PLN
One day, under one roof, a farrier, a grooming specialist, a nutrition expert, and hundreds of riders who all wanted one thing: to better understand their horses, met. The Horse Welfare Day at Equishop powered by Over Horse showed that welfare is not just a phrase from a rulebook, but the sum of daily, small decisions. We've gathered the most important aspects from that day: a report, photos, and concrete knowledge that you can apply in your stable as early as tomorrow.
Key Information at a Glance
- Horse welfare is a system, not a single action. It encompasses nutrition, grooming, healthy hooves, veterinary prophylaxis, and thoughtful training.
- The driving force behind the day's content was Over Horse, a Polish brand of grooming products and supplements, whose specialists led sessions on clay, liniment, and supplementation.
- Clay and liniment work differently. Clay cools and supports post-exertion recovery, while liniment warms or provides relief; confusing their application can be harmful.
- A supplement is only meaningful if it addresses a real deficiency. Administering it "just in case" can be a waste of money and sometimes burdens the horse's body.
- Most questions concerned practical application, dosages, the order of post-training procedures, and early pain recognition before the horse starts to limp.
Table of Contents
- Horse Welfare Day at Equishop: How the day unfolded
- Over Horse, the day's partner and a brand committed to welfare
- What exactly is horse welfare?
- Clay vs. liniment: when and how to apply correctly
- Supplements under the microscope: how to get more out of them than you think
- Healthy hoof is fundamental: what the farrier teaches
- Equine doctor: prevention that avoids tragedies
- Rider safety is part of horse welfare
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary: Horse welfare starts with you
Horse Welfare Day at Equishop: How the day unfolded
From 10:00 AM, the Equishop salon was filled with people for whom a horse is not a piece of sports equipment, but a partner. We designed the program so that everyone, from ambitious recreational riders to professionals, would leave with concrete knowledge, not just a bag of leaflets. And that's exactly what happened.
The day began with the "Become an Over Horse Designer" competition, where participants designed their own color accents for equipment. This was a deliberate move to show that horse care and aesthetics are not contradictory. Afterwards, the part that many were most looking forward to began: substantive sessions led by the Over Horse Team and invited specialists.
At 12:30 PM, Anna Wasilewska from the Over Horse Team led the session "Clay vs. liniment: when and how to apply correctly?". At 2:00 PM, the "Equine Doctor" competition took place with Jakub Wiraszka, testing practical knowledge about horse health. At 3:00 PM, a Q&A session began with Karol Szpalerski, a farrier who answered questions about hooves without mincing words. The day concluded at 4:30 PM with Anna Wasilewska's second session, "Supplements under the microscope: how to get more out of them than you think." The event ended at 6:00 PM, although conversations at the stands continued much longer.
What is most gratifying is not the number of visitors, but the nature of the questions asked. People asked about dosages, the order of post-training treatments, and how to recognize hoof pain before the horse starts to limp. These are questions from responsible caregivers. Horse Welfare Day confirmed that Polish riders want knowledge, not ready-made slogans, and that is why we decided to gather the most important conclusions in this article.
Over Horse, the day's partner and a brand committed to welfare
It's no coincidence that the entire day was organized in cooperation with Over Horse. This Polish brand has specialized in grooming products, cosmetics, and supplements for horses for years, and its philosophy is close to what Equishop tells its customers every day: first understand the horse's needs, then reach for the product.
The sessions led by the Over Horse Team were not sales presentations. They were lessons on when to cool, when to warm, how to read supplement ingredients, and how not to harm a horse with too much good intention. The brand's portfolio includes, among other things, cooling clays and gels, joint preparations, muscle de-acidifying supplements, vitamins, and regenerating skin cosmetics. You can find the entire assortment in the Over Horse category, and in the following sections, we show where each of these products actually comes in handy in your daily routine.
This is the essence of the Equishop and Over Horse partnership: the product always serves the horse, not the other way around. Let's see what this means in practice, starting with what welfare actually is.
What exactly is horse welfare?
Horse welfare is a state in which the animal can fulfill its natural physical and psychological needs, does not experience chronic pain, fear, or discomfort, and its health is actively protected. In practice, this means daily decisions: what the horse eats, how it moves, how it is groomed, how it trains, and how it is cared for between training sessions.
The reference point for the entire community is the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse, which prioritizes the horse's well-being over competition and human interests. This is complemented by the classic concept of the five freedoms of animals, popularized by organizations such as the British Horse Society: freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain and disease, from fear, and freedom to express natural behavior. Sounds theoretical? See how quickly this translates into concrete action.
A horse that receives poorly chosen feed has digestive problems. A horse with an untreated hoof compensates for pain, overloads tendons, and ends up in rehabilitation after a few months. A horse trained without a warm-up suffers injuries that could have been avoided. Welfare is not an addition to horsemanship; it is its foundation. And because it is a system of interconnected vessels, it is worth discussing its elements one by one, exactly as we did during the event.
Clay vs. liniment: when and how to apply correctly?
This question comes up most often in stables, which is why Anna Wasilewska's session attracted a full house. Let's start with a short, practical answer.
