Category Horses

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted from humans to pets and that companion animals can spread it but there is a bit more to it than that. Read on to learn more.

Did Coronavirus originate in animals?

The Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause disease in animals. In total, seven viruses have crossed to humans. In 2002, SARS-CoV – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – jumped from Civet cats to humans in China and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – MERS – was transmitted from Dromedary Camels to humans in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Both MERS and SARS are far more serious than Coronavirus or Covid-19. There are other Coronaviruses currently in the animal population that have not yet passed to humans.

Has the actual source been identified?

The outbreak source has been pinpointed to what is a called a ‘wet market’ in Wuhan in China. This market sells both dead and live animals including fish and birds. Hygiene standards are suspect because live animals are being kept, slaughtered and butchered on-site. The original source is thought to have been bats which infected live chickens sold at the market. Bats were the species responsible for Ebola and other diseases including HIV and rabies. Scientists studying the viruses’ genetic code have almost certainly linked Covid-19 to bats despite some crazy conspiracy theories in circulation which contest that the virus escaped from a secret Chinese laboratory.

What about the reported sole dog case in Hong Kong?

On the 5th March, news media reported that a lone dog in Hong Kong appears to have a mild infection from the Coronavirus and the reports maintain that this was likely to have been passed from a human to the dog. The dog has been put into quarantine. The World Organisation for Animal Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have both issued advisory statements saying that there is no evidence that companion animals can transmit the virus amongst their own species but the government in Hong Kong has stated that humans sick with the virus may want to consider putting their pets into quarantine.

There has been recent coverage in the media about the Coronavirus and the racing industry, what are the implications of this?

The world-famous Cheltenham Festival is looming and the BHA – British Horse Racing Authority – has been leading a high profile initiative to inform trainers and racecourses about the implications of the disease because of the possible disruption to large scale sporting fixtures which also include the Grand National in April. Spectators have already been banned from racecourse meetings in the United Arab Emirates but this has nothing to do with Corvid-19 amongst the equine population. The government may ban all large sporting events in the UK to prevent the spread of the disease in humans.

If the Covid-19 virus originated in animals, could my horse infect me?

Coronaviruses are common in both domestic and wild animal species including cattle and horses and cats and dogs. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can create a range of respiratory type symptoms such as cough, sore throat and a runny nose so the common cold effectively or, more severe pneumonia type symptoms. The viruses get their name from the crown-like spikes on their surface – ‘corona’ in Latin means ‘crown’.

It is not that common for the viruses to spread from animals to humans and usually there is a reservoir host such as bats so transmission is not therefore direct. In previous transmissions – MERS and SARS – there were intermediate hosts namely camels and civet cats. At the moment, animal scientists and experts don’t feel there is any likelihood of infection of Covid-19 in companion animals. It is a question of understanding that these viruses can cause illness in a species but this can be mild and not transmissible to others. Scientists believe that Covid-19 cannot be passed by companion animals to humans, but can it go the other way? The issue of the sick dog in Hong Kong has raised the spectre that humans can pass Covid-19 to their pets but Covid-19 is present in the animal population anyway.

Could I vaccinate my horse against Covid-19?

There are currently no vaccines available for Covid-19 in either the human or animal population and the World Health Organisation envisages it will take between a year to eighteen months to create a human vaccine. Corvid-19 has already mutated which makes it much more difficult to create an effective vaccine.

Take veterinary advice

Speak to your vet for the latest information about protecting your horse. The flu virus should be of much more concern to horse owners and sporting protocols have all changed their requirement with regard to competition horses depending on the discipline. There are possible complications looming from the Equine Herpes Virus so this also a situation to watch. The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket obtains and collates data on outbreaks of equine disease and can provide up-to-date advice on all of these diseases. They also have a lot of useful information about strangles and the containment of this particular disease via their SES initiative – Surveillance of Equine Strangles. Their website and Facebook page provide regular updates.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted from humans to pets and that companion animals can spread it but there is a bit more to it than that. Read on to learn more.

Did Coronavirus originate in animals?

The Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause disease in animals. In total, seven viruses have crossed to humans. In 2002, SARS-CoV – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – jumped from Civet cats to humans in China and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – MERS – was transmitted from Dromedary Camels to humans in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Both MERS and SARS are far more serious than Coronavirus or Covid-19. There are other Coronaviruses currently in the animal population that have not yet passed to humans.

Has the actual source been identified?

The outbreak source has been pinpointed to what is a called a ‘wet market’ in Wuhan in China. This market sells both dead and live animals including fish and birds. Hygiene standards are suspect because live animals are being kept, slaughtered and butchered on-site. The original source is thought to have been bats which infected live chickens sold at the market. Bats were the species responsible for Ebola and other diseases including HIV and rabies. Scientists studying the viruses’ genetic code have almost certainly linked Covid-19 to bats despite some crazy conspiracy theories in circulation which contest that the virus escaped from a secret Chinese laboratory.

What about the reported sole dog case in Hong Kong?

On the 5th March, news media reported that a lone dog in Hong Kong appears to have a mild infection from the Coronavirus and the reports maintain that this was likely to have been passed from a human to the dog. The dog has been put into quarantine. The World Organisation for Animal Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have both issued advisory statements saying that there is no evidence that companion animals can transmit the virus amongst their own species but the government in Hong Kong has stated that humans sick with the virus may want to consider putting their pets into quarantine.

