Let’s get him moving

In complete contrast to the horses of yesteryear, who were workhorses in the truest sense of the word, our equine friends today have a much more sedentary life.

Many owners work long hours, have families and a variety of other commitments, and have less time for riding than they’d like. What time they do have is often spent doing essential yard jobs, while their horses munch hay in the stable or grass in the paddock. We know from interviewing riders over the years that workload is still largely misunderstood. What constitutes light exercise (walk, trot, canter for an hour a day, and local unaffiliated competing) is often mistaken for a medium or even high-intensity session, with the result that the horse is overfed. As with humans, it doesn’t matter how hard they’re working, if they’re overweight they don’t need more energy.

Our Fit Not Fat campaign will give you all the know-how and time-saving tips you need to get your horse moving more regularly. Good for him — and good for you too.