Ocala, FL Get ready for a barking spooktacular time! On Saturday, October 24, the fourth annual Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest takes over World Equestrian Center Ocala. Join this free event and dress your pup in their Halloween best for an evening of costumes, prizes and plenty of four-legged fun. No pup? No problem. Spectators are welcome. Enter your dog in the costume contestSource

Ocala, FL Entries and stall reservations are now open for the 2026 November and December Show Series, featuring four weeks of USEF-sanctioned hunter/jumper competition from November 4-15 and December 1-13. The December Show Series will feature Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* and CSI1* competition during Week I. New for 2026, Week II will showcase CSI4* and CSI2* competitionSource

Taylor Vard has named the 2026 Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Jumping Squad that will compete at the 2026 FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships taking place in Lanaken, Belgium from the 16th 20th of SeptemberSpeaking on his selections Taylor Vard commented:Congratulations to the owners and riders on your selection, as always its not easy to put teams together and not disappoint someone, but Lanaken is just one show and there will always be a championship at every stage of our horses journey.Feedback regarding the change to the five-year-old finals using optimal time has been mixed, it will be interesting to see how it is received at the championships.The best of luck to everyone going and there will probably be some changes as we get closer to the show with horses getting sold.Thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and everyone in Horse Sport Ireland working behind the scenes to organise paperwork for our teams.Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development with Horse Sport Ireland, Sonja Egan, PhD, added: Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce the team for the upcoming FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken.We are delighted to have such a strong team representing Ireland across the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old categories, and I would like to congratulate all of the breeders, riders and owners on their selection for this prestigious Championship. Qualifying for Lanaken is a significant achievement for every combination, and I commend all involved for the careful and consistent production of these horses through the national young horse classes throughout the season.I would also like to thank Taylor Vard for travelling across the country throughout the season to view the horses and for his thorough and considered assessment of each combination that registered their interest.HSI, and I personally, are very much looking forward to supporting the Irish Studbook teams at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken. We wish all of the competing breeders, owners and riders the very best of luck and every success at the Championships.Participation at the FEI WBFSH Showjumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.Furter information on the show can be found hereSeven-Year-Old DAFM Studbook Series League Winner HHS Lexington (ISH) and Max Foley (IRL) are Lanaken boundTeam Ireland Selected horses are as follows:Five-Year-Old TeamABC Mayflower (ISH)2021 mare by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP) out of Ardnehue Diamond Cruiser (ISH)(TIH), by Cruising (ISH)(TIH). Bred by Patrick Kehoe, county Carlow, and owned by Gerald Burke.Ridden by Gemma Phelan (IRL)BP Bob Rock (ISH)2021 gelding by Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Arraghbeg Clover (ISH), by Captain Clover (ISH)(TIH). Bred by GBBS International Ltd, county Tipperary, and owned by Keith Ennis.Ridden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)Cal Bos Rok Princess (ISH)2021 mare by Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Princess Pacino (ISH) by Pacino (BWP). Bred by Carmel Lynch, county Cavan, and owned by Stephen Lowry.Ridden by Joshua James Lynch (IRL)Elma Bo (ISH)2021 mare by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Manory H (KWPN), by Hernandez TN (KWPN). Bred by Jack Ryan, county Kilkenny, and owned by Abigail Boland.Ridden by Abigail Boland (IRL)GLC Mr President (ISH)2021 gelding by Conthargos (OLD) out of Mullentine Good Friday (ISH), by Untouchable 27 (KWPN). Bred and owned by Garreth Cassidy, county Derry.Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)Soco Flex (ISH)2021 gelding by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Flexamarenca (ISH), by Flex a Bill (ISH)(TIH). Bred and owned by Eddie Moloney, county Kilkenny.Ridden by Eddie Moloney (IRL)Six-Year-Old TeamBoleybawn Alexa (ISH)2020 mare, by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Arina (BWP), by Crown Z (ZANG).Bred and owned by Boleybawn Horses Ltd., county Wicklow.Ridden by Harry Wood (GB)Castlefield Tycoon (ISH) (Ballyv Mr. T)2020 gelding, by Tyson (KWPN) out of Witty Luterra C (KWPN) by Lupicor (KWPN). Bred by Sean Stafford, county Wexford, and owned by Martin EganRidden by Jason FoleyGalwaybay Jim (ISH)2020 gelding, by Catoki (HOLST) out of Galwaybay Anika (ISH), by Kannan (KWPN).Bred by Justin Burke, county Galway, and owned by John RyanRidden by Jack RyanKilbrackan Stakatto (ISH)2020 mare by Stakatto Gold (HANN) out of Chambery De La Pomme (IFCE), by Elvis Ter Putte (BWP). Bred by Donal Cadden, county Leitrim, and owed by Bruna Batista de OliveiraRidden by Molly Hughes Bravo (POR)Newmarket Pretty Lady (ISH)2020 mare by Newmarket Venture (HANN) out of Newmarket Pleasure (ISH), by Newmarket Jewel (WESTF). Bred by Billy Daly, county Cork, and owed by Adam FerrisRidden by Kian Dore (IRL)Ogue BT Grandato (ISH)2020 gelding by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Ogue Ali Furist (ISH), by Aldato (KWPN). Bred by Anne Murphy, county Wicklow, and owed by BT StablesRidden by Ethan Ahern (IRL)Parc Kesha WSH (ISH)2020 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of ASHTON ENA (SPH), by CANTURANO (HOLST). Bred by David Williams, county Clare, and owed by Williams Sport Horses LtdRidden by Coen Williams (IRL)Seven-Year-Old TeamGalwaybay Winningmood (ISH)2020 gelding by Winningmood Van De Arenberg (BWP) out of Galwaybay Merstona (ISH), by Mermus R (KWPN). Bred by Justin Burke, county Galway, and owned by Northlawn FarmRidden by Jack Ryan (IRL)HHS Lexington (ISH)2020 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of HHS Chantilly Lace (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred and owed by Marion Hughes, county KilkennyRidden by Max Foley (IRL)Kleio de Muse (ISH)2020 mare by Im Special De Muze (BWP) out of Legaland Rossas Girl (ISH), by Verdi (KWPN). Bred by Mcfadden Equine, county Tyrone and owed by Cavan Equestrian CentreRidden by Camryn Clarke (IRL)Parc Violeta (ISH)2020 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of Ulanda D (KWPN), by Emilion (KWPN). Bred and owed by Paula Williams, county ClareRidden by Coen Williams (IRL)Rosconnell Tango (ISH)2020 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of CSF Sophie (ISH), by Goodluck VDL (KWPN). Bred by Mairead Lacey, county Laois, and owed by Keith EnnisRidden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)Tullibards Pandora (ISH)2020 by Tullibards Bennys Legacy (OLD) out of Tullibards Somanyquestions (HANN), by Grandeur (HANN). Bred owed by Hans Jurgen Kuehnle, county LaoisRidden by Michael Pender (IRL)Wildcard selected horses and riders are as follows:Five-Year-Olds:Rhea-Duela Taylor CumminsRomai Alisha VardRustanza P Shane TreanorValentino JS Coen WilliamsVibe of Picobello Z Gemma PhelanSix-Year-OldsCodex Girl van Twelve Oaks Z Rhys WilliamsKassie Devine Z Jenny RankinOlga DEcaussinnes Kian DoreUkina Emily MoloneyUmbrillio Van Het Kapelhof Stephen GibbonsSeven-Year-OldsJasmin dAriel Niamh McEvoyOcean David SimpsonRials Varinjo Jessica BurkeTop Gun VD Bisschop Sophie RichardsTyfoon VD Donkhoeve Kian DoreA reserve list of horse and rider combinations will be published next weekThe post Young Horse Squad to compete at World Championships in Lanaken named appeared first on .

