Nobody really wants to spend their whole day in a small, enclosed space where they have no control and can’t keep their balance. It would be like being trapped in the tube during London’s rush hour for hours on end! You’d probably be stressed out when you got where you were going. Your horse is too.

One of the most popular Horsebox builders in the UK is Empire Horseboxes Ltd. They build new Horseboxes, can convert older horseboxes and have a large range of refurbished used horseboxes. Check out Horse Lorries For Sale

To keep your horse in top condition, both mentally and physically, it’s up to you to keep the trip as devoid of stress as possible. Every good horseman knows that. What’s not always so easy to see is what you can do to make that happen.

Before you can go anywhere you have to make sure you have the right horsebox transport for your horse(s). Don’t think like yourself. See the trip through your horse’s eyes! Just because a horsebox is cheap and easy to drive doesn’t mean your horse is going to be pleased and proud to get in and ride.

To keep the horse from rebelling against being in a small space rather than out in the open it’s important to choose a horsebox that allows for plenty of light and ventilation. They should also have room to brace their leg and move their heads and necks to help them maintain their balance during transport.

For a good range of New and Used Luxury Horseboxes in the UK please visit Horseboxes for Sale.

Before any horse transport trip spend time figuring out the difficulties and techniques of driving a horsebox. It’s important to learn to drive the horsebox empty first, then try and transport your horse.

Your probably don’t need to plan on stopping if you’re only traveling 2-3 hours. If it’s going to take longer than that to reach your destination, however, plan on stopping every three to four hours to stretch your own legs, refill the hay net and water supply and allow the horse to urinate, since most are hesitant to do so in a moving a horsebox. After 18 hours on the road your horse is going to need plenty of time to move around freely. If you’re going to be gone overnight take advantage of the international directories available to find accommodations that will allow you to properly care for your horse while traveling.

Horse transport is extremely stressful at times, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re prepared, however, horse transport can be a pleasant experience for both of you.

I hope this rather brief article has given you a brief insight into how to transport your Horses or Ponies with their comfort in mind. Click on the link to view a large range of Horse Lorries For Sale in the UK and Europe

Horses are incredibly sensitive and it is important that they get the care and attention they deserve. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like humans, it is those little extras that they need to be truly at peace with their place in the world.

Horses, as herd animals, enjoy being in the company of other equines, so keep them in a shared paddock if possible. Owner’s are often viewed as herd leader. They will often show their affection by chewing or licking; here they are submitting to your leadership. Spending time with your horse will cement the bond of mutual trust. When this is achieved, it will have a positive effect on all areas in the horse’s handling and riding.

Horses are naturally clean animals and it is important that they have clean stables which are warm with deep bedding provided. A deep bed will help to alleviate any stress on joints and legs, as well as giving them a place to lie down in safety and comfort.

Mealtimes are important to a horse. You must ensure that you feed them little and often, as they will also graze outside all day. All appropriate foods can be incorporated into your horse’s diet to provide a healthy balance. Your horse needs lots of fibre for his digestive system, so lots of fresh grass or hay is essential. Grain is also superb, but not too much as it can upset the stomach. Water must always be available and accessible. Water prevents the food becoming solid by allowing it to ferment in the horse’s stomach. The food regularity is also important, as they are best when in routines. Always feed them at the same time every day.

Horses enjoy the attention they get whilst being groomed – it makes them feel secure and loved. Give them lots of rubs, brushes and scratches. This is real quality time which you should both enjoy every day. Grooming your horse will not only keep his coat glossy and smooth, but can also help to keep pests and parasites at bay. Do not forget about your horse’s feet; hooves should be picked daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

A horse needs regular exercise to remain happy. You need to give your horse daily exercise. Vary your exercise routines to include things like jumping and cross-country. On the other hand, also let your horse have play time. Turn them out so they can be free in their paddock. Then they can socialise, play and have some time to themselves too. It’s as important to allow your horse to relax as it is to exercise him, or else his behaviour may become erratic.

