11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Struggling with harsher winters, hay pressure and sharper public scrutiny in 2025? This friendly, actionable checklist shows UK owners how to boost pasture resilience and water security, update disease prevention, and make welfare visiblecovering 5 priority areas you can implement in the next 30 days to protect horses, budgets and social licence. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Visible Welfare What To Do: Publish welfare commitments and log turnout, fit, farriery, dental and vet checks. Share a monthly update on your noticeboard or online and answer concerns with facts and empathy. Why It Matters: Clear, consistent transparency builds public trust and protects social licence. Common Mistake: Keeping standards private or reacting defensively to scrutiny. Area: Pasture Resilience What To Do: Rotate sacrifice areas and plan rest/reseeding in spring and late summer. Reinforce gateways and water points with mats or hardcore; use track systems to protect swards. Why It Matters: Preserves grazing, turnout days and reduces mud-related health risks. Common Mistake: Leaving horses on main fields during prolonged wet and repairing too late. Area: Water Security What To Do: Add storage tanks and repair guttering to harvest rainwater. Insulate pipes and fit trough heaters or ball covers in freezes; audit usage monthly. Why It Matters: Secures reliable supply through droughts, floods and hard frosts. Common Mistake: Relying on mains only with no reserve or freeze protection. Area: Drainage & Surfaces What To Do: Clear ditches and drains before autumn and add French drains where water collects. Top up arenas and check bases drain freely after heavy rain. Why It Matters: Prevents waterlogging, poaching and unsafe footing. Common Mistake: Ignoring problem areas until winter makes repairs costly and ineffective. Area: Weather Protection What To Do: Rug to actual conditions with breathable, appropriate weights. Provide shade and airflow, use fans safely, and increase salt and water on hot days. Why It Matters: Maintains comfort, hydration and skin health across volatile weather. Common Mistake: Rugging by calendar or fashion rather than temperature and horse condition. Area: Disease Prevention What To Do: Agree a vet-led plan for worming and faecal egg counts. Start fly and tick protection earlier, finish later, and add daily skin and leg checks. Why It Matters: Limits parasite load and insect-borne disease as seasons lengthen. Common Mistake: Using fixed-date routines that ignore current weather and insect pressure. Area: Feed & Bedding What To Do: Secure hay early, diversify suppliers, and store off the floor with ventilation. Keep a small bedding buffer for supply blips. Why It Matters: Protects welfare and budgets during shortages and price spikes. Common Mistake: Buying ad hoc and letting stores run to zero. Area: 2030 Alignment What To Do: Map British Equestrians sustainability goals to yard actions on water, waste and land. Track simple metrics and improve step by step. Why It Matters: Delivers measurable environmental gains and strengthens the sports licence to operate. Common Mistake: Setting vague green aims with no data or follow-up. In This Guide What will define equestrian life in 2025? What is social licence to operateand why does it matter to your yard? How is climate change already changing UK horse keeping? What should you do this year? A practical climate adaptation checklist How should you adjust disease prevention as seasons shift? How do you build public trustat home, at shows and online? How can you align with the 2030 sustainability roadmap? What kit really supports welfare and resilience this year? From floods and hard frosts to viral videos and public scrutiny, 2025 will test every UK horse owners readiness to protect horses, land and our sports reputation. The good news: with clear priorities and practical steps, you can get ahead of both the climate curve and the court of public opinion.Key takeaway: In 2025, climate resilience and social licence are the two forces that will define UK equestrian lifeprioritise pasture and water security, update disease prevention, and make your welfare standards visible to maintain public trust.What will define equestrian life in 2025?Climate resilience and social licence to operate will define UK equestrian life in 2025. With the sector worth an estimated 5 billion and 4.3 million people in Britains equestrian community, how we manage welfare, land, and public trust matters more than ever.British Equestrian has set out a federation-wide environmental sustainability strategy to 2030, developed with White Griffin, aligning with UK Sport and Sport Englands commitments. That gives owners and yards a national framework to follow. At the same time, sport-specific pressures are intensifying: the FEI has created a Dressage Strategic Action Planning Working Group to address media scrutiny and retain equestrianisms social licence, and in 2025 formed an Equine Welfare Advisory Group to keep welfare firmly at the centre of decision-making.For everyday horse keeping, the signals are equally clear. Severe winter weather is already damaging grazing and reducing turnout windows across the UK, while hotter summers and intense rain events challenge water security, forage production and surfaces. The stakes are high: resource shortages in hay, feed and bedding can ripple through livery yards and home setups alike, while disease-carrying insects benefit from warmer, wetter swings. Your response in 2025 should balance immediate yard-level action with a commitment to visible welfare standards that the public can see and trust.What is social licence to operateand why does it matter to your yard?Social licence is societys approval of horse sport and equine activities, and without it, formal restrictions or bans become more likely. In practice, it means every owner must both prioritise welfare and demonstrate it clearly, on the yard, at competitions, and online.Put simply, social licence is public permission. When people outside our community look in, they judge by what they seehandling, training methods, kit fit, turnout time, recovery practices, and how riders communicate about welfare. Thats why transparency and competency are non-negotiable in 2025.Social licence is society's approval and