11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Fallen for a kind trotter but unsure how to turn pace into a relaxed ridden canter? This UK-focused guide gives you a clear retraining planfeaturing a simple 3-phase roadmapso you can build a safe, confident hack and a balanced, rideable canter. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Assess Breed Fit What To Do: View and handle several Standardbreds; choose a calm, people-oriented horse (14.216.3hh) with clean basic checks and known history. Test hack quietly and confirm vet, teeth, and feet are up to date. Why It Matters: The right temperament and health baseline make retraining safer and smoother. Common Mistake: Buying on pity or speed without assessing behaviour, suitability, and soundness. Area: Groundwork Foundations What To Do: Spend 23 weeks on cavesson lunging/long-lining to establish rhythm, long-and-low stretch, and voice cues in 2030 minute sessions. Use big circles and straight lines with soft, even contact. Why It Matters: Trust and correct posture set the stage for easy, kind ridden progress. Common Mistake: Adding tight side reins or gadgets before balance and relaxation are there. Area: Lateral Suppleness What To Do: Introduce turns on the forehand, gentle leg-yield, and large circles at walk/trot under saddle. Prioritise a loose shoulder and active hindquarters over speed. Why It Matters: Lateral control builds straightness and prepares clean, balanced canter departs. Common Mistake: Skipping sideways work and reinforcing pace by just pushing forward. Area: Introduce Canter What To Do: Ask from a quality trot or walk on a shallow circle; reward a few balanced strides, then come back before it deteriorates. If pace appears, quietly reset to a swinging trot and try again; use poles to regulate rhythm. Why It Matters: Short, correct repetitions rewire gait patterns without tension or fatigue. Common Mistake: Chasing fast laps or holding the head down to force canter. Area: Weekly Training Rhythm What To Do: Plan 45 short sessions mixing groundwork, hacks with hills, flatwork, and a poles day, plus 12 rest days. Film weekly and tweak with coach input. Why It Matters: Consistent structure builds strength steadily and prevents overload. Common Mistake: Long, intense schools or ramping up canter volume faster than the horses strength. Area: Use UK Footing What To Do: Hack on safe varied terrainfirm tracks, gentle inclines, and soft goingto build balance; extend warm-up/cool-down in cold weather. Rug appropriately and rinse mud from legs post-ride. Why It Matters: Thoughtful exposure to British conditions builds confidence, proprioception, and resilience. Common Mistake: Avoiding mud entirely, then facing it unprepared on busier rides. Area: Smart Kit Choices What To Do: Fit a comfortable saddle, plain snaffle, cavesson for groundwork, and brushing/tendon boots; wear a current-standard hat and hi-vis for roads. Delay restrictive gadgets unless a qualified coach recommends them. Why It Matters: Simple, well-fitted kit keeps communication clear and reduces injury risk. Common Mistake: Hiding posture issues with harsh bits or tight aids instead of training correct balance. Area: Health & Welfare What To Do: Arrange BEVA-registered vet checks, dentistry, and farriery; increase work gradually; watch for ulcers and soft-tissue strain; recheck saddle fit often and keep vaccination/worming records. Why It Matters: Comfort, soundness, and legal welfare standards underpin a successful second career. Common Mistake: Letting keenness mask niggles and pushing on without addressing underlying issues. In This Guide What is a Standardbred? Is a Standardbred right for your UK yard? From pace to canter: the retraining roadmap UK weather and footing: make mud your ally Gear that helps (and what to avoid early on) Health, welfare and longevity Building a weekly plan that works Clearing up UK myths If youve fallen for a kind, willing horse labelled trotter or ex-harness racer, youre not alone. Standardbreds make brilliant partners for UK riders looking for a steady brain, big heart, and a hugely rewarding retraining journey.Key takeaway: Standardbreds are a distinct harness-racing breed with calm, people-oriented temperaments and heights typically between 14.216.3hh and with the right plan, they transition confidently into UK riding homes.What is a Standardbred?A Standardbred is a purpose-bred harness racing horse, developed to trot or pace at speed; in the UK theyre often called trotters but they are a distinct breed, not just gypsy trotting horses.Standardbreds were bred for harness racing and are celebrated for athleticism, stamina, and an honest, trainable nature. While UK riders may commonly see them associated with road racing by the travelling community, thats a cultural use rather than the breeds definition. As one UK forum consensus puts it:Trotters as they are most commonly known are viewed as horses that are used for road racing by the travelling community or by those who race with them as TBs. (Horse & Hound community)Equally, experienced UK riders emphasise the breed reality:Standardbreds are a separate breed of horse and are not exclusively used as gypsy trotting horses. They are bred for harness racing. (Horse & Hound)Conformation is typically workmanlike and durable: a well-muscled frame with sloping shoulders and deep hindquarters, standing around 14.216.3hh, with common colours including bay, chestnut, black, grey, and roan. (Horse Illustrated)Is a Standardbred right for your UK yard?Yes Standardbreds are calm, friendly, and people-oriented, making them excellent candidates for hacking, pleasure riding, and low-level sport after racing.Many Standardbreds shine as dependable hacks, confidence-givers, and even low-level dressage or hunter/jumper partners, especially after a thoughtful transition from harness work. Their temperament is a standout feature: theyre generally eager to please and bond well with consistent handling and clear training. (Mad Barn) Their versatile height range (14.216.3hh) suits most UK riders, and their hardy builds cope well with typical British weather once appropriately rugged and conditioned. (Horse Illustrated)Do consider their background: a horse thats paced in harness will need time to learn ridden balance and canter. Early weeks should emphasise calm exposure, correct posture, and suppleness, not big schooling sessions. Support their transition with routine checks under your vet (BEVA-registered practices are a good starting point), and keep welfare basics front and centre in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Many owners also manage gastric comfort and joint support during retraining; explore targeted options in our supplements for horse care collection if your vet recommends nutritional support.Quick tip: Create a simple yard dossier for your new Standardbred vaccination dates, shoeing cycle, dentist visits, worming strategy to track progress through the retraining months.From pace to canter: the retraining roadmapYes, teaching a Standardbred to canter under saddle is absolutely achievable build from groundwork to lateral suppleness, then introduce canter transitions patiently.Many ex-racing Standardbreds favour their natural pace or a harness-trained trot. Your job is to rewire balance and flexibility for ridden work. At Just Horse Riders, we stress foundations first:Standardbreds are primarily bred for harness racing. They favor pace gaits, making adaptability to new gaits challenging but achievable. (Just Horse Riders Training Guide)Build your plan in three phases:Phase 1 Trust and posture on the ground: Use a well-fitted breaking/lunging cavesson for clear, kind communication in long-lines and lunge. Establish rhythm, long-and-low stretch, and even contact. Avoid rigid gadgets early; youre teaching posture, not pinning a frame.Phase 2 Lateral flexibility for straightness: Incorporate forehand turns, gentle leg-yielding in-hand or at walk/trot under saddle, and large circles to release the shoulder and activate the hindquarters. Lateral work improves motor patterns needed for canter departs.Phase 3 Canter introduced in balance: Ask from a quality trot on a slight corner, or from walk on a shallow circle. Reward even a few