General Equestrian Advice

Every year has its big wins and headline riders, but 2025 was shaped just as much by the quieter stories that travelled through yards, riding schools, and group chats. It was a year of strong performances, rising talent, and communities pulling together. These were the moments riders kept talking about.   Young Riders Stepped Up in a Big Way   Under-21 riders delivered some of the most confident performances of the year. They handled pressure with ease, produced polished ro...

Riders are loyal to their favourite brands, but every year certain bits of kit take over schooling sessions, hacking groups, and yard chat. 2025 had a clear pattern, and practicality won. Anything that made daily jobs easier, lasted longer, or improved comfort kept people talking. Here’s what stood out across the year.   If you want to see what’s trending right now, you can browse the latest yard and tack listings on Horsemart.   Lightweight Yard Boots Beca...

Choosing the right horse is never simple. Most riders start with a neat list of height, breed, age, and discipline, then end up rethinking all of it once they start looking. The past year showed the same pattern across the board. Riders chased suitability, not sparkle; clearer ads outperformed vague ones, and the horses that held steady in real-life situations drew the quickest replies.   If you’re starting the search again soon, browsing current listings can help you get a...

In honour of International Women's Day, we celebrate five remarkable female equestrians from the UK who have shaped their disciplines through skill, determination, and innovation. Their influence extends beyond competition, helping to elevate industry standards and promote horse welfare. Let’s take a closer look at these inspiring women.

At SEIB, we understand the importance of finding the right balance between comprehensive cover and affordability when insuring your horse. Here are some tips to help you keep costs down while ensuring you have the protection you need.

As an independent equine nutritionist, I visit a wide variety of yards, horses, and owners, providing nutritional advice and recommendations. As part of the assessment process, I use my portable weighbridge to collect accurate body weights for all the horses involved. After weighing a horse, I will inevitably be asked “What should my horse weigh?”. This question is understandable as we are used to seeing ‘safe’ weight ranges for ourselves at different ages and heights. It...

With 90,000+ members in dodgy horse dealer groups across social media, the equestrian industry has a problem with dishonest dealers, falsely advertised horses and thousands in lost cash due to disputes or scams. While buying a horse is a dream for many, the process of finding the right horse has succumbed to a wave of issues for both buyers and sellers. The industry has long been one built on trust, however, it’s clear from the vast numbers of new members joining dodgy groups that we ar...

The ‘token bucket’ is an interesting and common practice for many horse owners; it relates to offering a restricted amount of feed in a bucket. As an independent equine nutritionist, I often hear owners describe it as “just a sprinkling of a feed mix or cubes, a handful of chaff, a splash of a mash, and even just a bit of carrot or apple”. The ‘token bucket’ is especially common among those owners managing horses and ponies who seem able to thrive on the spars...

Livery yards have been around for centuries, but every year the types of services on offer are revolutionised and a huge range of different livery packages can now be found, providing housing and care for equines of all types. This has stemmed from equine professionals - DIY yards, professional riders, studs, etc - needing to diversify to maintain healthy revenue flow against rising costs as well as meet the demands of a new generation of horse owners. Here we look at the most common types of...

In equestrianism, mastering the art of horsemanship involves a delicate balance of communication, understanding, and training techniques. Equine training aids come in a variety of forms and are here to support the development of muscle engagement for a better outline, as long as they are used correctly. However, when misused, they can ruin all the work that's been put into building a relationship between you and your horse. This article breaks down the available training aids for both riding and...

As an independent equine nutritionist, I frequently use the phrase ‘ad lib’ myself and I’ve heard owners using the phrase in a variety of scenarios. What exactly does ad-lib mean, and is it right for your horse? Maybe you're currently trickle feeding and ad-lib forage might be better for your horse. What is trickle feeding? In this article, I'll be dissecting these two feeding methods to help you understand how each will impact your horse and which one might be right for them. ...

For decades, riding schools have been an integral part of the UK's equestrian tradition. Among the venerable establishments is Bowlers, situated in Merseyside. Its roots harken back to a familiar tale: a father's gift of a pony for his daughter, sparking impromptu rides around the village. As interest burgeoned, so did the concept of formalised instruction. Locals seeking to learn the art of horse riding flocked to Bowlers, transforming it from a familial pastime into one of the area's pioneerin...

As a bitting specialist with over 20 years of experience, one of the most common questions we're asked is "I’ve bought a new horse what bit do I use?". Most people think that when buying a horse they would automatically continue to be ridden in the bit that it was previously ridden in or was tried in, however, this is not always the case. What is important is to give your new four-legged friend time to settle in and adjust to its new routine and surroundings and get to know their new stabl...

In an ever-evolving equine industry, the role of an equine nutritionist has emerged as a pivotal figure in ensuring the health, performance, and overall well-being of horses. From elite athletes to cherished companions, horses require a balanced and tailored diet to thrive. Do you know exactly what an equine nutritionist does and why their expertise might be essential for you? In this article, we will explore the vital role of an equine nutritionist, shedding light on the unique skill set, re...

The investment required to buy a horse isn’t just financial, it’s emotional too. Before you hand over all your savings and your heart, it is vital to be aware of any legal requirements and your rights concerning your horse purchase. Then, if something is not quite right, it’s not too late, or expensive, to find a solution to rectify your concerns. The following article is a helpful overview of the legal aspects of buying a horse and his top tips for buyers.

Before domestication, horses could be considered browsers rather than grazers. They would cover large distances daily, consuming a variety of forages as they travelled. These forages would have been nutritionally poor but varied, being a mix of grasses, plants and even certain trees and shrubs. Fast forward to today and a large proportion of domesticated horses are managed on sources of nutritionally rich and variety poor forages.

Do you think you're ready to embark on the thrilling journey of horse ownership? Before you take the reins, it's crucial to assess your needs, time, riding skills, potential yards, and most importantly, let go of any preconceived notions. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 5 things you need to do before considering buying a horse.

Developing your riding skills can be difficult; you may not know where to begin and what your best course of action is. It’s important to remember that there are people there to help you along your equine journey and nurture you as a rider to achieve all your goals, as well as to help you overcome the challenges and difficulties you may face along the way.

Searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the horse enthusiast in your life? Look no further! Our comprehensive Equestrian Christmas Gift Guide is here to help you sleigh the holiday season with thoughtful and practical presents for horse lovers of all levels. From innovative stable tools to riding essentials and delightful accessories, discover a curated selection sure to gallop into the hearts of riders and their equine companions. Embrace the spirit of giving with our handpicked collection...

Buying a horse for a beginner is a thrilling, yet scary, venture. The buzz of buying yours or maybe your child’s first horse or pony and finally taking the step you’ve dreamed of is unrivalled. However, the responsibility and pressure that comes with this is huge and the first equine partner a rider has will shape the rest of their journey. The right animal will probably mean you’re hooked forever and create the best memories to look back on, so to avoid the dream becoming a ni...