Equine dentistry and sinus disease is the focus of The Equine Veterinary Journals (EVJ) new Special Focus Issue, which brings together 18 papers designed to advance understanding, diagnosis and treatment of two closely linked conditions.With an estimated 93% prevalence of dental disease in horses worldwide, and dental disease reported to account for 2462% of all cases of equine sinus disease, the collection highlights the significant impact these conditions can have on equine health and quality of life.Dental disease has been shown to be difficult for owners to recognise, said guest editor Tim Barnett. Of 95% of horses examined in one study, more than half were classified with moderate to severe disease yet only 24% of owners had expressed concerns about the horses teeth or mouth. Importantly, dental disease can also contribute to sinus problems, which can be chronic and debilitating. The aim of this collection is to make current research and practical information readily available to clinicians to support and improve knowledge, treatment and outcomes for dental and sinus disease.With a guest editorial from Astrid Bienert-Zeit, Jennifer Rawlinson and Tim Barnett, the issue brings together the latest research across a broad spectrum of equine oromaxillofacial medicine. It is always exciting to see a new compilation of research into equine dentistry and sinus disease, added Mr Barnett. While mortality from these conditions is relatively low compared with diseases affecting other body systems, their incidence and impact on horses can be substantial leading to significant decreased quality of life, loss of performance and, in some cases, elective euthanasia. We hope this comprehensive, field-leading collection of research will help advance understanding, improve diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for horses with dental and sinus disease.The Special Focus Issue can be read here. Lead image by RossdalesRelated contentHow often should your horse see the dentist? Plus 10 signs of dental diseaseSeven common dental conditions in older horsesDental bridges and fillings: yes, we are still talking about horses teethWhy are horses more prone to colic in the autumn? Vet answersThe post Widespread yet often missed by owners: New research sheds light on dental and sinus disease in horses appeared first on Your Horse.

Wilmington, OH A final hurrah for fall arrived at World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC), where the R+L Arenas festive display of mums, pumpkins and cornstalks provided a seasonal backdrop for the closing Hunter Derby Friday of the Fall Classic Series. Greg Crolick and Tangelos led the way in the $10,000 GGT Footing USHJA National Open Hunter Derby, earning the victory as the series wrappedSource

HSI has received 5801 applications and issued 3771 completed applications for foals born in 2026.5801 pedigree applications have had their foal kit sent to the applicant, with the remaining kits issued imminently.It is important to note that, to date, 1192 foal kits have not been yet returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, which is 21 per cent of all applications.Of the 4609 applications who have returned their foal kits to HSI, 3771 have been completed and the passport issued, and 226 are currently undergoing quality control checks, while the remaining 612 applications DNA samples are currently with the laboratory for analysis.Of the 3997 passport applications, where the DNA samples have been returned to HSI from the laboratory, 94 per cent are processed and complete, totalling 3771.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, 248 calls were received this week, of which 83 per cent were answered, totalling 207.The post Updated figures of passport applications processed on Horse Source October 23rd, 2026 appeared first on .

