A Cheshire-based horse owner who launched a range of innovative safety products for equestrians has received recognition for her efforts with a recent award.Lifelong horse lover Tina McKeever (pictured above) was aware of the inherent risks of riding and caring for horses, and wanted to create a simple way of supplying vital information in an emergency situation.She has since developed a range of emergency identification products, which contain scannable QR codes to lead help to the right people, contact numbers and useful details when most needed.Equine QR was born: Products are created in-house and include tags, rider stickers, QR mounts and personalised travel signs (pictured)Ive been knocked over and stood on in fields and no one would have known who to contact so I started working on how I could improve this, she told Your Horse.As horse owners and riders, we know how quickly an unexpected situation can happen. A horse can escape from a field, or a rider may be unable to communicate following an accident. We wanted to create a practical way for someone to access important information and contact the right people with one quick scan.Codes for at home and awayEquine QR products include durable tags, which can be attached to bridles, headcollars, rugs and riding equipment, rider stickers, QR Mounts and personalised travel signs.The subscription-free service allows owners to add emergency contacts and other useful information to their profiles and update their details whenever needed.One of Tinas two heart horses, Maisie. She was Tinas inspiration for developing Equine QREarlier this year, Tina was a finalist in the 2026 Equestrian Business Awards and recently she won the Tail Blazer Award at HAPPAs Hoof and Hearts Awards.It means so much to see the difference they can make, continued Tina. In one instance, a loose horse was reunited with its owner within an hour after its tag was scanned. Stories like this remind us why we started.Looking ahead, we want to continue developing thoughtful, practical products, working with equestrian organisations and spreading the message that a little preparation can make a big difference.Related contentWhat to do if you fall off on a hackUseful health products for your horses first aid kitwhat3words credited for saving riders livesEssential 12-point checklist for safer and happier hackingThe post Equestrian entrepreneur receives award for innovative safety products appeared first on Your Horse.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale The Source of Champions (@goresbridgegoforgoldsale) We are just hours away from opening at the 2026 Goresbridge Go For Gold...

Ocala, FL Saturday night Jumping returned to the WEC Grand Arena as World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) welcomed an enthusiastic crowd for the $75,000 Wheels Up National Grand Prix during the opening week of the 2026 November & December Show Series. With packed grandstands and a bustling terrace, the evening brought together top-level equestrian sport and the excitement of the Ocala Food &Source

Ocala, FL The Ocala Food & Wine Festival continued Saturday, November 7, at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) with its largest celebration of the weekend, the Grand Tasting. WEC Exposition Center 1 transformed into a bustling culinary showcase, with more than 100 participating vendors presenting chef-prepared cuisine, premium wines, beer and spirits, and specialty retail offerings.Source

Ocala, FL The Ocala Food & Wine Festival continued Saturday, November 7, at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) with its largest celebration of the weekend, the Grand Tasting. WEC Exposition Center 1 transformed into a bustling culinary showcase, with more than 100 participating vendors presenting chef-prepared cuisine, premium wines, beer and spirits, and specialty retail offerings.Source

From subtly shaping manes and tails to achieving a show-ring shine, experienced showing producer Vikki Smith shares her top tips from Your Horse Live 2026 for presenting native ponies while retaining their natural appearance.When it comes to turning out a native pony for the show ring, the secret is to enhance what nature has provided without making the finished result look artificial.Experienced showing producer Vikki Smith demonstrates her techniques on 15-year-old New Forest stallion George, a multiple show ring winner and Royal International Horse Show champion. Whether Im presenting George as a working hunter or a flat pony, I always turn him out exactly the same, explains Vikki.Perfecting the maneDifferent native breeds require different approaches to mane length and thickness.With a New Forest, you dont want the mane as long as a Fell or Dales, or even a Welsh, says Vikki. I generally tidy Georges mane five days to a week before a show, so it has time to settle.Her golden rule is never to thin the top layer.If you rake from the top, youll end up with short hairs sticking up. I divide the mane and use a medium rake underneath to remove bulk, keeping the top smooth.To shorten the mane, Vikki backcombs small sections before carefully removing the ends, creating a natural finish rather than an obviously cut edge.She also considers how the mane frames the neck.You can shape it slightly to give the illusion of more front, which can make a real difference when the pony stands up for the judge.Tidy, but natural, tails Native tails should look full and flowing, but careful shaping can improve the overall picture.I use a finer rake to tidy the sides without taking the hair right down to the skin, says Vikki. You want definition, but it must still look natural.To protect Georges tail, she keeps it plaited and bagged between competitions, helping prevent breakage and preserve thickness.Creating that winning shinePreparation starts with a thorough bath the night before competition.I use a peppermint shampoo first to remove grease and dirt, followed by a colour-enhancing shampoo to bring out Georges black coat.On show day, Vikki brushes thoroughly before applying a lightweight, silicone-free shine spray.Theres no point putting finishing products over dust. You need to get right down into the coat first.For manes and tails, she favours detanglers and lightweight conditioning lotions that add shine without making the hair greasy or clumpy.Finishing touchesSubtle makeup can enhance the eyes and muzzle, while carefully blended cover-up products help disguise minor blemishes.The trick is not to overdo it. On a grey pony, for example, Id dilute black makeup with a little shine product so the eyes look defined without appearing too dark.A conditioning gloss highlights the face, while clear hoof shine provides a polished finish without looking unnatural.Above all, Vikki stresses that successful native turnout is about balance.You want everything to look beautifully presented, but still natural. Its those little details that make the difference in the ring. Photo credit: Getty ImagesRelated contentHorse grooming: expert advice for a mud- and dust-free coat that shinesHorses love getting muddy and they need to roll outside every day, experts sayAlan Davies grooming brushes range, plus the top grooms daily grooming routineHorse grooming vacuum: what they are, how they work and where to buy oneHow to keep any mane looking trim, tidy and looking smartHow to plait a horses tailThe post How to turn out a native pony to perfection with top tips from an expert at Your Horse Live appeared first on Your Horse.