balanced strides. Gradually build duration as strength develops.Pro tip: If the horse offers pace, quietly transition down, re-establish a soft, swinging trot, then ask again. Keep transitions smooth, not rushed. Ground poles can help regulate rhythm without tension.Useful kit for this stage includes a secure cavesson for lunging, a plain snaffle for early ridden work, and protective boots during schooling. Begin with light, elastic flexion aids only if youre confident in timing and feel; a good dressage coach can help you create the desired long and low without blocking the neck. For limb protection while the horse learns new patterns, explore our horse boots and bandages.UK weather and footing: make mud your allyUse varied UK terrain including wet, slippy ground to develop balance, stability, and confidence during retraining.Autumn and winter can actually help your ex-trotter learn to place feet carefully. Controlled groundwork on gentle inclines, firm tracks, and (where safe) soft going encourages proprioception and hind-end strength. Keep sessions short, and prioritise warm-ups and cool-downs so muscles stay supple in cold snaps. A weatherproof rug keeps backs warm and ready to work when the thermometer drops; see our range of dependable winter turnout rugs for consistent coverage between sessions.For roadwork hacks in darker months, visibility is non-negotiable. The British Horse Society strongly advocates high-visibility gear for riders and horses; kit yourself out from our hi-vis collection for riders, and ensure your horses breastplate/leg wraps are reflective when venturing off the yard.Quick tip: Keep a standing water boot wash tub by the stable and a sweat scraper ready a 60-second rinse and scrape saves hours of dried-mud grooming. For post-hack clean-up and skin care, browse our grooming essentials.Gear that helps (and what to avoid early on)Start with simple, adjustable training tools and avoid rigid, restrictive aids until the horse understands soft contact and balance.Prioritise comfort and clarity over contraptions. Early days should feel like physiotherapy: slow, methodical, and horse-first.Groundwork essentials: A correctly fitted cavesson, long-lines, and a lunge line. This keeps cues clear without jabbing the mouth while you shape posture.Under-saddle basics: A well-balanced saddle that allows shoulder movement, a plain snaffle, and a soft contact. Saddle fit matters Standardbreds can have broad backs with good muscle, so enlist a qualified fitter.Protection: As footfall patterns change, support tendons and ligaments with brushing or tendon boots. Shop protective options in our horse boots & bandages.What to avoid early: Tight side reins, harsh leverage bits, or any gadget aimed at fixing the head carriage. Instead, build a posture the horse can hold comfortably.Rider readiness: Confidence flows from safety. Make sure your hat meets current standards and fits well explore our curated riding helmets and opt for grippy, weatherproof legwear from our womens jodhpurs & breeches for those muddy schooling days.Pro tip: If your Standardbred braces in the neck, ride forward into a light, following hand and slightly lift the wither with your seat and core dont pull down. Ask an experienced dressage coach to demonstrate long-and-low that truly stretches the topline.Health, welfare and longevityStandardbreds can race until a mandatory retirement age of around 14, and many transition successfully to ridden careers; do monitor for ulcers and tendon strain during retraining.A long racing life means your horse may arrive with excellent cardiovascular fitness but specific musculoskeletal patterns. During transition, the most common niggles are gastric discomfort and soft-tissue strain as new muscles engage. Introduce increases in work gradually, and book routine health checks with your vet (use BEVA-registered practitioners for evidence-based care). For gastric support, hoof quality, or joints, discuss targeted nutrition with your vet or nutritionist and consider options from our supplements if appropriate. (Mad Barn)As always, welfare comes first. Meet the five needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, maintain regular dentistry and farriery, and dont skip saddle checks a comfortable back accelerates progress. After racing, many Standardbreds step happily into hacking, low-level dressage, and jumping at modest heights with correct conditioning. (Horse Illustrated)Building a weekly plan that worksPlan four to five short, focused sessions per week, mixing groundwork, hacks, and light flatwork to build balance without overloading the horse.Structure beats intensity in the early months. Heres a sample rhythm for a green Standardbred transitioning to canter under saddle:Day 1: Groundwork (2030 minutes) lunge/long-line, transitions, long-and-low, a few minutes of lateral steps in-hand.Day 2: Short hack (4560 minutes) walk/trot, hills where available, focus on straightness and relaxation.Day 3: Flatwork (2535 minutes) big circles, serpentines, leg-yield at walk/trot; one or two canter asks off the best rein.Day 4: Rest or hand-walk/graze let the body adapt.Day 5: Ground poles (2030 minutes) walk/trot poles to regulate rhythm and encourage push from behind.Day 6: Hack (60 minutes) include a short, controlled canter in a balanced place if the horse offers without tension.Day 7: Rest.Common mistakes to avoid:Drilling canter: Quality over quantity; five balanced strides beat five messy laps.Skipping lateral work: Sideways unlocks straight; straight unlocks canter.Chasing a headset: True connection starts from the hindquarters, not the reins.Keep yourself safe and comfortable along the way: a secure hat, reflective kit for dusk, and weather-proof legwear are simple upgrades that change rides. Explore our riding helmets and hi-vis rider gear for reliable options in UK conditions.Quick tip: Film one session each week. Youll spot subtle improvements in rhythm, posture, and willingness that are easy to miss day-to-day perfect for keeping morale high.Clearing up UK mythsIn the UK, trotter is a common nickname, but Standardbreds are not defined by road racing traditions theyre a global harness-racing breed with broad second-career potential.Its easy to get nostalgic or wary about trotters because of their road-racing image here. Balance that picture with breed facts and lived experience: they were bred to trot or pace in harness, yes, but theyve proven adaptable as ridden partners worldwide. The community reminders are useful reality checks:Standardbreds are a separate breed of horse and are not exclusively used as gypsy trotting horses. They are bred for harness racing. (Horse & Hound)When you train with patience and celebrate small wins the first relaxed hack, a soft trot-canter-trot transition, a stretchy circle in the drizzle youll discover exactly why so many UK riders now seek them out.Practical kit checklist for UK retrainingFocus on safety, comfort, and simple tools that encourage correct posture and calm repetition.Lunging/breaking cavesson and long-lines for groundwork clarity.Comfortable, well-fitted saddle and a plain snaffle bit.Protective boots for schooling sessions see our horse boots & bandages.Weather-ready, breathable rugging for field time and post-exercise comfort explore our turnout rugs.Rider safety and comfort: a correctly fitted hat (riding helmets), hi-vis for low light (rider high-visibility), and durable legwear (womens jodhpurs & breeches).Post-ride care: mud-busting brushes, wash mitts, and skin-friendly shampoos in our grooming range.