As the summer temperatures rise and we all rush outside to get some sun, it is important to remember that our horses may not feel the same as we do and often struggle in the heat.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist16 July 2016Equine Welfare, Equine Physiology, Horse Behaviour, Equine Behaviour, Primary Needs, Equine Heatstroke

What does your horse do the 'other' 23 hours of the day?

Ever wondered how your horse's life may impact on his behaviour? If you have, I would wholeheartedly recommend you watch this film.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist10 April 2016ISES, International Society of Equitation Science, Equine Welfare, Equine Needs, Equine Sleep, Equine Enrichment, Equine Behaviour

Are today's competition horses prepared to do their job?

A recent study has suggested that many horses 'may not be sufficiently prepared for competition in line with the FEI code of conduct guidelines.'

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist3 March 2016Equestrian Competition, Equine Stress, FEI, Equine Welfare, Equine Training, Young Horses

What would your horse like for Christmas?

There seems to be a growing confusion over what our horses like, want, or even need. Horse owners are encouraged to focus on feed, supplements, tack, gadgets or the next new innovation in rugs and ignore the bigger picture.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist1 December 2015Equine Welfare, Equine Behaviour, Equine Needs, Equine Sleep, Equine Socialisation, Horse Behaviour Problems

Keeping your horses safe on bonfire night

While we enjoy the fireworks at this time of year we must not forget that bonfire night can be terrifying for our horses. Each year equine vets will have to treat horses that have injured themselves or had colic as a result of their fear.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist1 November 2015Horse Safety, Equine Welfare, Equine Fear, Guy Fawkes, November 5, Equine Enrichment, Equine Stress

What does a stabled horse do at night?

Ever wondered what your horse gets up to in his stable? This fascinating film shows 8hrs in the life of a stabled horse via time lapse camera, condensed into 8 minutes.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist22 October 2015Equine Sleep, REM Sleep, Equine Stress, Enriched Environment, Stabling, Equine Welfare

What really makes a horse happy?

Having a happy horse isn’t just about our own peace of mind – it provides tangible benefits. But how do you know if your horse is really happy?

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist24 September 2015Equine Science, Equine Behaviour, Equine Body Language, Equine Enrichment, Enriched Environment, Equine Needs, Equine Welfare

Can you recognise when your horse is in pain?

The last couple of years have seen a welcome increase in the research of equine body language, with some fascinating studies looking at the expression of pain in horses.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist8 July 2015Equine Pain, Equine Body Language, Equine Welfare, Equine Science, Equine Pain Face, Horse Grimace Scale

To rug or not to rug, that is the question...

It's that time of year again, many horse owners are watching the weather forecast to help decide which type of rug to put on their horse. But should we really rug them up at all?

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist16 May 2015Equine Welfare, Equine Needs, Equine Behaviour, Rugs

Horses have thinner skin and may feel pain more than humans

For those who think horses don't feel pain as we do - you could be right. They may feel far more.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist23 March 2015Equine Welfare, Equine Pain, Catalyst, Equine Skin, Equine Science, Whipping Horses, Whip Debate

Is your horse stressed?

Horse owners often think their equines have an easy life - but in fact, stress could be negatively impacting on their horse’s health and wellbeing far more than they realise.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist14 October 2014Equine Stress, Equine Behaviour, Equine Sleep, Equine Emotions, Equine Needs, Equine Welfare, Equine Physiology

How do horses feel about having their manes pulled?

A recent study by MSc student Louise Nicholls found that horses are unsurprisingly pretty stressed by the process. The results of her recent study are very interesting.

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist23 September 2014Equine Welfare, Equine Management, Grooming, Equine Pain, Equine Science, Horse behaviour

A happy athlete or a welfare issue?

This performance scored 79.629% and took 4th place yesterday in the Grand Prix Special at the World Equestrian Games. Who is judging the judges?

Justine Harrison | Equine Behaviourist28 August 2014Equine Welfare, Dressage, Spurs, Equestrian Competition, Noseband Tightness