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have identified a potential new drug target for osteoarthritis (OA) which could improve how the disease is managed in both humans and animals.The researchers identified two closely related proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 and 19 (CDK8/19), as a mediator and drug target in OA disease cell models. The team then tested a CDK8/19 inhibitor in mice to assess its impact on joint health and mobility.The study found that mice receiving the inhibitor treatment showed improved gait characteristics and greater ability to complete treadmill exercise tests, alongside reduced weight gain and lower levels of OA biomarkers in the blood. Analysis of the cells and tissues of the treated mouse knee joints also revealed improvements in cartilage composition.OA, which is characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, changes to the underlying bone, and inflammation within the joint, is the most common form of arthritis. It is estimated to affect at least one of the four joint regions (hand, hip, foot and knee) in more than 527 million people around the world. Ageing and obesity are two risk factors.OA in horsesOA is also a major problem in animals, particularly horses. More than 50% of horses aged over 15 have the disease and this figure rises to 90% when horses are aged over 30. There are currently no approved treatments that can reliably slow, reverse or halt the progression of OA.Further investigation using micro-computed tomography, which provides detailed 3D images of bone, demonstrated that the treatment also affected changes to bone and cartilage associated with OA.This research provides a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which cells become disease-causing in osteoarthritis and, importantly, provides a pharmaceutical option for disease reversal, said Dr Scott Roberts, Reader in Translational Skeletal Research at the RVCs Skeletal Biology Group.This is hugely exciting and impactful given the absence of any disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs. The next stage of this project is to transition the research from preclinical into proof-of-concept studies to show disease modifying efficacy in a patient population.The study was carried out by a team of researchers from across the RVC, University of Oxford, Middlesex University and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and was led by Dr Scott Roberts. The project was funded by the RVCs Mellon Fund for Equine Research and Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).Encouraging findingsDr Paul Clarke, Group Leader, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), said: At the ICR, in collaboration with Merck Healthcare KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) and Cardiff University, we discovered and developed potent and highly selective drugs targeting CDK8 and CDK19. Although these proved unsuitable for treating cancer, we were pleased to work with the Royal Veterinary College to explore the potential of repurposing these compounds. We are delighted to see the encouraging findings of using these compounds to treat osteoarthritis, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is tremendously rewarding to see these molecules finding new purpose, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Dr Roberts and his colleagues to advance these important preclinical observations toward proof-of-concept studies in patients.The findings are currently limited to preclinical studies, and further research will be needed before the approach can be tested as a treatment in patients.The main image, provided by the RVC, shows an AI image representation of knee and hip osteoarthritis being treated with CDK8/19 inhibitor Generated using Gemini.More content from Your HorseHay vs haylage: this is how to choose which is best for your horseSoaking hay: how to do it correctlyCrops down 50% in 2025: potential hay shortage raises concerns for horse ownersFeeding a horse straw: why it has a place in their diet and how to feed it safelyThe post RVC research identifies promising new target for osteoarthritis treatment appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL Construction continues on The Shoppes Off 80th at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC), the resorts new outdoor shopping destination. Expected to open later this year, the outdoor venue will be comprised of 32 new storefronts, nearly doubling the propertys existing retail footprint. The Shoppes Off 80th will feature a distinct mix of luxury brands, upscale retailers and lifestyleSource

The August 2026 In The Saddle calendar image takes us to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain, and the trail rides run by Dallas Love a destination, and a friendship, that goes back further than almost anything else offered by In The Saddle. I (Olwen) first met Dallas in the spring of 1996. My []The post Dallass Beautiful Horses appeared first on In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide.

