Please don’t let your horse get fat, joints are overloaded and it increases the risk of conditions like laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome.

Horses need to move to develop strong bones and soft tissues so turn them out as much as possible and increase their exercise gradually.

Turn out is also important to keep them happy.

Consider feeding a joint supplement to older horses.

Horses have to be trained to carry a rider which takes time, with correct exercise, to build the muscle required to support the additional weight.

Vary the type of exercise and the surface your horse works on.

Educate yourself in what a well shod or trimmed hoof looks like and how to tell if your saddle fits. Diet and teeth are other factors which can have an impact on the ability of the horse to function as an athlete, or even to just be comfortable. There is a lot of information available which can be confusing but professionals should always be happy to explain what they are doing and why.

Remember it is your horse and you need to feel comfortable with the team which helps look after them.