Why Pony Club Still Matters: An Interview with Isobel Wessels
By Emma Le Grand, Pony Club Australia Photo: (l-r) clinic participant and Grand Prix rider Heather Gee with her imported Lusitano gelding, Marques; international dressage judge and trainer Isobel Wessels, Grand Prix rider and coach Debbie Warne, and Grand Prix rider, coach and judge Sue Nevett at Wetterau Equestrian, Ballarat. Over three days at […]
Why Punishment Doesn’t Help Horses Learn
Sometimes people think that using punishment will stop a horse from doing something “wrong”. But research in equitation science shows that punishment is not a good way to teach – and it can harm a horse’s confidence and wellbeing. Animal behaviour experts explain that punishment: Might stop a behaviour for a short time, but doesn’t […]
Welfare Wednesday: Understanding Wind Sucking & Crib Biting
Many horse owners will, at some point, come across a horse that wind sucks or crib bites. These behaviours are often referred to as “stable vices”, but this term is misleading. It suggests that the horse is doing something wrong, when in reality these behaviours are far more likely to develop in response to stress […]
Bitless Bridles: What They Change — and What They Don’t
By accredited bit fitter Fiona Dearing (Bit Right Equine) In my travels around Victoria, as well as in response to posts and articles I share, I can almost guarantee there will be a comment suggesting that a horse being ridden bitless causes less harm or discomfort than bitted options. Often, it feels as though the […]
Caring for Horses in Extreme Heat: Heat Stress. Know the Signs, Act Fast
Hot weather can place serious stress on horses. If a horse is unable to cool itself properly, heat stress can develop. This is a welfare issue and, if not recognised and managed quickly, can become life-threatening. Horses that are working, competing or travelling in hot and humid conditions are particularly at risk. Common signs […]
Caring for Horses in Extreme Heat: Hydration, Salt & Smart Summer Choices
Hot weather can be tough on our horses. Across many parts of Australia, summer temperatures can place extra stress on ponies and horses, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat stress and fatigue. Looking after your horse in extreme heat isn’t just about comfort — it’s about welfare. The good news is that small, sensible management […]
Staying Connected Safely — Social Media Age Restrictions
As a Major Partner of Pony Club Australia, Scootboot is committed to supporting Pony Club riders in building their knowledge of equine wellbeing and hoof care. Laminitis can be one of the most challenging pathologies a pony or horse can face. It often arrives suddenly and can cause significant pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving. While […]
Supporting Laminitis Recovery with Care, Management and Theraride
As a Major Partner of Pony Club Australia, Scootboot is committed to supporting Pony Club riders in building their knowledge of equine wellbeing and hoof care. Laminitis can be one of the most challenging pathologies a pony or horse can face. It often arrives suddenly and can cause significant pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving. While […]
Why It’s Important to Change Your Horse’s Feed Slowly
Most horse owners have heard that feed changes should be made gradually, usually over ten to fourteen days. It is one of those golden rules that gets passed down through generations of riders. But many people do not realise that this simple habit protects one of the most finely balanced systems in the horse’s body: […]
Which Two Bits Would I Encourage You to Put in the Bin?
By accredited bit fitter, Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine. There are two bits I see every day that I wish I could put in the bin and my bit fitting colleagues would all be nodding their heads in agreement. The thing is, these are bits that are in every tack room. They were also […]