Whileaway Ranch

07/11/2025

Recent research published in the journal Animal shows a clear link between horse welfare and rider safety.

Horses in facilities with better welfare—characterised by fewer health problems, higher haemoglobin levels, and more positive behaviour towards humans—were associated with the lowest number of rider falls during lessons.

In contrast, horses showing signs of poor welfare, such as chronic pain, apathy, aggression, or anaemia, were associated with more rider accidents.

The study also found that positive, attentive human-horse interactions during care and riding improved welfare, while rushed or minimal interaction worsened it.

Management practices like the frequency of turnout or the teaching strategies employed by riding instructors—were also found to be highly influential.

For example, the facility with the best welfare outcomes provided more frequent turnout and riding instruction that emphasised horse comfort rather than strict control. This approach not only improved horse welfare but also resulted in safer riding environments and a reduced risk of accidents.

This study, though modest in scale, clearly demonstrates that investing in horse welfare brings tangible benefits beyond simply having healthier, happier animals.

Facilities that make even small improvements in management—such as increasing turnout and providing more attentive care—see direct enhancements in horse welfare, which in turn results in fewer rider accidents during lessons and lowers the risk of costly legal claims for riding centres.

Ultimately, prioritising horse welfare is both an ethical responsibility and a sound, practical strategy for creating safer, more sustainable riding operations.

Full Study: L. Gueguen, R. Palme, P. Jego, S. Henry, M. Hausberger,
Differences between facilities in horse welfare profiles: slight differences in management/working conditions may be enough,
animal, Volume 19, Issue 6, 2025

07/06/2025

07/04/2025

“While an unpopular opinion among some, it’s better to be able to see a hint of a horse’s ribs than fat deposits.”

I could not agree more.

This is just a short excerpt from the article “5 Common Feeding Mistakes” by Emily Dickson, MS. See link to full article below. Worth the read!

“Considering domestic horses evolved from wild predecessors who traveled 20 to 30 miles per day to meet their feed and water needs, it’s clear that most domestic horses are not getting as much exercise as they used to. Further, we tend to overestimate the amount of exercise they do get.

While an unpopular opinion among some, it’s better to be able to see a hint of a horse’s ribs than fat deposits.

“It is challenging to have horse owners feed their horse in a manner that encourages an appropriate body condition score, as people are used to seeing overweight horses and believe it looks good,” says Brian Nielsen, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAN, professor of equine nutrition and exercise physiology at Michigan State University. “There is an old saying that ‘fat hides a lot of sins.’ A large number of individuals in the horse industry believe they are knowledgeable but often mistake a horse that is fat for one with good muscling. That being said, it has been known for about 100 years that calorie restriction can lead to a longer life.

“As often happens with horses, dogs, and other pets, many people fall into the trap of ‘killing them with kindness’ by allowing their animals to become overweight,” he continues. “Many health problems could be avoided if horse owners were more diligent in regulating the body condition score of their animals.”

Nielsen is not advocating for skinny animals but, rather, bringing awareness to the fact that fat horses are at significantly higher risk for developing serious and painful health conditions than a slightly ribby horse.”

https://thehorse.com/1106183/5-common-horse-feeding-mistakes/

Want a second set of eyes on your horse’s diet? Sign up online for a free nutrition consultation at https://bluebonnetfeeds.com/pages/consults

05/27/2025

We have stalls available for Summer boarding! Our cool and spacious indoor arena is lined with large windows, filling the space with breezes and natural light. A large outdoor arena, individual turnouts with automatic waterers and spectacular mountain views create the perfect accommodation with full care board. Private trails are accessed from the back gates. Lessons available or bring your trainer. We are located in Silver Creek Estates minutes from Park City and Deer Valley. Text or call (301)787-4730

05/04/2025

05/04/2025

🥳

05/03/2025

04/17/2025

Very sad news. A beloved horseman and a lifelong ambassador for the horse and classical riding has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge 🌈🐴😢

“It saved me emotionally and psychologically because I had to practice the virtues that horses teach you. And they teach you mercilessly to be all those things: brave, generous, empathetic, patient, disciplined. They raised me.” -Charles de Kunffy

USDF is saddened to learn of the passing of classical dressage master Charles de Kunffy. In recognition of his contributions to the development and promotion of classical dressage in the US, he was bestowed USDF’s highest honor in 2013 when he was inducted into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame.

The Chronicle Of The Horse has reprinted an article about his fascinating life, from surviving both a N**i occupation and Soviet occupation in his home country of Hungary, to becoming one of the most eloquent ambassadors of dressage as a lifelong educator and charismatic instructor. You can read it here:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/charles-de-kunffy-saved-by-horses/

Photo by Monica Adams

04/13/2025

Hippity Hoppity Ho! 🐇 It’s time for another Master Class with former US Dressage Team veteran and 2012 Olympic Team rider Jan Ebeling! Join us this coming Easter weekend as we continue to explore the fundamentals of classical riding. We will feature 8 local horse and rider pairs each day from training level through Grand Prix. Auditor spots are available on Friday April 18 and Saturday April 19 at $50 per day with lunch included. And no matter the weather outside, it’s warm and cozy in our heated stable and arena. Call or text (301)787-4730 to reserve your place. 🇺🇸