Part of the physical and psychological well-being of your horse can be taken care of by following these few simple but important tips. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.

Although it does depend on individual circumstances (e.g. whether you are an experienced trainer or not), most people buying a horse are better off getting a fully trained horse. If you are intending to use a horse just for basic riding, it is advisable to buy one already trained in the basics; if you are using a horse for advanced riding consider getting one already trained to the advanced level. Likewise, if you are using it for show jumping, get one which is already trained in show jumping.

Of course, after looking at horses for sale, one can purchase an untrained horse or a partly trained horse. Such a horse will be less expensive to buy. Also, you can instruct a trainer on exactly how you want the horse trained, and you can have the experience and pleasure of participating in this. However, against these advantages, there are a number of disadvantages:

• Training Expenses. With an untrained horse, training is an additional cost which one has to factor in. Aside from the direct costs of the trainer, unless the trainer comes to you there is the additional cost of transporting the horse to the trainer for each lesson, or stabling the horse with the trainer. The exact costs of training depend on individual circumstances, but they are under-estimated far more often than over-estimated. Frequently, once one factors in the final total training costs, it would have been cheaper to have purchased a horse that was already trained.
• Accidents. Accidents can easily occur during training, even with a good trainer. These may result in vet costs or worse.
• Incorrect Training. Some trainers are not as good as others. In addition, many trainers will rush training or under-estimate the amount required, to get the contract at an acceptable price. This may result in an incompletely or incorrectly trained horse.
• Feel of the Horse. Two horses, with the exact same training, will feel differently to a rider due to the individual characteristics (build, personality, movement) of the horse. With an already trained horse, one can ride it before buying to know exactly how it feels, whereas with an untrained horse one can only guess what it will feel like after training.
• Health Check. It is easier to evaluate the health of a trained horse than an untrained one, as one can ride it and also watch it while being ridden in each gait. With an untrained horse, health checks are not quite as complete.

Because of these factors, buying an already trained horse is often less expensive, less risky and less stressful than buying an untrained or partly trained horse and then having it trained up.

You should not try to train a horse yourself, unless you are a professional horse trainer or working under the complete supervision of a professional horse trainer. When non-professionals train horses, the horse will almost certainly pick up bad habits and behaviors (which are very time consuming and expensive to correct), as well as the risk of accidental injury to the novice trainer.

Be wary of purchasing an incompletely trained horse on the basis that the seller will complete the training. Far too often in these circumstances the remaining training is rushed and not done to the highest standards. Insist on the horse being trained up first and pay no more than a holding deposit until this is done and you’ve ridden the horse to make sure that you are fully happy with the result.

There are hundreds of different breeds of horses, but they are grouped into three broad categories: coldblood, warmblood and hot blood.

The cold blood breeds originated in Europe. They were bred for heavy work and long hours, pulling farm equipment, carts, barges and other heavy items. They had to have both power and endurance but there was little need for speed. Consequently, they were bred to have well developed muscles, on heavy bones and large joints. They also need to have a calm, even docile nature, so that they would obey commands and would not frighten and run off with farm equipment or other loads. In response to the need to work in cold European winters, their tails, manes and coats had long, thick hair. The Shire horse and the Clydesdale are typical cold blood breeds.

The hot bloods are from warmer climates, in particular the middle-east, where they were bred for racing and riding. They have much lighter bodies, legs and joints than the cold bloods, as they are build for speed and distance rather than for raw power. Having been developed in warm regions, they have relatively short coats, manes and tail hair so that they can shed heat better. For the same reason, they have lots of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, to improve heat dissipation. All of these factors support their speed and racing success. Likewise, they are spirited horses with a desire to run, the very opposite of the calm and docile temperament of cold bloods. The Arabian and the Thoroughbred are classic hot blood breeds.