23 October 2026 Just Horse Riders Podcast Episode 42 Hosted by Aaron EnglanderKey TakeawaysStart preparing weeks before the shoot. Spend time simply standing with your horse in the stable and field, with no headcollar, so that standing still becomes normal rather than suspicious.If you relax, your horse relaxes. Loosen the reins, scratch the withers and wait for the exhale. Becky only needs a fraction of a second to get the shot.Wear what you feel good in. If you're stuck, go for jeans and a flattering top you can climb a fence in.Summer evening golden hour gives the most beautiful light. Expect a start time of around 8pm in midsummer.Judge a photographer on their everyday work, not a staged portfolio. Check the website against their social media, then pick up the phone and talk to them.Goodbye shoots are worth thinking about early. Time pressure, not emotion, is usually the hardest part.Becky's shoots are 495, including a 24-inch fine art framed print. Finished images take two to six weeks.Quick answer: The best horse photos come from a relaxed horse and a relaxed owner, not from perfect weather or a perfectly plaited mane. According to Becky Swallow, you should prepare by spending quiet time standing with your horse in the weeks before a shoot, wear something you genuinely feel good in, and choose a photographer whose day-to-day work, not just their showcase portfolio, matches the style you love.If you've ever tried to photograph your horse with both ears forward, all four feet square and no hay hanging out of its mouth, you'll know it's harder than landing a flying change on a cold Tuesday. That's why we invited Becky Swallow onto the Just Horse Riders Podcast. Becky is a UK equine portrait photographer with more than 11 years' experience photographing horses and the people who love them. She spent three years as an in-house dressage event photographer. She has photographed William Fox-Pitt behind the scenes at Badminton Horse Trials and shot Laura Collett at home with her top horses. Her images have run as full-page and double-page spreads in Horse & Hound.Over nearly two hours, host Aaron Englander and Becky cover what really goes into a professional horse photoshoot: the prep, the chaos, the tears, the editing, and the single frame that ends up on your wall for the rest of your life. Watch now below, or listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKiMeet Becky Swallow: The Photographer Who Won't Soften the VeinsBecky describes herself as "a little bit more crazy" than most photographers, and she means it as a deliberate way of working. "I think the crazy just puts people at ease," she told Aaron. Anyone who has stood stiffly next to their horse while a stranger points a camera at them will understand why that matters.Her visual style is just as distinctive. While much equine photography leans soft and dreamy, Becky goes the other way, with high clarity and high contrast. "If a horse is working really hard, I don't want to soften out those veins," she explained. "I want to see them because they're working hard." It's an honest approach. A dressage horse mid-extension is an athlete, and Becky photographs it like one.From Fashion College to Equine PhotographyPhotography has run through Becky's whole life. Her dad was into it, and she was the kid at school who always had a film camera in her bag. A bridge camera at 18 led to her dad's old SLR, then a night course, then a full-time foundation degree. Her tutor told her she could get in almost anywhere, so she applied to the London College of Fashion to become a fashion photographer, and got in.Then life rewrote the plan. Becky became seriously unwell during her pregnancy, and moving to London was no longer possible. Her answer was refreshingly simple: "I have horses, I love horses, I like people and I do photography, so I'll just do that." She offered five free shoots on Facebook to build a portfolio, was swamped with replies, and equine portrait photography became her career.Badminton, Albion and "Crossing the Line"Becky's big break came through connections. A coach she met at a clinic encouraged her to approach a leading dressage venue, and that call turned into three years as its in-house photographer. A friend's contact then introduced her to the Albion stand at Badminton, where she showed some images of William Fox-Pitt she'd taken as a spectator. The following year Albion invited her back as their photographer, working behind the scenes with Fox-Pitt himself. Aaron summed it up: "It's not what you know. It's who you know."Becky's next goal is to photograph Team GB at the Olympics with an official lanyard. She's equally clear that she won't sacrifice home life with her family and horses to get there. That balance comes up again and again in the episode, and it's a big part of why her clients trust her.Why Real Photography Still Beats AIAaron didn't dodge the elephant in the arena. "I use a lot of AI, and I couldn't do without it," he admitted, before asking Becky what a real photographer can offer that image