Articles

You pick out your horse's feet and something does not look right.

There might be a strong smell around the frog, a crumbly section along the white line or, more dramatically, your horse may suddenly be extremely lame on one leg.

Thrush, hoof abscesses and white line disease are three different hoof problems, but some of their signs and risk factors can overlap. Knowing the basic differences can help you spot a problem sooner and know when your farrier or vet needs to become involved.

Regular hoof care is important because conditions including thrush and white line disease can be recognised earlier when feet are checked and trimmed consistently.

Horseware's guide to preventing injuries in horses also highlights how muddy conditions can contribute to hoof problems, making regular checks especially important through wetter months.

1. Understanding Common Horse Hoof Problems

2. Thrush vs Hoof Abscess vs White Line Disease at a Glance

3. What Is Thrush in Horses?

4. What Is a Hoof Abscess?

Spring grass has a reputation for causing problems, but autumn is not automatically a safe season for horses prone to laminitis.

Grass growth can change quickly after autumn rainfall, and cooler nights can affect the way plants use the sugars produced during the day. For susceptible horses, this can make pasture management particularly important as summer moves into autumn.

Laminitis itself is an extremely painful condition affecting the sensitive structures inside the hoof and should always be treated seriously. It can happen at any time of year, not only in spring.

Knowing your individual horse, monitoring their weight and recognising subtle warning signs can help you act quickly.

1. Why Autumn Grass Can Still Be a Laminitis Risk

2. Horses Most at Risk of Laminitis

3. Early Warning Signs of Laminitis

4. Why Cool Autumn Weather Affects Grass Sugars

5. Creating an Autumn Grazing Plan

6. Grazing Muzzles, Track Systems and Other Useful Gear

7. Weight, Exercise and Rugging Through Autumn

8. What

A good horse rug needs to do more than keep your horse warm or dry. It also needs to stay secure without restricting movement, creating pressure points or rubbing sensitive areas.

A rug that fitted perfectly at the beginning of the season may not continue to fit in exactly the same way. Changes in weight, muscle, coat thickness and clipping can all affect how a rug sits, while straps can loosen with regular use.

That makes rug fitting an ongoing check rather than a one-off job.

Horseware recommends checking sizing and fit carefully because the correct fit helps prevent rubbing and rug slippage.

If you want to understand the different cuts, closures and features available before choosing a rug, take a look at our guide to the different parts and styles of a horse rug.

1. Why Horse Rug Fit Matters

2. A Quick Horse Rug Fit Check

3. How to Prevent Shoulder Rubs

4. How to Prevent Mane Loss from Rugs

5. Checking Surcingles, Front Fastenings and Tail Straps

6. Signs Your Horse’s Rug Does Not

Clipping your horse can help improve comfort during work and support recovery after exercise. With the right preparation and a steady approach, it’s a process that can feel both manageable and rewarding.

Whether you’re clipping for the first time or refining your technique, taking the time to plan and work carefully will help you achieve a neat, even finish while keeping your horse relaxed throughout.

1. Introduction: Why Clip a Horse

2. When Should You Clip a Horse

3. Horse Clipping Checklist

4. Preparing to Clip Your Horse

5. How to Clip a Horse: Step-by-Step

6. What to Consider when Clipping Sensitive Areas

7. What Not to Clip (FEI Guidelines)

8. Aftercare Following Clipping

9. Supporting Your Horse’s Comfort with Horseware

10. Frequently Asked Questions on Horse Clipping

A headcollar is one of the most-used pieces of everyday equipment in any horse owner’s tack room. From bringing your horse in from the field to grooming, travelling, tying up, or handling around the yard, the right headcollar can make daily routines safer and more comfortable for both horse and handler.

With so many different styles, materials, and fits available, choosing the best headcollar for your horse can feel like a small decision, but it’s an important one. We’ll be sharing advice on how to choose the right headcollar for your horse, what features to look for, and how Horseware’s headcollars are designed to support comfort and safety, aligning with FEI Guidelines.

1. Why Use a Headcollar on Your Horse?

2. How to Choose the Right Headcollar for Your Horse

3. Consider the Fit First

4. Choose the Right Material

5. Webbing Headcollars

6. Fleece-Lined Headcollars

7. Leather Headcollars

8. Think About Safety

9. Match the Headcollar to the Job

10. For Everyday Use

11. For Grooming

12. For Turnout

13. For Travel

You pick out your horse's feet and something does not look right.

There might be a strong smell around the frog, a crumbly section along the white line or, more dramatically, your horse may suddenly be extremely lame on one leg.

Thrush, hoof abscesses and white line disease are three different hoof problems, but some of their signs and risk factors can overlap. Knowing the basic differences can help you spot a problem sooner and know when your farrier or vet needs to become involved.

Regular hoof care is important because conditions including thrush and white line disease can be recognised earlier when feet are checked and trimmed consistently.

Horseware's guide to preventing injuries in horses also highlights how muddy conditions can contribute to hoof problems, making regular checks especially important through wetter months.

1. Understanding Common Horse Hoof Problems

2. Thrush vs Hoof Abscess vs White Line Disease at a Glance

3. What Is Thrush in Horses?

4. What Is a Hoof Abscess?

There’s a reason horse owners often say, “No hoof, no horse.” Healthy hooves are essential to your horse’s comfort, movement and overall wellbeing. They support the full weight of the body, help absorb impact and provide the grip your horse needs on different surfaces.

Daily hoof care should be a regular part of your routine regardless of whether your horse is stabled or turned out, barefoot or shod.  Even small changes can affect soundness, so regular checks can help you spot potential problems early and keep your horse feeling their best.

1. Why Hoof Care Matters

2. Make Hoof Checks Part of Your Daily Routine

3. How to Pick Out Your Horse’s Hooves Safely

4. Understand the Role of Your Farrier

5. Barefoot or Shod: What’s Right for Your Horse?

6. Watch the Weather and Environment

7. Feed for Healthy Hooves

8. Know the Warning Signs

9. Keep Hoof Care Simple and Consistent

10. Complete Your Horse Care Routine

11. Horse Hoof Care FAQs