acceptance of horse sport. Public trust is crucial. Maintaining it requires transparency, competency and confidence. Animal Welfare IntergroupThe welfare of the horse must be put first AND be seen to be put first, all of the time, and it is the responsibility of everyone who is involved with horses to demonstrate this. Pony Club HQWorld Horse Welfare underscores this point: demonstrating that horses truly come first is essential to maintaining our social licence. As they note, ensuring welfare and showing its importance publicly are key to keeping equestrianism accepted by wider society. See their guidance here: World Horse Welfare on SLO.Learning from other industries, denial is dangerous. Hanoverian GB highlights that ethical, proactive, and holistic welfare protection helps maintain social licencewhile refusing to acknowledge issues accelerates decline.Evidence from other industries suggests that an ethics-based, proactive, progressive, and holistic approach to the protection of equine welfare should be taken Denial of the problem is a key contributor to an industry's demise. Hanoverian GBAction this year: publish your yard welfare commitments, log routine welfare checks (fit, footing, forage, farriery, veterinary plans), and be open about how you handle challenges. Visible welfare earns trust.How is climate change already changing UK horse keeping?Extreme weather, water shortages, degraded grazing, and the spread of vector-borne diseases are now concrete risks for UK horse owners. UK surveys show mounting owner concern about severe winter weather damaging pasture and cutting turnout opportunities.Climate change isnt a far-off problem; it is changing daily management. Comparative data from Australia show the direction of travel: 90% of horse owners there have felt the impact of droughts, heatwaves, or heavy rainfall in the last 1020 years. In Britain, were seeing more erratic rainfall, harder winter frosts followed by prolonged wet, and summer spikes that stress horses and grass alike. Pastures waterlog, poach and then struggle to recover; gateways and tracks break down without prompt reinforcement; and water storage becomes a weak point on too many yards.These conditions compound supply issues in hay, feed and bedding, pushing prices and availability into new territory. Warmer, wetter spells also extend the active seasons for midges, flies and ticks, raising the risk of insect-borne and parasite-related disease. None of these trends are insurmountablebut they do demand a more resilient yard plan than many of us carried a decade ago.What should you do this year? A practical climate adaptation checklistPrioritise pasture resilience, water security, drainage and surfaces, temperature management, and emergency planning. These five areas deliver the biggest welfare and cost benefits for most UK yards in 2025.Use this focused checklist to guide upgrades and daily routines:Pasture and turnout Rotate small sacrifice areas to protect main fields and reseed hard-hit patches in spring and late summer. Install hardcore or mats at gateways and water points to reduce poaching and mud fever risk. Plan rest periods and track systems to keep horses moving without destroying swards. Water security Increase storage with additional tanks and check guttering to capture rainfall off stables and barns. Insulate exposed pipes and use trough heaters or ball covers to reduce winter freezing. Surfaces and drainage Clear ditches and drains before the autumn rains; add French drains where water collects. Top up arena surfaces and check base layers for free-draining performance after heavy rain. Temperature and weather protection Use breathable, appropriately weighted rugs based on real weather, not calendar dates; for winter wet, consider durable turnout rugs and for stabling in cold snaps, reliable stable rugs. Provide shade and airflow in summer and stable fans where safe; increase salt access and hydration on hot days. Feed and bedding resilience Secure hay early, diversify suppliers, and store off the floor with good ventilation to reduce spoilage. Keep a small emergency buffer of bedding to ride out brief supply issues. Health planning Update parasite control with your vet; prepare for longer fly and tick seasons with physical protection and daily checks. Support skin and gut through seasonal changes with targeted nutrition from trusted ranges such as NAF and our curated supplements selection. Quick tip: Keep a weather-led yard diary. Note actual rug weights used, turnout days, water use, and pasture condition. In six months youll have hard data to fine-tune decisions.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend choosing long-lasting kit that stands up to repeated wet/dry cycles to minimise waste and costhard-working layers like WeatherBeeta and Shires are perennial customer favourites for reliable fit and durability.How should you adjust disease prevention as seasons shift?Warmer, wetter spells can extend midge, fly and tick activity, so update prevention, monitoring and stabling routines now. Combine physical barriers, daily skin checks, and evidence-based parasite control with your vet.Climate-driven changes in temperature and humidity alter the distribution and prevalence of disease-carrying insects and parasites. That means some regions will see earlier spring activity and later autumn persistence. To stay ahead:Physical protection: fit breathable fly rugs and sheets during high midge pressure and use fly masks where appropriate.Daily inspections: incorporate skin, mane and tail checks into your grooming routine; our grooming collection helps you spot rubs, scurf and bites before they escalate.Parasite plans: work with your vet on strategic worming, faecal egg counts, and pasture hygiene; expect to tweak timing if seasons lengthen.Recovery basics: maintain clean, dry legs after turnout in muddy fields, and consider protective horse boots and bandages during exercise on variable ground.Nutritional support: skin, coat and immune support from proven brands like NAF can complement good management, especially during peak insect periods.Pro tip: Set reminders tied to day-length and temperature thresholds (not just dates) to switch on fly protection earlier and extend it later if the weather warrants.How do you build public trustat home, at shows and online?Public trust is earned through visible