There has been recent coverage in the media about the Coronavirus and the racing industry, what are the implications of this?

The world-famous Cheltenham Festival is looming and the BHA – British Horse Racing Authority – has been leading a high profile initiative to inform trainers and racecourses about the implications of the disease because of the possible disruption to large scale sporting fixtures which also include the Grand National in April. Spectators have already been banned from racecourse meetings in the United Arab Emirates but this has nothing to do with Corvid-19 amongst the equine population. The government may ban all large sporting events in the UK to prevent the spread of the disease in humans.

If the Covid-19 virus originated in animals, could my horse infect me?

Coronaviruses are common in both domestic and wild animal species including cattle and horses and cats and dogs. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can create a range of respiratory type symptoms such as cough, sore throat and a runny nose so the common cold effectively or, more severe pneumonia type symptoms. The viruses get their name from the crown-like spikes on their surface – ‘corona’ in Latin means ‘crown’.

It is not that common for the viruses to spread from animals to humans and usually there is a reservoir host such as bats so transmission is not therefore direct. In previous transmissions – MERS and SARS – there were intermediate hosts namely camels and civet cats. At the moment, animal scientists and experts don’t feel there is any likelihood of infection of Covid-19 in companion animals. It is a question of understanding that these viruses can cause illness in a species but this can be mild and not transmissible to others. Scientists believe that Covid-19 cannot be passed by companion animals to humans, but can it go the other way? The issue of the sick dog in Hong Kong has raised the spectre that humans can pass Covid-19 to their pets but Covid-19 is present in the animal population anyway.

Could I vaccinate my horse against Covid-19?

There are currently no vaccines available for Covid-19 in either the human or animal population and the World Health Organisation envisages it will take between a year to eighteen months to create a human vaccine. Corvid-19 has already mutated which makes it much more difficult to create an effective vaccine.

Take veterinary advice

Speak to your vet for the latest information about protecting your horse. The flu virus should be of much more concern to horse owners and sporting protocols have all changed their requirement with regard to competition horses depending on the discipline. There are possible complications looming from the Equine Herpes Virus so this also a situation to watch. The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket obtains and collates data on outbreaks of equine disease and can provide up-to-date advice on all of these diseases. They also have a lot of useful information about strangles and the containment of this particular disease via their SES initiative – Surveillance of Equine Strangles. Their website and Facebook page provide regular updates.

A late spring has meant a delay to the usual insect life but, following a very wet spell, the recent warm weather has given a real kickstart to the fly season. So, how can you protect your horse from the misery of biting insects?

Horses vary in the amount of fly protection they need based on their breed or type and the set up of their grazing areas.

Fly masks

Some horses tolerate flies very well whereas others are driven to distraction and can risk injuring themselves trying to scratch bites or avoid the insects. Even if your horse tolerates flies well, you should always protect their eyes with a fly mask as flies will continuously feed on the natural moisture around the eye and can encourage the horse to rub his eyes on his legs; this can lead to conjunctivitis, infection or even cause a foreign body to become lodged in the eye. Eyes should be kept clean and bathed regularly – use a separate wipe for each eye to avoid any cross-contamination.

Fly rugs

Fly rugs will protect almost all parts of the horse from biting insects depending on the style that you choose.

Most fly rugs incorporate a neck piece which may or may not be detachable and a tail flap. Some rugs also have a belly flap to protect the exposed underside of the horse which would be unprotected in a conventional rug design.

Fit is incredibly important as your horse will be wearing this rug for hours at a time. Even with horses out 24/7, fly rugs should always be removed daily to check for any wounds or injuries, trapped insects which can repeatedly bite or sting and any rubbing or chafing. Inevitably, the mesh design or weave can be prone to getting torn particularly with some horses who are more destructive or accident prone and this can form an entry point for insects who then can’t find their way out.

Fly rugs can be very hot so try and choose breathable makes. Zebra print rugs are very fashionable at the moment and owners report far less flies landing on these than the more usual pale coloured rugs. The flies will still approach the horse but the striped pattern seems to confuse them and discourage them from landing.

Other defences against flies

Some horse owners swear by homemade fly sprays; certainly, many of the brands for sale in tack shops don’t seem to do the job and only repel flies for a short period of time. Stronger products which contain Deet may work but some horses react to this chemical and it can adversely affect their skin.

Turning your horse out at night and bringing him at dawn is one way to solve a fly problem. Choosing grazing without trees that is in a more open location will also minimise fly problems but can create other issues like lack of shelter from the sun. Fields with standing water will always attract more flies and mosquitoes.

Fly traps and bug balls

It might seem a hopeless task placing a fly trap in your horse’s field but some of these can be really effective. A fly ball can trap flies which are attracted to the ball and then become trapped on the sticky solution which is sprayed on the surface. A similar design has a fly trap above the ball which the flies go into and then cannot leave. Some people make their own trap by hanging a black bucket upside down and coating it with a sticky glue or even using a simple piece of flat, black plastic.

Sweet itch

Sweet itch is a different problem to fly irritation. Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the biting midge and the itching can drive horses to distraction.