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend keeping the first eight weeks gadget-light and feedback-rich. Add complexity only when your horse offers relaxation and rhythm consistently.Conclusion: the Standardbred advantageFor UK riders who value a kind temperament, workmanlike durability, and a deeply satisfying training arc, the Standardbred delivers. Start with solid groundwork, develop lateral suppleness, introduce canter thoughtfully, and equip for British weather and roads. With a calm plan and the right kit, your trotter will soon be your favourite hack and a confident low-level allrounder.Need support with kit selection for your horse and your yards weather? Our team is here to help you choose the right turnout rug, protective tendon boots, and rider essentials so you can focus on training.FAQsAre Standardbreds good UK riding horses after racing?Yes. Thanks to their calm, friendly, people-oriented temperament, many Standardbreds transition successfully into hacking, hunter/jumper, or low-level dressage after retirement. (Mad Barn) (Horse Illustrated)What height are most Standardbreds?They typically stand 14.216.3 hands high, suiting most UK riders. (Horse Illustrated)Are Standardbreds the same as gypsy trotting horses?No. Standardbreds are a distinct breed primarily bred for harness racing and are not exclusively used as gypsy trotting horses. (Horse & Hound)How hard is it to train a Standardbred to canter under saddle?Its challenging but very achievable. Because many favour the pace, focus on lateral flexibility, long-and-low posture, and patient transitions. (Just Horse Riders Training Guide)Are Standardbreds hard to handle?No. Theyre generally calm, friendly, and eager to please, though adapting gaits takes time and consistency. (Mad Barn)How long do Standardbreds race, and what comes next?They can have long racing careers with retirement around age 14, after which many move into pleasure riding and low-level sport with great success. (Horse Illustrated)What UK-specific training considerations should I plan for?Expect wet, muddy months. Use varied terrain to build balance, equip with a reliable turnout rug, ride in hi-vis, and keep sessions short and purposeful. Always work within Animal Welfare Act 2006 principles and seek BEVA-registered veterinary support where needed. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Boots & BandagesShop Turnout RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding HelmetsShop Supplements

HSI has received 471 applications and issued 178 completed applications for foals born in 2026.470 pedigree applications have had their foal kit sent to the applicant, with the remaining one issued imminently.It is important to note that, to date, 226 foal kits have not been yet returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, which is 52 per cent of all applications.Of the 244 applications who have returned their foal kits to HSI, 178 have been completed and the passport issued, and 13 are currently undergoing quality control checks, while the remaining 53 applications DNA samples are currently with the laboratory for analysis.Of the 191 passport applications, where the DNA samples have been returned to HSI from the laboratory, 93 per cent are processed and complete, totalling 178.The remaining applications are pending QC checks before being completed, and the team is working hard to complete them imminently.In HSIs Customer Service Department, 223 calls were received this week, of which 91 per cent were answered, totalling 202.The post Updated figures of passport applications processed on Horse Source April 24th, 2026 appeared first on .

On April 21, a 10-year-old draft-cross mare at a boarding facility in Simcoe County, Ontario, tested positive for strangles. The mare presented with a draining submandibular abscess on April 18. Four additional horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On April 22, a 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, tested positive for equine influenza. The horse is being quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Mary King & Simon Middleton: 40 Years at the Top of British EventingPublished 24 April 2026 Just Horse Riders Podcast Episode 36Key TakeawaysMary King broke her C5 vertebra in 2001 and was back at the top of eventing less than a year later her surgeon's advice was "don't ride for eight weeks and don't fall off for ten."Simon Middleton broke his back the day before launching Zebra Products in 2000, then traded through the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis in his first full year of business.Neither guest came from a horsey background Mary started riding the village vicar's pony aged six; Simon's family were cyclists.Mary retired in March 2026 after 46 seasons, six Olympics, two Badminton wins, Burghley, Kentucky, and a unique 1-2 at a 5-star with home-bred horses.For Mary, the single biggest thing that affects a horse's performance is frame of mind and keeping horses turned out in the field, in company, as much as possible.For Simon, a good equestrian product is one you can test yourself "if it's just well marketed, it can let you down very quickly."The common thread between a 46-year riding career and a 25-year distribution business: patience, family support, and the willingness to keep learning.Quick AnswerEpisode 36 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast brings together six-time Olympian Mary King MBE and Simon Middleton, founder of Zebra Products, for a conversation about longevity in eventing as a rider, as a business, and as a family. The episode covers Mary's return from breaking her neck, Simon's near-disastrous business launch, the slow craft of producing home-bred event horses, and the brands and decisions that have shaped modern British eventing. This episode is proudly sponsored by Zebra Products.Two Guests, One Conversation About Staying at the TopSome podcast episodes are about a single technique, a single product, a single moment. This one is about longevity which, in the horse world, is almost harder to come by than medals.Mary King MBE DL is a six-time Olympian (team silver in 2004 and 2012, team bronze in 2008), a two-time Badminton winner (King William in 1992, Star Appeal in 2000), Burghley champion (Star Appeal, 1996), and the first rider ever to take both first and second place at Kentucky riding her home-bred mare Kings Temptress and Fernhill Urco in 2011. She retired in March 2026 after 46 seasons in the sport, having also won four European team golds and two World Equestrian Games team golds along the way. She is, quite simply, one of the defining British event riders of the modern era.Simon Middleton is the founder and Managing Director of Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands. Since founding the business with his wife Lindsay in 2000, Simon has grown it from three staff to a team of more than 20 operating out of North Wales, distributing Amerigo, Bucas, Cavalor, EGO7, Equipe, Mattes, Sprenger, Uvex, Veredus and more. He's an event rider himself, and his wife Lindsay competes up to Grand Prix dressage.Host Aaron Englander, founder of Just Horse Riders, sat down with both guests for a conversation that ranged across broken necks, broken backs, non-horsey parents, home-bred 5-star horses, influencer marketing, Bucas rugs, retirement, and whether the horses themselves have actually got better over the last forty years. Spoiler: Mary thinks they have.Coming Back From Breaking Your NeckThe episode opens with the question most riders would be too nervous to ask. Aaron puts it plainly: when Mary broke her neck in 2001, did she not just think, "No. I'm done now"?Mary's answer is extraordinary for how matter-of-fact it is. She arrived at hospital not knowing what she'd done to herself. When the consultant told her she'd fractured her C5 vertebra and needed immediate surgery, she said she did, for a moment, wonder what was going to happen to her career. But once she'd had the operation, her first question to the surgeon who happened to know who she was was about riding again.According to Mary, his response was the one she needed to hear. He told her it was very unlikely she'd have that same fall again, and that if she really wanted to ride, she shouldn't ride for eight weeks and shouldn't fall off for ten. "I thought, yeah," she said, "he's on my side."How did Mary King come back from breaking her neck?Mary King fractured her C5 vertebra in a fall in 2001 and underwent immediate surgery. Her surgeon advised her to avoid riding for eight weeks and avoid falling for ten, and she was back competing internationally within the year including a top-ten finish at Burghley 5-star on King Solomon III the following season. She has said the key was that she simply hadn't lost the urge to compete at the top level.Broken Back on Day One of a New BusinessAs if one serious spinal injury per episode wasn't enough, Simon's origin story is improbably