They often drink from streams and ponds, but can horses drink rainwater?Water is one of the most essential components in equine welfare. However, according to chartered environmentalist Ruth Dancer, demand on the nations finite water supply could make caring for horses increasingly more challenging.During the June heatwave, we in Gloucestershire lost our water for two days, with limited pressure only just returning four days in, says the managing director of White Griffin, a sustainability consultancy.Consumption reportedly went up by 9% during the heatwave and the infrastructure couldnt cope with increased demand, especially following such a dry spring.Ruth says this represents the start of the problem.Sadly, we now know that two-degree global warming is highly probable. With increased probability of temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s, water availability will worsen each year.What wont change is how essential water is in equine health. However, when faced with extreme temperatures, we will want to use even more of it for cooling, drinking and feeding, adding further pressure to the supply.Yards should catch, store and use as much rainwater as possibleRainwater harvesting: the solution for equestrians?As well as urging equestrians to take the time to understand the topic of water stress, Ruth also encourages them to investigate rainwater harvesting as a way to reduce reliance on mains water.Rainwater is such an obvious way to solve some of our problems, she says. With our stable, barn and shelter roofs, we have the perfect infrastructure to put it in place. You can use it for every yard task, from cleaning buckets to soaking hay. Horses can even drink rainwater.The good news is that you can harvest rainwater at next to zero cost, invest in a sophisticated system, or something in between. Ideally, though, it would have a lid to keep debris out, and be something that is easy to clean regularly.Not only could you repurpose a receptacle you intend to use for watering plants or washing kit, but some local authorities are also even giving water butts away for free. Check out your local council website to see if your catchment is running a water initiative.Can horses drink rainwater?We know we can use rainwater for many yard tasks, but can horses drink rainwater?We often think that chemical treatments equal safer and better, but horses frequently prefer natural clean water, explains Ruth.Your horse may even prefer harvested rainwater to the mains water provided.If you do intend to use rainwater for your horse to drink, Ruth recommends speaking to a rainwater harvesting company about choosing the right filtration system. Plus, they will advise on the general management you will need to undertake to keep the system clean and working.A basic level system that ensures water is clean and free of debris is normally all that is required, she advises.If you have any concerns at all, you can purchase water testing kits or have a professional test the water on occasion.Rainwater harvesting: getting your setup rightNow we know horses can drink rainwater, what about the rest of your water use? Ruth shares her tipsFirstly, consider the waters intended use. This will tell you the best location for your system. If you want to use rainwater to wash down your horse but set the system up far form where you want to perform that task, youre already on the back foot.Next, work out the volume you need, and whether your chosen setup location will deliver it. You need to consider the roof slope and the capacity of vessel you will require to fulfil the need.Finally, ensure the gutters, pipes and container are easy to access to allow for cleaning and maintenance. Gutters will need regular checking for any damage and also for cleaning, especially in autumn, when leaves blow off trees and get caught.Conserving water, though major, is just one of the benefits of rainwater harvesting. If your yard is on a meter, you could save money in the long term as less water is used for day-to-day care.Images ShutterstockRelated contentA soaked feed can increase a horses water intake, says nutritionistSoaking hay: how to do it correctlyPrevent dehydration: effective ways to encourage a horse to drink more waterHow to cool a horse down quickly in hot weather no sweat scraper required!The post Can horses drink rainwater? Expert shares rainwater harvesting tips for equestrians appeared first on Your Horse.

HRH The Princess Royal will present the prizes to the winners at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday 6 September.Her Royal Highness will be in attendance in her role as President of World Horse Welfare, the events chosen charity for 2026, and as President of the British Eventing Support Trust. Also on Super Sunday, spectators will be able to watch a parade byRos Canter, Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens, Britains gold medal-winning team from this summers FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen, and individual rider Caroline Harris. The five riders will parade in the Main Arena in Defender vehicles before the CCI5* prizes are awarded.Two-time Burghley champion Ballaghmor Class, one of the greatest event horses of recent times, is also being officially retired from eventing on Sunday afternoon at Burghley. The 19-year-old grey gelding won the title at Burghley with Oliver Townend in 2017 and 2023 as well as claiming Olympic team gold for Britain in Tokyo in 2021.Very honouredWe are very honoured that HRH The Princess Royal is attending Burghley again this year, said Burghleys Event Director Martyn Johnson.As a former winner of Burghley, and a British gold medallist herself, it is highly appropriate that Her Royal Highness will play a role on a day which celebrates so much British equestrian sporting achievement.Defender Burghley Horse Trials takes place from Thursday 3 Sunday 6 September. For more information and to book tickets click here. Image DBHT/Peter Nixon.Related contentRos Canter and Ginny Elliot recount iconic Burghley moments alongside baby Ros carried during 2025 winDefender Burghley launches ticket sales for 2026 eventBurghley reveals charity of the yearRos Canter enjoys 110k pay day on legend Lordships GraffaloRos Canters grid exercise to slow a keen or strong horse when youre jumpingThe post Princess Anne to attend Burghley Horse Trials appeared first on Your Horse.