The main form of defence to sweet itch is attack and owners of sweet itch horses are usually well versed in a routine to protect their horse during the warmer months.

There is a fly rug called a Boett blanket which encases the horse and will protect him from biting midges; these are similar in design to a standard fly rug but have a totally dense material which is impenetrable and a different, more snug fit. Sweet itch horses usually live in these rugs and will normally wear them in the stable too.

Sweet itch horses need quite intense, proactive management but many of the techniques that their owners use can be helpful in combating flies and provide some useful insights and tips to other horse owners.

Don’t forget…

Horses with pink noses or pink skin on their legs can need protection from intense sun with sunscreens, either a physical barrier attached to their fly veil or a topical cream or lotion.

Whilst the endless sunshine is lovely, particularly after a wet winter and a cold, late spring, horses do need shelter away from intense heat. This can be provided by a canopy of trees but if there is no natural shade available then you should provide a shelter or bring them in during the hottest part of the day.

Have a handy summer first aid kit. Keep some Chloramphenicol eye drops which are now available from any chemist off prescription, these can treat minor eye irritations like conjunctivitis and infections caused by flies or rubbing. Bites can become infected particularly if the horse has rubbed them so keep a selection of wound sprays and topical barrier creams to protect raw areas from more fly predation. Make sure that the latter are not oil-based as this will cause the horse’s skin to burn in the direct sunlight.

Everyone has been taught by instructors and trainers that they really rate and also had lessons and tuition from people who haven’t helped them at all. If you are thinking about training as a riding instructor or are looking for an instructor or trainer, what kind of qualities should you be looking for?

Patience – riding is all about repetition and about getting things wrong so an instructor needs to be endlessly patient. Some people find that they can be very patient when they teach even though they may be impatient in other areas of their life

Experience – experience and competition record are a big attraction for many pupils but just because someone has ridden at a top level doesn’t mean they can convey the message to their pupils. The best type of experience to look for is a trainer who has a good bank of regular pupils who come back time and again

Communication skills – it doesn’t matter how much knowledge an instructor has or how good a rider they are, they need to be able to teach what’s in front of them and convey a relevant message clearly to their pupil. It’s not just about passing on information but being able to structure the message in a way that is appropriate, systematic and accessible

Availability – not the first quality that might spring to mind but having someone there when you need them can be very important. Many high level competition riders will teach out of their competitive season to supplement their income but you may find that they are not available for several months of the year because they are busy with their own horses

Finding a riding instructor

Most people go word of mouth when they are looking for a teacher or they use instructors who come to their yard or people they have come across in riding club or pony club.

Some instructors develop a cult-like following but works for one person may not work for another; riding the right trainer is a uniquely personal thing.

An instructor needs to be able to work with you to fulfil your aims and ambitions whether they are modest or ambitious; good instructors can teach any level because they teach what’s in front of them.

Should an instructor ride your horse?

Some instructors will get on and have a feel or demonstrate something, others prefer not to. Some people think that if the instructor is not prepared to get on and show them how it is done then they are not really worth their salt, other people don’t want anyone else riding their horse – it really is a matter of personal preference.

How can you train to be an instructor?

There are two main routes with exam systems and training offered by the British Horse Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS). You don’t have to work in a riding school but many instructors found it a good place to start building experience and it can be hard to get work as a new instructor freelance if you don’t have an established track record, easier if you are competition rider with a string of successful results.

The sporting disciplines, British Dressage (BD), British Eventing (BE) and British Show jumping (BS) all offer their own coaching schemes but these tend to be aimed at rider members who are competing at a particular level.

You don’t have to be qualified to teach but what you must have is freelance insurance cover if you are teaching outside the auspices of a riding school or the pony club otherwise if someone has an accident, you could be held liable for injury without any financial protection. Some competition riders teach to supplement their income and have a large following pupils based purely on their competition record and experience. Freelance insurance cover is available to all.

Specialising in a discipline

Some instructors will specialise in a sporting discipline – perhaps this is something they do with their own horses and their competition involvement feeds into their teaching – or they might specialise in novice or nervous riders or children.

It can be helpful to join the coaching scheme for the equestrian sport that you want to specialise in.

Teaching stable management

Teaching horse care can be an important part of being a riding instructor and many freelance teachers run courses on the ground that deal with all aspects of stable management. This can be particularly lucrative for freelancers and popular with riders and students training for exams or horse owners who just want to improve their equestrian knowledge.

Producing online theory courses which students can use for home study is another option and YouTube tutorials for practical tasks like plaiting and clipping can really increase an instructor’s portfolio of work.

Teaching practice

If you are an aspiring instructor then it can be difficult to get enough teaching practice. Teaching in the riding school is one thing but teaching riders on their own horses is quite another.

Starting in a riding school is a good way to build up experience and usually opens doors to people with their own horses – the riding school may have a livery yard attached or parents with their own horses at home may bring their children for lessons. Most instructors get work by word of mouth so there is something of a snowball effect; if you are a good teacher then you will never be short of clients.

Teaching with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

The Riding for the Disabled have their own coaching scheme to deal with the unique needs of people with mental and physical impairments, this also includes carriage driving. You can find out more on their website. If you don’t want to teach the riders and drivers then you can still get involved as a volunteer and many people are inspired to take up teaching via this route.

