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 […]
Help Shape the Future of Thoroughbred Welfare
Pony Club Australia is sharing an opportunity for members and supporters to contribute to a University of Sydney research study exploring support for a national retirement safety net for thoroughbreds. The study asks for views on how such a safety net could be funded and managed to protect thoroughbreds at risk of poor outcomes after […]
How Do Grazing Setups Affect Horse Welfare?
A new study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal has taken a closer look at how two different grazing setups—strip grazing and track systems—can affect the behaviour and wellbeing of ponies. As horse and pony obesity becomes more common, many owners turn to grazing restriction to help manage weight. But how does limiting pasture access […]
The Importance of the 3Fs – Friends, Forage & Freedom
At the heart of good horse management is a commitment to meeting our horse’s fundamental behavioural and physical needs. An article by World Horse Welfare reminds us of the importance of the “3Fs” framework – Friends, Forage, and Freedom – developed by equine behaviourist Lauren Fraser. This approach outlines the three essential components for ensuring […]
What the Research Says About Overfeeding Horses
At Pony Club Australia, we encourage all members to feed their horses in a way that matches their age, condition, and level of exercise. A recent scientific review highlights just how important that is—especially when it comes to avoiding overfeeding. The 2023 study Impacts of Adiposity on Exercise Performance in Horses by Shannon Pratt-Phillips and […]
A Closer Look at the Impact of Riders on Horse Welfare
In the world of sports horse evaluations, rideability—the comfort and ease a rider feels while riding a horse—is often a key trait used to judge performance quality. But is rideability truly objective? A recent study, “Rider effects on horses’ conflict behaviour, rein tension, physiological measures and rideability scores” by Janne Winther Christensen, Rikke Munk, Lesley […]
Grooming for Good Horse Welfare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grooming isn’t just about making your horse look clean and polished; it’s a vital part of their daily welfare. Through grooming, you can check for injuries, support coat health, and even strengthen your bond. Done regularly and correctly, grooming will keep your horse feeling comfortable and help you spot any changes in their health early […]
Bitting: A Tool for Communication, Not a Shortcut for Training
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting*. People often book a bitting consult because they’ve come up against a training challenge, and they’re keen to see if a change in their bit will assist them through it. I’m always quick to let them know that a bit—or any other piece of equipment, for […]
How Much Weight Can Your Horse Carry?
At Pony Club, our horses participate in various activities, and it’s essential to consider their well-being. As responsible owners, we need to be mindful of how much work is suitable for our horses. Researchers have studied the ideal weight-carrying capacity of horses to help us make informed decisions. As outlined in Pony Club Australia’s horse […]
The Importance of Mental Stimulation for your Horse
When we think about horse welfare, we often focus on physical health—proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a suitable living environment. However, an equally important aspect of welfare is mental stimulation. Horses are intelligent, curious animals that thrive when given the opportunity to engage with their environment in varied and enriching ways. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 […]