Daily tip

All tips

• Give your horse company: horses are herd animals and need contact with other horses every day.

  World Horse Welfare

• Forage first: aim for at least 1.5–2% of body weight per day in hay or grass to keep the gut healthy.

  World Horse Welfare

• Pick out hooves daily and check for heat, cracks or a strong smell that may signal thrush.

  RSPCA

• Body condition score your horse every 2 weeks; small changes are easier to fix than big ones.

  AAEP

• Release pressure the moment your horse responds — timing is how horses learn.

  ISES

• Fresh, clean water must always be available — a horse drinks 25–55 litres a day.

  RSPCA

• Have teeth checked by a vet or equine dentist at least once a year.

  AAEP

• Turnout matters: free movement every day supports joints, hooves and mental wellbeing.

  World Horse Welfare

• Know your horse's normal: resting heart rate 28–44 bpm, breathing 8–16 per minute, temperature 37.5–38.5 °C.

  RSPCA

• The horse's welfare always comes before competition goals.

  FEI

• Warm up for at least 10 minutes at walk before asking for collected work.

  USEF

• Rhythm comes first in the Scales of Training — build suppleness and contact on top of it.

  British Dressage

• Watch for signs of stress: tail swishing, pinned ears or a tense mouth mean you should slow down.

  British Equestrian

• Keep vaccinations and worm control on a schedule agreed with your vet.

  AAEP