All that is green may not be healthy grazing
The seeds of Datura species can cause fatal impaction colic, warns Dr Mac.
Nice horse, pity about the rider
Competitive behaviour is human nature. Deep inside all riders, there is a desire to compete in shows. You polish yourself and your horse, you practise until you’re sure that you’re ready.
Pigeon points champions
Pigeons are judged on the quality and consistency of their races, writes Thomas Smit.
Jump for joy!
Any horse person will tell you about the hours of laughter that you'll get out of sharing jump stories. Go to the Sappi horse trials and you will notice how difficult it is to find a spot next to the water jump.
Wagyu Cattle: Producing Kobe beef at R1 500/kg
Brian Angus is the owner of the first and largest herd of Japanese Wagyu cattle in South Africa. He desired to introduce South African gourmets to locally-produced Wagyu beef.
Managing late-bred racing pigeons
It is important to take into account the weather conditions in your area when breeding, writes Thomas Smit
When to call the horse vet
It is important to know the basics when taking care of your horse, but in some cases you might do more harm than good. Kim Dyson explains when you can handle injuries and illness yourself, and when to call in professional help.
Time for us to take stock after pigeon racing season
At the end of the pigeon racing season, we need to analyse and build for the future, writes Thomas Smit.
Preparing for pigeon shows
The appearance of healthy prize-winning pigeons is linked to hygiene, writes Thomas Smit.
Pigeons: advice on preventing disease
Maintaining strict hygiene is of primary importance in keeping racers free of infection, writes Thomas Smit.
Teaching a horse to lift a foot
Your horse should lift all four feet willingly when asked, writes Dr Mac.
Born to the pigeon loft
Danie Barnard's dad kept pigeons all his life as a non-competing fancier, so Danie Jnr was raised in the pigeon loft.
All in the eyes of the pigeon racer
The qualities of a good racing pigeon aren't always visible at first glance, writes Thomas Smit.
Pigeon racing: examine the eyes
A number of ambitious beginners in the pigeon sport have asked what to look for in the eye of a racing pigeon. The information here is based on my own experience and, in my view, is backed by results.
Manipulating form in pigeon racing
The recipe for success in pigeon racing is entirely in human hands, writes Thomas Smit.
Observing and training winning pigeons
Importing good pigeons isn't as important as how we train the ones we have, writes Thomas Smit.
Tips for winning distance races
To be successful in racing pigeons, you need discipline and hard work. You need to examine the racing programme to understand what's expected from the pigeons and how to train them to give their best within the demands of the programme.
Are your pigeons tough enough?
The distance flown is not the deciding factor when identifying a disastrous pigeon race event, but rather the speed and the losses.
Should racing pigeons take their medicine?
Over the years we've received contrary advice about routine treatment in the off-season. Some are entirely against it, while others strongly advises it, but with caution. Who should we follow?