The British Isles is the envy of the equestrian world as it is home to nine native breeds of pony spread across all four countries in the UK – that is definitely something for everyone!

Amongst the larger breeds are the New Forest, the Highland, the Connemara from Ireland and the Dales and the Fell from the North of England. Smaller breeds including the Dartmoor and the Exmoor from the South West, the Shetland from the Scottish Islands of the same name and the Welsh which spans both the large and small categories as it is subdivided into four types – Section A, B,C and D.

Why are native ponies so popular?

Most people have a favourite native breed and it might be the pony they rode as a child or one that they have come across at some point in their life. Each breed has a dedicated almost cult following but why are they so popular?

Across all the different breeds, one of the key reasons for their popularity is simply their versatility – there is almost nothing a native cannot do. Showing, jumping, hunting, Pony Club, Riding Club events, side saddle and driving and many ponies are involved in several of these disciplines.

The other great advantage of these breeds is their hardiness. By and large, they are hardy and thrive well in a simple management routine so they can usually live out all year round and many work without the requirement for shoes. Forage needs are simple and they are mostly good doers, often too good a doer so their weight needs to be kept in check.

Breed societies

Each breed has its own breed society which represents the interests of the pony and the owners and breeders; this is often a good place to start if you are looking to buy your first native.

Breed societies run studbooks and performance schemes so ponies competing in one or more of the disciplines can add up points during the year based on how well they do across the different sporting events.

Showing

Showing native ponies is immensely popular and is a showcase for the different breeds. There are numerous classes right from local show level to county shows with prestigious qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the one everybody wants to win, the Mountain and Morland final at the London International Horse Show held at Olympia just before Christmas.

Showing is either in hand or ridden and there are also a series of working hunter classes for native ponies usually divided on height. Large shows will have individual breed classes whereas smaller events will tend to split the breeds between large and small. Usually, ponies have to be registered with their respective breed society to show at a decent level but some of the smaller local shows will have classes for unregistered ponies.

Endangered breeds

Some breeds like the Welsh have never been more popular, others are lower in numbers and have come to the attention of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

In 2021, the ‘Priority’ equine breeds on the RBST Watchlist are the Dales, the Dartmoor and the Exmoor. On the ‘At Risk’ list is the Fell, the Highland and the New Forest which leaves only three native breeds – the Connemara, Welsh and the Shetland – with sufficient numbers to be deemed safe.

Buying one of the ‘at risk’ or ‘priority’ breeds is doing your bit to help ensure the survival of a unique piece of equine heritage in the UK.

Versatility

One of the reasons why native ponies are so popular is because they can used for so many different equestrian activities; the larger breeds often double up as family ponies and will happily take an adult as well as a child.

Once small ponies are finally outgrown by the children, they are often broken to harness or kept to show in hand.

Cross breeds

Crossing native breeds with another type of horse, commonly the Thoroughbred, produces a very popular cross, Connemara x Thoroughbred being one of the most favoured.

The larger breed adds height and speed whilst retaining the pony cleverness and hardiness. There are many Connemara crosses seen out eventing, easy to spot with their broad grey faces or distinctive dun coat colouring. Many of the breed societies extend their performance schemes to include part-bred ponies.

What is the Eriskay pony?

Not included for some reason in the core of nine native breeds, the Eriskay is an ancient Scottish breed which originated in the Outer Hebrides. A small population has remained protected from crossbreeding by the remoteness of the islands. On the ‘Priority’ list with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the Eriskay pony has a breed society which was formed in 1972, the Eriskay Pony Society, and which has HRH the Prince of Wales as its patron.

Another maverick breed not included in the original nine native breeds, is the Lundy pony. This breed was first developed in 1928 on Lundy Island which is situated off the North Devon coastline when the owner of the island, Martin Coles Harman, brought across 34 New Forest pony mares, 8 foals and a strawberry roan Welsh Section B stallion.

The herd was eventually moved from the island in 1980 and taken to Cornwall where breeding continues. Some were also taken to Devon and in 1984, the Lundy Pony Breed Society was formed to regulate the breed. The society later decided to return some of the mares and foals to the island of Lundy.

If you are considering ‘going native’ then you really will be spoilt for choice and you can be sure that whichever breed you do end up choosing, you will have years of fun ahead with a loyal pony companion.

A late spring has meant a delay to the usual insect life but, following a very wet spell, the recent warm weather has given a real kickstart to the fly season. So, how can you protect your horse from the misery of biting insects?

Horses vary in the amount of fly protection they need based on their breed or type and the set up of their grazing areas.

Fly masks

Some horses tolerate flies very well whereas others are driven to distraction and can risk injuring themselves trying to scratch bites or avoid the insects. Even if your horse tolerates flies well, you should always protect their eyes with a fly mask as flies will continuously feed on the natural moisture around the eye and can encourage the horse to rub his eyes on his legs; this can lead to conjunctivitis, infection or even cause a foreign body to become lodged in the eye. Eyes should be kept clean and bathed regularly – use a separate wipe for each eye to avoid any cross-contamination.

Fly rugs

Fly rugs will protect almost all parts of the horse from biting insects depending on the style that you choose.