welfare standards, transparent communication, and consistent competency in handling and safety. Make the good you do obvious: document it, share it, and invite scrutiny.Start with what people can see. Correctly fitted tack, considerate training, appropriate turnout, and calm loading all communicate priorities without a word. Safety signals matter too: wearing certified, well-fitted riding helmets and using hi-vis for roadwork demonstrate professionalism and care for both horses and riders.Publish your yards welfare commitments and complaints procedure; invite questions at clinics and shows; and respond to online concerns with facts and empathy rather than defensiveness. The FEIs recent stepsthe Dressage Strategic Action Planning Working Group and the Equine Welfare Advisory Group (2025)reflect the level of scrutiny facing equestrian sport; mirroring that transparency at yard level strengthens our collective position.Ensuring the welfare of horses is truly put first and demonstrating the importance of their well-being are key to maintaining equestrianism's social licence to operate. World Horse WelfareQuick tip: Create a simple monthly welfare round-up for your noticeboard or social channelsturnout days achieved, footing improvements made, dental/farriery updates completed, and any training changes to improve comfort.How can you align with the 2030 sustainability roadmap?Follow British Equestrians federation-wide environmental sustainability strategy to 2030 and engage with your member bodies action plans. Aim for incremental, measurable changes across energy, water, waste and land management.Take the national framework and scale it to your yard. Priorities typically include reducing water waste (fix leaks, capture rain, reuse wash water where safe), cutting single-use plastics, recycling hard-wearing kit, and improving biodiversity with hedgerow management and native planting. Track a few simple metricslitres of water stored, bales wasted, gateways reinforced, and days of turnout protectedto prove progress over time.Align with respected UK bodies and guidance. While research-led organisations like BEVA and the BHS focus on welfare and safety standards, British Equestrians strategydeveloped with White Griffin and inspired by UK Sport and Sport Englandoffers the environmental backbone. Practical, transparent steps at yard level are what sustain social licence and the sports future.What kit really supports welfare and resilience this year?Choose durable, climate-appropriate gear and proven nutrition to protect horses, reduce waste and keep you riding safely. Prioritise breathable weather protection, fly barriers, and high-visibility safety.Thoughtful purchases can make a measurable difference to welfare and sustainability because well-made kit lasts and performs across volatile weather:Weather protection: layer dependable turnout rugs for wet, windy days and switch to insulating stable rugs for cold, dry nights.Summer defence: reduce insect stress with our breathable fly rugs and sheets.Daily care: elevate checks and comfort with yard-ready tools from our grooming collection.Injury prevention: support legs on variable surfaces with appropriate horse boots and bandages.Nutrition you can trust: shop welfare-focused brands such as NAF within our curated supplements.Rider safety and visibility: choose certified helmets and year-round hi-vis to signal professionalism and care in public.Durable brands that go the distance: explore WeatherBeeta, Shires and LeMieux for quality kit that stands up to UK weather.At Just Horse Riders, we see the longest-lasting kit delivering the best welfare outcomes and the least wastebuy once, fit well, and maintain it.Conclusion: act now, show your work, protect our future2025 rewards owners who plan for weather extremes and who make welfare visible. Secure water and pasture, adjust disease prevention to longer insect seasons, and communicate your standards openly. The outcome is better horse welfare, lower long-term costs, and a stronger social licence for all of us who ride, care and compete.FAQsWhat exactly is social licence to operate in equestrianism?Its societys approval of horse sport and equine activities. Without it, public pressure can translate into tighter rules or even bans. As the Animal Welfare Intergroup notes, public trust depends on transparency, competency and confidence.Why is climate resilience urgent for UK yards this year?UK owners are already seeing severe winter weather damage grazing and reduce turnout, while hotter, wetter swings pressure water, feed and bedding. These changes also extend insect seasons and disease risksso resilience planning protects horses and budgets.How can I show the public that my horses welfare comes first?Publish simple welfare commitments, keep visible records (turnout, farriery, dental, training changes), and model best practice at shows. As Pony Club HQ says, welfare must be put firstand be seen to be put firstat all times.What are the top yard upgrades to tackle first?Reinforce gateways and high-traffic areas, increase water storage, schedule pasture rest and reseeding, and update drainage before autumn. Fit breathable turnout rugs for persistent rain and plan shade/airflow for summer peaks.How should I adjust parasite and fly control in a warmer, wetter year?Start earlier, finish later if weather dictates, and combine physical barriers like fly sheets with daily skin checks and vet-led parasite plans. Expect to tweak timing according to actual temperatures and insect pressure.Where does British Equestrians 2030 strategy fit into my day-to-day?Use it as a roadmap for water, waste and land improvements, and track a few simple metrics to prove progress. Incremental, measurable steps at yard level underpin the sports wider sustainability goals.What role do reputable brands and kit play in welfare and sustainability?Durable, well-fitting gear reduces rubs, stress and waste. Trusted ranges like WeatherBeeta, Shires and targeted nutrition from NAF support consistent, horse-first care through volatile UK weather. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Fly Rugs & SheetsShop Stable RugsShop Grooming KitShop Supplements