almost a matching bookend.Simon broke his back the day before starting Zebra Products. "The first week of being self-employed, I was in hospital, lying on a body board," he told Aaron. Once he got out of hospital, he spent the early days of the business wearing a body cage, with Lindsay driving him from shop to shop to build the customer base.Simon does, in fairness, see a silver lining in hindsight. "I think it worked quite well," he said, with the deadpan humour that runs through the whole episode. "I got quite a few sort of sympathy orders because people thought, this guy needs a bit of a hand."Then came 2001, the year of foot-and-mouth disease a genuine devastation for the UK equestrian industry. Simon admitted there was a moment of thinking, "What am I doing? I've started this business in this industry, and it seems like it's worst placed financially." The lesson he takes from that period is a useful one for anyone running an equestrian business today: you turn things around, and you try to make a bad situation into a positive one.Neither of Them Grew Up With HorsesAaron spotted the pattern early: "Am I right in saying that neither of you actually came from a very horsey background?" They both confirm it, and the answers are charming.Simon blames television. "I think with me it was cowboy and Indians. Watching Western programs on TV. There was a program years ago called Champion the Wonder Horse and I absolutely loved it." (He was, apparently, always more Team Indian than Team Cowboy.) His father ran a bicycle shop, which is where he learned the hard-work-and-commitment side of running a business he just redirected that energy into horses rather than bikes.Mary's story is similar in shape, different in detail. Her family didn't have a television at all when she was growing up. She started riding the vicar's pony as a tiny child, then joined her local Axe Vale Pony Club without even owning a pony. The turning point was a Pony Club coach trip to Badminton Horse Trials an experience that ended up setting the entire direction of her life."I went on the coach trip to Badminton not quite knowing what I was going to see, and was absolutely overwhelmed," she told Aaron. "The shiny horses, the brave riders how could anyone dare to do that? I was struggling to jump 80 centimetres."Did Mary King come from a horsey family?No. Mary King grew up in a non-horsey family with very little money. Her father, a former Royal Navy officer, suffered lifelong consequences from a motorcycle accident before she was born. She began riding on a neighbour's pony at the age of six and worked a series of part-time jobs including as a delivery person for a butcher to fund her eventing career before turning professional in 1988.The Mindset That Gets You to the TopAaron pushes on something that comes up repeatedly in top-rider interviews the idea that world-class sporting mentality isn't taught so much as inherited or built from necessity.Mary credits what she calls her "breeding." Her father, before his motorcycle accident, was the youngest ever Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and a very good sportsman. Her mother had "this very calm way of going about life, very accepting of what happens, always positive, always thinking forward, never getting down and staying on a real level."Mary's view is that to be an event rider, you need both halves of that inheritance the competitive drive and the level-headedness. "With the huge ups and downs you experience on the way to the top level, you've got to have that mentality of being able to cope with the ups and downs," she said. "Otherwise you're not going to be able to do it, really."Simon's version is less about breeding and more about environment. Watching his father run the bicycle shop "the effort and hard work and commitment you had to put to having your own business" gave him an understanding early on that nothing comes easy, in sport or in business.Seventh at Badminton. "You Might Do Better Next Year."One of the episode's best moments is Mary's story from 1985 the first time she rode at Badminton.She'd bought a horse very cheaply, Divers Rock, who turned out to be an incredible cross-country horse. Somehow as a green novice she came seventh at her first 5-star. She went back home to Devon, feeling, in her words, "on top of the world."A lady in the village asked her how she'd got on. Mary told her she'd come seventh."She said: 'Never mind, you might do better next year,'" Mary recalled. "I don't think she quite realised what seventh at Badminton means. But it brought me back down to earth."Producing a Home-Bred Event Horse From Foal to 5-StarOne of the most undersold aspects of top-level eventing is how long it takes to make a horse. Mary is blunt about this: it's the thing the outside world misunderstands most.According to Mary, non-horsey spectators see a rider make a mistake at a major 5-star event and assume the horse simply didn't jump well that day. What they don't see is the years of producing that horse the breaking in, the basic flatwork, the slow progression from 90cm to Novice to Intermediate to Advanced, the long apprenticeship before the horse ever gets to Badminton or Burghley or Kentucky.Mary's Kings Temptress the mare she rode to win Kentucky in 2011 was home-bred by her. The 1-2 at Kentucky that year, with Kings Temptress first and Fernhill Urco second, is still a unique achievement: no other rider has ever finished first and second at a 5-star with home-bred horses.She also describes how her own young stock now pass through her hands onto her daughter Emily and Emily's partner Sam, with Mary producing them up to three-star level before handing over. It's a model for anyone breeding with the long view in mind the slow, patient work of bringing on a good horse for the next generation of the yard.How do you produce a home-bred event horse to 5-star level?Producing a home-bred event horse to 5-star takes many years of careful, patient work across dressage, show jumping and cross-country. Breeders like Mary King raise the horse from foal, break it in around age three to four, and then progress it slowly up the British Eventing levels typically BE80 or Novice, Intermediate, Advanced which usually takes another four to seven years before a horse is ready for the top level."The Horses Today Are Better Bred, Better Produced, and Better Looked After"Ask Mary what's changed most in 46 seasons of eventing and it's not the riders it's the horses themselves.According to Mary, modern event horses are significantly better bred, better produced, and better looked after than when she started competing. Veterinary care, nutrition, farriery, training methods, and the breeding pool itself have all advanced in parallel. The result is that horses today are routinely doing things at the top level that would have been exceptional thirty years ago.The other big change she raises with a certain wry amusement is administrative. In the old days, getting your cross-country times for an event meant phoning a single number the night before, along with every other rider in the country, and getting engaged tone after engaged tone. Today you log into the British Eventing website or the Eventing Schools platform and it's done in seconds. "They don't know they're born," as Aaron put it.Competing as a Mum: Mary's Quiet RevolutionAaron brings up something Mary has spoken about before that she was, effectively, one of the first female riders to come back and compete at the top level after having children.Mary had her daughter Emily (who is now an international event rider in her own right) in between seasons, and later her son Freddie (now in the Royal Marines) while still at the top of the sport. She remembers being told by people, before she had Emily, that she'd lose her competitive edge the moment she became a mother.She describes cantering down to the first cross-country fence at her first post-baby event, half-expecting something to have changed. "I galloped on, jumped the first fence, was galloping on thinking no, doesn't feel any different."Her daughter Emily King is now a top international event rider herself. Ros Canter another Zebra-sponsored rider has also competed at 5-star level while raising young children. Whatever