Most fly rugs incorporate a neck piece which may or may not be detachable and a tail flap. Some rugs also have a belly flap to protect the exposed underside of the horse which would be unprotected in a conventional rug design.

Fit is incredibly important as your horse will be wearing this rug for hours at a time. Even with horses out 24/7, fly rugs should always be removed daily to check for any wounds or injuries, trapped insects which can repeatedly bite or sting and any rubbing or chafing. Inevitably, the mesh design or weave can be prone to getting torn particularly with some horses who are more destructive or accident prone and this can form an entry point for insects who then can’t find their way out.

Fly rugs can be very hot so try and choose breathable makes. Zebra print rugs are very fashionable at the moment and owners report far less flies landing on these than the more usual pale coloured rugs. The flies will still approach the horse but the striped pattern seems to confuse them and discourage them from landing.

Other defences against flies

Some horse owners swear by homemade fly sprays; certainly, many of the brands for sale in tack shops don’t seem to do the job and only repel flies for a short period of time. Stronger products which contain Deet may work but some horses react to this chemical and it can adversely affect their skin.

Turning your horse out at night and bringing him at dawn is one way to solve a fly problem. Choosing grazing without trees that is in a more open location will also minimise fly problems but can create other issues like lack of shelter from the sun. Fields with standing water will always attract more flies and mosquitoes.

Fly traps and bug balls

It might seem a hopeless task placing a fly trap in your horse’s field but some of these can be really effective. A fly ball can trap flies which are attracted to the ball and then become trapped on the sticky solution which is sprayed on the surface. A similar design has a fly trap above the ball which the flies go into and then cannot leave. Some people make their own trap by hanging a black bucket upside down and coating it with a sticky glue or even using a simple piece of flat, black plastic.

Sweet itch

Sweet itch is a different problem to fly irritation. Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the biting midge and the itching can drive horses to distraction.

The main form of defence to sweet itch is attack and owners of sweet itch horses are usually well versed in a routine to protect their horse during the warmer months.

There is a fly rug called a Boett blanket which encases the horse and will protect him from biting midges; these are similar in design to a standard fly rug but have a totally dense material which is impenetrable and a different, more snug fit. Sweet itch horses usually live in these rugs and will normally wear them in the stable too.

Sweet itch horses need quite intense, proactive management but many of the techniques that their owners use can be helpful in combating flies and provide some useful insights and tips to other horse owners.

Don’t forget…

Horses with pink noses or pink skin on their legs can need protection from intense sun with sunscreens, either a physical barrier attached to their fly veil or a topical cream or lotion.

Whilst the endless sunshine is lovely, particularly after a wet winter and a cold, late spring, horses do need shelter away from intense heat. This can be provided by a canopy of trees but if there is no natural shade available then you should provide a shelter or bring them in during the hottest part of the day.

Have a handy summer first aid kit. Keep some Chloramphenicol eye drops which are now available from any chemist off prescription, these can treat minor eye irritations like conjunctivitis and infections caused by flies or rubbing. Bites can become infected particularly if the horse has rubbed them so keep a selection of wound sprays and topical barrier creams to protect raw areas from more fly predation. Make sure that the latter are not oil-based as this will cause the horse’s skin to burn in the direct sunlight.

Horses as a species cope well with very cold temperatures providing that they have a shelter – this doesn’t have to be the stable – and are well fed with lots of forage.

Grass kept horses

Some horses even old horses do surprisingly well living out in cold conditions but they must have access to shelter and ad-lib forage.

One of the biggest challenges with grass kept horses is keeping an adequate supply of running water. Pipe-fed troughs will often freeze up during the winter so it is better to use either buckets or hand-filled troughs, this way you can also monitor how much the horses are drinking.

Stabled horses

Stabled horses can suffer from lack of movement which inevitably can predispose to impaction colic as successful gut motility depends on mobility – the horse moving around. Try and walk the horse in hand or turn out into a lunge pen or use a horse walker if available – any movement is better than nothing.

Stable bandages can work well instead of an extra rug and are particularly useful for older horses to help with stiffness.

Waters can freeze at night so put an apple or a ball into water buckets, this may not stop the freezing but generally reduces the amount of ice so the horse can push his way through it. Use lukewarm water to top up the water buckets last thing at night as this can delay the freezing process.

Feed small wet or sloppy feeds to help with gut movement and soak the hay; both of these will increase the horse’s water intake. Soaked hay is also useful for horses with problematic respiratory issues who benefit from being out in the field as this will reduce hay dust and irritation. Feed values should be cut right back to reduce the risk of tying up, bad behaviour and colic. There are lots of grass nuts or soaked fibre pellets on the market which have a low calorie value and can be fed almost ad-lib, like hay in a bucket.

Some horses are very bad drinkers and dislike cold water. You can offer tepid or lukewarm water but any water left in a cold stable will quickly reduce in temperature. Warm water with a splash of apple juice is very popular with some horses who will drink a half or a full bucket of this when offered. Leaving an apple bobbing in the water can encourage horses to get their noses wet and also alleviate boredom with long periods in the stable during icy weather.

Snow and ice

Horses often like snow and will play happily in it, you can also ride on a snow-covered surface if the snow is light and powdery and the surface underneath is not frozen. Smear Vaseline into the horse’s hooves in a thick layer as this helps to stop the snow balling up inside the feet.