The warmbloods (or warm bloods) have characteristics between the cold bloods and hot bloods, both physically and temperamentally. Some, but not all, of the warmblood breeds were created by crossing hot blood breeds and cold blood breeds to produce a new breed, followed by selective breeding to retain the best characteristics of the warm and cold ancestry. They have an athletic build and speed, combined with intelligence and calm (but not docile) disposition. As such, they excel in sports such as show jumping which require not only physical speed but also intelligence, a settled disposition and trainability. Examples are the Friesian and Hanoverian breeds.

The categories cold, warm and hot has nothing to do with the temperature of the horses (all horses have a normal temperature of about 38C) or their blood. Instead, it refers to the origin of the breeds (cold or hot climates), their build (heavy or athletic) and their character (calm or spirited).

Over time, the requirements for horses changes. As farm work has been taken over by tractors and transport by cars, the breeding objectives have been more towards sports and pleasure riding. In this environment, the warmbloods (and perhaps to a lesser extent the hot bloods) have been somewhat more successful that the cold bloods. Fortunately, a number of cart pulling and other heavy sports have been created to support these breeds. In addition, the calm and stable nature of the cold bloods has made them particularly popular with many children and less confident horse riders.

When deciding on a new horse, a key factor is its health. Although one cannot be 100% certain that a horse is absolutely healthy, there are some basic checks.

The first indication is the general appearance. It should have a shinny, even and flat coat. The body should be well muscled, neither fat nor skinny. When standing, it should spread its weight evenly on all four legs, with each hoof pointing straight ahead. While normal to rest a leg from time to time, it should not be for long periods or always the same leg, as this would indicate an injury or weakness.

Slowly run your hands down the legs, from top to bottom, with careful attention to joints and the lower leg. There should be no bumps, swellings or hot spots. The hoof walls should be even, free of cracks and completely smooth.

Lift a hoof and examine the sole to ensure that there are no marks or indications of previous injury and that it is correctly shaped. Repeat with the other hooves. The angle and tilt of all four hooves should be correct and identical. If the horse is reluctant to lift one of its feet, this may be because it does not want to lift a good leg and put more weight on a bad one. The hooves are perhaps the most important area to examine in terms of horse health, as so many otherwise good horses have problems here.

Check the gums. They should be pink, shiny and moist. If they are dry, tacky, pale or any color other than salmon pink, there is a health issue. If one presses gently on the gums (careful with your fingers!), at the point where you are pressing they will turn white but as soon as you remove your finger the color should completely return to pink within two seconds.

Check the teeth (you may want to use the services of a horse dentist) for spurs, unevenness or excessive wear. Try feeding the horse hay and watch how it eats. It should use both sides of its jaw equally and eat steadily. Dropping hay or leaving hay partly chewed indicates a problem either with the teeth or the jaw joints.

Examine the horse’s droppings. They should consist of firm balls, with a mild and inoffensive odor.

The horse should look happy, alert and interested in what is happening. Its ears should stand up and should move alertly in response to sounds. It should be interested in what is happening around it, but not nervous.

Have the horse taken to an exercise ring and exercised at all gaits (e.g. walk, trot, and gallop). It should take easy, smooth strides of equal length and with the weight evenly spread on all four legs. It should not favor any leg. Circle the horse in both directions (left inside and right inside) to make sure that it performs equally well in both directions.

It should not sweat (except during hot weather) until it has been worked for some time at speed. Its respiration should gradually increase as the gait picks up but it should not breathe hard except at a fast gait. As the gait is reduced, its respiration should quickly reduce. Once the horse stops, its breathing and pulse should quickly return to resting normal. Neither during nor after exercise should the horse shown any sign of discomfort, pain or limping.

One should also ask the current owner about the medical history and ask permission to discuss the horse with its regular vet. Ask to see the inoculation and medical records for the horse. Ask if it has every had any illness, in particular colic or laminitis. Be concerned about any incomplete or evasive answers.

When looking at horses for sale it is important to select a suitable age. A horse which is too young can lack maturity and training, as well as being unnecessarily expensive. A horse which is too old will not provide you with the years of future riding that you would like. To help you choose a suitable age, the advantages and disadvantages are discussed below.

