In this special episode for Clean Sport Week 2025, Rachel is joined by Dr. Marga Mas from Dodson & Horrell and Kate Hore from NAF to explore the topic of naturally occurring prohibited substances – also known as NOPS – and how they relate to clean sport. Our experts will also share some simple steps you can implement at your own yard to reduce the risk of contamination and protect your horse’s welfare and wellbeing. 

In the final episode of Equine Health Week 2025, we're focusing on a topic that nobody involved with horses likes to think about, but one that many of will have to go through at some point – end of life. 

 

It’s a sad fact that very few horses will pass away naturally so, whether as a result of accident, injury, illness or old age, euthanasia is something that many owners will be faced with. Vet Alistair Crozier from Parkside Veterinary Group and Dr. Amelia Cameron from the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine join Rachel to discuss how creating an end of life plan can help to reduce delay and distress when the time comes.

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

In the penultimate episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, we turn our attention to our 'golden oldies' and how we can support them as they age.

Nicola Housby Skeggs, Veterinary Director at The Horse Trust, shares what she's learned from caring for the around 140 elderly horses who live on-site at the charity. She and Rachel discuss all aspects of veteran care, including easing into retirement, enrichment ideas, managing health challenges and creating a suitable environment.

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

For the next episode in our series of episodes for Equine Health Week 2025, we’re focusing on how you can build a partnership with your horse in the saddle and support him to perform at his best.

Coach and former FEI Eventing European Champion Nicola Wilson returns to the podcast to share her top tips for a successful ridden partnership, including how to instill confidence in your horse, planning your competition season and the importance of appreciating him as an individual. 

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

Our horses' nutritional needs will change throughout their lives. In this special episode for Equine Health Week 2025, Rachel is joined by NAF's Head Nutritionist Kate Hore and Dodson & Horrell's Veterinary and Nutrition Advisor Dr. Marga Mas for discussion on all things equine nutrition. Covering everything from different nutritional needs at different life stages to how to choose the most suitable feed and supplements for your individual horse – via nutrition-related health problems, the importance of choosing a BETA NOPS-accredited brand and just what your horse's poo can tell you about his wellbeing – this episode is a must-listen if you want to ensure that your horse is getting the best possible outcome from his diet.

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

In today's episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, it's all about giving our horses a good life. Groom and yard manager Steph Sharples shares how she cares for the horses at Hughes Dressage in a way that means they're able to perform at their best with Gareth between the white boards. She and Rachel discuss the importance of having a routine, learning your horse's personality and why all of their horses have daily turnout. 

In the second of today's two episodes on training young horses, eventing legend Nicola Wilson shares her experiences, both as a rider and a coach, in producing young horses with a way that encourages a ‘happy athlete’ who enjoys his work. She and Rachel discuss how to build confidence and trust, allowing your horse to progress at his own pace and the importance of giving him time to 'be a horse'. 

In the third episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, in partnership with Agria, attention turns to young horses who are starting their ridden education. In the first of two episodes on this important topic, Rachel speaks to Dr. Russell Mackechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics – a key member of British Equestrian's World Class Programme team of sport science practitioners – about how you can tailor your training to hopefully set up your young horse for long-lasting soundness and success under saddle.

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

In the second episode of our series for Equine Health Week 2025, delivered in partnership with Agria, our focus turns to the years from weaning to the start of your young horse's education.

Associate Professor Brad Hill from The University of Nottingham's School of Veterianary Medicine joins Rachel to discuss how to get the weaning process right, how to provide the best environment for your young horse to grow up in and how equine learning theory will give him the best start to his education.

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.

Equine Health Week 2025 is back, in partnership with Agria! 

In the first episode of the series, Dr. Jan Birch and Edward Matson of the British Horse Foundation and vet Rebecca Keating from Twemlows Stud Farm join Rachel for an in-depth discussion on everything there is to think about if you're considering breeding your mare. Plus, they explore how to care for her during pregnancy, what the foaling process looks like and how you can give your new foal the best start in life. 

Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.