Sponsored content in collaboration with DengieForage shortages and price hikes were a talking point last year and now, more than 12 months on, the focus has shifted to whether 2025 was a one-off blip or the new normal. Hay and other forms of forage are the foundation of every horses diet, providing the fibre needed to keep the digestive system functioning properly and supporting good gut health all year round. Whether your horse goes hacking, is a competition partner or retired companion, they should spend the majority of their day eating forage, making a reliable supply essential for every owner.After last years challenging growing season left many horse owners struggling to source enough hay, concerns are mounting over what this years harvest will bring. So, is the forage situation beginning to improve, or should we expect supplies to remain tight and prices to stay high?What happened in 2025?Although there have been some very hot and dry summers in recent times, last year really was the perfect storm of weather events. A very low spring rainfall began in February and continued into March where just 25% of the average long-term rainfall was recorded. Although the amount of rain that fell in June and July was closer to normal, August was very dry again with less than half the expected rainfall. No tillerThe dry spring meant the grass didnt tiller a term used to describe the development of more shoots that are in a vegetative or growing state. This meant there was no bulk to the hay crop, which was easy to see once the grass was cut as the rows were much smaller. So, the dry spring resulted in lower yields and then, because the pasture dried off in August, hay had to be fed to livestock earlier, depleting what were already low stocks of forage. Ask Animalweb carried out a survey in spring 2026 and received 2,136 responses. It found that around 30% of respondents had reported some difficulty sourcing hay and 40% of respondents had used some form of alternative to hay. Whats been happening in 2026?Well, the winter was wet and this helped the grass cope with another hot and dry spring as there was some moisture in the soil. In some areas, first cuts were better than last year but didnt break any records, and the continued hot and dry weather in June, July and August affected second cuts as the lack of rainfall slowed grass growth.The cereal harvest began early, and feedback is that the yield of straw is down. Whilst this might not impact many horse owners directly, it does create increased demand for all forage as straw is used for livestock and they will need an alternative. As there was very little carry over of stock, it is likely to mean there will be pressure on supply, which may continue to elevate prices. What this means for horse owners On an individual basis, it is advisable to plan ahead as much as you can. Building relationships with those who supply your forage is key. This is easier said than done, and there were certainly some worrying reports of people simply being told there was no forage for them last year.Forage replacers can be used to top-up if youre a bit short and these are best used consistently at lower levels throughout the year rather than running out of hay and changing over to something completely different at that point. Producers of forage will adapt and make changes, but this will take time. In the meantime, climate and weather patterns are going to have an impact on forage supply, which is likely to impact pricing for a while yet.8 things to do if youre worried about winter forageSpeak to your supplier Build a good relationship with your hay merchant or farmer and ask about availability well before you need your winter stock. Regular customers are often easier to plan for.Check your storage Always store forage in a dry, well-ventilated building to reduce spoilage. Protecting hay from damp and vermin means less waste and better value for money.Reduce waste Weigh forage so that youre not overfeeding. Using haynets, feeders or racks can help minimise the amount of forage that gets trampled into bedding or soiled. Every bale counts when supplies are tight.Look into buying early If you have suitable storage, it may be an option to buy winter hay now. Securing your supply earlier could give you more choice and help avoid shortages if demand increases.Dont buy more than you needEven if you do purchase winter forage earlier than usual, dont buy more than your usual supply, as doing so may contribute to a shortage.Consider alternative foragesStraw is a useful forage source for good doers and can be a cost-effective top-up if your hay stocks are low. Products such