generation can't.Can AI replace a professional horse photographer?No, not for portraits that mean something. AI can mimic a finished-looking image, but it can't create the real bond between a specific horse and its owner, or the memory of the day the photo was taken. That memory is a large part of why people value the picture on their wall.The Experience Is 80% of the PictureBecky's answer was one word: emotion. "If you've got a model and a horse, AI can't create that bond," she said. She went further, too. According to Becky Swallow, around 80% of the value of a professional horse photoshoot is the experience itself. When you look at the print years later, you remember the dog licking the photographer, the horse refusing to stand, and everyone laughing.Becky only needs "that little fleeting moment", roughly 1/250th of a second, to capture a frame. The two hours around it are what turn a photograph into a memory. She points out that most owners spend their whole day doing things with their horses (feeding, mucking out, turning out, riding) and almost no time just being with them. A good photoshoot gives them two uninterrupted hours of exactly that. For our money, that's the most persuasive argument for professional photography we've heard.What Actually Happens on a Professional Horse PhotoshootHow much does an equine photoshoot cost in the UK?Prices vary widely, but Becky's photoshoot costs 495 and includes a 24-inch fine art framed print. Many clients spend more on extra frames or albums, so final bills can run into the thousands. Cheaper options exist, but they rarely include the same experience, editing time or print quality.Becky is unapologetic about pricing, and she uses a good analogy. You can't walk into a five-star hotel and ask for a room for 60, however much you want to stay there. She also says that once you add up shooting, editing, travel, insurance and equipment, the hourly rate for most photographers is nowhere near as glamorous as the headline price suggests.How long does it take to get horse photos back after a shoot?Becky's turnaround is usually two to six weeks, depending on her workload and her creative headspace. She sends small previews along the way. Clients then receive a slideshow of their images set to emotive music before choosing their final print.Why Choosing Your Favourite Takes HoursBecky's one wish is that every client understood how hard choosing would be. Picking the final image can take two to three hours. She suggests watching the slideshow with the kettle on, "or pop a bottle of wine", and treating it as part of the experience rather than a chore. Rejected images aren't deleted, so nobody has to panic about losing a favourite.How to Prepare Your Horse for a PhotoshootThis is the practical heart of the episode, and it's useful whether you're booking a professional or just trying to get a better photo for Instagram.How do I get my horse to stand still for photos?Practise standing with your horse in the weeks before the shoot. Stay in the stable after you've done the jobs, linger in the field after turnout, and stand quietly at gates for gradually longer periods. Reward relaxation, such as a big exhale, before asking for anything new.Stand, Wait, ExhaleAccording to Becky Swallow, the best way to prepare a horse for a photoshoot is to spend time simply standing with it in the stable and field. This teaches the horse that being with its owner without a headcollar isn't always a prelude to work. As she puts it, horses think "headcollar off, go; headcollar on, come in". The goal is the bit in the middle.Start with five seconds, then ten, then twenty, until your horse will happily stand for a few minutes. Find the spot your horse loves (for Becky's horse Woody, it's a good wither scratch) and wait for the exhale. Only then introduce something new, like standing next to a chair you'll eventually sit on. It's simple groundwork, and it pays off far beyond photo day.How to Get Your Horse's Ears Forward for PhotosBecky's quickfire tips are pure gold for anyone who has collected a rosette and ended up with a photo of a horse that looks thoroughly unimpressed:Use a horse-noise app. Whinnies, nickers and galloping hooves will make almost any horse look up.Rattle a box of Tic Tacs. The sound works, and they're for shaking, not eating.Relax your contact. In a line-up, loosen the reins a touch and give a scratch, because a tense rider means a tense horse.What should I wear for an equestrian photoshoot?Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident, because you'll be looking at these photos for years. If you're unsure, keep it simple with jeans and a flattering blouse or top. Choose something practical enough to move, kneel and climb in.According to Becky Swallow, "what should I wear?" is the most common question she's asked before a shoot. Her answer is refreshingly free of rules: if you don't like the outfit, you won't like the pictures. Becky is happy to help with styling ideas. If you'll be riding in some shots, clean, well-fitting jodhpurs and breeches make a noticeable difference to how polished the final images look.Footwear: Learn From Becky's ToeAt the time of recording, Becky had a broken toe. It didn't happen on a shoot. Her own horse stood on her foot while she was leading him and chatting over her shoulder. However relaxed the session, you're still working around 600kg of animal, so sturdy, protective yard and riding boots belong in your shoot outfit even if they stay out of frame.Best Time of Day to Photograph HorsesBecky's favourite is a late summer evening, when golden hour turns hazy, the grass is long and the light is warm. In midsummer that can mean starting around 8pm, which surprises some owners, but the results speak for themselves.On kit, her go-to is a 70200mm f/2.8 lens for its versatility and sharp focus. She also loves a 50mm prime because you "use yourself as a zoom", which keeps her sharp as a photographer. And while many owners insist on waiting for summer coats, Becky has a soft spot for fluffy winter ponies. Honestly, so do we.Goodbye Shoots: The Hardest and Most Honest PhotosWhat Is a Goodbye Photoshoot for a Horse?A goodbye shoot is a session booked when an owner knows their horse's time is coming, so they can make one last set of memories together. Becky gets these calls more often than people might expect, sometimes with only a day's notice.She talked movingly about a mare called Mary, and Aaron admitted that one of the images from that shoot affected him more than any photo of a stranger ever had. Surprisingly, Becky says the pressure is often lower than on a regular shoot. According to Becky Swallow, owners on a goodbye shoot are so absorbed in their horse that they forget the camera is there, which makes these some of the most emotionally honest images she creates. "This is my job," she said, "and it is my job to make sure that those memories are the best memories they're ever going to have."The real pressure is time. Some clients also aren't ready to look at their images for months, and that's fine. There was a lighter moment too: one "barely mobile" horse took one look at an open gate and bolted joyfully across the field.How to Choose an Equine PhotographerShould I Hire a Professional Equine Photographer or Use My Phone?For everyday memories, your phone is great, and Becky would happily run a clinic teaching owners to use it better. Where a professional earns their fee is in understanding horses. Becky is frustrated by event photographers who don't, and who sell images of horses looking "like a donkey" at the worst possible moment. Her pet hate is trot photos with the near legs not properly extended: "Horses don't have wobbly legs."Aaron put it neatly: "My pen might be better than Julia Donaldson's, but I'm not going to write a bestselling kids' book." Owning a good camera is not the same as being a good photographer.Check the Portfolio Matches the Social FeedBecky's advice is to compare a photographer's website with their everyday social media. Some portfolios are built on training courses where a tutor provides the model, the horse, the settings and the spot to stand in. If the website is stunning but the regular client work doesn't match it, that tells you what you'll actually get.Ring Them Before You BookBecky prefers a phone call to a DM, and for good reason. You'll spend hours with this person, so you need to enjoy their company. Aaron compared it to choosing a wedding photographer: you see more of them on the day than you do of most of your guests. Some people will talk to Becky and decide she's too much energy for them, and she's completely fine with that.Safety Comes FirstA good photographer will also tell you to speak up. Becky can get tunnel vision behind a zoom lens, so she asks clients to tell her if she's unsettling their horse. Her golden rule for anything ambitious, such as jumping on bareback, is this: "Don't do it for the first time with the photographer."The Gritty Bits Worth PhotographingBecky's favourite shots aren't always the polished ones. She loves photographing people putting in studs, precisely because "you can't do it in a pretty way". As she points out, every Pony Club household has photos of kids flying over fences, but hardly anyone has a picture of their child carrying a saddle at 7am.Her trickiest clients? Teenagers, who often arrive wanting chin-out, social-media-perfect poses. Becky's job is to steer them gently back towards the real bond with their horse, which is what they'll treasure in twenty years.The grit gets under your skin too, literally. Becky, who is also a qualified beautician running her own skincare brand for equestrians, explained that the grey "horse dirt" in riders' fingerprints gets ingrained deep in the skin. Her prescription is regular exfoliating and moisturising. Aaron, after hearing Becky's tongue-in-cheek suggestion of a grinder, joked that he now knew what to buy his wife for Christmas. A more practical habit is pulling on a decent pair of yard gloves before the jobs start.Horses, Mental Health and Woody's ComebackThe most personal part