Cooling clay is a product applied to a horse's legs after intense exercise to reduce swelling, support tendon regeneration, and "draw out" heat from working structures. Liniment, on the other hand, acts locally, warming before exercise or soothing afterwards, stimulating circulation in the given area. You use clay when you want to cool; liniment when you want to warm or provide relief. This is the core distinction that many riders fail to make.
How does clay work and when should you reach for it?
Cooling clay (most often based on mineral clay with added menthol, arnica, or camphor) works on the principle of slow evaporation and a poultice effect. Applied in a thick layer to tendons and fetlocks after jumping, long gallops, or competitions, it limits micro-traumatic inflammation and helps the legs return to normal. It is best applied overnight, allowed to dry, and then rinsed off with lukewarm water in the morning. During the session, Over Horse Kaoglin cooling clay was used as an example, applied precisely in this manner.
Practical example: after a show jumping course, a horse returns with "heated" tendons. A layer of cooling clay on the fetlock and flexor tendon is a simple way to ensure the leg is cool and free of swelling the next day. When you need faster, temporary cooling without rinsing off a thick layer, a lighter form, such as Over Horse cooling gel for topical use, works well. This is a routine many riders use after competition rounds.
How does liniment work and where is the easiest place to make a mistake?
Warming liniment stimulates circulation before exercise or on cold days, preparing muscles for work. Cooling or regenerative liniment, on the other hand, provides relief to tired areas after training. The most common mistake? Applying warming liniment under boots or bandages, because under cover, the product can act too intensely and irritate the skin. Warming liniment should be applied to an exposed area, gently massaged in, never under a sealed layer.
The consequences of a mistake can be severe: cooling a leg that needed warming, or warming a fresh injury that needed cooling. Therefore, the rule is simple: first understand what you want to achieve (cool or warm), and only then reach for the product. If in doubt, especially with swelling of unknown origin, consult a veterinarian before applying anything.
Supplements under the microscope: how to get more out of them than you think
The closing session of the day was also the most practical, as it dealt with a topic where it's easiest to overspend. The question "what supplements should I choose for my horse" is asked hundreds of times a month on the Polish internet, and most often it's poorly phrased.
A supplement is not feed and not medicine. It is a dietary complement that only makes sense when it addresses a specific, identified deficiency or burden. Administering "a little bit of everything" not only strains the wallet but can be counterproductive, as an excess of some mineral components disrupts the absorption of others.
First, the basic diet, then supplementation
Before you add anything to the manger, check the foundation: good quality hay, access to water, a balanced ration of concentrated feed. Only on this basis will the supplement work. A sport horse working at high intensity has different needs than a recreational gelding ridden three times a week, and this determines the choice. For horses without a clear deficiency but needing daily micronutrient supplementation, a good starting point is Over Horse Vitamin Premium vitamins for horses in convenient granular form.
The most commonly sought-after groups are joint supplements for horses subjected to jumping stress, such as Over Horse Flex Complete for joint cartilage, muscle de-acidifying preparations for intensely working horses, for example Over Horse Neutralizer, hoof supplements for problematic hoof horn, and electrolytes for horses that sweat profusely. Each of these groups addresses a different, real problem.
How to "get more" from a supplement
Three principles mentioned during the session are worth remembering. First, consistency, because most supplements, especially for joints and hooves, only work after weeks of regular administration, and interrupted treatment is wasted money. Second, a dose appropriate to the horse's weight and workload, not "by eye." Third, the quality of the raw material, because it's better to give one well-absorbed preparation than three cheap ones with uncertain bioavailability. If you don't know where to start, the starting point should always be a dietary analysis, and in case of doubt, consult a veterinarian or zootechnician.
Healthy hoof is fundamental: what the farrier teaches?
"No hoof, no horse" – every horse owner who has ever dealt with a lame horse knows this saying. The Q&A with farrier Karol Szpalerski was one of the most practical parts of the day, as it concerned the structure on which the horse's entire health literally stands.
Regularity is key. Hooves grow regardless of whether the horse is working, so trimming or shoeing every six to eight weeks is standard, not a whim. Neglecting the schedule leads to cracks, uneven weight distribution, and secondary problems with tendons and joints. The hoof is both a shock absorber and a blood pump; its condition affects the entire musculoskeletal system.
A practical sign that should concern you is a horse starting to "favor" one leg, shortening its stride on hard ground, or being reluctant to descend a slope. These are often the first signs of hoof discomfort, long before overt lameness appears. It's also worth remembering about the skin around the hooves and fetlocks, as rubs and irritations can sideline a horse as effectively as lameness; the regenerating Over Horse S.O.S cream comes to the rescue here. Cooperation with a good farrier and observation of horn quality, supported by appropriate supplementation as mentioned above, is the cheapest prevention we know.
Equine doctor: prevention that avoids tragedies
The "Horse Doctor" competition, led by Jakub Wiraszka, subtly conveyed a very serious message through play: the ability to recognize early signs that something is wrong with the horse. Because welfare is largely about prevention, reacting before a problem escalates.