as chopped fibre, soaked grass or alfalfa, and high-fibre cubes can be useful to top up forage supplies if needed. Introduce any changes gradually and dont wait until youve run out of hay to make the switch. For help working out what may work for your own horse, contact a qualified nutritionist.Review your horses dietIf your horse struggles to maintain weight on limited forage, speak to an equine nutritionist for advice on balancing their diet without compromising gut health.Keep an eye on pastureMaking the most of grazing where possible can help conserve forage stocks, but avoid overgrazing and manage fields carefully to encourage healthy regrowth.Remember, forage should always form the basis of your horses diet and any changes to the type or amount fed should be introduced gradually over several days to help support digestive health.Images Your Horse Library & ShutterstockRelated contentHigh demand for hay continues as makers report back on challenging conditionsHot, dry summer: Expert shares feeding advice for when grazing is poor, including hay alternativesThe UK hay crisis: how extreme weather is redefining forage, welfare and costs for horse owners Crops down 50% in 2025: potential hay shortage raises concerns for horse ownersWorried about a hay shortage? Alternative sources of forage to consider insteadThe post Hay shortage update: What horse owners need to know about this winters forage supplies *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

The third leg of the 3-year-old filly loose jumping took place in Tubberbride Equestrian Centre on the 21st of September. The loose jumping was judged by JP Rogan and Damien Griffin. Loose Jumping is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under National Breeding Services, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.The 3-year-old Eventing fillies were first into the ring. This was won by Adrianna Hurst with her filly Naptown Harry (ISH), bred by F Campbell, by Sir Harry (BES) out of Glenaguile Flight (ISH) by Errigal Flight (ISH). Second place was Charles Hanleys filly GSA Fuerty (ISH) by I Am W (KWPN) out of Castlestrange (ISH) by Hermes De Reve (SF).The three-year-old Showjumping section was the last class of the day. This was won by owner/breeder Dominic Blighs filly Auora CC (ISH), by Darry Lou (KWPN) out of Artista Vant Roosakker Z (ZANG), by Agana VH Gerendal Z (ZANG). Second place was won by Clarity Quay (ISH), owned and bred by Brian OMalley. The filly is by Clarimo (HOLST), out of Sandyhill Just Pleasure (ISH), by For Pleasure (HANN).At each qualifier for horses, the top two highest scoring 3-Year-Old fillies from the eventing and showjumping horse categories will be selected for the final. The final of the 3YO Filly Loose Jumping will take place on 15th October, at Emerald EC.Full results below:3YO Eventing results1st Naptown Harry (ISH) 2023 by Sir Harry (BES), out of Glenaguile Flight (ISH) by Errigal Flight (ISH). Breeder F Campell. Owner Adrianna Hurst2nd GSA Furety (ISH) 2023 by I Am W (KWPN), out of Castlestrange (ISH), by Hermes De Reve (SF). Breeder: Alan Connaughton. Owner: Charles Hanley3rd DS September Rain (ISH) (TIH) 2023, by September Storm [TB], out of Ds Bouncing In Clover (ISH) by Moylough Bouncer (ID). Owner/breeder: Liam Lynskey4th CG Candy Rock (ISH), 2023 by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH), out of Castlemeadow Mildred (ISH) by Power Blade (TB). Breeder: Martin Murph. Owner: Mary Murphy5th Unnamed (ISH) (TIH) 2023 by September Storm [TB] out of Lucern Girl [ID] by Longwood Silver Dollar (ID) owner/breeder: Kean OHara6th CLH Starbar (ISH), 2023 by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Crossdrum Drifter (IPSA) by Crossdrum Spurs (IPSA) Breeder: Commadant Gerard Flynn. Owner: David O Brien3YO Showjumping results1st Aurora CC (ISH),2023 by Darry Lou (KWPN) out of Artista Vant Roosakker Z (ZANG) by Agana VH Gerendal Z (ZANG) Breeder/owner: Dominic Bligh2nd Clarity Quay (ISH) 2023, by Clarimo (HOLST), out of Sandyhill Just Pleasure (ISH) by For Pleasure (HANN) owner/breeder: Brian OMalley3rd Unnamed Gabriel Slattery4th Drumrankin Baloube (ISH), 2023 by Balanco (HANN) out of Drumarankin Gloria (ISH), by Loughehoe Guy (ISH). Breeder: Vincent Burton.Owner: David Harrison 5th Boleybawn Star (ISH) 2023, by Comme Il Faut (WESTF), out of Damour Du Nenuphar (SF), by Vagabond De La Pomme (SBS). Breeder: Boleybawn Horses LTD. Owner: Mark Hession6th Unnamed (ISH), 2023 by Cormint (HOLST) out of Elphin Clover (ISH) by Mohill Cavalier Clover (ISH). Owner/breeder; John SweeneyThe post Penultimate 3YO Filly Loose Jumping Qualifier: Results appeared first on .

