Al Grande SA Sporthorse Stud

09/06/2026

29/05/2026

All ready for tomorrows Ridingschool Dressage Challenge 2026.
Whatch this space!!!

05/05/2026

STRESS AND BEHAVIOUR

Horses can't tell us they're stressed, but they do show us through their body language.

The problem is that many of the signals we've been taught to dismiss as 'naughtiness' are actually stress responses.

Some of the most commonly missed signs of stress in ridden horses:
- Tail swishing (especially rhythmic or high-frequency)
- Teeth grinding
- Ears pinned or rapidly swivelling
- A tense, tight jaw or poll
- Short, choppy steps or a back that doesn't swing
- Spooking, napping, or sudden 'explosions' with no apparent cause
- Unable to stand still for mounting
- Girthiness or sensitivity during tacking up

Research into ridden horse pain and stress, including the work behind the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (Dyson et al.), has demonstrated that many behaviours previously labelled as 'disobedience' are directly linked to discomfort or anxiety.

So, rather than labelling a behaviour in anthropomorphic terms, we need to look at the underlying cause. Is the horse in pain? Is something ill-fitting? Are they overwhelmed? Are they confused? Have they been set up to succeed in this session?

Behaviour is communication for horses and it's our job to listen.

14/04/2026

Contack RLH Suptreme thoroughbred Sales for more info on Al grande Evening Star

10/04/2026