The basic set of skills for every caregiver includes knowing the horse's resting vital signs (heart rate, respiration, temperature), being able to assess appetite and stool consistency, and being vigilant for signs of colic, the most common equine emergency. Regular deworming, vaccinations, and dental check-ups are a calendar that must not be treated arbitrarily.
Real-life example: a horse that suddenly stops eating, rolls more often than usual, looks at its belly, and sweats is a potential colic case, and a situation where minutes count. A caregiver who knows their horse's normal behavior will react faster and more accurately. Knowledge of horse health does not replace a veterinarian, but it determines how quickly you call one.
Rider safety is part of horse welfare
It may seem counterintuitive at an event about horse welfare, but rider safety and horse well-being are interconnected. A tense, unsure, or injured rider transfers tension to the horse, sends chaotic signals, and more often provokes risky situations. A skilled, protected rider means a calmer horse, which is why we discussed safety as readily as grooming that day.
If you want to consciously choose protective equipment, from an attested helmet, through a body protector, to safety stirrups, it's best to do so calmly, with the possibility of trying them on and consulting. We invite you to our store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, where we will help you choose solutions tailored to you and your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between clay and liniment for horses?
Cooling clay cools and supports leg regeneration after exercise, reducing swelling. The liniment works locally, warming up before work or soothing afterwards, stimulating circulation. In short: you use clay to cool, liniment to warm or relieve. Do not use warming liniment under tight bandages.
How often should cooling clay be used?
Cooling clay is used as needed, after intense exercise, such as jumping, long galloping, or competitions. It is best applied in a thick layer overnight and rinsed off in the morning with lukewarm water. There is no need to use it daily for a horse that works lightly; reach for it when the legs are warm or overworked.
Cooling clay or cooling gel, which to choose?
Clay, such as Over Horse Kaoglin, creates a thick poultice overnight and works best after intense exertion when you want deep cooling for the tendons. Cooling gel is lighter and quicker to apply, convenient for immediate use after training, without the need to wash off a thick layer. Many riders keep both products in their stable.
Which supplements are truly necessary for horses?
Only those that address a real deficiency or burden: joint supplements for jumping horses, muscle acid-reducing preparations for horses in intense work, hoof supplements for poor horn quality, vitamins for deficiencies, and electrolytes for horses that sweat profusely. The starting point is always a balanced basic diet; supplements cannot replace it.
How can you tell if a horse needs a joint supplement?
Signs include stiffness at the beginning of work, reluctance to collect, poorer quality of movement on hard ground, or difficulty in turns. Jumping and older horses are particularly susceptible to joint strain. Preparations such as Over Horse Flex Complete support joint cartilage but only work with regular, multi-week administration.
What is muscle acidification in horses and how to counteract it?
During intense exercise, metabolic by-products accumulate in the muscles, resulting in stiffness, reduced willingness to work, and slower regeneration. Proper warm-up and cool-down are fundamental, and acid-reducing preparations, such as Over Horse Neutralizer, used during periods of increased training load, can provide support.
Does a horse need vitamin supplementation?
That depends on the basic diet. Horses on poor pasture, in intensive training, or during periods of increased demand may need vitamin and trace element supplementation. Granules, such as Over Horse Vitamin Premium, are a convenient form. With a complete, balanced feed ration, additional supplementation is not always necessary.
How often should a horse be shod?
The standard cycle for trimming or shoeing is about six to eight weeks, as hooves grow regardless of whether the horse is working. The exact interval is determined individually with the farrier, depending on the rate of horn growth, type of work, and ground conditions.
How to care for irritated horse skin?
Chafing, minor wounds, and skin irritations, especially around the fetlocks, girth, and under tack, require quick action, as they can put the horse out of work. The basis is hygiene and eliminating the cause of chafing, and supportive regeneration comes from care creams, such as Over Horse S.O.S. cream. For deeper or non-healing lesions, consult a veterinarian.
How to recognize that a horse is experiencing discomfort or pain?
Signs include: shortening of stride, reluctance to work, "sparing" one leg, changes in appetite, more frequent rolling, looking at the flank, decrease in willingness to interact. Knowing your own horse's normal behavior and vital parameters allows you to react early and call a veterinarian at the right time.
Summary, horse welfare starts with you
Horse Welfare Day at Equishop powered by Over Horse showed the most important thing: welfare is not one treatment or one purchase, but the sum of daily, conscious decisions. Properly selected care, cooling clay, gel for immediate relief, liniment for warming, thoughtful supplementation addressing real needs, regular farrier visits, veterinary vigilance, and smart training all form one coherent system.
If you were to remember three things from this article, let them be these. First, understand before you apply, because every product and supplement has a specific purpose. Second, prioritize quality when it comes to health, because proven care products and supplements are an investment, not a cost. Third, listen to your horse, because most problems announce themselves long before a crisis, if you are only attentive.
If you want to choose care products and supplements tailored to your horse's needs, check out the Over Horse category in the Equishop store or visit us at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. Thank you to everyone who spent this day with us. See you at the next Equishop events.
