When Norman Johnson graduates from the University of Central Lancashire he will join just three other PhD qualified experts in farriery – equine hoof care. Norman, who has worked with horses since the age of 26, got the idea for doing the PhD while he was studying for a DipHE and BSc (Hons) degree in…
A study in France tested horses’ abilities to recognize photos of their keepers. The horses were presented with two screens with photos of two humans. Initially the screens showed random humans, but over time one side began to feature photos of their current or former handlers. Here’s what they found . . .
An algorithm [a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations] could prove useful in pinpointing longer break-over phases, which can indicate musculoskeletal problems. The break-over phase starts after the loading phase when the horse lifts its heel, causing a rotational movement around the toe, and ends with hoof…
The microorganisms that populate a horse’s gut are crucial to their health, and essential for the digestion of their fiber-rich diet. Little is known about how differences in this extremely diverse range of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, which scientists call the microbiome, affects the ability of horses to put on and hold weight. For…
Originally from the Netherlands, Sandra Hurley previously worked in primary schools as a trained artist. She then decided to follow her passion for science and horses at the University of Limerick, where she received her BSc in equine science as a mature student in 2017. Hurley is now a PhD student at UL doing research…
As if riding weren’t challenging enough, are you aware there are a few other skills you should acquire as an equestrian? The FEI put together this list of 7 things you should know how to do that will help you in an emergency or make your life easier around the stables.
West Virginia University Potomac State College has reinvented its Equine Management major so that students can pursue more entrepreneurial endeavours and small business enterprises as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship program.
The Derby is run by three-year-old horses. Most horses don’t hit their physical peak until they are about four and a half, so the three-year-olds are still developing and getting faster. Some of the horses will be closer to their peak in September. The delay could benefit some of the horses born later in the…
Horse manure is rich not only in energy and soil-building nutrients, but also information about your horse’s health and well-being.
A study conducted at Britain’s Royal Veterinary College, which examines the effects of farriery interventions, in this case, road nails, has demonstrated the impact on horse movement symmetry, including weight bearing and propulsion.