As the leading provider of equine bedding across the country, P.H Winterton understands the importance of your horses getting their 40 winks. A recent study from Nottingham Trent University has looked into the sleep patterns of horses and how they could provide early warning signs of ill health. We will explore this in greater detail during this blog below. Horse Sleep Study Explained This fascinating study identifies patterns of rest for horses plus reasons they require rest such as temperature, age, temperament and exercise. Monitoring night-time sleep, the researchers are looking to establish regular rest patterns for different types of the horse which allows owners to spot any early warning signs of something amiss. Horses experience slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, with the SWS phase of the cycle, only achieved standing up whereas they must lie down for REM sleep. There is some evidence from this study that suggests horses unable to achieve REM sleep suffer from sleep deprivation. This could be due to injury or illness that makes lying down too painful or stress. Most horse owners are unable to monitor their horses’ sleep patterns throughout the night which means these changes can go unnoticed. The study from Nottingham Trent University involves the analysis of videos that display healthy riding horses’ night-time behaviour with details recorded for each horse. Accelerometers were also employed to automatically record movement and remotely monitor the horses during the night. How Equine Bedding Helps Horses Relax Equine bedding from P.H Winterton is available in three different ranges, to suit any requirements and budget. Cheshire Choice is our premium brand of horse bedding made from 100% softwood shavings with a long-life guarantee. As suggested by its title, Economy Bale is our budget range is a mixture of hardwood and softwood, making it easy to clean out with the use of rubber mats. Our newest range of equine bedding is the Zebra Fibre animal bedding, which can be used for horses and cattle with excellent absorbency qualities which means less abrasions for your animals. Talk to the Horse Bedding Specialists If you would like to know more about guaranteeing a good night’s sleep for your horses, contact P.H Winterton and Son...
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With a local lockdown issued for Leicester, advice has been provided to horse riding schools to help manage the situation. As the leading provider of equine bedding across the country, P.H Winterton and Son have been in constant contact with our equestrian customers to help as much as we can. Guidance from the British Horse Society Oonagh Meyer from the British Horse Society (BHS) commented, regarding the localised lockdown of Leicester, “The restrictions apply to the city and parts of Leicestershire that ‘touch on the city’s boundaries’. “There is now a local lockdown in Leicestershire, the council has published a map and we are waiting to confirm specific postcodes that will be affected.” “Currently, this doesn’t affect any of our BHS approved centres in Leicestershire, however, we have two that are very close to the map the council has provided so far, meaning that when the list of postcodes is published they may fall into the area. “At this stage, it appears that Leicester city is affected, rather than outlying rural areas. “We would advise any riding school in the Leicestershire area to check the Leicestershire.Gov.UK website and follow the local authority guidance.” The Importance of Equine Bedding With some riders restricted regarding taking their horse out riding, keeping them comfortable in their stables has become even more important. PH Winterton has three types of equine bedding to suit your budget and requirements. Cheshire Choice bedding is our premium product made from 100% wood shavings, whereas our Economy Bale bedding is a cost-effective solution. Our newest range is the Zebra Fibre Animal bedding has excellent absorbency qualities and is available in 48-60 bales per pallet. Get in Touch for More Information If you would like to know more about P.H Winterton’s range of equine bedding, please contact us today. We also offer the leading sawmill waste collection plus biomass fuel, which is a renewable heating source for domestic and commercial...