From establishing rhythm and relaxation to steering through subtle weight aids, rider, trainer and bridleless specialist Serena Kullich explained the principles behind successful bridleless riding at Your Horse Live 2026 and how developing a deeper connection with your horse can transform your everyday training.Having represented Great Britain at the 2023 World Young Horse Showjumping Championships, Serena has developed a training approach centred on groundwork, liberty and bridleless riding including showjumping. Her philosophy is that riding without a bridle is the natural progression of good horsemanship, producing horses that are relaxed, responsive and connected to their riders.We all need our horses to be connected with us for everything that we do, Serena explains.Here are her essential training principles.1. Establish rhythm and relaxationBefore considering removing the bridle, your horse must be able to maintain a consistent rhythm without relying on the reins.The very first thing when Im teaching my horse bridleless is to make sure I have both rhythm and relaxation in all paces, says Serena.This means being able to trot and canter without continually using the reins to regulate the speed.If the horse begins rushing, Serena recommends using inside flexion and the inside leg to rebalance before softening the reins again.Repeat the exercise until the horse learns to maintain the desired pace independently.Its teaching our horses that its their responsibility to maintain the rhythm that we set, not ours to keep making little adjustments, she explains.2. Teach your horse to follow your weightThe next stage is developing steering and stopping aids through the riders body.To turn, I look the way I want to go, turn my shoulders, Serena explains.When turning left, for example, the riders weight shifts slightly left, while the outside leg can move back to reinforce the direction.To stop, Serena thinks about allowing her weight to sink down through her seat and stirrups, while ceasing to follow the horses movement.It might not look obvious to you, sat in the audience, but your horse can really feel that, she says.If the horse doesnt understand, briefly pick up the reins to clarify the aid, then soften them again.3. Introduce a neck ropeOnce the horse reliably understands weight aids, a neck rope can provide an additional means of communication.Pressure against the side of the neck reinforces turning, while a gentle signal towards the chest can support the stopping aid.However, Serena emphasises that the ultimate aim is for the horse to respond primarily to the riders seat.For me, the aids when riding bridleless should come from our seats, she says.Practise these exercises with a bridle and reins in place until the horse consistently responds without needing rein corrections.4. Develop collection through your seatCollection is another important element of bridleless riding.Serena demonstrated how sitting taller, shifting her weight slightly back and engaging her core encourages her horse to shorten and collect his canter.When she allows her seat to follow more freely, the horse moves forwards again.The objective is to develop a horse that understands subtle changes in balance rather than relying on rein pressure.5. Dont rush to remove the bridleBridleless riding should be the result of progressive training, not the starting point.Serena advised practising steering and stopping repeatedly while retaining the reins as a backup.Only when these aids are thoroughly established should riders consider progressing further, ideally with experienced supervision in a secure, enclosed arena.Serena Kullichs top tips for bridleless ridingPrioritise relaxation:establish a calm, consistent rhythm in every pace.Use your seat:practise steering and stopping through subtle weight changes.Reinforce, then release:use the reins to clarify an aid before softening again.Introduce the neck rope gradually:it should complement, not replace, established aids.Take your time:never remove the bridle until your horse responds reliably and you have appropriate professional support.You might also enjoy These are the core principles of natural horsemanshipWhat we learnt about riding accurate cross-country lines from Simon Grieve at Your Horse LiveStars shine and great stories shared among winners at2026 SEIB Search for a Star ChampionshipsNine-year-old jockey and 19-year-old pony steal the show to land Search for a Star overall supreme titleMeet Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class at Your Horse LiveRos Canter & Becky Moody together for the first time ever at Your Horse Live!The post Bridleless riding: Serena Kullichs secrets from Your Horse Live to a stronger connection with your horse appeared first on Your Horse.