Four Year Old. This is one of the most popular ages, since horses typically complete their basic training by age four and are immediately ready for riding. In addition, if you decide you want to train the horse to an advanced level, it is still young enough. Although a trained horse will be more expensive than a younger untrained one, this is offset by saving on the costs of training and associated stabling during this period.

5 to 7 Years Old. A trained horse of this age has all the advantages of a 4-year old. However, it will be more emotionally mature and calmer, and may be trained to a higher level as well. All of these factors make it easier to manage and more reliable than a younger horse, so it is more suitable for new riders and for children. However, as a horse gets older it becomes more difficult and consequently more expensive to train so one should ensure that the horse is fully trained before the end of this period.

After 7 years. Horses become calmer and more reliable as they become older, so horses in this category are often the best choice for inexperienced riders. They also are generally less expensive than younger horses. Provided that the horse has been well treated and is not too old, it can have many years of riding left in it.

3-Year Old. A three year old horse (depending on breed) is ready to start its training and you can enjoy this experience. However, it is usually less expensive to buy a trained 4 year old that is ready to ride than to buy a 3 year old and pay for a year’s stabling and training.

Less than 3 years old. Watching a horse grow up can give immeasurable pleasure, something like watching young children mature. However, like young children, it can be difficult to predict how they will turn out physically and otherwise, so a foal is more of a gamble than a mature horse. Although foals are less expensive to buy than mature horses of the same quality, once one adds in the cost of stabling and training before it is ready to ride, they are usually more expensive in the end.

The above is a general guide only. Various breeds mature at different rates, as do individual horses. Owners also vary in terms of the timetable and extent of training they provide to their horses. If you intend to compete with the horse, you need to take into account various applicable age restrictions as well as the competitive requirements in terms of timing and intensity of training.

Laminitis is a serious and common disease of the hoof. Although it is rarely fatal, in serious cases the horse is put down either for humane reasons (the horse is in pain and permanently crippled) or economic reasons (the horse can no longer be used for its intended purpose). Such cases of euthanasia are sufficiently common that laminitis is the second most common cause (after colic) of premature death in domestic horses.

The term ‘laminitis‘ refers to damage to the ‘laminae’, which is the connective tissues between the hoof bone (also known as the pedal bone) and the hoof wall. In mild cases of laminitis this tissue becomes inflamed and starts to break down. In more severe cases this connective tissue is sufficiently damaged that the hoof bone separates partly or completely from the hoof wall, rotating and sinking within the hoof. In extreme cases, the bone will actually penetrate the sole of the hoof. As the bone moves, it may also tear blood vessels and other tissues. Longer term, the damage to the hoof can result in permanent damage to the hoof growth and repair mechanisms, resulting in abnormal growth (e.g. flat or convex sole, rings in hoof wall, separation between hoof wall and sole).

One hears the term ‘founder’ in relation to ‘laminitis’. Unfortunately, not everyone uses the term in the same way. Some people use both terms interchangeably, while others use founder to describe the more serious cases of laminitis (e.g. bone penetration of the sole).

There are two main sources of damage to the laminae, leading to laminitis. One is toxins, which enter the blood and travel to the laminae, where they cause inflammation and tissue breakdown. The other is mechanical, where the laminae is damaged due to repeated shocks to the hoof (e.g. from running or jumping on hard surfaces).

Excessively rich feed results in changes to the bacteria population in the digestive system, causing the release of toxins by the bacteria. It occurs when a horse has too much carbohydrates or nitrogen, either from excessive amounts of rich feed (e.g. grain) or lush pasture. Pasture is most likely to be excessively rich in spring, when rain follows a drought, or if it has been fertilized. As some breeds (in particular, ponies) are more sensitive than others, one should take special care with sensitive breeds to restrict the amount of rich food and to keep them off rich pasture. Alternatively, one can put them on pasture for a limited time but use a grazing muzzle to restrict the amount they eat.

