Not just small horses, ponies benefit from particular care and attention in certain areas. Merry Smith MRCVS explains what to watch out for

Picture by Alamy I S there ever a ...

Horse welfare is as critical as ever as we enjoy Christmas jollity. Howard Newitt MRCVS explains how racehorses are cared for during the festive racing period

How do I teach my horse to jump out of soft ground? Ellie Hughes asks Olympic event rider Nicola Wilson and five-star cross-country supremo Tom Crisp

BUYER’S GUIDE

Obesity remains one of the biggest threats to equine welfare — but vets and charities say real progress is now visible in many yards, clinics and competition arenas. Stephanie Bateman finds out what is changing, what still isn’t, and why this is no time to take the pressure off the fight against fat horses