of the conversation came when Becky spoke openly about her mental health. She has been in "some very, very dark places", and she noticed they coincided with times in her life without horses. "My horses have saved me completely and utterly in their own little way," she said.Then there's Woody, her "ginger prince". He arrived mentally and physically broken, and a few weeks in, Becky doubted she could cope. Her husband's reply became a family motto: "We do not give up on things in this family." The horse who was once terrified of a single pole on the floor went on to jump double clear and finish fourth at a BE90 regional qualifier at Frickley with a catch rider. We dare anyone to listen to Becky tell that story without grinning.Every night, she switches off the stable lights with a simple "Night, team." It's a lovely reminder that for many of us, horses aren't a hobby. They're the support network.Is a Horse Photoshoot a Good Gift for an Equestrian?Becky makes a strong case that it's one of the best. Equestrians are notoriously hard to buy for, unless you can stretch to a lorry load of haylage. A photoshoot is an experience and a lasting piece of art in one. Some of Becky's clients order prints so big they hang in tack rooms and arenas. One pair of riders wanted their image so large it needed specially manufactured glass.Aaron's verdict: "You've given me some very good ideas. I hope she doesn't listen to this before Christmas." If a photoshoot isn't in the budget this year, you can shop now for more equestrian gift ideas that will still go down well at the yard.Watch or Listen to the Full EpisodeThis blog only scratches the surface. The full episode includes Becky's run-in with an angry parent at a junior showjumping show, her unexpected start in Horse & Hound, what top dressage riders actually look for in a photo, and her advice for young photographers (spoiler: "Don't say no"). Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC8k5ptsxIwYou can see more of Becky's work at https://beckyswallowphotography.co.uk/, and listen now to every episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKiAbout the AuthorAaron Englander is the Founder of Just Horse Riders and host of the Just Horse Riders Podcast. With more than 15 years in the equestrian industry, Aaron has built Just Horse Riders into a leading UK equestrian retailer. He also created the Englander Equestrian product line. Through the podcast, he talks to riders, coaches and industry experts to share practical, honest insight with horse owners of every level. Read more about Aaron and Just Horse Riders.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Sweet Callie Cat!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Lucky 7 Horse RescueAdoptable Horse: Sweet Callie Cat, a 3-year-old, 15.0hh Standardbred mareOrganization: Lucky 7 Horse Rescue, Isanti, Minn.Get to Know Adoptable Horse Sweet Callie CatSweet Callie Cat is an absolute sweetheart of a young mare. She is a joy to be around and a very forgiving girl. She came to Lucky 7 healthy and sound, and just wasnt big enough to race on the track competitively.She has since begun her new career under saddle. She is a lovely, forward-moving mare, eager to get out to see the sights of the world beyond that of the racetrack. She would thrive as a trail horse, but could really go any direction. Sweet Callie Cat has the time of her life carrying around a beginner rider on all kinds of trails. She trailers great, loves hanging out while camping, will soak up any kind of attention she can get, and will still keep you laughing through it all with her innocently goofy personality.This girl isnt super tall, so shes the perfect smaller Standardbred for someone who loves the breed but doesnt want the height. If youre unfamiliar with the Standardbred breed, Lucky 7 encourages you to do some research on all they can do. Hearing young and off-the-track may make you think shes going to be a crazy, hot youngster but that couldnt be further from the truth; Standardbreds are known for their calm, forgiving nature and are even commonly used in therapy programs.Sweet Callie Cat is available through Lucky 7s Standardbred Rehoming Program, which exists for owners to safely rehome their retiring racehorses in a way that acknowledges the value of their horses. Off-the-track Standardbreds come with a lot of excellent handling and care, and are extreme athletes. When they are working, they are all business mode. When their harness is off, however, they show their goofy personalities. Every Standardbred has their unique set of goofy quirks some like to twirl their heads, others like to stick their tongues out, and even more like to wiggle their lips. Like most Standardbreds, Callie comes with these wonderful qualities: Stands tied Cross-ties Trailers like a champ Good for farrier Stands for baths Up to dateon everythingStandardbreds offered through Lucky 7s Standardbred Rehoming Program are NOT rescues. They have been loved and cared for their entire lives, valued as racehorses. The Standardbred