For both competition horses and pleasure horses, one should try to avoid working them on hard ground, as the repeated shocks can cause mechanical damage to the laminae. When travelling over hard surfaces, try reducing the pace as there is less shock when walking than when running. Shock absorbency can be improved by correct trimming, especially avoid trimming for long toes or over-trimming. Ensure that shoeing is done by a competent professional, if the horse is shoed. Consider the use of shock absorbing shoes (they have a rubber component) or shock absorbing boots, both of which are being increasing used, even during professional competitions.

Check that the horse’s feed does not contain any fungus, mold or chemicals. Do not allow them to eat chemically treated grass (e.g. herbicides). All serious infections should be aggressively and promptly treated, to prevent the release of infection related toxins into the blood stream.

Horses can become a part of your life in a matter of moments, when you first see your horse circling around the paddock. That moment of connection is often vital to buyers when they’re deciding on a horse to purchase. Riders who shop the horse sales advertisements don’t have the chance to make that connection. A picture just isn’t enough to create the same feelings.

For one of the most popular horses and ponies for sale websites in the UK and USA that list thousands of Horses for Sale as well as Horse and Ponies for Loan check out Ponies for Sale.

If you’re going to find the right home for your horse you’re going to have to get the most out of your horse sales advertisements.

In order to create a horse sales advertisement that actually sells your horse, it’s first necessary to attract the buyer’s interest. The first thing many buyers are going to look for is a summary of the horse’s physical attributes and characteristics. Thoroughbreds are also defined by their pedigree, particularly their dam and sire. How well their dam and sire performed on the oval or in the ring is a strong indicator of how effective your horse will be as well.

If you are looking for one of the most popular top equestrian websites for the Sale and Loan of Horses and Ponies then check out Horses for Sale.

It’s good to mention their training and performance history. Is your horse best suited for competition or are they happiest when they’re out on the trail? Successful horse sales depends on the buyer’s ability to recognize that your horse is going to be able to meet their expectations, and their training to date is going to heavily influence their ability to do that.

Is their disposition sweet and cooperative or stubborn and willful? Their dispositions can be as different as night and day. Some horses demand an experienced rider, while others are perfect for children. Your horse’s disposition, their ability to work with young riders, how well they travel and how easily they work with other horses is going to heavily influence their appeal on the open market-and your ability to place them in a new home.

The key to successful horse sales is to thoroughly present their disposition, history and talent, price and location into a small, single advert. Then, and only then, can you be sure you’re going to stimulate interest in the type of buyer who deserves to add your horse to their stable.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and it has given you an insight into the world of “how and where” to buy horses for sale and horses and ponies for loan. For a huge selection visit one of the top equestrian sites online today please visit: Ponies for Sale

It’s a moment that none of us will forget – the moment we looked up and saw the horse that would become a part of our family prancing across the field. The decision to buy a horse isn’t made based on price but on the connection that forms between horse and rider. A two dimensional sales ad just doesn’t create the same connection. You can’t commit to something you can’t see, and sometimes a two dimensional picture just isn’t enough.

For one of the most popular horses and ponies for sale websites in the UK and USA that list thousands of Horses for Sale as well as Horse and Ponies for Loan check out Horses for Sale.

To place your horse with the right environment you’re going to have to make sure your ad is appealing to the right buyer.

In order to create a horse sales advertisement that actually sells your horse, it’s first necessary to attract the buyer’s interest. Be sure you include the horse’s age, height, breed and any chronic health problems that may impact his performance. When selling a thoroughbred, be sure to include their parentage and pedigree as well. After all, the performance of their dam and sire is a strong indicator of how they themselves will perform.

If you are looking for one of the most popular top equestrian websites for the Sale and Loan of Horses and Ponies then check out Horses for Sale.

It’s good to mention their training and performance history. Does your horse need a steady hand or are they a good choice for a young rider? Experience and training are going to be vital in convincing your rider that your horse will be able to meet their needs.

