Animal-Balance

31/07/2025

Forewarned is forearmed. We all know animals are unpredictable, especially when they are in pain, but some are more likely to react than others!!

**Veterinary surgeons, farriers and paraprofessionals**

I wanted to take a moment to think about how we as horse owners can help keep us vets, farriers and fellow para-professionals (physiotherapists, chiropractors, foot trimmers) safe when we visit.

It’s really important to let us all know if your horse is likely to bite or kick, or if you even just think it might on that particular day.

We all have challenging jobs and it can be made really dangerous, really quickly.

I have experienced numerous situations recently whereby I have found myself in a potentially dangerous situation. I've simply been lucky not to be seriously injured. And I've spoke to numerous farriers who have experienced similar situations. If any of us get kicked, we could potentially be laid up and unable to attend to your horse, and out of work, for a considerable period of time.

We are already seeing a shortage of farriers, so we must ensure we are looking after them!

I think it’s important to understand “why” your horse might be behaving like this. It’s highly likely that your horse is in pain, or is fearful, or perhaps both. If this resonates with you just speak to us.

Lets try to protect our wonderful veterinary paraprofessionals.
And let’s listen to our horses.

14/07/2025

I have a few spaces left for this weeks Hampshire visit. If your animal is in need of a treatment or saddle check? Drop me a PM.

05/07/2025

I can't remember who I was telling about this product, but for anyone who uses likits and is sick of getting covered in sticky goo... this is for you!!

Massive shout out to LyxLoop
Looking forward to my clients trying these out during trimming. They’re such a great product!

26/06/2025

It can be hard learning to take things at the pace your horse needs you to; but learning to slow down and enjoy the journey can build a much deeper connection.

25/06/2025

This is the reason I have not backed Idris this year. I may back him next year if he looks mature enough, but he won't be doing any significant ridden work until he is at least 6.

Many of us have been conditioned by industry that once a horse hits 4, they're an adult and should be ridden. Some industry practices dictate that horses should be started as young as 18 months - 2 years old and many breeds have been selectively bred to look more mature at a younger age.

But maturity on the outside doesn't indicate maturity on the inside -

A horse’s skeletal development depends on growth plates — areas of cartilage at the ends of bones that allow them to grow longer. Once a bone reaches its full length, the growth plate turns to bone and fuses. Until then, it remains a weak point within the bone.

We need to remember that not all bones mature at the same time -

The bones in the legs fuse earlier - between 6 months and 3.5 years. This gives your horse their height - a red herring that they've finished growing because "look how tall they are!"

But the spine - the bit we literally sit on - doesn't finish fusing until much later - between 5 and 6 years approximately, though depending on height and s*x, it can be as late at 7 or 8.

And equally, the pelvis - an area which receives the forces from the hindlimbs and transfers it to the spine, is formed of multiple pieces which don't finish fusing until the horse is approximately 4.

With all of this in mind, it’s worth asking:

Should we really be sitting on horses whose growth plates are still developing?

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"Should I be riding my horse right now?"

Join Integrative Equine Podiatrist, Beccy Smith, and I as we discuss this topic through a variety of lenses: combining evidence-informed practice and research to give you practical skills to assess your own horse's wellbeing so you can answer the question for yourself.

30.06.2025 19:00 BST

Recording available if you can't make the live ❤️✨️

https://www.yasminstuartequinephysio.com/webinar-should-i-be-riding-my-horse-right-now

20/06/2025

If you support animal rescues and believe they should be more closely regulated to prevent neglect and cruelty. Please read and sign.

Did you know that anyone can set up a dog rescue or rehoming centre – without any experience, training, or even a licence?

No, I didn’t either. And it turns out 79% of the public are just as shocked.

Right now, in England and Wales, there’s no legal requirement for rescue or rehoming centres to prove they’ve got suitable premises, adequate funding, or the basic know-how needed to care for vulnerable animals. It’s mind-blowing – and frankly, unacceptable.

We’ve seen too many heartbreaking stories recently, including one in Ess*x where 40 dogs were found dead at a so-called “rehoming” site. With no system of checks, there’s nothing stopping unqualified or unscrupulous people from running these places – and it’s the dogs who suffer.

As someone who runs a rescue and has worked with dogs most of my life – including in the police and now through our German shepherd rescue – I know how vital proper care, knowledge, and facilities are when it comes to rehoming. The brilliant rescues out there deserve better than to be lumped in with the bad ones, and the dogs? They deserve the very best.

So I’m adding my voice to the growing number calling on the Government to make licensing and inspections mandatory for all rescue and rehoming centres. Just like breeders and boarding kennels are regulated – it’s time rescues were too.

Please sign and share this petition. It’s a small step that could save lives and protect the future of rescue dogs across the UK.

👉 Sign here: https://bit.ly/44gOQy6

15/06/2025

We're all set up! Come & find us by the Main Ring at Newbury Showground today ❤️ Berkshire Country Fayre

13/06/2025

Watch the latest from ITV News - The University of Portsmouth believes the findings could lead to improvements in horse welfare

12/06/2025

This should be brilliant.

We’re delighted to announce a special live webinar hosted by:
Dr Sue Dyson MA Vet MB PhD – internationally recognised clinician and researcher in equine lameness and performance problems, and former Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust.

Alex Le Grand BSc (Hons) FdSc CEBC ABTC-AAB ABTC-ATI IASF-A – Director of The NAC, ABTC Accredited Animal Behaviourist, Training Instructor & Saddle Fitter.

This webinar is designed specifically for equine behaviour and training professionals. Together, Dr Dyson and Alex will explore:

- Lameness assessment in behavioural cases

- Equine biomechanics and movement-related behaviour

- Ridden behaviour challenges associated with pain and discomfort

- Saddle fit and its impact on performance and welfare

Each topic will be approached from both veterinary and behavioural perspectives, offering practical insights for use in professional practice.

Get Your Ticket Now: https://the-nac.co.uk/buy-bridging-the-gap

Date: Tuesday 1st July
Time: 6:30pm (UK time)
Format: Live via Zoom
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Price: £45 +vat
NAC Students + Graduates can find a discount code in the community platform.