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 […]
Welfare on the Road: Keeping Horses Safe & Comfortable in Transit
For most Pony Club members, travelling with horses is part of everyday life. We tow to rallies, lessons, competitions and events without giving it much thought. But transport is one of the times when horses are most vulnerable to stress, injury and illness. The way we prepare and maintain our floats, trucks and towing equipment […]
Hot Weather, Horse Welfare & Why Temperature Alone Isn’t the Measure
Hot weather poses real welfare risks for both horses and people. Pony Club Australia’s Hot Weather Policy exists to help organisers, coaches, parents and riders make informed decisions on if, when and how Pony Club activities should proceed during periods of high thermal load. Hot weather affects everyone Pony Club Australia recognises that hot […]
Saying Goodbye with Dignity
Reflecting on Retirement and End-of-Life Care This week, the equestrian world farewelled two of its greatest legends — Valegro and Uthopia. Both horses, champions under the care of Carl Hester, passed away together after facing health complications in their later years. “As life as old boys advanced, so too did the health challenges,” Carl […]
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 […]
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 […]