Mary did in the 1990s quietly helped change what's now considered possible.Teaching Your Own Children to Ride (Without Teaching Them)Aaron, who coaches his own daughter's peers through Pony Club and under-7 football, asks the question a lot of parents want to ask: how do you teach your own child to ride without turning into the pushy horsey parent you swore you'd never become?Mary's answer is a masterclass.She said she learned, very early, to wait for Emily to ask. If she watched Emily schooling and said unprompted, "No, Emily, you're not riding her in enough angle," Emily would get cross. But if she stayed quiet and Emily asked "Mum, can you come and watch? I can't seem to get my shoulder-in" Emily would be ready to listen.Emily's breakthrough on the flat came from a winter with top Australian dressage rider Heath Ryan's compatriot Kira Kirkland. "Emily went riding like an event rider doing dressage," Mary laughed. "Three months later, she came back looking like a dressage rider."If you're a horsey parent, Mary's advice is the one thing in this episode worth writing down: let them find their own way, support them, but do not teach them unless they ask you to.Pony Club: Where British Eventing Actually StartsBoth guests return repeatedly to the Pony Club as the quiet backbone of British eventing. For Mary, it was the Axe Vale Pony Club coach trip to Badminton that set her on her path. For Emily's generation, it was the variety "scavenger hunts and beach rides and all just fun things that children should do with ponies. It shouldn't be all about going around in circles in an arena."At Just Horse Riders, we see this every weekend at Fylde & District Pony Club kids in well-worn jodhpurs doing silly relay races, scavenger hunts, pairs jumping and the through-line to the riders like Mary and Simon's wife Lindsay, who started in exactly the same way, is obvious.How Simon Decides What's a Good ProductPart of what makes Zebra Products work as a distributor is that the people running it are, themselves, horse people. Simon rides, Lindsay rides to Grand Prix, and most of the team event or jump. That matters more than it sounds.According to Simon, he and his team will always test a product before taking it on. "A lot of my competitors and other people in the industry aren't really horse people," he said. "We can test products, see that they do what it says on the tin, and see how durable they are."His test for distinguishing a genuinely good piece of equestrian kit from a well-marketed one is blunt: does it actually live up to the promise? If it doesn't, "it can let you down very quickly." And if the brand works with riders like Mary, the product has to deliver because the rider's reputation is on the line as much as the brand's.Authenticity vs Influencer MarketingAaron raises one of the most honest debates in the equestrian industry right now how influencer marketing fits alongside the traditional model of sponsoring elite riders.Simon's view is that influencers can absolutely work, but only if the alignment is real. "It's what we do make sure that the product we place with them is authentic," he said. "If an influencer's audience is girls and boys under 10 or 12, then to promote something that's very expensive isn't the right thing to do. You need to make sure that they align, and that it works all along really."Mary's take is typically disarming. "I don't, to be honest, think a lot about it," she admitted. "I've always been just so focused on producing my horses, riding them, and wearing or using the product of companies that support me.""Expensive Products Are Usually Worth It"In the rapid-fire round at the end of the episode, Aaron asks Simon whether expensive equestrian products are usually worth it.Simon's answer: "I think generally they are worth it, because otherwise they don't stay on the market. There's the saying, isn't there buy cheap, buy twice and I think that is true."He uses Bucas rugs as his example. "When I started with Bucas, I was terrified we'd end up with loads of smelly broken rugs coming back to us. I have to be honest we don't get any back. They're not the cheapest, but they are very tough and durable."Aaron confirms it from personal experience: his wife's Bucas turnout rug is over eight years old and still her go-to.The Biggest Thing That Affects a Horse's PerformanceAaron asks Mary what single factor makes the biggest difference to how a horse performs. Her answer is immediate."It's frame of mind," she said. "You can have horses with all the ability in the world, but if they're overexcited or tired, it can change their performance hugely."The practical translation: keep horses turned out in the field, in company, as much as possible. It's their natural way of living. For a horse to be in a stable for hours and hours, she says, is deeply unnatural. A warm, dry turnout rug is usually all that's needed to make field-living viable year-round in the UK climate.What is the biggest thing that affects a horse's performance?According to Mary King, the single biggest factor in a horse's performance is its frame of mind. She advises keeping horses turned out in the field in company as much as possible, because stabling for long hours is unnatural and can make horses tense, tired or over-fresh. A relaxed, happy horse will consistently outperform an anxious or stabled one, regardless of raw ability.Common Mistakes Riders Make Without RealisingAt the lower levels, Mary says the mistake she sees most often when teaching is rider position specifically, a weak lower leg.Your lower leg, in her words, is "like an anchor." When your heel comes up and your leg swings back as you jump a fence, you lose your security in the saddle and become much more likely to fall if anything goes wrong. The other habit she calls out is collapsing forward with the upper body on the approach to a fence.Her cue, repeated to riders of every level: lower leg forward, don't collapse the upper body.What is a common mistake riders make without realising?Mary King says the most common mistake she sees in lower-level riders is a weak lower leg position. When the heel comes up and the leg swings back over a fence, the rider loses their anchor in the saddle and becomes much more vulnerable to a fall. She also sees many riders collapse their upper body too far forward on the approach to a fence, which further destabilises their seat.If a Horse Isn't Going Well, Where Should You Look First?Mary's answer is uncompromising."Definitely first, yourselves," she said. "It's easy to blame it on the horse when things are going wrong. But so often, it can actually be the rider who is making the mistake whether it's their poor balance, their tightness of rein, their bad steering."Horses, she reminds us, are the "most perceptive creatures there are." They can sense a nervous rider instantly. If the rider is honest with themselves and their trainer is happy with how they're riding, the next step is to rule out pain equine dentist, vet check, saddle fit before concluding the horse simply isn't trying.If a horse isn't going well, where should riders look first?Mary King's answer is to always look at the rider first poor balance, tight reins, or bad steering are often the real cause. If the rider is riding well, the next step is to rule out pain in the horse, starting with teeth (equine dentist), body (vet check) and tack fit. Only once the rider and the horse's comfort have been checked should you start looking for behavioural or training explanations.Why Mary Retired After 46 SeasonsMary's retirement, announced in March 2026, came as a surprise even to her.She started the season with three horses she'd produced herself, wound down to a smaller yard as she got older, and went to her first event at Tweseldown near Farnham. "I was looking around thinking: this is my 46th year riding at this event, and most of the riders here weren't even born 46 years ago," she told Aaron.She did the event. The weekend after, she came second on a horse. And then, a few days later, she simply woke up one morning and thought: I'm going to stop.She said she surprised herself saying it. She knew Emily would ride her horses better than she would now. Her son Freddie was about to pass out of a Royal Marines mountain leader