The UKs equine rescue, rehoming and sanctuary sector is at breaking point due to an increase in welfare demands, rising costs and a fall in donations, a survey by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) has found. The survey, which gathered information from UK-based rescue centres, rehoming organisations and sanctuaries and was carried out by World Horse Welfare and Redwings Horse Sanctuary on behalf of NEWC, discovered that all the respondent organisations are now at or near capacity with around 4,500 equines collectively in their care.Rehoming applications are decreasing in number, so fewer equines are leaving these organisations and this, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis which is affecting horse owners, donations and the organisations themselves, and a rise in welfare cases, is putting these organisations under substantial pressure. Challenging conditionsThis survey makes painfully clear that equine welfare organisations are doing everything they can to protect the horses in their care, but the system is under unsustainable strain, said Carolyn Madgwick, Chair of NEWC.Rising costs, fewer rehoming opportunities and increasing calls for help means we are being asked to do more with less. Without coordinated action and greater support, more horses could be left without the safety net they urgently need.Financial pressures and climactic conditions have made horse ownership and care increasingly challenging, with prices for hay more than doubling in the past five years and rises in veterinary and energy costs. Wet winters have impacted pastures and grazing, while drought in summer has required owners and rescue centres to use hay stocks meant for winter. This all adds up to challenging conditions for everyone involved in keeping horses.Results of the survey will be used by NEWC to engage with rescue and rehoming charities to find out what support they most require as well as raise awareness among horse owners of the wider pressures affecting the welfare sector such as breeding practices, responsible ownership and forward planning for forage availability. Governments and political representatives in the UK will also be made aware of the findings and recommended actions.Key survey findings:Demand for welfare support is rising: 81% of respondents reported an increase in requests to hand over equines, 67% reported an increase in welfare concern calls, and over a third reported more equines being returned by adopters.Rescue centres are running out of space: Half of respondent organisations are at or over capacity, while the remaining half are close to capacity. Together, respondents are caring for approximately 4,500 equines.Costs are increasing sharply: More than 90% of respondents are concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, while 84% reported rising equine management costs and 89% reported increased site maintenance costs.Funding is becoming harder to secure: 63% of respondents have received fewer large donations this year, and 65% are finding it more difficult to secure major donors.Organisations are protecting welfare standards: Despite the financial pressure, respondents were clear they will not take measures that compromise equine welfare. Most said they would not reduce forage, switch to cheaper forage or reduce bedding use.Options are narrowing: Over a third of respondents have implemented stricter intake criteria, more than half have reduced intake numbers, over a third have been through restructuring, and two centres are facing planned or guaranteed closure.The survey findings are available to read in two formats:Rescue, Rehoming and Sanctuaries Survey 2026: Executive SummaryRescue, Rehoming and Sanctuaries Survey 2026: Sector ReportImage Shutterstock.More from Your HorseHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)7 ways to enrich your horses environmentHow to tell if a horse is happyLacking hacking motivation? These three ideas will helpThe post UKs equine rescue, rehoming and sanctuary sector under unsustainable strain, survey shows appeared first on Your Horse.

Teaching your horse to ground drive offers many benefits and is just plain fun and can be done with almost any horse. Some of the uses include: Teaching a young horse how to steer and stop before being ridden. Improving steering on childrens horses that are too small for an adult to ride. Building a horses confidence by having him taking the lead. Doing an enriching activity for horses that are unable to be ridden. Introducing a horse to obstacles or pulling a cart.Ground driving is a great way to improve a horses steering and stopping before he is ridden. Photo by Jason IrwinGetting Started in Teaching Your Horse to Ground DriveI use a saddle, a bridle with a snaffle bit, and two long driving lines. A surcingle may also be used in place of a saddle, and you may want to carry a buggy whip to encourage forward motion. Note: When ground driving, I run the driving lines from the bridle through the stirrups and then back to me. I tie the stirrups beneath the belly using a piece of rope to prevent them from flapping.Before running driving lines through the stirrups, tie the stirrups beneath the horses belly. This prevents the stirrups from flopping around. Photo by Jason IrwinBefore putting the bridle on the horse and hooking the lines up to the bit, its best to get the horse used to the feel of the lines around his hind end. Sometimes when a horse first feels a line touch his hindquarters, he might be tempted to bolt, turn quickly, or even kick at it. To train him to get used to the feeling of the lines, begin with your horse wearing a halter and lead rope and saddled up. Its best to use a halter for this part so you dont accidentally pull too hard on the bit in the horses mouth.Assuming youre starting on the left side of the horse, connect one line to the right D-ring on the right side of the saddle and run it behind