4yo future star winners Delighted to hear our former horse serann de bun (Douglas ) and Conor McMahon won the 4yo judged championship at garrenmore equestrian today amongst the best 4yos in Ireland Last year he was top price at the gorsebridge supreme sale of show jumpers and looks set to justify his price tag, what a horse! And what a stallion prospect ..Sold by us a a 2yo to Tommy Considine who in collaboration with his rider produced him for last years sale where he has now American owners while remaining Irish ridden A horse you will be hearing a lot about !#bshgraduate

Delighted to see Arizona Ospa Z coming 2nd in the CSI 2 * large tour at chard internationalat only 8 years old This son of aganix de seigneur Sold by us to Sian Mileham his regular jockey , this week with Alfie bradstock in the saddle #bshgraduate

9 min read Last updated: January 2026 Seeing girthiness, grumpiness, or slipping performance and wondering if ulcers are to blame? This practical guide shows you how to keep forage flowing, starch low, and electrolytes sensibleplus the simple habit of avoiding >6-hour forage gaps that quadruple riskso your horse stays comfortable, confident, and ready to work. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Continuous Forage Access What To Do: Provide adlib hay/haylage with multiple small haynets and a latenight topup. Use slowfeeders or mix clean straw to extend chew time. Why It Matters: Continuous fibre prevents >6hour fasting gaps that quadruple ulcer risk. Common Mistake: Relying on twicedaily hay drops that leave long overnight empty periods. Area: Fibre-First, Low Starch What To Do: Keep starch under 1 g/kg bodyweight per meal and under 2 g/kg per day, and split hard feeds into three or more small meals. Build calories from beet, oil and fibre, and include up to 30% clean straw if needed. Why It Matters: Staying within limits markedly reduces EGUS risk compared with highstarch feeding. Common Mistake: Serving large cereal meals, especially close to work, or ignoring starch totals. Area: Sensible Electrolytes What To Do: Use daily pelleted sodium chloride or measured powders to replace sweat, and always provide fresh water. Dose consistently after work and in hot weather. Why It Matters: Proper electrolyte replacement supports performance without harming the gastric mucosa. Common Mistake: Giving strong hypertonic liquid boluses or relying solely on freechoice licks. Area: Pre-Ride Fibre Buffer What To Do: Offer 12 large handfuls of soft chaff or soaked beet 4560 minutes before exercise or travel. Avoid riding immediately after hard feeds. Why It Matters: A fibre mat and saliva help limit acid splash onto the squamous lining during work. Common Mistake: Exercising on an empty stomach. Area: Maximise Turnout & Comfort What To Do: Maximise turnout, even in short daylight windows, and use wellfitted, weatherappropriate rugs to keep horses comfortable and moving. Why It Matters: Movement and reduced box stress promote digestion and reduce ulcer risk. Common Mistake: Prolonged stabling in bad weather without comfort measures or forage planning. Area: Travel Smart What To Do: Load with fibre on board, hang a smallholed haynet, plan water stops, and fit travel protection correctly. Reoffer forage promptly on arrival. Why It Matters: Managing stress and preventing fasting during travel protects the stomach. Common Mistake: Travelling horses fasted or without water access. Area: Vet Diagnosis & Treatment What To Do: In suspected cases, arrange gastroscopy and follow a 2128 day omeprazole plan alongside foragefirst, lowstarch management. Review progress with your vet. Why It Matters: Accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy resolve ulcers faster and prevent relapse. Common Mistake: Delaying vet involvement or expecting feeds/supplements to treat ulcers. Area: Monitor & Adapt Seasonally What To Do: Track body condition, appetite, hay/water intake and ride notes weekly, and adjust routines by season (winter slowfeeding; summer electrolytes and shade). Act early on behaviour or performance changes. Why It Matters: Regular monitoring catches issues sooner and keeps management aligned with risk. Common Mistake: Sticking to a fixed routine and overlooking subtle warning signs. In This Guide What is EGUS and how common is it? Why do forage gaps and stabling drive ulcers? Feed for the stomach: starch limits and fibre Salt, electrolytes and ulcers: what the science says Exercise, travel and pre-ride buffers Treatment, when to call the vet, and UK labelling rules Seasonal checklist for UK yards Spotting signs early and what to monitor Girthiness, grumpiness, a dip in performance gastric ulcers can hide behind everyday behaviour. With UK horses often stabled in wet winters and training through changeable seasons, smart management is your most powerful defence.Key takeaway: Keep forage flowing, starch low, and electrolytes sensible and work with your vet for diagnosis and treatment.What is EGUS and how common is it?Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is widespread, affecting around 1 in 3 equines, with foals also highly susceptible. The British Horse Society (BHS) highlights how modern management and exercise elevate risk and recommends early veterinary involvement for suspected cases. (BHS)Ulcers can occur in the squamous (upper) or glandular (lower) regions of the horses stomach. Squamous disease is often linked to acid splash during fasting and work; glandular disease is more associated with mucosal defence breakdown. In one study, 83% of horses presenting with recurrent colic had gastric ulcers, underlining how commonly digestive discomfort and colic overlap (ECVIM via PMC).Because many horses are stoic, you may see subtle signs rather than overt pain. Thats why prevention-focused routines and timely vet checks are crucial.Why do forage gaps and stabling drive ulcers?Going more than six hours without forage increases the likelihood of gastric ulcers four-fold. The BHS notes that extended periods without fibre and blood-flow changes during exercise allow acid to splash onto the unprotected squamous lining, increasing risk (Mad Barn; BHS).In the UK, prolonged stabling is common in wet or icy weather. Twice-daily hay and hard feeds can create long fasting gaps, exactly when ulcer risk peaks. Counter this with: Ad-lib hay/haylage or multiple small haynets through the day and late evening. Slow-feeding solutions and mixing in clean straw to extend chew time. Maximising turnout with sufficient grass cover, even short daylight