The main enemy in very cold temperatures is usually ice rather than snow. Light powdery snow is rarely that slippery and turnout and some ridden work can often carry on with care. However, after a few days, the surface of the snow will become poached up and then with cold overnight temperatures, starts to freeze presenting a dangerous hazard for both horses and humans.

You can create walkways across the yard to allow you to muck out and do yard duties with a reduced risk of slipping over. Lay rock salt or grit or muck out a line of bedding around the yard for people and horses to walk on. It does make a mess when the snow melts and require quite a lot of clearing up but it will allow you to move around reasonably safely in very cold conditions. Non-slip footwear is essential.

Horses that can be moved and handled safely will benefit from going out into a sand pen, indoor school or going on a horse walker.

Snow melt

Warmer temperatures will usually create large amounts of slush and water. Slush can be as hazardous as ice so it is sometimes as well to wait for the thaw to finish before you resume normal exercise and turning out particularly as lying snow when it melts will make the ground conditions very wet in grazing fields.

Turning out and riding after a period in the stable

Riding or turning out a horse which has been cooped up in its stable for long periods is something of a challenge; the main concern is avoiding injury to both the horse and the rider or handler.

Each horse is different. Some horses can be ridden safely straight after a period of time spent in the stable whereas others most definitely cannot. It can be helpful to turn out a horse before it is ridden for rider safety but this can increase the chance of injuries due to exuberant behaviour in the field.

Lungeing a horse can present a useful compromise, exercise can be reasonably controlled without the freedom of the field but it doesn’t put the rider at any risk. Horses can still be quite naughty on the lunge so it will require a competent handler with gloves and hat.

Power cuts

Winter storms can involve a combination of high winds and heavy snow which may cause power cuts so it is as well to be prepared for a loss of lighting.

Keep a powerful flash lamp in your feed room which can operate as a hand-held torch and also has an integral stand so it can be propped up. A cord attached to the torch is also useful so the torch can be hung from a nail on a beam.

Miners lamps or head torches are also very useful in this situation as they allow you to keep both hands free to work.

Old horses

Old horses need more proactive management in cold temperatures. The most common cause of weight loss is usually lack of long fibre so feed as much hay as possible rather than increasing short feed. Stable bandages can help with stiff legs and some people use an anti-inflammatory like bute for old horses that have to be kept in for a few days to help promote their mobility in the stable. Like all horses in this situation, they will benefit from being walked in hand if possible.

The British Isles is the envy of the equestrian world as it is home to nine native breeds of pony spread across all four countries in the UK – that is definitely something for everyone!

Amongst the larger breeds are the New Forest, the Highland, the Connemara from Ireland and the Dales and the Fell from the North of England. Smaller breeds including the Dartmoor and the Exmoor from the South West, the Shetland from the Scottish Islands of the same name and the Welsh which spans both the large and small categories as it is subdivided into four types – Section A, B,C and D.

Why are native ponies so popular?

Most people have a favourite native breed and it might be the pony they rode as a child or one that they have come across at some point in their life. Each breed has a dedicated almost cult following but why are they so popular?

Across all the different breeds, one of the key reasons for their popularity is simply their versatility – there is almost nothing a native cannot do. Showing, jumping, hunting, Pony Club, Riding Club events, side saddle and driving and many ponies are involved in several of these disciplines.

The other great advantage of these breeds is their hardiness. By and large, they are hardy and thrive well in a simple management routine so they can usually live out all year round and many work without the requirement for shoes. Forage needs are simple and they are mostly good doers, often too good a doer so their weight needs to be kept in check.

Breed societies

Each breed has its own breed society which represents the interests of the pony and the owners and breeders; this is often a good place to start if you are looking to buy your first native.

Breed societies run studbooks and performance schemes so ponies competing in one or more of the disciplines can add up points during the year based on how well they do across the different sporting events.

Showing

Showing native ponies is immensely popular and is a showcase for the different breeds. There are numerous classes right from local show level to county shows with prestigious qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the one everybody wants to win, the Mountain and Morland final at the London International Horse Show held at Olympia just before Christmas.

Showing is either in hand or ridden and there are also a series of working hunter classes for native ponies usually divided on height. Large shows will have individual breed classes whereas smaller events will tend to split the breeds between large and small. Usually, ponies have to be registered with their respective breed society to show at a decent level but some of the smaller local shows will have classes for unregistered ponies.

Endangered breeds

Some breeds like the Welsh have never been more popular, others are lower in numbers and have come to the attention of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

In 2021, the ‘Priority’ equine breeds on the RBST Watchlist are the Dales, the Dartmoor and the Exmoor. On the ‘At Risk’ list is the Fell, the Highland and the New Forest which leaves only three native breeds – the Connemara, Welsh and the Shetland – with sufficient numbers to be deemed safe.

Buying one of the ‘at risk’ or ‘priority’ breeds is doing your bit to help ensure the survival of a unique piece of equine heritage in the UK.

Versatility

One of the reasons why native ponies are so popular is because they can used for so many different equestrian activities; the larger breeds often double up as family ponies and will happily take an adult as well as a child.

