An array of bits you can find on the market, renging from four point pressure bits, three ring snaffles, corkscrew bars with curb chains and gag bits that work on poll pressure

I must say I’ve seen some strange bit choices especially in the endurance scene, for some reason it seems to be all the rage to have these outrageously severe bits. People actually have the audacity to ask for the strongest bit available in that store, we are talking, chains, shanks, gags, nose pulls (both metal and rope) as well as mechanical hackamores, believe it or not but you can even get a combination of most of these, in a "one stop shop" bit.

The question that pops into my mind is, Is this purely an attention seeking exercise? Is the hunk of metal going to make you appear as a serious rider? And why is it seen on completely novice riders who are competing in their first race? If you don’t understand the mechanics and severity of the machinery your attaching to your horse’s mouth then I would suggest you do your research and talk to several very advanced riders, get some advice before you go down this path. Strong and severe bits should only be used by advanced riders who are capable of riding a horse without dispersing excessive load onto a horse’s mouth, actually you should have very subtle and soft hands! (generally you see novice riders using the reigns as a form of balancing themselves or they simply seesaw or perform other hideous movements from unskilled and heavy hands).

Recently I was having a chat with a new horse owner, they were so excited about their new addition to the family, and like all new owners they were out buying new equipment for themselves and the horse. During our conversation I asked about their first aid kit, and they responded by saying “yes I have bandaids and aspirin, in the car with me” (not exactly what I was getting at) So this got me thinking, how many other horse owners in the UAE have, or have not invested in a good first aid kit for their horse? How many owners know their horses resting respiration, pulse and temperature? Are they very familiar with how to take their horse’s vital signs? 

As an owner you need to be able to help the vet when they come in an emergency, to give them all the pieces of the puzzle. Or just to aid you with your training and pick up when your horse may be coming down with fever/ cold, I have come up with an essential list so pop down to your nearest tack shop or pharmacy and stock up ASAP! 

I have come up with a few simple tips about what to be aware of, it is also important to check your stables hay source as you need to be aware of every aspect of your horses nutrition and be a proactive owner (never assume!).

If you can’t get to a laboratory to have your hay sample tested then there are visual clues that can be used in a quick examination.

How mature is the hay?

There are a few topics left to factor into the Qudraland.com “trials of summer” issue, with my last blog covering the realities of overheating and my personal experiences with dealing with hyperthermia, sunburn and how to work out the most appropriate time to ride your horse, by factoring in not only the temperature but humidity and wind strength. If you missed the first blog of this series then click here and have a read.

So this brings us to the next instalment, contrary to most articles published on the internet about caring for your horse during summer, rarely can you find ones that focus on the issues that we face in the UAE. While most people are sending their horses out into the paddock to bask in the soft European sunlight, we are at the opposite end of the spectrum with scorching temperatures, sand storms, high winds and humidity (I make it sound so appealing to keep horses here). A common practice here in the UAE is that most owners and trainers keep their horses inside the barns for the majority of the day, some of the lucky horses are let out during the evening hours. While this is a practical solution to heat stroke, overheating, dehydration and sun burn, you will achieve one thing this summer, a very board horse! Who will without a doubt develop those attractive stable vices (swaying, pawing, wood chewing, crib biting, eating the bedding even some horses go as far to pull out their own tail out.)

Are they just bored?

There are simple tricks you can adopt to stop this behaviour from developing in the first place, if you have to keep them inside then try my top two tips: I guarantee that if you implement either one of these you will create a happier horse!

I think that you can all agree that this has to be the most dreaded few months in the UAE year, the temperatures during July, August and September typically remain elevated with little relief to be had for horse or rider. So the question you have to ask yourself, is your stable management and training schedule appropriate for this climate?

As this subject is rather extensive I’m going to break this up into topics Sunburn, factoring in the elevated temperatures and humidity, What to look for if my horse becomes overheated, Behavioural issues that arise in summer, flies and insects, common respiratory ailments due to increased sand and dust 

As an owner it is imperative that you monitor your horse throughout the summer for heat related problems, also adjusting your stable and training management is critical to reduce the instances of problems.