Coleshill Heath Riding Club

⭐⭐ Latest Blog ⭐⭐

Take a look at our latest blog on Artificial Insemination - a modern approach to equine breeding, written by vet Naomi.

Go to our website: https://www.avonvaleequine.co.uk/blog/artificial-insemination-in-horses-a-modern-approach-to-equine-breeding/

⭐⭐ New Monthly Theme - Staying sound on hard ground ⭐⭐

Hoof Capsule Adaptation and Farriery Considerations

The equine hoof is a dynamic, semi-elastic structure that deforms under load; a mechanism essential for energy dissipation and circulation. On hard ground, the hoof wall and sole bear proportionally more load, while frog contact diminishes on flat, unyielding surfaces.

Horses with long toes and low heels show exaggerated strain on the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular apparatus under these conditions.

Farriery interventions for horses routinely working on hard ground should prioritise:

• Mediolateral and dorsopalmar balance to distribute load evenly across the foot.
• Appropriate breakover placement to reduce forces on the navicular region.
• Sole depth preservation.
• Pad or pour-in materials where sole bruising or flat-footedness is present.

Radiographic evaluation of phalangeal alignment before shoeing aids you farrier to optimise your horse’s foot balance.

Next Monday we discuss surface variability and musculoskeletal load management.

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST 2026
**** SHOW CANCELLED ****
The CHRC Committee have agreed that the Show scheduled for Sunday 16th August 2026 be CANCELLED. Weather & Ground conditions, road closures and other personal emergencies have unfortunately led to the above decision. Many apologies. Our next show is scheduled for SATURDAY 5th September 2026.

⭐⭐ Lastest blog - OvaCyte Automated Faecal Analysis machine ⭐⭐

Take a look at our latest blog, which explains how we use the very latest technology to help with our worm egg count analysis.

Head to: https://www.avonvaleequine.co.uk/blog/ovacyte-automated-faecal-analysis/

⭐⭐ New Monthly Theme - Staying Sound on Hard Ground ⭐⭐

Biomechanics of Concussion on Hard Surfaces

When a horse runs on hard ground, peak forces at impact increase compared to softer surfaces. Studies demonstrate that harder surfaces reduce the time-to-peak force, meaning tissues experience higher loading rates, a key risk factor for both acute injury and cumulative microdamage.

This months’ posts will focus on how to optimise you horse’s performance when the ground is hard.

Watch out for our first post next Monday!

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST 2026
**** SHOW CANCELLED ****
Unfortunately due to URGENT family matters taking precedence currently and having spoken to Committee Members, I have no choice but to CANCEL the CHRC Show on Saturday 1st August 2026. Many apologies. Our next show is scheduled for SUNDAY 16th AUGUST 2026 by which time, we hope to have had some rainfall to soften the ground too!!

⭐⭐ Monthly Theme continued - Itchy Horses ⭐⭐

Managing itchy horses

Managing itchy horses can be incredibly frustrating, especially where environmental allergens are the culprit. The first thing to do is to try and avoid the allergen if there is one, this can involve changing bedding, feed or environments where a contact allergy is suspected, providing a physical barrier between your horse and the allergen (fly rugs etc.) and using insect repellents where an insect allergen is present. For parasitic skin disease, antiparasitics can be used to kill and deter parasites.

If your horse has allergic skin disease and has had allergy testing, a vaccination will often be recommended to desensitise your horse to the allergens.

In a flare up of itchiness cold hosing can help to reduce inflammation and itching, it can also physically remove allergens from the coat if there are any present.

Once we have eliminated the cause, we need to treat the inflammation, this can often be done using drugs – corticosteroids are often the most effective thing we can use for this. We don’t often recommend antihistamines in horses as they are not usually particularly effective and doses required are very high. Only medication prescribed to your horse should be given to you horse, so you will need to chat to your vet to decide whether anti-inflammatories are appropriate.

This is the last post for this theme. Next month we will be focusing on 'staying sound on hard ground'.

🐴🐴 Blog - An Equine Vet’s Guide to Protecting Your Horse from Flies this Summer 🐴🐴

Summer has arrived, and while it brings longer days and the promise of warm, sunny weather, it also brings flies and other biting insects that can make life a misery for horse and rider alike.

In this guide, we outline the main types of fly that can cause irritation or harm to your horse, as well as how you can protect your horse this summer.

https://www.avonvaleequine.co.uk/blog/how-to-protect-your-horse-from-flies/