Once small ponies are finally outgrown by the children, they are often broken to harness or kept to show in hand.

Cross breeds

Crossing native breeds with another type of horse, commonly the Thoroughbred, produces a very popular cross, Connemara x Thoroughbred being one of the most favoured.

The larger breed adds height and speed whilst retaining the pony cleverness and hardiness. There are many Connemara crosses seen out eventing, easy to spot with their broad grey faces or distinctive dun coat colouring. Many of the breed societies extend their performance schemes to include part-bred ponies.

What is the Eriskay pony?

Not included for some reason in the core of nine native breeds, the Eriskay is an ancient Scottish breed which originated in the Outer Hebrides. A small population has remained protected from crossbreeding by the remoteness of the islands. On the ‘Priority’ list with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the Eriskay pony has a breed society which was formed in 1972, the Eriskay Pony Society, and which has HRH the Prince of Wales as its patron.

Another maverick breed not included in the original nine native breeds, is the Lundy pony. This breed was first developed in 1928 on Lundy Island which is situated off the North Devon coastline when the owner of the island, Martin Coles Harman, brought across 34 New Forest pony mares, 8 foals and a strawberry roan Welsh Section B stallion.

The herd was eventually moved from the island in 1980 and taken to Cornwall where breeding continues. Some were also taken to Devon and in 1984, the Lundy Pony Breed Society was formed to regulate the breed. The society later decided to return some of the mares and foals to the island of Lundy.

If you are considering ‘going native’ then you really will be spoilt for choice and you can be sure that whichever breed you do end up choosing, you will have years of fun ahead with a loyal pony companion.

The mention of the word ‘sarcoid’ invokes some quite strong reactions from horse owners. At purchase, a sarcoid is something that doesn’t trouble some buyers and will cause others to walk away. If the horse is vetted, sarcoids will usually be noted on the vet certificate and then excluded by the insurance company.

Sarcoids, some key facts

Sarcoids are skin tumours and develop on horses mainly around the head, in the axilla – essentially the armpit – and the groin area so between the hind legs up underneath the tail. They can also develop in wounds where they can be mistaken for proud flesh.

– Sarcoids are called fibrosarcoma and are locally invasive and do not spread to other organs

– Sarcoids are the most common skin tumours in horses accounting for 40% of equine cancers

– Sarcoids affect mares and geldings and all breeds and ages

– Sarcoids do not self-cure and will often multiply

Causes of sarcoids

Sarcoids are caused by the bovine papillomavirus or BPV, however, not all horses exposed to the virus develop sarcoids so the ones that do are thought to have a pre-disposing genetic susceptibility.

The susceptibility does not reduce so horses which have already had sarcoids may get them again; this is because the virus becomes embedded in the DNA of infected skin cells.

Can sarcoids be spread from horse to another by direct transmission?

It is possible although there is no definitive scientific conclusion that sarcoids will pass via direct horse to horse contact or be spread by flies.

The diagnosis of a sarcoid

Sarcoids can present in a range of different ways as there are several types with different levels of aggressive behaviour. Before any treatment can be considered, the vet needs to identify which type of sarcoid the horse has. Inappropriate treatment can make the sarcoid worse and it can return in an even more aggressive form making subsequent treatments much more difficult.

The vet will not usually carry out a biopsy as all sarcoids present in a similar way under the microscope and biopsy can make sarcoids more aggressive.

Different types of sarcoid

Verrucose – these are slow-growing flat, scaly tumours and look like small scars or ringworm, these are the least aggressive sarcoid type

Nodular – these are clearly defined, well-demarcated lumps which are covered by normal skin. Nodular sarcoids are prone to ulceration and have a medium growth rate

Fibroblastic – fibroblastic tumours are aggressive sarcoids which grow rapidly and are locally invasive into the tissues underneath the skin. They often appear in clusters and are variable in size and shape because they grow rapidly

Occult sarcoids appear as roughly circular hairless areas or even appear as skin which has an altered hair quality. Sometimes the only change may be a difference in the coat colour

Mixed sarcoids – mixed sarcoids are a combination of verrucose, nodular and fibroblastic and it is not unusual to for horses to develop clusters of mixed sarcoid types

Treatment options

There is no one prescribed treatment for sarcoids and what the vet recommends will depend on the identification and appearance of that particular sarcoid. Other factors which will determine the appropriate treatment option include:-

– The location of the sarcoid

– The extent of the sarcoid

– Treatment cost

– The horse’s temperament

Medical interventions include injecting the immune stimulant Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine directly into the sarcoid. There are also injectable chemotherapy drugs which act by interfering with the DNA copying process in the cells.

There is a topical cream option known as ‘Liverpool cream’ has it was pioneered by a well-known vet at the University of Liverpool. This cream has to be applied by a vet so may require several visits to the affected horse at set intervals.

There is a photodynamic treatment which involves applying a chemical to the surface of the tumour and then exposing it to a certain type of light which activates the chemical to kill the tumour cells.

Surgical interventions include excision or removal, cryosurgery (freezing off) or laser surgery. Sometimes surgery has to be combined with another therapy.

Benign neglect is also a possibility – do nothing slowly – and vets differ in their opinions on this; much will depend upon the size and type of the sarcoid and where it is located.

