Articles

Well-known in Europe in the fourteenth century, the observation of horse's teeth goes back at least two thousand years. Hay-fed horses do not need to use their incisors in the same way, with the result that these do not get worn down and eventually get so long that the horse cannot close its mouth sufficiently to use the molars to grind its food. A thorough oral examination requires the use of a full-mouth speculum and a mild sedative or relaxant.

Better food uptake means better performance so in order to improve the horse's digestion regular dental work is a must. Have you ever seen a horse smile? Typically, a vet is called in to file down teeth when they become long, but tends to do so in a very uniform manner, which does not take into account the natural variations in the horse's own way of grinding, or the angles of the teeth necessary for comfortable eating.

The equine dentists themselves are a rare breed. This may be because in dressage both the horse and its rider demonstrate the power, suppleness and joy related to ballet. Both the horse and rider must be fully in touch with each other and as such it can be seen as the pinnacle of team sport.

The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage. The saddle is tailored with a lengthy and straight flap, fitting the rider's leg, with a gentle curve in the knee, a low seat and usually a prominent knee block. The standards of riding and training took and great leap forward with the introduction of dressage in the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless.

The rider is required to design and set to music a performance of necessary movements and figures for the Musical Freestyle, for many the highlight of the dressage competition. Grooming not only allows us to give our horses a shiny, short, healthy coat, it also gives us the opportunity to go over our beautiful animals from head to toe