course that same weekend. Emily and Sam were already driving down to Devon in the lorry. It just all fell into place. "I don't regret it," she said. "I'm just pleased I've made the decision."When did Mary King retire from eventing?Mary King retired from competitive eventing in March 2026, aged 64, after 46 seasons in the sport. She made the decision suddenly, days after coming second at an early-season event, and will now focus on breeding, producing young stock, and supporting her daughter Emily King and Emily's partner Sam Ecroyd as they continue to compete at international level.What's Next for Zebra ProductsAaron asks Simon whether retirement is on his radar. It isn't."I think people do wonder when I'll retire, and Lindsay, my wife, is one of those," Simon said. "But I love working. I really like working. I find it motivating, exciting, interesting, and learning. I like learning all the time so just keep pushing on really."For 2026, Zebra Products is the Title Partner of the British Eventing Podcast, continuing the company's long partnership with British Eventing. The distribution portfolio continues to evolve recent additions include Uvex sports and lifestyle eyewear, expanding beyond their already-dominant position in equestrian helmets and kit.What brands does Zebra Products distribute in the UK?Zebra Products is the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands. Their current portfolio includes Amerigo and Equipe saddles, Bucas rugs, Uvex helmets and eyewear, Sprenger bits and stirrups, Veredus horse boots, Cavalor supplements and care products, EGO7, Mattes, Fleck, Cavalleria Toscana, Konigs riding boots and more. You can find the full range at zebraproducts.co.uk.The One Thing Both Guests Wish They'd Been Told EarlierIn the final rapid-fire question, Aaron asks both guests what they wish someone had told them when they first started out.Simon's answer is short and, in a way, completely on-brand for someone who survived a broken back, foot-and-mouth disease, and 25 years of building a distribution business: "Just be patient. I can want things to happen quickly, and sometimes you just have to let things happen."Mary's answer is longer and more practical: get a mentor. She freely admits that, as a teenager with her first pony, she didn't know what she was doing. She overfed the pony and gave it tying-up syndrome the cramp-like condition in a horse's hindquarters caused by poor feed management. "I was ignorant as to feeding the horse," she said. "If somebody had advised me to get a mentor, the poor pony would have suffered a bit less because of that."Between them, it's a pretty good summary of how you actually build something that lasts in the horse world: patience, mentorship, and a willingness to keep learning. Watch now, listen on Spotify, or keep scrolling for the full show notes.Episode SponsorThis episode is proudly sponsored by Zebra Products the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands. Shop their full range, including Amerigo, Bucas, Uvex, Sprenger, Equipe and Veredus, at zebraproducts.co.uk.Listen to the Full EpisodeYou can watch Episode 36 on the Just Horse Riders YouTube channel, or listen on Spotify. For everything you need for your own riding from boots to gloves to everyday supplements shop the full Just Horse Riders range.About the AuthorAaron Englander is the Founder of Just Horse Riders and host of the Just Horse Riders Podcast. With over 15 years in the equestrian industry, Aaron has built Just Horse Riders into a trusted destination for riders across the UK, stocking everything from daily essentials to the Englander Equestrian own-brand product line. Learn more at the Just Horse Riders About page.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) hosted the first Environmental Testing Workshop on Friday, 17th April at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE), bringing together members of the equestrian community to learn about best practice in maintaining safe and healthy environments for horses.The event was hosted in collaboration with the Irish Equine Centre and provided attendees with the opportunity to avail of environmental testing through the Environmental Health Scheme. The workshop, and overall Environmental Scheme, is funded through National Breeding Services, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and delivered by HSI.The scheme offers testing valued at approximately 630 per applicant, fully funded for those who attended the workshop. Applications remain open to those who did not attend, with testing available through HSI subject to a 50% contribution towards the cost.A key feature of the day was an expert-led presentation delivered by Alan Creighton of the Irish Equine Centre, who outlined the environmental testing process and its role in identifying potential risks within equestrian settings.This was followed by a practical walkthrough of the RACE facilities, including the barns, hay storage areas and horse walker, where attendees were given guidance on sampling techniques and practical measures on how to improve hygienic standard in their own yard and how to reduce the risk of pathogenic build-up. This is to aid in contributing to a healthier environment for foals to be born into and reared in.Participants took part in a practical walkthrough of the RACE facilities, including barns, hay storage areas and the horse walker, with guidance on sampling techniques and improving hygiene standards in their own yards.Also in attendance were Caoimhe Corry and Debbie Gray, Chief Executive of the Irish Equine Centre, highlighting the collaborative approach across the sector in supporting equine health and welfare.The workshop saw strong engagement and provided attendees with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to implement improvements within their own environments.Speaking following the event, Alan Creighton from the Irish Equine Centre said: it was great to engage with the sport horse group on the day. We passed on many of our experiences both in terms of dealing with outbreaks of disease but also in terms of practical preventions and tips which prevent disease in the first place. Everybody present asked meaningful questions and we hope the answers can be implemented for the betterment of their businesses.Horse Sport Ireland would like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for its continued support, as well as the Irish Equine Centre and RACE for facilitating the event.For more information about the Environmental Health Scheme or to apply for testing, please CLICK HERETestimonialsI really did enjoy the workshop. I have to say I wasnt entirely sure what to expect going in, but I found the lecture delivered by Alan Creighton to be very informative. The practical element was an added bonus it was particularly valuable to walk through the yard and stables and see, first-hand, the issues he had discussed during the lecture. All in all, it was a morning very well spent. Thank you again for your hospitality, and I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again soon.I found it very informative. Alan knew his stuff and was realistic. The venue was great as we could see a real yard in action with pros and cons to their design.Everyone on the team was lovely and welcoming. I would love more events like it in the future.The post Environmental Testing Workshop takes place at RACE, with expert input from Irish Equine Centre appeared first on .