Sarcoids present at purchase

The presence of a sarcoid is not usually a reason to fail a horse on a five-stage vetting but any insurer will exclude the costs of future sarcoid treatment from insurance cover. A horse which develops a sarcoid will usually have those costs covered under a vets fees policy but payments will only be made for 12 months before sarcoids are then excluded from the cover.

How much the treatment costs will depend entirely on the type of treatment and the number of sarcoids but will run into thousands of pounds over the course of months and years.

Sarcoids typically invoke an extreme response from horse owners, some just don’t care whereas others are very adverse to having a horse with a sarcoid; a lot can depend on prior experience and knowledge. A horse presented for sale with a sarcoid may typically have a discounted price but not always.

Horses as a species cope well with very cold temperatures providing that they have a shelter – this doesn’t have to be the stable – and are well fed with lots of forage.

Grass kept horses

Some horses even old horses do surprisingly well living out in cold conditions but they must have access to shelter and ad-lib forage.

One of the biggest challenges with grass kept horses is keeping an adequate supply of running water. Pipe-fed troughs will often freeze up during the winter so it is better to use either buckets or hand-filled troughs, this way you can also monitor how much the horses are drinking.

Stabled horses

Stabled horses can suffer from lack of movement which inevitably can predispose to impaction colic as successful gut motility depends on mobility – the horse moving around. Try and walk the horse in hand or turn out into a lunge pen or use a horse walker if available – any movement is better than nothing.

Stable bandages can work well instead of an extra rug and are particularly useful for older horses to help with stiffness.

Waters can freeze at night so put an apple or a ball into water buckets, this may not stop the freezing but generally reduces the amount of ice so the horse can push his way through it. Use lukewarm water to top up the water buckets last thing at night as this can delay the freezing process.

Feed small wet or sloppy feeds to help with gut movement and soak the hay; both of these will increase the horse’s water intake. Soaked hay is also useful for horses with problematic respiratory issues who benefit from being out in the field as this will reduce hay dust and irritation. Feed values should be cut right back to reduce the risk of tying up, bad behaviour and colic. There are lots of grass nuts or soaked fibre pellets on the market which have a low calorie value and can be fed almost ad-lib, like hay in a bucket.

Some horses are very bad drinkers and dislike cold water. You can offer tepid or lukewarm water but any water left in a cold stable will quickly reduce in temperature. Warm water with a splash of apple juice is very popular with some horses who will drink a half or a full bucket of this when offered. Leaving an apple bobbing in the water can encourage horses to get their noses wet and also alleviate boredom with long periods in the stable during icy weather.

Snow and ice

Horses often like snow and will play happily in it, you can also ride on a snow-covered surface if the snow is light and powdery and the surface underneath is not frozen. Smear Vaseline into the horse’s hooves in a thick layer as this helps to stop the snow balling up inside the feet.

The main enemy in very cold temperatures is usually ice rather than snow. Light powdery snow is rarely that slippery and turnout and some ridden work can often carry on with care. However, after a few days, the surface of the snow will become poached up and then with cold overnight temperatures, starts to freeze presenting a dangerous hazard for both horses and humans.

You can create walkways across the yard to allow you to muck out and do yard duties with a reduced risk of slipping over. Lay rock salt or grit or muck out a line of bedding around the yard for people and horses to walk on. It does make a mess when the snow melts and require quite a lot of clearing up but it will allow you to move around reasonably safely in very cold conditions. Non-slip footwear is essential.

Horses that can be moved and handled safely will benefit from going out into a sand pen, indoor school or going on a horse walker.

Snow melt

Warmer temperatures will usually create large amounts of slush and water. Slush can be as hazardous as ice so it is sometimes as well to wait for the thaw to finish before you resume normal exercise and turning out particularly as lying snow when it melts will make the ground conditions very wet in grazing fields.

Turning out and riding after a period in the stable

Riding or turning out a horse which has been cooped up in its stable for long periods is something of a challenge; the main concern is avoiding injury to both the horse and the rider or handler.

Each horse is different. Some horses can be ridden safely straight after a period of time spent in the stable whereas others most definitely cannot. It can be helpful to turn out a horse before it is ridden for rider safety but this can increase the chance of injuries due to exuberant behaviour in the field.

Lungeing a horse can present a useful compromise, exercise can be reasonably controlled without the freedom of the field but it doesn’t put the rider at any risk. Horses can still be quite naughty on the lunge so it will require a competent handler with gloves and hat.

Power cuts

Winter storms can involve a combination of high winds and heavy snow which may cause power cuts so it is as well to be prepared for a loss of lighting.

Keep a powerful flash lamp in your feed room which can operate as a hand-held torch and also has an integral stand so it can be propped up. A cord attached to the torch is also useful so the torch can be hung from a nail on a beam.

Miners lamps or head torches are also very useful in this situation as they allow you to keep both hands free to work.

Old horses

Old horses need more proactive management in cold temperatures. The most common cause of weight loss is usually lack of long fibre so feed as much hay as possible rather than increasing short feed. Stable bandages can help with stiff legs and some people use an anti-inflammatory like bute for old horses that have to be kept in for a few days to help promote their mobility in the stable. Like all horses in this situation, they will benefit from being walked in hand if possible.