Tomorrow’s the big day – the Grand National is here! But this year, things might look a bit different, and that’s because the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) have made the first real changes to the race in 30 years. All these changes aim to improve the safety and welfare of both the horses and the jockeys taking part. Reduced Field Size: In a proactive move to mitigate congestion and minimise risks during the race, organisers have reduced the number of horses competing from 40 to 34 ..read more

Last year, the Horse Welfare Board took a huge step forward in launching Britian’s First Thoroughbred Census. The aim of thiis pioneering initiative, undertaken by Hartpury University, was to bridge the intelligence gap between the estimated and actual British Thoroughbred population. From hear we can better understand the lives of horses who have left racing and take steps to further improve their welfare. And now, the results are in! A huge number of responses The Thoroughbred Census, spanning six months, garnered an impressive 8,256 responses from former racehorse owners, 5,566 were previo ..read more

This post contains Affiliate Links. This means we may receive a small commission on any sales you make after clicking on these links. For more details please see our Privacy Policy. Back in October I treated myself to a pair of Kentucky Storm Jodhpur boots from Bareback Footwear. While they are riding boots, this isn’t what I bought them for. I bought them to be an every day winter boot for all occasions ..read more

Are traditional metal horseshoes inadvertently contributing to discomfort and potential injury in racehorses? Maybe. We know that the rigid nature and weight of a metal shoe can increase concussion forces in horses’ legs, potentially overshadowing the benefits the shoe offers a horse. But fear not, because EQUISHOX is here to offer a promising new alternative. Developed by former top British jockey Robert “Choc” Thornton, EQUISHOX is a revolutionary rubber horseshoe designed to tackle this issue head-on ..read more

So far 2024 has not been our year. Scottie came in abscess lame towards the end of January. But over the next few days, while waiting for the farrier to come out, his lameness was very up and down. Some days he was very lame, some he wasn’t far off being sound. This combined with a bit of swelling in his lower leg made me doubt and abscess and worried it could be a tendon injury ..read more

Moving yards can be a stressful time for horse owners, especially when you’ve got a timelimit for the move. But finding the right yard is so important to both you and your horse’s welbeing. So here are some of our top tips on what you should ask and consider when looking at new yards. Why are you moving? The first thing to make clear is your reasons for moving if you are moving by choice and not due to yard closing down/relocating etc ..read more

It’s been an eventful winter so far for the racehorses I have shares in through the Owners Group and I have two pretty big updates to share, including the retirement of two of my horses. Asdaa Asdaa has been a fantastic horse to have a share in. He has run regularly, often placing and with a win rate of 11%. He hasn’t been one to have set backs or accidents. He started 2023 with a couple of wins in January ..read more

This year I finally accepted that my favourite, light weight, Mark Todd jacket I have had for 15 years just wasn’t waterproof anymore. I knew I needed to replace it. I have plenty of thicker coats, but I was really lacking a light weight, waterproof coat with a hood. I had also just got a lovely new Le Mieux coat I wanted to keep clean for work/going out. I knew if I didn’t find myself a new yard coat soon, I would end up wearing my nice new coat to the yard ..read more

This post contains Affiliate Links. This means we may receive a small commission on any sales you make after clicking on these links. For more details please see our Privacy Policy. Hoof abscesses can be quite distressing when your horse suddenly goes so lame they are hobbling around on three legs. But most horse owners will agree, that if your horse suddenly goes very lame, you are hoping for it to be a hoof abscess ..read more

Horses are social animals, they need companionship. Not meeting their social needs can increase their stress levels, leading to a spooky or “naughty” horse. But just because your horse needs a friend, that doesn’t mean that any horse or animal is suitable. You might need to put some thought into who is the right companion for your horse. When might your horse need a companion? The most common situation where you might need to consider a companion for your horse is if you own or rent the land you keep your horse on ..read more