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Thinking about ditching your straightload for a calmer, lorrylike ride without buying a horsebox? This guide shows how the Cheval Libert Maxi 2s double herringbone layout, 960kg unladen/2600kg MGW and Pullman2 coilspring suspension can boost comfort, with setup, UK towinglicence and floorcare tips so you travel safer and your horses arrive relaxed. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Partition Setup What To Do: Set telescopic partitions to give each horse a stable diagonal stancewider for nervous or broad types, slightly narrower for compact ponies. Trial small angle/width tweaks and set breast bar height correctly. Why It Matters: Proper spacing improves balance and reduces stress and scrambling. Common Mistake: Leaving factory settings that cramp big horses or let small ponies move too much. Area: Ventilation Management What To Do: Before loading, open sliding windows, lift side flaps and set the Airtech blind to create a throughdraft. Remove fly rugs before travel and adjust windows for safe airflow on the road. Why It Matters: Good airflow prevents heat buildup and keeps horses calmer. Common Mistake: Only cracking one window or travelling with fly rugs on. Area: Aluminium Floor Care What To Do: After each trip, sweep out, rinse urine and mud, and air with windows open. At the annual service, request a documented inspection of the aluminium floor and sealed mat edges. Why It Matters: Prevents corrosion and the risk of floor failure. Common Mistake: Leaving wet bedding or urine sitting under sealed mats. Area: Door & Ram Checks What To Do: Prejourney, inspect front doors, chains, pins, latches and hydraulic rams for play or flex. If anything feels weak, consult a trailer engineer and consider reinforcement or upgraded fasteners. Why It Matters: Sound hardware prevents sudden failures and injuries. Common Mistake: Ignoring slight flex or sticking rams until they fail at an event. Area: Towing & Legality What To Do: Match the loaded trailer weight to your vehicles towing and noseweight limits and ensure your licence (often B+E) is valid. Test lights, breakaway cable and overrun brakes before departure. Why It Matters: Staying within limits keeps you legal and stable on the road. Common Mistake: Calculating from unladen weight and forgetting horses, water and kit. Area: Fit Large Horses What To Do: Trialfit your biggest horse and adjust width/angle for neck room and quarters. If travelling two 16.3hh+ or very wide types, consider alternatives or carry one large horse with a smaller companion. Why It Matters: Correct fit avoids crowding, leaning and travel anxiety. Common Mistake: Buying on exterior size without measuring internal fit and headroom. Area: Maintenance Routine What To Do: Service annually (brakes, hubs, tyres, electrics) and quarterly check ramps, hydraulics and partition telescopics. Pretrip, verify tyre pressures (incl. spare), hitch security, lights and noseweight; posttrip clean and dry. Why It Matters: Routine care reduces breakdowns and keeps ride quality high. Common Mistake: Skipping services because it tows fine. Area: Buying & Budgeting What To Do: Budget for annual servicing and potential hardware upgrades; when used, prioritise floor paperwork, check ramp spring/hydraulic symmetry and door fitment. Confirm payload suits your horses and kit. Why It Matters: A careful buy avoids hidden repair costs and safety compromises. Common Mistake: Choosing on price alone without inspection or payload maths. In This Guide What is the Cheval Libert Maxi 2? Why herringbone travel helps horses Towing and UK legality Build, floor and ventilation: key checks Known weak points and warranty Will it fit bigger horses? Maintenance for UK seasons: your checklist Price and buying tips Thinking about swapping your straight-load for a roomier, smoother-riding trailer? If you want lorry-style travel without the cost of a box, the Cheval Libert Maxi 2 is one of the UKs most talkedabout herringbone options.Key takeaway: The Cheval Libert Maxi 2 is a double herringbone trailer (960kg unladen, 2600kg MGW) with an aluminium, sealed floor and Pullman2 coilspring suspension that rides like a small lorry, provided you service it annually and keep an eye on door hardware.What is the Cheval Libert Maxi 2?The Cheval Libert Maxi 2 is a double herringbone-style horse trailer weighing 960kg unladen with a 2600kg maximum gross weight (MGW), designed to carry two horses diagonally with a front ramp for easy exit. It features fully adjustable telescopic partitions, an aluminium floor with sealed rubber, and Pullman2 suspension for a smoother tow.In practice, that means you get a layout that feels more lorry-like for your horses while keeping the flexibility of a trailer. The Maxi 2s telescopic herringbone partitions allow you to finetune stall length and width to suit different builds and travelling styles. Ventilation is a strong point, with large sliding side windows, side lifting window flaps, and an Airtech roller blind over the rear ramp to draw air through on warmer days. Externally, youll see anodised aluminium planking sides under an aerodynamic polyester front/roof available in black, blue, grey, green or white, so its both functional and smart at events.Underneath, Cheval Liberts patented Pullman2 suspension (coil springs with shock absorbers) aims to reduce pitching and vibration compared with basic rubber torsion axles, which matters on the UKs mix of motorways, Aroads and bumpy showground tracks. The brand backs the build with a 2year warranty on the trailer and 5 years on the aluminium planking and floor.Why herringbone travel helps horsesHerringbone travel lets horses spread their legs diagonally for better balance and reduced pressure, closely mimicking the feel of a horsebox. The Maxi 2 adds a front ramp for lowstress unloading, which many horses prefer.Diagonal stalls can lessen strain in acceleration and braking by allowing a natural, wide stance. This is especially useful for horses used to lorries, or for those that plant or rush when asked to back out of straight-loads. Cheval Libert summarises the design intent succinctly:Cheval Liberte Maxi 2 offers a similar travelling style and layout to a horsebox with the fully adjustable telescopic herringbone partitions, but with the advantage of having a front ramp. Cheval Libert comparison reviewMake the most of the adjustable partitions by setting a slightly wider stance for poor or nervous travellers so they can brace; narrow up a touch for compact ponies to avoid excessive movement. Load calmly on the diagonal and encourage a relaxed head carriage to maintain balance throughout the journey.Quick tip: If youre heading to summer shows and want airflow without flies, pair the trailers Airtech blind with a lightweight fly rug or sheet for your horse when stationary, and drop it before travel for safety.Towing and UK legalityWith a 2600kg MGW, the Maxi 2 is typically suited to B+E licence holders, and like all UK horse trailers it must meet Construction and Use Regulations on brakes, lights and weight limits. Always check your vehicles towing capacity and noseweight limits in the handbook before hitching up.Match your car or 4x4 to the trailers loaded weight (trailer + horses + tack and water). The Maxi 2s relatively low 960kg unladen weight gives you more payload headroom compared with heavier builds, but you still need to account for two horses, partitions, and kit. Ensure all lights, breakaway cable and overrun brakes are functioning before departure. For roadside visibility when loading in dim light or rain, keep a set of rider hivis in your tow vehicle so handlers are clearly seen by other drivers.Build, floor and ventilation: key checksThe Maxi 2 uses an aluminium floor with glued and sealed rubber matting to prevent water or urine ingress, and it offers multiple windows, side flaps and an Airtech rear roller blind for excellent airflow. This combination reduces rot risk and keeps the interior fresher in the UKs damp climate.Floor integrity is critical to safety. Cheval Liberts own guidance is unequivocal:A trailer with an unsound floor can have disastrous consequences with horses falling through them. To avoid this, all Cheval Libert horse trailers are supplied with an aluminium floor. In addition, the rubber matting is glued and sealed as standard. Cheval Libert (UK manufacturer specialists)In the UKs wet seasons, sealed floors help prevent corrosion from constant mud and rain on livery yards and showgrounds. Even so, schedule an annual service and ask the technician to lift or inspect edges where possible to check for trapped moisture. Between services, sweep out after each trip, let the trailer air with windows open on dry days, and wash off urine promptly to protect the aluminium and mat sealant.Ventilation-wise, a throughdraft matters more than a single open window. Before loading on warm days, open the sliding windows, lift the side flaps, and set the Airtech blind to encourage airflow while the ramp is up. On the road, keep