What kind of disposition does your horse possess? As much as some sellers would like you to believe that all horses are cut from the same cloth, if you’re selling a beloved member of the family you know better. A tempermental mount demands an experienced rider, while a gentle gelding may be the perfect choice for a young rider. Their disposition (including their ability to travel and interact with other horses) is going to be a considering factor in their appeal on the sales market.

The key to successful horse sales is to condense their disposition, history and talent, price and location into a small, single advert. When you’ve done that you can rest assured that you’re in the perfect position to attract the kind of buyer your horse deserves.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and it has given you an insight into the world of “how and where” to buy horses for sale and horses and ponies for loan. For a huge selection visit one of the top equestrian sites online today please visit: Horse Sales

Use of the three p’s – patience, persistence and positive reinforcement – is vital when training horses. It is necessary to understand these basics before attempting to teach your horse to do what you would like. Following these basic tips will provide the foundations of a great relationship between horse and rider.

Let’s start with patience, as that may be the most important quality in a good trainer. Patience will be needed each time you want to teach your horse anything new. Horses are prey animals and are aware of this fact. Watch horses in their pens or pasture as the sun goes down. If there’s a herd, you’ll see them gather into their group for safety.

They can be observed standing side by side and head to tail. Standing like this helps them to spot potential danger from different directions. If you watch a horse that is not used to water you will notice that he may be hesitant, or worse, could rear up dangerously. Both horse and rider could be hurt or even killed. Training your horse to trust you not to lead him into a potentially dangerous situation takes time and lots of patience.

Horse and rider can develop a mutual trust and a confident partnership when due patience has been employed in training. It can come as a surprise to some that it is possible to reduce a horse’s fear when presented with alien objects or situations. A shirt flapping in the breeze on a washing line could represent enough of a threat to a horse to scare him, however silly that may sound. If, through patient training, you can teach your horse to trust you, he will soon be able to ignore what may have seemed so sinister to him, and walk on by with no fuss.

Horse trainers need persistence to get good results. You can also build hores and trainer trust and confidence by pracicing exercises over and over. While it may at first seem tedious, it is important in training to begin both horse and rider with the ground work. Doing the ground work, after all, does not mean getting up and riding off. But trainers understand that horses are no different than children learning to walk. A horse is a bit like a baby learning first to sit up, then crawl and then walk; he must first learn polite and acceptable behaviour befor he can be tacked up and ridden.

Persistence means that you may need to perform a task with your horse many times before it’s understood. It is important for the horse to know just what he needs to do. When you bring out the tack, for example, he needs to know that he must always stand still for you. This is unnatural for your horse. It needs to be taught, which requires persistence. You must always exhibit more persistence than your horse. If he runs off when you approach, you will need to persist, as allowing him to resist or avoid you even once will give him the idea that he can indeed do so. Persistence could also be referred to as consistence.

As a trainer you will have to use plenty of positive reinforcement. Horses generally love to please; they should see you as the herd leader. Lifelong friendships can be developed between horse and rider where each understands their role in the relationship.

A well-placed pat, a scratch behind the ear or a gentle word of approval are all simple forms of positive reinforcement. Horses are very perceptive and can feel your emotional state. Let the horse feel your satisfaction at the way an exercise may be going.

A word of caution here – it is not a good idea to enter the training area with your horse if for any reason you are stressed, angry or in a particularly bad mood. The horse will pick up on your mood and could be uncooperative. This is not out of rebellion as much as it is out of the horse’s own fear. The horse may not know you well enough yet to predict your behaviour when upset and could be wary of you because of this.

No matter what type of riding or event you wish to persue, it is the ultimate goal of the horse trainer to build a bond of trust between horse and rider. The basics are the same regardless of whether you choose English or Western style, or whether you will be riding for pleasure or competition. The 3 p’s principles – patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement – can be applied to any breed of horse for a successful training experience.

Check out this great little ebook that will teach you how to train your horse, even if it’s a mean one.