windows. Buffering before work (see below), and avoiding exercise on an empty stomach.Turnout is easier when your horse is comfortable outdoors. A well-fitted, weather-appropriate rug keeps muscles warm and encourages movement. See our curated winter turnout rugs for wet, windy weeks, and choose breathable stable rugs to keep cosy and reduce stress on box-rest days.Feed for the stomach: starch limits and fibreKeep starch under 1 g/kg body weight per meal and under 2 g/kg per day, and prioritise continuous fibre. Exceeding these limits significantly increases EGUS risk over 2 g/kg daily doubles the odds; over 1 g/kg per meal raises risk 2.6-fold (Saracen Horse Feeds).Practical ways to implement this on UK yards: Base the ration on forage first. For a 500 kg horse, aim to keep any single meals starch below 500 g and the days total below 1,000 g. Split hard feeds into three or more small meals if needed. Use chaff or soaked fibre to slow intake and increase chewing time. Include straw safely: current advice supports up to 30% of the daily ration, even in ulcer-prone horses (Carrs Billington). Choose low-starch performance feeds and add oil or beet for calories, not cereal starch. Ensure salt and electrolytes are covered appropriately (see below), and keep fresh water always available.Pro tip: If your horse bolts hay, a robust slow-feeder or double-net arrangement can stop the 11 pm6 am empty window that commonly drives overnight splash ulcers. Many of our customers pair quality nets with durable options from Shires to make ad-lib access last.Salt, electrolytes and ulcers: what the science saysPelleted sodium chloride is safe for the gastric lining and an effective way to replace sweat losses when fresh water is available. Two independent sources confirm no negative effects on gastric mucosa in exercising horses supplemented with sodium chloride pellets, even where 8385% already had lesions at the start. The initial prevalence of gastric ulcers at the start of the study was 83%, and sodium chloride did not have any negative effects on the gastric mucosa throughout the study period. Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., Nutrition Advisor at Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Daily NaCl pellet supplementation is a palatable and safe way to replace electrolyte losses from sweating in exercising horses and has no negative effects on the gastric mucosa. 2023 German researchers (PMC)What about salt licks and liquid electrolytes? Forum chatter is mixed, but the latest controlled work supports pelleted sodium chloride with water freely available. Historically, some studies suggested excessive bolus dosing with hypertonic liquid electrolytes could irritate the stomach; sensible, daily pellet use hasnt shown harm in peer-reviewed settings.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend covering daily sodium needs and replacing sweat in training with well-formulated options from our supplements range choose pelleted or powdered forms and always provide ample water. Popular electrolyte products from trusted brands like NAF make it easy to stay consistent. If you suspect ulcers, speak to your vet; gastroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring.Exercise, travel and pre-ride buffersFeed a small handful of soft fibre (for example, alfalfa chaff) about one hour before exercise or travel to buffer acid and reduce splash injury. This simple step increases saliva production and provides a physical mat to protect the squamous mucosa during work and loading (Mad Barn).Practical pre-ride routine: Offer 12 large handfuls of soft chaff or soaked beet 4560 minutes before you tack up. Avoid riding straight after hard feed; keep cereal starch for hours youre not working. Before travel, load with fibre on board and hang a small-holed haynet to keep chewing. Replace sweat losses after work (see electrolytes above) and re-offer forage promptly.Quick tip: Travel can be a double stressor movement plus fasting. Protect legs and reduce anxiety with well-fitted travel protection from our horse boots and bandages, and plan water stops for longer journeys.Treatment, when to call the vet, and UK labelling rulesConfirmed gastric ulcers require equine-specific omeprazole for 2128 days under veterinary supervision, alongside turnout, ad-lib forage and reduced training load. The BHS advises that correct diagnosis via gastroscopy plus targeted medication and management changes are the fastest route to recovery (BHS).Important UK point: By law, feed and supplement labels must not claim to prevent, treat, or affect gastric ulcers or gastric pH, and must advise consulting a vet if ulcers are suspected (GOV.UK guidance). At Just Horse Riders, we respect this framework. Use feeds and supplements to support overall nutrition and hydration; use prescription medication for diagnosed disease.Pro tip: After a treatment course, keep the same management that helped healing continuous fibre, low starch, sensible electrolytes, and stress reduction. If signs return, speak to your vet promptly; some horses need longer therapy or targeted glandular protocols.Seasonal checklist for UK yardsAdapt your routine to the season: in winter, focus on ad-lib forage and turnout; in summer, prioritise sweat replacement, grazing management and travel prep. Heres a quick UK-focused checklist to reduce ulcer risk year-round: Winter and wet spells Prevent >6-hour hay gaps with night-time slow feeding and late checks. Maximise turnout windows with weather-appropriate rugs and firm footing. Keep exercise steady rather than stopstart; avoid fasted work. Spring grass Transition carefully; dont drop fibre access in the yard just because fields look lush. Maintain low-starch concentrate rules during fitness rebuilding. Summer training and shows Use pelleted electrolytes daily in working horses and ensure water is freely available. Buffer with fibre before early-morning schooling and travel. Plan shade, water and post-ride forage at competitions. Autumn routines As grass drops, increase forage before the clocks change to prevent sudden fasting gaps. Check fit and condition; adjust calories with oil/fibre, not cereal starch. Spotting signs early and what to monitorWatch for weight loss, dullness, girthiness, reduced performance, recurrent colic and teeth grinding some horses show no obvious signs. Behavioural changes