Horses

In the US, Soft-Ride boots are often used to make a horse more comfortable on a hard floor, such as in a stable or a horsebox. South African owners should consider using them too, says Dr Mac.

Certain horse breeds have an inborn ability to separate a cow from a herd, a trait that makes them a valuable partner on a farm, says Dr Mac.

Knowing the difference is important to breeders, as the genetics are not the same, although the colours may appear similar, says Dr Mac.

Jumping to win means you have to feel each stride as you ride and know when to shorten or lengthen it, says Dr Mac.

Experience over the past two years has demonstrated the value of monitoring egg counts in manure. This is key to planning an effective worm control programme, says Dr Mac.

It’s convenient to be able to open farm gates without dismounting. Here’s how to teach your horse the trick. Be prepared, though, to invest a bit of time and patience, cautions Dr Mac.

The severity of African horse sickness (AHS) is strongly linked to the immunity status of the horse concerned, and the dose of the virus it receives from biting midges.

A horse that gets into the habit of shying at every perceived danger can be both irritating and dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways of teaching it to become more confident.

Your vet may not be able to respond immediately to an emergency. That means it’s up to you to help your horse as best you can. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do, says Dr Mac.

Inflammation of the tendon sheath in the fetlock region can cause severe lameness in a horse, says Dr Mac.

Summer may mean more time to spend with your horse, but it’s also the season for sweet itch, mange and ringworm, cautions Kim Dyson.

The dual-purpose Pelham bit is used for showing, eventing and jumping and is highly effective for controlling children’s ponies, says Dr Mac.