Becoming a jockey
If you have a small body frame, are athletic and enjoy riding, this may the career for you, says Dr Mac.
Looking after your horse’s heart
The health of your horse’s heart can be affected by pathogens, worm load or toxins, says Dr Mac.
How to ‘pony’ a horse
Leading one horse while riding another is a useful skill that can be hard to learn, says Dr Mac.
Understanding and treating PPID
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, sometimes called Cushing’s syndrome, is a common hormonal disease in older horses, says Dr Mac.
Using homeopathy to treat your horse
A wide range of homeopathic remedies is available for treating competition horses, according to Dr Mac.
Controlling biting flies
Biting flies are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases and deliver painful bites, says Dr Mac.
Making wildlife part of your horse business
Like many industries, the horse industry is suffering due to COVID-19 regulations. If you own a farm, bringing in some game could offer you another income stream, says Dr Mac.
Understanding thermal imaging
This non-invasive diagnostic tool can identify ‘hotspots’ that are linked to unsoundness, says Dr Mac.
Alcohol-free beer for riders
Alcohol-free beer is a perfect alternative to fizzy drinks, and is increasing in popularity amongst professional riders around the world, says Dr Mac.
Inbreeding, outcrossing, line breeding and hybrid vigour
Horse breeding is a complicated matter, with many variables to consider, says Dr Mac.
Intra-articular injections for joint trouble
There are advantages and disadvantages to using intra-articular injections, says Dr Mac.
Producing cowboy-style workhorses naturally
Pierre and Carine Kleinhans breed horses capable of patrolling large areas of land with minimal inputs, much like the animals used by cowboys in the American Wild West. The couple...
Treating gastric ulcers
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is influenced mainly by feeding and management, says Dr Mac.
Balancing with your seat and legs
Developing an independent seat is crucial for horse riding, says Dr Mac. This means you need to learn to balance without using your hands, and relying only on your legs...
Dealing with colic during COVID-19
Colic is the leading killer of horses around the world, and COVID-19 has made it harder for vets to go out to stables to diagnose horses. Virtual diagnosis and colic...
Beware of mouldy hay bales
When your horses don’t want to eat the hay you have bought in for winter, the bales could be mouldy, warns Dr Mac.
Tooth caps in young horses
Deciduous teeth that are not shed can be problematic in young horses in training, warns Dr Mac
Vaccinate your horse!
You have to vaccinate your horse annually against African horse sickness using a registered product, but this alone is not enough to keep the horse safe, warns Dr Mac.
Angular limb deformities in foals
Angular limb deformities can be treated in various ways, depending on the severity of the deformity, says Dr Mac.
Signs your mare is going to foal
While mares generally gestate for 11 months, this may vary. With this in mind, you should be on the lookout for signs that your mare is close to foaling, says...