around saddling, rugs, or grooming can also be red flags (BHS).What to track each week: Body condition, topline and coat shine. Appetite, hay/haylage consumption and water intake. Ride notes: willingness, transitions, spooking from leg, or reluctance to go forward. Drops in competition scores or training consistency.Daily hands-on checks keep you close to changes. Build it into your grooming routine our grooming collection helps you spot subtle soreness or coat dullness earlier.FAQsDo salt licks worsen gastric ulcers?No recent evidence shows pelleted sodium chloride does not harm the gastric mucosa, even where 8385% of exercising horses already had lesions at study start (KER; PMC). Provide fresh water at all times and monitor with your vet if ulcers are suspected. If your horse over-consumes a lick, switch to measured pellets or powders.Can my horse have electrolytes in summer if theyve had ulcers?Yes. Daily pelleted sodium chloride is a palatable, safe way to replace sweat losses in working horses when water is available (PMC). Avoid excessive hypertonic liquid boluses. See our curated electrolyte and supplement options and consult your vet if youre managing a current case.How much straw is safe for ulcer-prone ponies?Current UK feeding guidance supports including up to 30% straw in the total daily ration, even in ulcer-prone horses and ponies (Carrs Billington). Use clean, soft barley or wheat straw, introduce gradually, and ensure ample water.What starch limits should I use to reduce EGUS risk?Keep starch under 1 g/kg body weight per meal and under 2 g/kg per day. Exceeding these limits increases ulcer risk 22.6 times in studies (Saracen Horse Feeds). Build calories from fibre, beet and oil instead of cereal starch.How does stabling affect ulcer risk in UK horses?Fasting periods over six hours quadruple ulcer risk (Mad Barn). UK winter routines often create long overnight gaps; solve this with ad-lib forage, slow-feeders, and later-night top-ups. Comfortable turnout with the right rug also reduces box-related stress explore our weather-ready turnout rugs and warm stable rugs.Whats the best pre-ride feed to protect the stomach?Offer a small handful of soft fibre (e.g., alfalfa chaff) about one hour before exercise or travel. This buffers acid and reduces splash onto the squamous mucosa (Mad Barn). Avoid riding immediately after hard feeds.What is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment?Gastroscopy confirms the presence and type of ulcer. Treatment for confirmed cases is equine-specific omeprazole for 2128 days under veterinary supervision, plus management changes (forage-first, low-starch, stress reduction) as emphasised by the BHS. UK labelling rules prohibit feed products from claiming to treat ulcers (GOV.UK).At Just Horse Riders, were here to help you put a practical plan into action from ad-lib forage strategies to smart pre-ride buffers and sensible electrolytes so your horse can stay comfortable, confident and ready to work. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Grooming Kit

May Group Riding Lessons Now Open for Booking. Enjoy the fresh air, lighter evenings, and a wonderful atmosphere as you ride alongside friends old and new. Whether you're building confidence or developing your skills, theres no better season to make progress and have fun. Bookings can be made easily through the app or website. New riders are kindly reminded to complete the Rider Registration Form before attending.Make May a month of sunshine, success, and unforgettable moments in the saddle!We cant wait to see you all!

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Planning a comeback under scrutiny and keen to rebuild ring confidence without risking welfare or reputation? This playbook distils Charlotte Dujardins measured return into actionable steps you can copystart domestically, rotate horses, manage permissionsand includes a simple 12week UK schedule to rebuild scores, confidence and selection credentials. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Comeback Blueprint What To Do: Map 12 weeks: start one level below your peak, increase frequency, hold the level once scores stabilise, then step up. Rehearse travel/warmup/test routines at home. Why It Matters: A staged plan rebuilds confidence and ring craft without overfacing horse or rider. Common Mistake: Jumping straight to big classes before consistency is proven. Area: Start Domestic What To Do: Choose quiet UK venues (e.g., Hunters, Hartpury) and enter two classes per outing. Aim for relaxed, accurate tests over 70% before levelling up. Why It Matters: Lowkey starts reduce pressure and variables so you can refine basics. Common Mistake: Chasing highprofile arenas too soon. Area: Rotate Horse String What To Do: Campaign 23 suitable horses, rotating starts to share workload and build depth. Track each horses recovery and way of going in a simple diary. Why It Matters: A balanced string keeps form high without overusing one horse. Common Mistake: Overstarting a single horse to chase results. Area: Selection & Entries What To Do: Compete domestically under BD rules; apply to British Dressage for FEI selection only once youre reliably 73%+ and horses are fit. Keep passports, vaccinations and registrations current early. Why It Matters: Correct permissions and admin prevent refusals and lastminute stress. Common Mistake: Requesting internationals before scores and paperwork back you up. Area: WelfareFirst Training What To Do: Film two sessions weekly, audit contact and aid use, and set red lines (no excessive rein pressure or repeated whip strikes). Step back if a movement needs stronger aids. Why It Matters: Visible best practice protects the horse and your career. Common Mistake: Riding through tension with more leg or whip. Area: Handle Scrutiny What To Do: Keep statements minimal and let tidy, consistent tests speak; share occasional clips of quiet riding and stretchy work. Choose venues where you and the horse are relaxed. Why It Matters: Controlled messaging and clean performance rebuild trust faster than words. Common Mistake: Overexplaining online while results and pictures say otherwise. Area: Autumn/Winter Plan What To Do: Prioritise indoor fixtures (Hartpury, Wellington), stack two starts per outing, and set a weatherwindow policy to avoid unsafe travel. Lighten workload DecJan with hacking