Off Duty

With an increase in strangles cases and a lot of misinformation circulating on social media, we’re bringing you a short bonus episode of Off Duty to answer your questions.

We managed to catch Off Duty co-host and equine vet Sabrina in the middle of a busy schedule to respond to real questions sent in by horse owners who are trying to do the right thing and want clear, factual advice.

This listener-led Q&A covers how strangles spreads, early signs to watch for, managing risk when competing or travelling, vaccination considerations, and what to do if your horse or yard is affected.

The aim isn’t to create panic, but to cut through the noise, address misinformation, and help owners make sensible, informed decisions.

If you’re concerned about your own horse, always contact your own vet or Dooneen Vets for advice. We hope to return to this topic in a future full episode, looking more broadly at equine infectious diseases and how to create an effective infectious disease plan for your yard.

If you’ve ever heard us say “Just email Catherine” — this is why.

Catherine Griffin from Snout & About joins us to break down what behaviour actually means, why it’s not the same as training, and why so many cases have pain or emotional distress at the root.

We talk:

Puppy foundations

Overstimulation & modern dog lifestyles

Why muzzles shouldn’t carry stigma

The importance of early intervention

And how behaviour work starts long before you ever “train” a dog

This is a collaborative, evidence-based approach to behaviour — and honestly, it changed how we think in clinic.

Thanks to Chanelle Pharma for supporting this episode.

Part 1 of a multi-part series.

If you would like to contact Catherine 

www.snoutandabout.ie

Are you preparing for your Pony Club D+ Test? Wondering what examiners look for in stable management, riding and horse care?

In this episode of Off Duty, we share a practical, step-by-step guide to passing the Pony Club D Plus Test — covering everything candidates must know before progressing to the C Test.

This episode is ideal for Pony Club members, parents supporting riders, and instructors revising D+ stable management topics.

In Part 1 we cover:

✅ D+ Test format and requirements

✅ What to wear for the Pony Club D+ exam

✅ Riding expectations, including jumping (up to 65cm) and riding on undulating ground

✅ Basic needs of a pony living in a field

✅ Daily health checks and field safety

✅ How to put on a saddle and bridle correctly

✅ Correct tack fitting (noseband & throatlash rules)

✅ How to clean and care for tack properly

✅ How to safely catch and turn out a pony

✅ How to lead and trot up a pony in hand

✅ Safe tying techniques (and why baler twine matters)

Whether you're sitting your D+ this season or helping your child prepare, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to build confidence before test day.

🎧 Follow Off Duty so you don’t miss Part 2 — where we’ll cover grooming kits, picking out feet, colours and markings, rugs, turnout, and performing a proper pony health check.

Are you preparing for your Pony Club D+ Test? Wondering what examiners look for in stable management, riding and horse care?

In this episode of Off Duty, we share a practical, step-by-step guide to passing the Pony Club D Plus Test — covering everything candidates must know before progressing to the C Test.

This episode is ideal for Pony Club members, parents supporting riders, and instructors revising D+ stable management topics.

In Part 1 we cover:

✅ D+ Test format and requirements

✅ What to wear for the Pony Club D+ exam

✅ Riding expectations, including jumping (up to 65cm) and riding on undulating ground

✅ Basic needs of a pony living in a field

✅ Daily health checks and field safety

✅ How to put on a saddle and bridle correctly

✅ Correct tack fitting (noseband & throatlash rules)

✅ How to clean and care for tack properly

✅ How to safely catch and turn out a pony

✅ How to lead and trot up a pony in hand

✅ Safe tying techniques (and why baler twine matters)

Whether you're sitting your D+ this season or helping your child prepare, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to build confidence before test day.

🎧 Follow Off Duty so you don’t miss Part 2 — where we’ll cover grooming kits, picking out feet, colours and markings, rugs, turnout, and performing a proper pony health check.

In this episode, Sabrina Barnwell is joined by Vincent O’Hara as they work through Stable Management for the C Test, starting with one of the most important foundations of horsemanship: remembering that your pony is an animal, not a machine.

We cover:

Pony welfare and behaviour (including the famous three F’s: freedom, forage & friends)

Why kindness, patience and understanding matter more than force

Keeping ponies at grass – advantages, disadvantages and daily checks

The five key things to consider when choosing a field

Safe fencing, shelter and water

Poisonous plants every Pony Club member should know (including newer risks like sycamore)

Field care, worm control and good management habits

This series is designed to be accessible, practical and friendly – perfect for Pony Club members preparing for their C Test, parents trying to understand the syllabus, or anyone who wants a solid grounding in good horsemanship.