Horses

With the high price of diesel, many farmers are reconsidering using donkeys for small loads, or to transport workers on the farm. As the health of the working donkey is important to maintain its efficiency, it's worthwhile knowing how to see if they're sick, writes Dr Mac.

Conditions involving your horse's eyes are potentially serious and should be treated by a vet, warns Kim Dyson.
Issue date : 10 September 2010

Some people think those "cowboy" spurs look cool, others believe they're barbaric. Are they just for show, or can they serve a purpose, especially when it comes to Western riding? Dr Mac investigates.

There's no mysticism involved. To build a beautiful friendship with your horse, you just need to know how to speak its language, writes Kim Dyson.

Here’s how you can teach your horse to get used to strange objects and loud noises, provided you treat your horse sympathetically.

Lavender has healing properties and is an effective fly-repellent, writes Kim Dyson.

Is your horse avoiding the bit or ducking to one side? It might be having teeth problems, writes Dr Mac.

Horse lovers can chat for hours about their horses and their wonderful personalities – but what are their animals’ actual strengths and weaknesses? How do they get along with other horses?

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the knee, hock, fetlock and coffin joints.

A regular cleaning regime is the best way to keep your tack clear of mildew. Dr Mac discusses an effective step-by-step routine.

If you’ve ever owned a horse that can open a locked stable door you’ll know how quickly they pick up a new trick! Horses love to learn tricks and there’s no better way to improve communication between the two of you.

With event pressure weighing heavy on many riders, Kim Dyson suggests some relaxation techniques.