and basics. Why It Matters: Smart scheduling preserves confidence, soundness and momentum through UK weather. Common Mistake: Forcing entries in high winds, ice or deep going. Area: Score Benchmarks What To Do: Dont move up until youre consistently over 70%; target 73%+ before seeking FEI starts. Practise doubleclean home runs with a 10minute walk break to test repeatability. Why It Matters: Dataled progression builds a strong selection case and ring stamina. Common Mistake: Levelhopping after one flashy test. In This Guide When did Charlotte Dujardin return, and what did she win first? What are her international results since the comeback? Can she target LA 2028, and what entries require permission? How should you structure your own comeback season? How do you train hard without crossing welfare lines? How should you handle scrutiny and protect your reputation after a break? How should you plan your UK autumn/winter competition schedule? Charlotte Dujardin is winning again. After serving an FEI suspension prompted by a training video, she returned to competition in July 2025 and has since gone nine-for-nine across domestic and international tests with scores up to 78.67%.Key takeaway: Dujardins measured comeback starting quietly at home, building depth with multiple horses, and keeping training impeccably welfarefocused is the playbook UK riders should follow when returning to the centre line under scrutiny.When did Charlotte Dujardin return, and what did she win first?Dujardin made her competitive return on 27 July 2025 at Hunters Equestrian, winning Advanced Medium 3 on 74.46% and Advanced Medium 4 on 76.71% with Special Effekt. This came after a provisional suspension began on 23 July 2024 and a oneyear FEI ban and fine were imposed, with the suspension completed in December 2025.Gloucestershires Hunters Equestrian provided a lowkey, domestic springboard under British Dressage rules. Returning at Advanced Medium allowed her to re-establish accuracy, relaxation and ring craft without the pressure of immediate Grand Prix starts. Choosing a contained indoor-style environment in the UK summer-to-autumn window also reduced weather variables and travel stress for a horse resuming mileage.Within weeks she broadened the plan: at Hartpury University she put big medium marks on the board with Secret Agent to 78.67% and stepped Special Effekt up to a Prix St Georges debut win on 73.97%. The pattern is clear: frequent class starts, calculated level progression, and consistently north of 73% to build form and confidence.What are her international results since the comeback?At Wellington International (1112 October 2025), Dujardin won both the CDI3* Grand Prix (73.74%) and the Grand Prix Special (72.83%) on Brave Heart II. Her tests were broadly clean, with only a minor trot halfpass issue noted.This was her public international reentry: measured, tidy and emphatically competitive. Brave Heart II provided the horsepower to reassert her technical standard at CDI3* without leaping straight into championship-level pressure. Since then, she has maintained a 100% strike rate across nine tests on different horses the hallmark of a rider managing a string intelligently as well as riding brilliantly.Notably, Dujardin also chose to sell Alive And Kicking (All At Once x Frst Piccolo), once an Olympic-hopeful mount. Moving horses on is a strategic decision top riders make to balance strings, rider time, and owners goals and it often clears bandwidth to campaign the horses best suited to immediate targets.Can she target LA 2028, and what entries require permission?Yes the British Olympic Association has indicated it would welcome Dujardin back for LA 2028 qualification; there are no BOA barriers once the FEI ban has run its course. For internationals, she requires British Dressage (under the British Equestrian Federation) selection approval; domestic UK competitions need no such permission.In practice, thats the pathway weve seen: domestic starts (e.g., Hunters, Hartpury) require standard entries and BD membership/registration rules only. Once you want to compete overseas or at FEIsanctioned events in Britain, you need selection approval from British Dressage as evidenced by her Wellington entry. Riders planning a similar route should map their domestic calendar first, then apply for selection when test quality, horse fitness and recent scores are strong and consistent.Quick tip: Keep your horse passports, vaccinations and registrations current early in the season; selection panels appreciate riders who have their admin immaculate alongside their scores.How should you structure your own comeback season?Start with domestic, confidencebuilding classes at a slightly lower level than your previous peak, then step up once youre reliably over 70% and the work feels repeatable at home and away. This is exactly how Dujardin moved from Advanced Medium to PSG domestically before reappearing at CDI3* Grand Prix.Heres a practical UK template you can adapt: Weeks 14: Enter quiet domestic shows (e.g., venues like Hunters Equestrian or Hartpury). Aim for 7074% to show relaxation and accuracy before moving levels. Weeks 58: Increase frequency slightly. Mix mediums with first PSG starts if scores and way of going are stable. Weeks 912: Hold the level. Win or place consistently; target 73%+ averages as your selection case builds. Only then consider FEI classes.Build a string with range. Dujardins comeback model used versatile 6 to 11yearold horses (e.g., Secret Agent, Brave Heart II) so she could compete often without overloading any one horse. If youre running a two or threehorse string, rotate starts to keep each horse fresh. A simple training diarywhether a notebook or an applets you track heart rates, recovery, and scores against conditions and venues.