Rehoming Program exists to give horse owners the option to safely rehome their off-the-track Standardbreds in a way that acknowledges the value of their horses. Many of these horses would be sold for double or triple the price to go work on rural farms, as they are valued by those communities as working animals and transportation. When adopting a horse in Lucky 7s Standardbred Rehoming Program, half of the fee goes to the previous owner of the horse, and half goes directly into getting two or three Standardbreds away from the hard work of working on rural farms.Contact Lucky 7 Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Sweet Callie Cat!ASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Sweet Callie Cat appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Maddie! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Humane Society of Ventura CountyAdoptable Horse: Maddie, a 21-year-old, 15.0hh Quarter Horse geldingOrganization: Humane Society of Ventura County, Ojai, Calif.Get to Know Adoptable Horse MaddieMeet Maddie, a beautiful 21-year-old Quarter Horse mare who recently came to the Humane Society of Ventura County and is ready to find a family of her own.Maddie a sweet, gentle girl who absolutely loves people, and kids are some of her favorite people to be around. She loves attention, going for hand walks, and enjoying nice, easy outings. She can even go for short rides when appropriate.Maddie enjoys being around other horses, but she also appreciates having her own space. Due to an old knee injury, she is not quite as quick as she used to be, but she is perfectly happy taking life at a slower pace. With regular maintenance and the right care, she can be a wonderful companion and a great horse for kids.A pretty easygoing mare, Maddie is good for the farrier, great for the vet, and she doesnt mind getting a nice bath.Maddie may be a little older, but she still has plenty of love to give. If you are looking for a sweet, gentle horse who loves kids, enjoys attention, and is happiest taking life one easy stroll at a time, she might be just your girl!Contact Humane Society of Ventura County today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Maddie!Photo courtesy Humane Society of Ventura CountyASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Maddie appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Donkey Sanctuary recently hosted a popular North American television show at its Sidmouth headquarters to film an episode dedicated to donkeys.Animal Zone explores remarkable animal stories, wildlife conservation and rescue work, as well as the special bond between people and animals around the world.The show has been running since 2018 and is now into its 16th season with more than 200 episodes aired to date.Led by show host and executive producer Arthur von Wiesenberger (pictured, top) who has his own donkey named Watson the crew had the opportunity to meet a group of mini donkeys from one of the charitys largest scale rescues.Ive met some remarkable characters in my years of making television, but few have been quite as charming, thoughtful, or quietly intelligent as the residents of The Donkey Sanctuary, said Arthur.Our visit was one of the highlights of Animal Zones English adventure. What impressed me most wasnt simply the beautiful setting or the delightful donkeys, but the extraordinary dedication of the people who care for them.Donkeys are often misunderstood. We learned their cautious, contemplative nature is a sign of intelligence, not stubbornness. Theyve been carrying humanitys burdens for thousands of years. Its rather wonderful to find a place where, at last, were returning the favour.The crew interviewed experts from across the organisation to understand how the charity meets the often complex care needs of the sanctuarys resident herd. They learned about the rehabilitation and rehoming journeys of donkeys taken in, the role of specialist veterinary treatment, and saw first-hand the importance of enrichment activities. They also explored the charitys work with vulnerable people through its Donkey Assisted Activities Centre.It was a pleasure to host the Animal Zone team and share how the charity has grown from the vision of our founder, Elisabeth Svendsen over 50 years ago, into the complex, global international organisation it is today, added Ben Hart, Senior Behaviour and Human Behaviour Lead at The Donkey Sanctuary. We hope this episode will give viewers a greater understanding of the expert care and compassion needed to support donkeys throughout their lives.The Donkey Sanctuary Animal Zone episode is scheduled to air in February 2027.Related contentListen with your eyes: how to understand horse behaviourHorses and fireworks: advice to help equines cope on Bonfire NightWhy are horses more prone to colic in the autumn? Vet answersDoes your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesThe post Theyve carried our burdens for years at last were returning the favour: Hit series films Donkey Sanctuary special appeared first on Your Horse.

