Coleshill Heath Riding Club

03/09/2026

🌟 Coleshill Heath Riding Club 2026 Survey – WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS! 🌟
We’re inviting everyone connected to CHRC — past or present to share their thoughts and ideas for the future of the club. Whether you’ve been involved recently or years ago, your voice genuinely matters.

The survey is confidential, and you can respond anonymously if you prefer.

📝 Please complete the survey by midnight on Sunday 20th September:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeskSLxXcI6YoDZfOcAUwmexLYFxXVoQg0oeBnLfD0fIMTIGQ/viewform?usp=header

Once responses have been collected, a General Meeting will be held in October (date, time and venue to be confirmed) for anyone with a vested interest in the future of CHRC.

Thank you,
Sarah
Chairperson, CHRC

A survey for everyone connected to CHRC to help shape the club’s future. Please complete and submit this survey by midnight on SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2026. You can submit this survey online or hand in a printed copy at any of the September CHRC shows in the designated confidential Posting Box. Than...

02/09/2026

🐴🐴 Track Systems 🐴🐴

What are track systems?

A track system is a horse (or donkey) management system where a path is fenced around the edge of a paddock, designed to encourage horses to keep moving throughout the day. This mimics their natural grazing and roaming behaviour. Track systems can vary from a simple path around your field’s edge, to more complex designs incorporating features such as trees, ponds and various surface types (sand, rubber, dirt).

Why are track systems beneficial?

Track systems allow your horse to have regular movement, which can support weight management, improve hoof health, promote digestive function, and importantly, provide valuable mental stimulation.

How do I set up a track system?

If you are starting out, fence several meters inwards from the perimeter of your field. If you have multiple horses using the track, ensure the track is wide enough for horses to pass without needing to get too close to each other. Ideally the track should be grass free for those requiring a low sugar diet or weight management. Hay can be supplemented at different points around the track to encourage movement between feeding stations. Add enrichment as you go such as obstacles (poles/logs) on the ground, scratching posts and water buffets.



Photo credit: horsewelfare.org

01/09/2026

⭐⭐ New Monthly Theme ⭐⭐

This month we’re shining a spotlight on two linked conditions- PPID (Cushing’s) and laminitis.

Understanding the signs, risk factors and management of these conditions can make a real difference to your horse’s health and wellbeing.

Throughout the month we’ll be sharing practical advice, warning signs to look out for, and veterinary intervention including diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

Look out for Monday's post on Cushings and how we test.

31/08/2026

** ATTENTION ALL PAID UP 2026 CHRC MEMBERS **

A Survey titled ' Coleshill Heath Riding Club – 2026 Survey: What the Future Holds!!' should have landed in your email boxes over the past 24hrs. It has been dispatched to the email addresses that were provided when you joined the Club. The email contains a link giving access to the Survey which is requested to be completed and submitted online no later than Sunday 20th September 2026. Paper versions will be available from the Entries box at either of our September shows where you will also find our designated Survey Post Box.

If, for any reason, you don't appear to have received this Survey, please message the club and that can be rectified immediately.

Your feedback will help us understand a) how the club is doing, b) what’s working, c) what isn’t, and d) how we move forward together.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Your voice genuinely matters.

Don't worry if you aren't a current Member, a link to the Survey will be issued on here, once our 2026 Members have had their say.

31/08/2026

Come along and join in the fun. Supportive committee & members. Relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your horses and ponies

28/08/2026

🐴🐴 Latest Blog - Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) 🐴🐴

Take a look at our latest blog on EMS where we explain what EMS is, how we can diagnose it, how to manage EMS and treatment options. We also include a case report on Quigly.

https://www.avonvaleequine.co.uk/blog/a-guide-to-equine-metabolic-syndrome-in-horses/

26/08/2026

⭐⭐ Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A*M) ⭐⭐

A*M is an orthobiologic preparation which can be used as an alternative to steroids in joints and other synovial structures. It is a protease inhibitor which decreases inflammation within the joint, causing the horse to become more comfortable. It is typically made from a sample of your horse's blood, although there is now an allogenic preparation available, meaning that your horse does not have to go through the blood collection process.

A*M can be frozen, and defrosted and used within 12 months, so horses can have multiple doses from one processing which can be used as required. Some clinicians give more than one dose, depending on the horse's requirements. There is also no competition withdrawal.

If you have any questions about A*M or other orthobiologic products, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

25/08/2026

⭐⭐ FREE CLIENT EVENING - ALL WELCOME ⭐⭐

We will be holding our next FREE client evening on Monday 12th October at Ettington Community Centre, Rogers Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7SX (between our Practice and Stratford), 7pm.

More information to follow - please save the date. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a client or not and as usual, we'll be offering refreshments and a free buffet.

Hope to see you there!

24/08/2026

⭐⭐ Monthly Theme continued - staying sound on hard ground ⭐⭐

Systemic and Nutritional Factors in Joint Integrity

Cartilage and subchondral bone health depends on adequate provision of key nutrients. Deficiencies in copper, zinc, and manganese impair cartilage health, compromising resilience under repetitive loading.

Horses should receive a balanced diet, and many benefit from supplementing:

• Omega-3 fatty acids modulate inflammatory cytokine expression.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate provide substrate for glycosaminoglycan synthesis, though bioavailability may be limited.
• Natural vitamin E and vitamin C for anti-oxidant activity.
• Boswellia serrata, natural vitamin E, and methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) aid the reduction of inflammation.
• Biotin, for good quality hoof growth.

Nutritional support should complement appropriate workload, farriery, and surface management.

Head to our website for more information on our supplement range - https://www.avonvaleequine.co.uk/avonvale-supplement-range/

17/08/2026

⭐⭐ Monthly Theme Continued - staying sound on hard ground ⭐⭐

Surface Variability and Musculoskeletal Load Management

Epidemiological data from racing and sport horse populations consistently identify training surface as a significant variable in limb injury incidence. Hard, non-compliant footing increases cumulative loading on subchondral bone, predisposing to remodelling, sclerosis, and microfracture.

From a conditioning standpoint, strategic surface rotation reduces repetitive strain. Only spend five minutes of each ride trotting or cantering on hard ground, three to four times a week. A horse’s legs will acclimatise to this in three to four weeks. Beyond this there is no measurable benefit; so for the rest of the session work the horse on a good quality surface or turf to reduce unnecessary concussion.

After work, cold-hosing for 20 minutes or applying ice boots can help to reduce inflammation in the distal limbs.

Next Monday we look at systemic and nutritional factors in joint integrity.