Read Moreabout Supporting Equestrians During Localised Lockdown
With some restrictions of the Coronavirus lockdown eased recently, the position regarding horse riding and training has been amended. As the UK’s leading provider of equine bedding, P.H Winterton understands how difficult this period has been for riders and their horses. For our latest post, we are going to explain the new advice being issued and how it affects you. The British Equestrian Federation Advice Explained Following a meeting, the board of the British Equestrian Federation have stated that riders are encouraged to resume exercising their horses, whilst observing social distancing. Riders are also encouraged to maintain public hygiene plus health and biosecurity measures. Every rider should continue to assess the level of risk associated with horse riding and work within their capabilities and fitness levels. In England, the relaxation on travel for exercises and a return to work for many people means one-to-one training is allowed. Coaches are able to travel to yards and riders to their instructors. Facility hire is now permitted, provided the venue conducts thorough risk assessments beforehand. This situation will continue to be monitored, based on advice from the UK government, as required to ensure the safety of riders and horses. The BEF is currently looking at an umbrella plan which will act as guidance for the equestrian sector and all of its stakeholders. This includes working closely with British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping on a coordinated plan. A statement from the BEF said the following, “Wider equestrian activity and some horse sports can adapt well to social distancing requirements and should be in a position to get underway quickly, once conditions permit and the government gives the go-ahead.” Only the Best Equine Bedding from P.H Winterton While it is important to give your horse sufficient exercise time, it is also crucial to give them a good place to rest at the end of the day. P.H Winterton offers three different types of horse bedding to match your expectations and your budgets. We have recently added Zebra Fibre animal bedding to our catalogue, which boasts excellent absorbency qualities. If you would like to know more about any of our products, please contact us...
Read Moreabout Riding your Horse While Observing Social Distancing
Due to the COVOD-19 pandemic, the British Equestrian Federation has advised against riding, meaning you will need to find ways to adapt your daily routine and maintain the health of their horses. Here at P.H Winterton, we understand the importance of keeping your horse happy during these challenging times, which is why we have drawn up some activities you can take part in, without leaving the stable. Six Ways to Keep Your Horses Happy During Lockdown 1. Lungeing – This is a great way to keep your horse exercised, just make sure you wear a hat, gloves and suitable footwear. Before starting lungeing we would recommend reading up on what your horses need to wear and how to lunge if you haven’t attempted this much previously. 2. Long-Reigning – Much the same as lungeing you will need to ensure you and your horse are dressed appropriately plus you can move onto exercises like leg-yielding when you both have had sufficient practice. 3. Grooming Sessions – Take some time out to give your horse a good grooming session getting to know every inch of their body. You may be surprised at the number of small lumps and old scars that have been missed during a daily flick over. Learn how warm each of his legs feels and how filled they are plus how they vary during different times of the day. You can pull his mane and tail if needed, trim his bridle path and heels if appropriate to his type and job. 4. Horse Agility – A basic agility course involves leading a horse through a corridor in the shape of an S without your horse stepping out or touching the poles. Another activity you could work on could be leading your horse through a curtain or a narrow gap or over a tarpaulin. Remember to always assess the risk of trying new exercises, in case your horse is sharp or easily spooked. 5. Assess Your Horse’s Conformation – Pull out your Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship and take a look at your horse and make a critical analysis of his conformation. Now it is time to consider how this impacts on his work and the way you train...
Read Moreabout Keeping Your Horse Happy without Riding
With the latest Government advice for people to stay at home for an extended period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many horse riders have questioned whether they can still ride their horses whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here at P.H Winterton, we understand the importance of maintaining the health of your horse during this difficult time, which is why we have put together this handy guide with regards to riding your horse. Guidance from Governing Bodies Whilst no official guidelines have been published by the Government regarding animal care, the British Equestrian Federation have stated the following – “At present, there are no definitive guidelines or restrictions around caring for and riding horses, and we will share anything which becomes available from the Government via the British Horse Council. “It is sensible to avoid any activities that carry an increased risk of injury, such as jumping, fast work and riding a young, fresh or spooky horse. “If you must hack out, be mindful of other people walking, cycling and running, and keep 2 metres distance. Lungeing, in-hand work and turn-out are good alternatives to ridden exercise.” Equine Bedding has Never Been More Important During these unusual times, it is extremely important to ensure your horses have a comfortable home while their usual routines are disrupted. Investing in high-quality equine bedding from P.H Winterton is the best way to ensure they have a good night’s sleep. We offer three choices of equine bedding, designed to suit all requirements and budgets. Our Cheshire Choice horse bedding is our premium range, whilst our Economy Bale is ideal for those riders with a stricter budget plus we recently added Zebra Fibre Bedding to our catalogue. Choose P.H Winterton for Equine Bedding If you are looking to invest in the best equine bedding available in the country, look no further than P.H Winterton and Son. Get in touch today to discuss our range and transform your horse’s stables...
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