In partnership withWintec SaddlesIf youre preparing for competitions, it can feel like time in the arena should take priority to get your horse ready, whether you are riding between the white boards for dressage or soaring across fences in the jumping ring. It can mean that hacking falls to the wayside but maybe it shouldnt, because hacking offers plenty of benefits that are useful for every discipline.1. Finding confidenceHacking is a great way to build up your horses confidence, as well as your own, because of everything you can encounter when riding out. It can take time for your horse to become comfortable and relaxed out hacking, particularly if its not something theyve done much of in the past, but getting them more comfortable hacking will translate to better confidence at shows for you both.2. Desensitising in new spacesCompetitions can be busy, overwhelming environments for our horses, which is why hacking can help to prepare them. You encounter all sorts when out and about vehicles, farm machinery, noises on the other side of hedges, dog walkers the list is endless. And while its daunting, theyre likely to encounter similar when at a big show.3. Improving fitnessNo matter what discipline you do, your horse needs to be fit. If they arent, theyll struggle to do their best that might mean falling behind the leg, knocking poles when jumping or struggling to collect or lengthen their stride whilst doing a dressage test.Hacking offers the opportunity to better your horses fitness as you can ride for long periods in all the paces. You could also give interval training a go, which when done correctly saves time and reduces the risk of injury while improving fitness.4. Bettering their pacesWhilst you can do plenty in the arena to improve your horses paces, sometimes taking them out of the arena can help.Getting out hacking can improve forwardness, balance and rhythm. Its also a great opportunity to practise shortening and lengthening each pace.You can also work on your contact although not for hours at a time if youre heading out for long rides.5. Practising your gallopTheres only so fast you can go in an arena, and if you have a cross country competition on the horizon, or want to improve your individual show in a showing class, youll want to work on your gallop. Hacking along bridleways can offer the opportunity to practise opening up their stride, as long as the conditions are safe.6. Time to relaxHacking isnt just about work. It offers the chance for you and your horse to relax and switch off from a busy training schedule. You can enjoy the time in each others company and improve your bond and trust in each other which will in turn, better your competition performance.This content is brought to you in partnership withWintec Saddles, durable, comfortable, easy-care, weather-proof saddles for everyone.Further reading5 ways regular schooling will benefit horses and riders who exclusively hackWhy hacking is so good for fitness plus how to track improvementsWhat is #Hack1000Miles? *VIDEO*The post How hacking can improve your competition performance appeared first on Your Horse.

A pony who was hit by a car is making remarkable progress at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk.Arthur arrived at World Horse Welfares Norfolk base in July this year after the charity received a call about a young pony whod been struck by a car and suffered injuries to his face and a wound to his hindquarters.World Horse Welfare left an abandonment notice at the location where Arthur was found but no owner came forward so he was taken into the charitys ownership and will be rehomed when he is ready.UnhandledWhen we went out to rescue Arthur, it appeared that hed had very little handling, but he has such a wonderful nature that I was able to get a headcollar on him, said Lorraine Holmes, yard supervisor at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm.He loaded really well, which was amazing given what hed just been through.We kept Arthur occupied with some pony nuts and he let the vet check him over thoroughly and flush the wound on his hindquarters, which we were worried could get infected. It was amazing how he took it all in his stride his gentle nature really shone through.The wound on Arthurs hindquarters.Galaxy S23 FE f/1.8 1/180s 5.54mm ISO125Amazingly calmThanks to daily care from the Hall Farm team, Arthurs injuries are healing well. His groom Martha has even trained him to wear a fly mask to keep his facial wounds clean.Once again, Arthur was amazingly calm and was soon happy to have his fly mask put on and off, continued Lorraine. Hes a really lovely character and has been a joy to work with ever since we first brought him in hes come so far with his handling skills already. Now were waiting for some cooler weather so that he can be castrated as the next step in his rehabilitation journey.When hes eventually ready to find a home of his own, whoever rehomes him is going to be getting a fabulous little pony.To make a donation to help Arthurs care and recovery click here.Image World Horse Welfare.More from Your HorseWelcome to the family girls: Stacey Solomon rehomes miniature Shetlands Thumbelina and MermaidAge-appropriate training: this is when horses physically matureEvery horse owners worst nightmare: how to help prevent stable firesThe post Abandoned pony hit by car begins road to recovery at World Horse Welfare appeared first on Your Horse.

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

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

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

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

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

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