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

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

All behaviour has meaning — always. Emily Bevan finds out how understanding a horse’s body language and facial expressions can keep you safe, improve communication and ultimately strengthen the bond you have with your horse

Mental health can shape not just a rider’s performance, but their horse’s wellbeing. Oscar Williams discovers how to recognise the signs – and why it’s sometimes braver not to ride

What happens when we stop viewing horses through our own lens and start considering life from theirs? Emily Bevan reports from World Horse Welfare’s annual conference, where leading experts share powerful insights on behaviour, empathy and the environments we create

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