windows safely adjusted to avoid debris entering while maintaining a cooling breeze. For insectsensitive horses waiting at events, a breathable fly rug and a quick brushoff from your grooming kit can make all the difference to comfort.Known weak points and warrantyForum users have questioned the durability of the Maxi 2s oddshaped front doors and the skinny hydraulic rams secured by chains; regular inspection and timely reinforcement are sensible if your trailer sees heavy use. The trailer carries a 2year overall warranty and 5 years on aluminium planking and floor.Owner experiences vary, but this representative comment highlights the main concern:It looks like they could get easy damaged, especially the odd shape of the front one and the skinny hydraulic. Is the chain the only thing? Horse & Hound forum usersWhat to do in practice:At each prejourney check, confirm that door chains, pins and latches are intact and that hydraulics lift smoothly without play.If doors flex or rams feel weak, consult a qualified trailer engineer promptly. Reinforcement plates or upgraded fasteners can add reassurance for frequent eventers.Carry spare quickrelease ties for partitions and tierings; replacing a tired tether on the day is faster and safer than nursing it home.Use breast bars or chest straps of appropriate height to help horses stay square in their herringbone bay without leaning on doors.For the horses, robust travel boots and bandages help guard against knocks if a door moves suddenly on uneven ground. And if youre handling at a busy venue, sturdy yard boots improve your footing on wet ramps.Will it fit bigger horses?The Maxi 2s adjustable telescopic partitions offer flexibility, but some owners find two-horse herringbone trailers tight for very large horses; as a working guideline, pairs up to around 16.2hh are typically more comfortable. Always trialfit your biggest horse and adjust stall width before committing.Every horse carries length and width differentlybroad cobs, longbacked warmbloods and fine TBs dont use space the same way. Use the partitions to create a balanced diagonal stance that allows a forward neck carriage without cramping the quarters. If you regularly travel two large horses (16.3hh+ or very wide types), compare internal dimensions with straight-load alternatives or consider travelling one large horse with a pony to maintain comfort. Load them diagonally to minimise pressure points, and ensure theres adequate headroom and chestbar height for the bigger frame.Pro tip: If a horse consistently leans or tailswishes during travel, widen the bay a notch and trial a different diagonal angle. Small changes in partition placement can deliver a noticeable improvement in balance and behaviour.Maintenance for UK seasons: your checklistService the Maxi 2 annually, inspect the aluminium floor and sealed rubber for corrosion, and test ventilation, brakes, lights, doors and rams before every trip. In wet UK weather, clean and dry the interior after use to protect the floor and hardware.Use this practical routine to keep things safe and smooth:Annually: Book a full service (brakes, hubs, tyres, electrics) and ask for a documented floor inspection under/around sealed mats.Quarterly: Check ramp hinges, springs/hydraulics, and partition telescopics for free movement; lubricate as recommended by your technician.Prejourney: Verify tyre pressures (including spare), lights, breakaway cable, hitch security and noseweight. Open ventilation points before loading.Postjourney: Sweep, rinse urine and mud, crack windows open to dry, and park on hard standing where possible.Horse comfort kit that pairs well with the Maxi 2s design:Travel boots or bandages to protect cannon bones and coronets when negotiating herringbone partitions.Lightweight turnout rugs for wet show days when horses stand between classes; remove for travel so they dont overheat.Grooming essentials to wick sweat, detangle tails and remove road grime quickly at events.Calming and digestive support supplements as part of a wider programme for nervous travellersalways introduce well before show day.Hivis for handlers when loading/unloading at dawn, dusk or roadside stops.Prefer trusted brands? Browse travelfriendly picks from LeMieux and WeatherBeeta for quality rugs and accessories.Quick tip: Keep a show-day tack box in the trailerduct tape, spare ties, a small torch, and a tyre inflator save the day surprisingly often.Price and buying tipsNew Cheval Libert Maxi Living (herringbone) models start from 15,480 in the UK, and the Maxi 2 generally sits below that depending on specification and dealer options. Factor in annual servicing costs and any desired hardware upgrades when budgeting.If youre torn between models, measure your horses and list the journeys you actually dowinter hunting, summer shows, midweek lessonsand match that to internal dimensions, ventilation and payload. Use the warranty terms (2 years overall; 5 years on aluminium planking and floor) as a guide to expected longevity, but plan for wearandtear items (rams, chains, hinges) to need periodic attention if you travel most weekends.Buying used? Prioritise floor documentation, check the ramp springs/hydraulics for symmetry, and look closely at front door fitment and fasteners. A wellkept interior often signals a careful owner. For kit savings once youve chosen, check our rotating deals in the Secret Tack Room clearance to stock your travel box costeffectively.ConclusionThe Maxi 2s core strengths are clear: a lorrylike herringbone layout with a front ramp, a sealed aluminium floor that stands up to UK weather, and Pullman2 suspension for a calmer ride. Look after the floor, keep the ventilation flowing, and pay attention to door and ram hardware, and youll have a capable, confidencebuilding trailer for busy British seasons. At Just Horse Riders, we recommend a careful setup session with your partitions and a thorough prejourney checksmall tweaks deliver big wins in how well your horse travels.FAQsAre the doors on the Cheval Libert Maxi 2 too flimsy for regular use?Some owners on the Horse & Hound forums have queried the robustness of the front door shape and the skinny hydraulic rams secured by chains. Inspect hardware routinely, service annually, and consider reinforcement or upgraded fasteners if you travel frequently or notice flexprevention is better than a roadside repair. Source: owner discussion.How does herringbone travel benefit horses compared with forwardfacing?Herringbone bays let horses spread their legs diagonally for better balance and reduced pressure, closely mirroring horsebox travel, and the Maxi 2 adds a front ramp for lowstress unloading. Source: Cheval Libert comparison review.What maintenance does the Maxi 2 need in UK weather?Book an annual service and have the aluminium floor and sealed rubber checked for corrosion; after wet journeys, sweep, rinse urine, and air the trailer. Open windows, side flaps and the Airtech blind before loading on warm days. Source: Cheval Libert flooring and ventilation guidance.Is the Maxi 2 suitable for larger horses (e.g., 16hh+)?The adjustable telescopic partitions help, but some owners find twohorse herringbone trailers tight for very large horses; pairs up to around 16.2hh are typically more comfortable. Trialfit your biggest horse and adjust stall width before committing.Whats the warranty and build quality like?The Maxi 2 carries a 2year overall warranty and 5 years on the aluminium planking and floor. The aluminium floor with glued and sealed rubber reduces rot risk compared with timber floors.How good is the ventilation for UK summers?Large sliding windows, side lifting window flaps, and an Airtech roller blind over the rear ramp create strong airflow for an airy, stablelike feel while stationary and appropriate throughdraft while travelling.What licence or vehicle do I need to tow it?With a 2600kg MGW, the Maxi 2 generally suits B+E licence holders. Always confirm your vehicles towing capacity and noseweight limits in the handbook and ensure your trailers brakes and lights comply with UK Construction and Use Regulations. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Boots & BandagesShop Fly RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Grooming KitShop Turnout Rugs