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 […]
Welfare Wednesday: Clean Feed and Water for Happy, Healthy Horses
When it comes to horse care, nutrition isn’t just about what goes into the feed bin. It’s also about how that feed and water is delivered. In Domain 1: Nutrition of the Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy, we remind all members to: Feed from clean, suitable, non-spillable containers Check the water supply at least […]
Welfare Wednesday: Is Your Horse Trying to Tell You Something?
Understanding behaviour during tacking-up and mounting In Pony Club, we believe that welfare is not just about the basics—like food, water, and shelter—but about recognising and responding to the emotional and physical experiences of our horses. That includes listening to the subtle messages they may be sending during everyday routines, like tacking-up and mounting. A […]
Is Your Horse at Risk This Spring? Understanding Equine Metabolic Syndrome
As the weather warms and the paddocks turn green, many of us welcome spring with open arms — and our horses do too. But behind the beauty of fresh pasture lies a hidden risk for some horses and ponies: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Spring is a high-risk period for horses with EMS due to the […]
Welfare Wednesday: What a Whip Is—and What It Isn’t
Understanding the purpose of the whip through science and good horsemanship In Pony Club, we’re here to learn, grow, and ride with kindness. That applies to how we use our voice, our legs—and our equipment. Let’s talk about the whip. What the whip is for: The whip is a training aid, not a punishment tool. […]
Equine First Aid Kit Essentials & Emergency Bandaging
Every Pony Club member should have a well-stocked horse first aid kit—whether at home, at Pony Club, or while travelling. It’s not only about managing minor wounds, but being ready to act confidently and calmly in more serious situations while waiting for the vet. To make it easy, we’ve created a downloadable checklist to help […]
Misapplied Behaviour: How Misunderstanding Horses Justifies Harm
“Horses often bite and kick each other during disputes” — this bit of reasoning has been the justification used for some of the most violent and inappropriate training practices of the last two decades. Ethology Ethology is the study of animal behaviour within the context of the environment in which natural selection acted to shape […]
Welfare Wednesday | Boots and Bandages: Smart Use for Safer Legs
Boots and bandages can play a valuable role in protecting your horse’s legs—but only when used correctly. While they offer support and defence against knocks, overreaching or brushing, they also come with risks if misused. This week, we’re breaking down the best practice for protective legwear, drawing from the PCA A Certificate Manual and recent […]
Understanding Herd Instincts: Why Your Horse Needs a Social Life
Horses are deeply social animals. In the wild, they live in complex, cooperative groups — and those instincts haven’t disappeared just because our horses now live in paddocks and stables. Understanding and supporting your horse’s social needs is a key part of good horse management and an important welfare consideration. Horses are hard-wired for connection […]
Understanding the Flight Response: A Key to Welfare & Training
The flight response plays a critical role in horse behaviour, training, and welfare. As horse trainers, it is important that we learn to identify this response and understand its impact. For centuries, the best trainers have emphasised the importance of rhythm and line—commonly referred to as self-carriage. When horses accelerate without being asked, whether under […]