When we talk about keeping our horses healthy and performing at their best, we think about nutrition, conditioning, and veterinary care. But there’s one area of equine welfare that’s often overlooked — sleep. For a horse, sleep is just as critical as proper feed or hoof care, and lack of it can lead to health problems, … Continue reading The Silent Performance Killer: Why Your Horse’s Sleep Matters More Than You Think
Smart Tack: How Technology Is Reducing Pressure and Protecting Your Horse
From advanced noseband sensors to thermal imaging under boots, modern technology is giving riders tools—finally—to see what horses have been hiding. In this article, we’ll explore how smart tack innovations help detect pressure, inflammation, and injury—even before behavior changes appear. Pressure-mapping technology reveals how tight nosebands and ill-fitting tack can cause harmful compression at the poll and … Continue reading Smart Tack: How Technology Is Reducing Pressure and Protecting Your Horse
Palestine Now: Recognition, Famine, and What the World Could Still Do
A Turning Point: Western Countries Step Up In late July 2025, the political landscape shifted. France announced it will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, citing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza as impetus. Shortly after, the UK and Canada pledged similar recognition—though with conditions tied to reforms and ceasefire terms. This regional … Continue reading Palestine Now: Recognition, Famine, and What the World Could Still Do
Do Suspensions Change Anything? Charlotte Dujardin’s Return & What Science Says About Welfare in Elite Dressage
Charlotte Dujardin’s return to the arena has sparked renewed scrutiny of elite dressage training methods and welfare standards. The elite dressage world watched closely as Charlotte Dujardin returned to competition following her suspension—but many of us were left wondering: what changed? Despite the very public controversy, little seems to have shifted in how riders are held … Continue reading Do Suspensions Change Anything? Charlotte Dujardin’s Return & What Science Says About Welfare in Elite Dressage
Understanding Equine Ulcers: What Every Rider Should Know
Equine ulcers are one of the most common—but most overlooked—health issues affecting horses today. They can cause everything from poor performance and girthiness to dangerous behavioral changes, and yet many riders still mistake the signs for “attitude” or “training problems.” In this post, we’ll break down what ulcers are, how they happen, what signs to look … Continue reading Understanding Equine Ulcers: What Every Rider Should Know
Palestine Now: Strikes, Displacement, and Our Shared Responsibility
UN personnel oversee humanitarian delivery efforts near Gaza. Photo via UNRWA. A Heartbreaking Incident in Gaza On July 17, 2025, devastating airstrikes struck two aid workers guarding humanitarian trucks in northern Gaza, killing at least 22 people—including children and aid staff—according to Reuters reports . In the same attacks, the Holy Family Church—the only Catholic church in Gaza—was damaged, … Continue reading Palestine Now: Strikes, Displacement, and Our Shared Responsibility
What the Cameras Don’t Catch: Horse Welfare Beyond the Show Ring
In June 2025, the world of equestrian sport was rocked once again—this time, by the suspension of Olympic rider Heath Ryan, after a video surfaced showing him aggressively whipping a horse during a clinic. For many, it was a horrifying but sadly familiar reminder: even at the top levels of the sport, where horses should … Continue reading What the Cameras Don’t Catch: Horse Welfare Beyond the Show Ring
Traveling with Your Horse in Summer: Safe, Healthy, and Prepared
Summer travel can be stressful for horses and owners alike. With high temperatures, long hours on the road, and fluctuating conditions at showgrounds or overnight barns, it's essential to plan carefully. From legal documents and trailer prep to hydration, cooling, and rest, here's what every equestrian needs to know when hauling horses in the heat. … Continue reading Traveling with Your Horse in Summer: Safe, Healthy, and Prepared
Strangles in Horses: What Michigan Horse Owners Need to Know
June 27, 2025 - Washtenaw County, Michigan A confirmed case of strangles was reported in Washtenaw County on June 23, 2025, involving a 6‑year‑old Thoroughbred mare demonstrating fever, lymph node swelling, and difficulty swallowing. The mare tested positive via PCR on June 20 and is currently under voluntary quarantine. Approximately 23 other horses at the … Continue reading Strangles in Horses: What Michigan Horse Owners Need to Know
Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
So, let’s look at the big picture first: horses were not put on this earth to be ridden. This means anyone (even a child) is putting weight on the horse’s back that the horse was not meant to carry. Over time, horses have learned to accommodate a rider, but we need to make sure that … Continue reading Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
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