the two steps up to palisade.

Spring along was bought by Daisy as a 5 year old, he is a really crowd pleaser and is known for his consistency cross-country and his occasional naughtiness!

Luckily Daisy wasn’t seriously injured but my thoughts go out to her, Spring Along and all connections.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_KR8ObV0MA Check out this tribute to Spring Along

Which area of horses are you interested in?

Are you looking at handling horses daily? Or are you looking for a less manual role, maybe in research, or a nutritionist where you won’t always be around horses?
There are points to be made about both,generally your looking at less money if you work hands in with horses and long hard hours, but you might be hit with some great opportunities, lessons of a pro with your own horse, access to competitions etc.
A supporting role undoubtedly offer you more money. Your also more likely to get regular hours and a greater level of job security.

You need to consider what it is you really want, your personality and your other commitments. If you own horses and have a family etc. a hands on job with horses might not fit around other things in your life.

What qualifications do you have?

If you have decided a hands on role is more suited to you, in my experience, most yard looks for work experience. They look at how you handle different situations with horses and your riding ability. Some places may ask for BHS stages, some places may offer you training for them.
If your going down a less hands on route you will need qualifications. Work out which area your interested in and contact companies asking what they like to see. Universities and equine colleges are great places to speak to as well.

How do you go about getting experience and qualifications?

It’s important to be realistic. If your wanting a hands on career and own horses, have been around them most of your life you have already put yourself in a reasonably good position. Never say no to getting further experience however. There is no harm in doing NVQ’s or BHS stages whichever area of work your looking to go into.
If your looking at a change in career and want something like equine research, equine journalism, a veterinary course etc. you need to work out if you have the money to study etc. These all tend to be long courses.

Will you be able to cope with the industry?

Ask people who work hands on with horses and most of them will say they do it because of their love of horses. It will never be because of the money. Your get far more opportunities than you do income when working around horses. Before you commit to a career choice work out what you want out of life. If you want a nice horse, transport, money to compete along with other luxuries in life, you will certainly struggle working on  yard.
I came out of school and completed a Diploma in Equine Science, gaining A’s in every module. I was adamant I wanted to work with horses in some way. Now I have to pay my own way I have realized I can’t have everything and  I am now working towards becoming a solicitor in order to be able to have a comfortable lifestyle and keep competing my 3 horses.

I want to hear your experiences of working in the equine industry or if you decided to take a different route and for what reason? Leave your comments!

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