Lets face it, looking after horses in the winter is tough. Freezing temperatures, limited daylight hours and mud galore can make even the simplest tasks a challenge, but with a little forethought and planning, you can ease the burden.Here are five things to consider doing now, to help make horsey life that little bit easier when the wet, cold weather really sets in.1. Gradually introduce changesIn winter, we often make changes to our horses routine for example, bringing them in at night after a summer spent out at grass 24/7, changing their main source of forage from grass to hay, and changing their hard feed.Adjustments to your horses routine should be done gradually over 10 to 14 days to prevent stress and reduce the chance of colic from sudden dietary changes.2. Prepare fields to prevent mud damageA drop in temperatures, combined with wind, rain, and snow, can cause serious damage to pasture. However, a little preparation now will ensure that fields are kept in the best possible condition over the winter.Avoid overgrazing and compaction by resting and rotating your fields regularly.Its also important to check the drainage system. Ideally, paddocks are in a position where sufficient drainage is provided throughout the year, which is on high ground with a gentle slope.Drainage gravel underneath footings will allow the water to flow naturally into the ground, and a drainage pipe can divert water away from the pasture. Nearby ditches should be cleared so that drainage is not restricted by natural sources.Consider treating or putting down a surface in field gateways and high-traffic areas to help prevent them becoming boggy.3. Check your horses worm riskAs winter draws in, there are particular worms and parasites that should be considered by owners: redworm, tapeworm and bots.Find out more about winter worming here.4. Essential yard jobsTo keep things running smoothly on the yard, there are a few jobs to do now that will save you time and energy later.Check gutters and downspots check for repairs and clear out any debris that could cause blockages. You could store your rainwater in butts to soak your hay or wash out wheelbarrows and tools and fill up water buckets (providing you keep it clean).Prepare for a blackout keep a flashlight and headtorch in a few easy access locations to save you from fumbling around in the darkCheck your lighting check the health of your bulbs and replace any that are starting to look old or worn out, to save yourself from an unnecessary blackout. If anything doesnt look safe, call an electrician, as dodgy electrics are also a fire hazardInsulate your water supply use old clothes or insulating foam to prevent taps and pipes from freezing as the temperatures drop. Its not the best idea to pour boiling water on taps, as it can crack the mechanisms inside.5. Check your kitMake sure any turnout and stable rugs you will need are in good condition and ready to go and crucially that you can find them quickly when you need them.Its also a good idea to have a plan in place for where you will hang wet, muddy rugs to air and dry after being worn in the field.Remember, too, that cooler rugs and exercise rugs are likely to be useful when the weather really turns, so put these aside too.Youre also going to need your own warm, waterproof gear ready to wear when you need it. No one likes wellies with holes in or not being able to find their hat and gloves on a crisp morning. This is your cue to find them in good time!Related contentImpaction and gassy colic in horses explained by a vet7 common winter vet call outs and how to avoid them this seasonThree worms that all horse owners need to consider this autumnCan horses drink rainwater? Expert shares rainwater harvesting tips for equestriansThe post Five things horse owners need to do now to prepare for winter appeared first on Your Horse.

Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz has been ranked No. 2 in the world in the 2026 World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) jumping rankings, capping a remarkable season for the 13-year-old gelding and providing another outstanding endorsement of Irish Sport Horse breeding.Partnered by Corks Shane Sweetnam, ranked the worlds number three rider, James Kann Cruz has been one of the worlds leading jumping horses throughout 2026, with a landmark Rolex Grand Prix victory at Falsterbo followed by a top-15 finish at the FEI World Jumping Championships in Aachen.Bred in Galway by Patrick Connolly, James Kann Cruz is by the internationally renowned stallion Kannan (KWPN) out of the Irish Sport Horse mare CSF Telly Cruz (ISH), by the legendary Irish Sport Horse sire Cruising (ISH).His No. 2 position in the final WBFSH rankings is a significant achievement for Connolly and represents another major success story for the Irish Sport Horse studbook on the international stage.The defining moment of James Kann Cruzs 2026 season came in July when he and Sweetnam claimed victory in the 500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo in Sweden.Last to jump in the 14-horse jump-off, the Irish combination produced a brilliant clear in 37.68 seconds to take the prestigious five-star Grand Prix by almost a second from Germanys Richard Vogel and Cloudio.For breeder Patrick Connolly, it was a landmark achievement for a horse bred at home and another powerful demonstration of the quality of Irish breeding at the highest level of international jumping. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Horse Sport Ireland (@horsesportireland)James Kann Cruz carried his outstanding form into the FEI World Jumping Championships in Aachen in August, where he and Sweetnam produced a series of impressive performances against the worlds best combinations.The pair were Irelands only combination to qualify for the individual final, progressing from an original field of 165 horses and riders into the top 25.They finished 15th individually, with James Kann Cruz jumping brilliantly throughout the championship before an unfortunate rail at the final vertical in the opening round of the individual final left them on 10.28 penalties.His pedigree is particularly significant, with CSF Telly Cruz herself an Irish Sport Horse mare by Cruising. The Connolly familys breeding programme has therefore produced a horse that has progressed from Irish breeding stock to become one of the leading jumping horses in the world.His achievements also add to the strong representation of the Irish Sport Horse among the worlds leading horses. In the WBFSH rankings published at the end of May, James Kann Cruz was already ranked fifth individually, while the Irish Sport Horse studbook was seventh in the world.His subsequent performances through the summer have now seen him rise to No. 2 in the final 2026 world ranking.From his Galway breeding to the biggest arenas in international show jumping, James Kann Cruz has become an outstanding example of the ability of Irish-bred horses to perform consistently at the very pinnacle of the sport.James Kann Cruz is owned by Gizmo Partners LLC and Shane Sweetnam.The post James Kann Cruz ranked world number two as new WBSFH rankings published appeared first on .

If you decide on building your barn from scratch, youll need to source all of the components. Here is a list to help you get started.Stall MatsBoomerang stall mats are crafted using the highest-quality recycled rubber, ensuring unmatched durability and performance. Unlike crumb rubber mats that break down and lose shape over time, theyre engineered to withstand heavy impact, resist wear and tear, and provide long-lasting comfort and protection for your horses.Shop at boomerangrubber.com.Stall GatesThe robust design crafted from high-gauge steel features a European yoke opening and a safe mesh lower section. Suitable for large horse breeds, such as warmbloods and draft horses, but the sturdy mesh design at the bottom means they can also be used for smaller breeds.Shop at americanstalls.com.Hay FeedersThe InStall Hay OptiMizer is a durable slow feeder that takes just a few seconds to load with a days worth of hay. Your horse will love having a pasture in a box.Shop at rammfence.com.Barn WindowsArmours smooth fascia panel swings open to one side of any barn window opening of adequate size. One-panel design allows for easy open and close with the slide of one bolt latch. The smooth interior surface panels provide an edge free surface. Custom sizes are available.Shop at armourhorsestalls.com.End DoorsEnhance both the functionality and curb appeal of your equine property. Selkirk offers a unique blend of security, craftsmanship, and elegance for horse owners who demand both quality and style. With custom breezeway doors, your barn is sure to make a striking impression.Shop at selkirkstallsystems.com.Automatic WatererThe state-of-the-art Cascada automatic horse waterer fills your horses water bucket using an advanced contactless sensing design for unrivaled reliability. The device monitors water levels every minute and has the ability to send data to your Cascada app.Shop at cascadaequine.com.Stall PartitionsClassic Equine Equipments horse stall partitions are heavy-duty, solid welded, and designed to complement any Classic Equine horse stall fronts. Available in multiple styles and designs, choose from a full frame construction or a component style.Shop at classic-equine.com.Rubber PaversGreat for barn aisles or any place that needs anti-slip flooring. The interlocking rubber paver blocks are easy to install. Available in two thicknesses with an extra-fine finish on top for longevity. Unlike cheap alternatives, Premier Rubber Pavers create a comfortable, cushioned surface that promotes wellbeing for you and your horse.Shop at premierequestrian.com.This article about barn building components appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Barn Building Components appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.