the horses haunches (be careful not to get kicked). Hold the line in your right hand, leaving slack in it for now, and hold the lead rope that runs to the halter in your left hand.Start by having the horse circle around you at a walk, and then put slight tension on the line so that it makes contact with his haunches. Have the horse circle once with a small amount of tension, and then release the pressure and then repeat this several times.Once the horse seems to be accepting of the line, youre ready to move on to the next part.Ready to Ground DriveWhen a horse learns to ground drive, its a good idea to have a second person help you for the first few sessions. Put a halter under the bridle and have the second person lead the horse while you drive him. This helps the horse figure out what hes supposed to do and keeps him from suddenly turning and getting wrapped up in the lines.It can be done with one person, but its easier with two. Its also better to drive in a small area in the beginning, if possible, so the horse doesnt have too big of a space to pick up speed.To start driving, hook up the right driving line to the right bit ring and run the line through the right stirrup. Do the same on the left. Keep one driving line in each hand and dont tie them together. You can either let the remainder trail on the ground behind you or gather up the ends and hold them.Now stand behind the horse a safe distance away from his hind end. Here is where you can either use a voice cue, such as walk on, or create a little flapping motion with the lines to get the horse to walk forward. This might feel strange to the horse because hes used to you leading him most places. This is why a second person is good to have in the beginning to give the horse confidence to move forward.Dont make any turns or stops in the beginning, just get forward motion and follow the perimeter of the area that you are in.Turning, Stopping & BackingOnce the horse is moving forward nicely, try to change directions by steering through the center of the pen and heading out the other way. This gives the horse a lot of space to make the initial turns. Again, keep following the perimeter in the new direction.Once the forward motion and change of direction is going well, you can work on stopping. Its best to not work on stopping at the beginning of the session because the horse will have more energy and might not be content to stand still.To stop, just pick up on the lines until he comes to a stop, then release the pressure. You can use the voice cue whoa as well. The first few times you practice stopping, only stay stopped for 10 or 20 seconds, then get the horse moving forward again.He might be a bit confused as to what to do when hes standing by himself and might start to fidget. Try to get forward motion before the horse starts losing focus. Your helper can assist with keeping the horse calm for this part.Begin with a helper if possible to keep the horse moving forward while teaching the new cues from the lines. Photo by Jason IrwinIf the horse seems like he needs some reassurance, carefully walk up to his hip and stroke him with your hand to help him remain relaxed. Eventually, you can add in a few back-up steps by pulling on the lines and releasing as he backs up. Once all these steps are going well, you wont need the helper anymore.To advance the horses turns, you can practice rollback-type turns toward the fence or arena wall. Drive him 3 or 4 feet out from the fence and then have him turn sharply toward the fence and continue forward in the new direction. Turning toward the fence causes him to turn more sharply, which makes for better turns. Even though the turns will likely be faster, remember to keep your hands soft and light on the lines.In early training, following the fence helps to keep to keep the horse straight. Photo by Jason IrwinAdding SpeedTo pick up speed, stand to one side of the horse and have him circle around you like youre longeing him. Ask for a trot by using a voice cue, or flap lightly with the lines. Once your horse is trotting, keep him circling around you so you dont have to run behind him.To go faster than a walk, have the horse move in a circle around you, similar to longeing. Photo by Jason IrwinIf youre moving straight, youll have to go as fast as your horse to keep up. By having him on a circle, you wont have to chase behind him. Also, if your horse picks up too much speed and you find him hard to stop, just put him on a smaller circle, which will help slow him down.Once your horse is ground driving well, you can add some obstacle work or even start cart training. Ground driving is a fun way to spend time with your horse and even has lots of benefits that transfer to under saddle work.This article about teaching a horse to ground drive appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Teach Your Horse to Ground Drive appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Britains Tom McEwen made history at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials last weekend when he became the first rider to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old classes in the same year.Toms winning mount in the CCI4*-L was The Fieldmaster, Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barkers nine-year-old Irish Sports Horse who he started riding this season, while he triumphed in the CCI4*-S with Brookfield Danny De Muze, last years seven-year-old World Champion.Success didnt end there for Tom as he also took second place in the CCI4*-L aboard the 17-year-old Irish gelding Brookfield Quality, who finished just 0.1 penalties behind his stablemate. Its a shame they couldnt both have won, but what a weekend, said Tom.I came here with five very nice horses and no expectations. It is a very nice result for Tom Strawson who took Trev {The Fieldmaster] around here last year, but Norris [Brookfield Quality] is an absolute star, a great old boy.It was the first time a rider had secured a one-two in this class since William Fox-Pitt won with Stunning and finished second with Tamarillo in 2002. Sam Ecroyd rounded out the podium with the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Bloomfield Manuscript. A clear showjumping round elevating them from fifth to third.Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster on their way to victory in the CCI4*-L.Danny is the championIn the CCI4*-S the top 20 ran cross-country in reverse order sofas the overnight leaders, Tom andChloe and John Perry and Alison Swinburns eight-year-old Irish Sports Horse, Brookfield Danny De Muze,were the last to go.The pair stopped the clock five seconds over the optimum time to secure a two-point victory over 2025 national champions Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo. Bubby Upton piloted Sancerre De Tiji, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood, into third.Marcus Bean, who is groom to Clarke Johnstone, won the2026 Top 4* Groom Award, which had been judged across Bramham, Scone Palace and Blenheim 4* events.This is an event like no other. We cannot thank the competitors, their support staff, our team and Blenheim Palace enough for all the effort and hard work, said event director Katrina Midgley.It has been an incredible week of talent, both experienced and new and I for one, cannot wait to see what the next generation of riders will do for our sport.Tom McEwen rode Brookfield Danny De Muze into the top spot in the CCI4*-S 8 & 9 year olds class.Images Libby Law Photography.Related contentPiggy Marchs routine for a confident and clear showjumping roundOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshFive cross-country gears every horse need for a safe and clear roundRide confidently in and out of the start box with this advice from Emily KingThe post What a weekend: double delight for Tom McEwen at Blenheim appeared first on Your Horse.

ThePrincess Royal, Vice-Patron of the British Horse Society (BHS), paid a special visit to the Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Bury, GreaterManchester, earlier this month to see first-hand how its programmes have benefited the local area. Celebrating its 60th year, the BHS Approved Centre continues to play a vital role within the community, through the delivery of BHS programmes, welcoming local schools like Mill Schoolwhich supports children with autism, and through partnerships with organisations such as KrimmzYouth Cluboffering women-only sessions. During the visit, Her Royal Highness had the opportunity to watch pupils from Mill School taking part in ridden sessions designed to be accessible for young people with autism and communication needs, as well as meeting home-educated children participating in stable management activities. She also met the coaches and young people who have been supported through the delivery of BHSs Changing Lives Through Horses initiativeat the Centre. It was an honour and a joy to welcomeHer Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to the Riding Centre to celebrate its 60th anniversary, said MargaretHaes Riding Centre Director and Trustee, Debra Batchelor. Meeting Her Royal Highness in her capacity as Vice-Patron of BHS and introducing her to our horses was atruly special occasion for the Centres riders, volunteers and coaches.A few years back, this major milestoneseemed unreachable as the Centre faced an uncertain future.However, the award of a Community Ownership Grant, together with match funding from Bury-based GARL Foundation, enabled the charity to take ownership of the Centre and secure its future.She concluded: The visit by Her Royal Highness, accompanied by James Hick, Chief Executive of the BHS, was the perfect way to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary, and to remember the late Maragret(Peggy)Haes, theCentres founder, whobelieved horse riding should be accessible to those with disability. It was a delight to demonstrate whatwe doat the Centreand the beneficial impact it has on the lives of our ridersand volunteers. With the support of the British Horse Society, the Centre is well-positioned to continue delivering hugely impactful programmes of horse riding,equine care,alternative education and social connection.At the end of theevent, Her Royal Highness presented BHS Awards and certificates to celebrate the achievements of volunteers, young people and coaches connected to the Riding Centre.This included givingthe CentresVolunteer of the Year award to Sarah Chadwick, an NHS healthcare professional, who devotes her spare time to volunteering at the Centre.It was a real privilege to join the celebrations marking the Margaret Haes Riding Centres 60th anniversary and to see first-hand the difference the Centre continues to make in the lives of so many young people, added Mr Hick.The confidence, skills and sense of achievement developed through equine-assisted learning were evident throughout the day. From the riding sessions and award presentations to the stories shared by participants and their families, it was wonderful to witness the positive impact that horses can have in helping young people grow and thrive.Our riding schools play a vital role in bringing people together and providing welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals can learn, develop new skills and build lasting connections with horses. Hearing from coaches, parents and young people about what the Centre has meant to them over the years was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the value of this work.More from Your HorseLacking hacking motivation? These three ideas will helpHow much weight can a horse carry?Does your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesHow targeted worming can protect your horse and the environmentThe post ThePrincess Royal visits riding centre transforming the lives of young people appeared first on Your Horse.