OTHER TIPS AND TRICKS
Rugging – yay or neigh? Over-rugging has become huge news in recent times and knowing what’s best becomes even trickier as the weather changes. “In springtime, the temperature first thing in the morning can be very different than in the afternoon,” Gemma says. “If you can’t get to your yard to redress him every few hours, I’d say under-rug him, as he’ll be better off than being too hot. You can also get monitors like Orscana that slip into his rug and read his temperature and activity levels. This takes the guesswork out of rugging and will help you decide if what he’s wearing is suitable.” Have an MOT Anyone who’s embarked on a new fitness regime will know it’s not without its aches and pains — and your horse will feel the same. “If your horse is feeling uncomfortable in himself, you won’t be able to work him correctly and he won’t build muscle properly,” says Gemma. “Before upping his exercise, have an equine bodywork practitioner come and check him over – this might be a physio or chiropractor. They can check that everything is in working order. ” Check those appointments Whether it’s having his teeth done or getting his saddle checked, now is the time to get organised. “Other important things to check are vaccinations and competition rules and regulations, which vary between governing bodies,” says Gemma. “There’s nothing worse than arriving at an event only to find your vaccinations are out of date or you’re wearing the wrong hat.”