Sisu Equestrian

10/23/2023

If you are one of those people who spends hours at the barn, eagerly taking in all things horse, this one is for you.

10/14/2023

10/11/2023

The beauty about horse riding is that feel can become more important than technique. The opportunity is there. How can a rider go from technique-based riding to feel-based riding? Here are 6 steps.

10/10/2023

A Knowledge is Power moment
The blood vessel within the hoof are a beautiful work of art.
It is so intricate and delicate and supports the entire horse.

10/05/2023

As the winter season approaches, it is time to evaluate your horse’s body condition score. ❄️ It’s important to make sure your horse begins winter in the best condition possible! If your horse has special needs it may be necessary to alter your feeding program during the winter months. Download our reference chart today 👉 https://loom.ly/w-eOrSI

10/05/2023

The Stages of Equine Skeletal Development

A horse ages roughly 3 times faster than a human. So, a 90 year old human is a 30 year old horse. Both very old, usually arthritic, don’t have many of their original teeth left, and very likely retired and enjoying the finer things in life.

A 25 year old horse is a 75 year old human. Some are still happily working but some prefer retirement and an easier life. Often depending on just how hard a life they’ve lived.

A 20 year old horse is a 60 year old human. At that point where the body doesn’t work like it use to but the brain is all there and wants to be active.

A 13 year old horse is a 39 year old human. Middle aged, prime of their life where their knowledge and physical ability are about equal.

So let’s get down to the babies and work our way up.

A 1-1.5 year old horse is getting their first adult tooth, this happens at 6 years old in a human child.

A 3 year old horse is a 9 year old child. A child. Not ready for work by a long stretch. We have moved past sending children down the mines.

A 4 year old horse is a 12 year old child. Often will do odd jobs for pocket money, maybe a paper round, mowing lawns etc. Basically a 4 year old horse can start a bit of light work experience to learn the ropes.

A 5 year old horse is a 15 year old teenager. Think they know it all, cocky, and ready to up their work and responsibilities. Still quite weak and not fully developed so shouldn’t be at their physical limit but can start building strength.

A 5.5 year old horse has just cut their final adult tooth, this happens at 17 years of age in a human.

A 6 year old horse is an 18 year old human. An adult. Ready to work.

An 8 year old horse has achieved full fusion of their final growth plates. This happens at 24 years of age in a human. This is the age it is safe to push a horse for their optimal performance.

Pushing your youngster too hard too young will result in the failure of many body parts. Joints, spine, tendons, ligaments as well as their brains. Waiting another year or two at the beginning could give your horse an extra 10 years of useful working life. Be patient with your pride and joy!

Written by Vikki Fowler BVetMed BAEDT MRCVS Vikki Fowler

Graphic credit to Naomi Tavian

09/23/2023

"When we as second-career trainers and riders hop on, we are bringing heavier tack, often heavier humans and different muscle control to the canter than your average jockey... this means is that horses who are accustomed to soft flowing gallops ... are met with a lot more pressure on their backs." W...