Racehorses are fuelled for speed, but the same high-starch diets that power them on the track can leave lasting digestive stress. Dr Tom Shurlock explains how to rebuild gut health, support condition and keep your ex-racer thriving this winter

BUYER’S GUIDE

Picture by Alamy I S there ever a ...

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

Tessa Waugh focuses on the positives – and the useful effects of “liver-shaking” – at the start of the new year, banishing covetous thoughts of a friend’s life in the southern hemisphere