From choosing the right clip to avoiding wonky lines and tackling tricky areas, clipping your horse neednt be daunting. Professional clipper Amee Reeves (Amee Reeves Equestrian) and Bella Dixon (Bellas Clipping Services) from Liveryman clippers and trimmers shared their practical advice for beginners, including the mistakes to avoid and how to keep your horse happy throughout.Clipping your horse for the first time can feel intimidating. How much hair should you remove? Which blades should you use? And how do you achieve matching lines on both sides without accidentally turning a bib clip into a hunter clip?During a live clipping demonstration at Your Horse Live 2026, Amee and Bella revealed their top tips for achieving a neat finish while ensuring the horse remains comfortable and relaxed.1. Choose the right clip for your horseBefore switching on the clippers, consider your horses workload, living arrangements and temperament.Ultimately, a clip is designed to work for the horse, explained Bella.For youngsters, nervous horses or those living out, a bib clip is an excellent starting point. This removes hair from the underside of the neck and chest, helping prevent excessive sweating while retaining much of the horses natural protection.The bib clip is really good for young horses for their first introduction to clipping, explained Amee.For horses needing slightly more hair removed, a strip clip extends over the shoulder and girth area, while an Irish clip removes more hair from the underside and flanks.The golden rule? Dont remove more coat than your horse needs.2. Start with the right equipmentFor beginners, lightweight, quiet clippers can make the process considerably easier.Small, low-vibration machines are particularly useful for nervous horses, while larger, heavy-duty clippers are better suited to removing substantial amounts of coat.A standard 2.4mm blade is a versatile starting point for many horses, while longer-cut blades can provide a more natural finish.When clipping, hold the blade flat against the horses body and work against the direction of hair growth.The key to a flawless finish is always going to be having that even pressure, explained Bella.Use long, sweeping strokes, overlapping each pass to avoid leaving tramlines.3. Introduce clipping graduallyFor horses unfamiliar with clipping, patience is essential.Start by allowing them to become accustomed to the sound and vibration of the machine before attempting to remove any hair.Its all about taking it at the horses pace, Bella advised.For sensitive areas such as the face, introduce a small, quiet trimmer gradually, without necessarily clipping anything.Its about giving them a positive experience each time, she added.Never rush a worried horse. Short, successful sessions are preferable to one stressful experience.4. Take care around sensitive areasThe armpits, elbows and underside of the belly require particular attention because the skin can be loose and wrinkled.Amee recommends switching to smaller clippers or trimmers for these areas.Im not going to go too deep into the armpits because you can easily cut them, she explained.Rather than lifting a horses leg to access the armpit, gently reposition the loose skin to create a smoother clipping surface, keeping the horse standing comfortably.Always ensure the horse knows where you are before moving underneath its belly or towards sensitive areas.5. Perfect those clipping linesOne of the biggest challenges for beginners is achieving symmetrical lines.Amee advises: Always go low first. You can always bring it higher, but you cant stick the hair back on.Before starting the opposite side, ensure the horse is standing squarely on level ground.Use anatomical landmarks, such as the elbow and shoulder muscles, to guide your lines. Chalk can also help mark out the desired shape.Stand directly in front of the horse to compare both sides, checking your progress regularly.When clipping alongside the mane, work upwards gradually to avoid accidentally removing mane hair.6. Look after your bladesGood clipper maintenance is essential for a comfortable finish.We always oil our blades every 10 minutes, advised Bella.Pause regularly to brush away loose hair and apply the appropriate clipper oil, helping reduce friction and heat.Always follow the manufacturers instructions for blade tension, as different machines require different settings.7. How often should you clip?Contrary to myth, theres no universal clipping schedule. Some horses require frequent clipping throughout the winter, while others may only need one or two clips.Coat growth is influenced by seasonal daylight changes, meaning an early autumn clip may appear to grow out more quickly.The important thing is to assess your horses comfort, workload and coat rather than following a rigid timetable.Beginner clipping checklistChoose a suitable clip based on workload and turnout.Introduce the clippers slowly, particularly to nervous horses.Use overlapping strokes with consistent pressure.Take extra care around wrinkles and sensitive skin.Start clipping lines lower and gradually adjust them.Oil blades regularly and monitor their temperature.Never sacrifice safety for a perfect finish.Above all, remember that clipping is a skill that improves with practice. A slightly uneven line is far preferable to a frightened horse or an avoidable injury.You might also enjoy 11 clipping tips for the perfect finish to your horses winter coatStars shine and great stories shared among winners at 2026 SEIB Search for a Star Championships Nine-year-old jockey and 19-year-old pony steal the show to land Search for a Star overall supreme titleSEIB Search for a Star Showing ChampionshipsMeet Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class at Your Horse LiveRos Canter & Becky Moody together for the first time ever at Your Horse Live!The post Clipping horses for beginners: expert tips for a smart, safe finish appeared first on Your Horse.

Discover the featured Hilton Herbs Herballs N. 3 Raspberry & Marshmallow, a natural treat for your horse made from 100% natural ingredients and free from additives.