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend setting your return to form checklist before the first start: Tack fit verified (especially girths and saddles) and comfortchecked weekly. Gymnastic basics banked: transitions, straightness, and lateral work without tension. Travel routine rehearsed: load, travel, warmup, test, and cooldown times rehearsed at home.For kit, keep it practical and compliant: Choose FEIcompliant dressage whips and keep aids light. Your third leg is precision, not punishment. For autumn travel and chilly collecting rings, pack breathable rugs; see our curated winter turnout rugs or consider performance options from LeMieux for smart show-day layering. Protect legs with supportive boots; our horse boots and bandages selection covers everyday schooling and competition needs. Refresh your show wardrobe to meet BD standards and look ringready from day one browse womens competition clothing for jackets, shirts and breeches that perform under pressure.Pro tip: Bank double clean runs at home. Ride a test start-to-finish twice in one schooling session, with a 10-minute walk break between. If both runs are accurate and relaxed, youre ready to take it on the road.How do you train hard without crossing welfare lines?Record your schooling, audit your aids, and follow FEIaligned, horsefriendly training principles that avoid tension and coercion. A single careless video can undo years of work, so your best protection is visible best practice every day.Dujardins ban followed a video showing repeated whipping during training and carried a fine of nearly 99,000 alongside a years suspension. The lesson for every rider is straightforward: if it wouldnt look right on camera, dont do it and if your horse cant offer a movement without escalating pressure, the answer is to go back a step in training, not forward into stronger aids.Be careful what you wish for, warned Carl Hester (Olympic gold medallist and British team rider) about FEI rules revisions as welfare debates intensify. His point: poorly considered changes can ripple through the sport in unintended ways.Laura Tomlinson (Olympic medallist) has cautioned that dressage faces a turning point under public scrutiny on welfare and judging; if traditions dont evolve, the sport risks being shut down.Put welfare at the centre of your programme: Film two sessions a week. Review contact, leg and whip use, and the horses expression. Save clips that show your standard. Set red lines: no excessive rein pressure, no repeated whip strikes, no riding through clear signs of stress (tail swishing, grinding, irregular steps). Keep your tack fair. Check noseband tightness with a proper twofinger gap, and ensure girths arent overtightened across the sternum. Prioritise recovery: cooling legs, walking off, and prompt grooming. Our grooming essentials help you spot heat, swellings, or rubs early. Fuel the work: discuss electrolyte and joint support with your vet or nutritionist and browse targeted supplements to support your horses workload.Quick tip: Swap add more leg for improve the balance. Many resistance issues vanish if you ride a clearer line, rebalance the canter, and allow the neck. Correct biomechanics beat stronger aids every time.How should you handle scrutiny and protect your reputation after a break?Keep statements limited early on and let consistent, tidy tests do the talking; target lowkey wins before stepping into marquee arenas. Dujardins choice to start domestically, then pick a contained, quality CDI (Wellington) delivered exactly that.In the social media age, you need a plan as robust as your daily warmup: Ring craft over razzle-dazzle: stability scores above 70% build your selection case and quieten noise. Publish your standards: occasional training clips that showcase quiet riding, generous pats, and stretchy work do more for your brand than any caption. Control the controllables: immaculate turnout and compliant kit signal professionalism. A correctly fitted hat is nonnegotiable browse approved riding helmets to tick safety and style. Choose your venues: start where you and your horse feel relaxed. Indoor surfaces and familiar stewards can halve your risk of gremlins.At Just Horse Riders, weve seen our customers rebuild smartly by focusing on routines: same warm-up structure, same saddle pad, same lorry parking habits. Predictability often outperforms perfection.How should you plan your UK autumn/winter competition schedule?Favour indoor venues like Hartpury and Wellington from September to November, manage mud and chill with breathable layers, and use regional finals to progress towards nationals. UK autumn conditions suit comebacks if you plan for surfaces, travel, and horse condition.Heres a season builder that mirrors the principles behind Dujardins return: SeptemberOctober: Hartpury/Wellington/Gloucestershire fixtures for consistent footing and stewarding. Stack two starts per outing (e.g., Medium 73, PSG) to build ring stamina. November: Maintain frequency with one start most weekends. Track scores aiming to qualify for regional finals and, in time, national championships. DecemberJanuary: Lighten the load. Cross-train, hack for wind and limb health, and school the basics. If fields are heavy, keep fitness with arena interval sets.Gear that makes winter work: Layering for horses: breathable rugs that shed showers and wick sweat in the lorry; see our proven turnout rug range for winter weights and cuts that suit UK mud and chill. Leg protection: travel and schooling protection matter when youre competing often; explore our horse boots and bandages to prevent knocks and overreaches. Rider comfort: wet or windy collecting rings test concentration; invest in grippy footwear and neat show kit from coats to breeches via our competition clothing picks. Head to toe safety: a snug, standardscompliant hat is essential in winter winds; check fits across our riding helmets. Show-day polish: keep coats clean and skin healthy when bathing is limited; the right grooming tools and wipes go a long way in cold barns. Finishing touches: branded layers that wash well and look sharp; explore performance pieces from LeMieux that stand up to frequent travel.Pro tip: Set a weather window policy. If winds or ice threaten safe travel or footing, push the entry. Protecting confidence and soundness beats chasing one more sheet of paper.FAQsWhen did Charlotte Dujardins suspension end, and could she aim for LA 2028?Her FEI suspension followed a provisional ban from 23 July 2024 and was completed in December 2025. The British Olympic Association has signalled it would welcome her into LA 2028 qualification, so theres no BOA barrier once the FEI process is done.What were her first results back?On 27 July 2025 at Hunters Equestrian (Gloucestershire) she won Advanced Medium 3 on 74.46% and Advanced Medium 4 on 76.71% with Special Effekt, then produced domestic wins at Hartpury up to 78.67% with Secret Agent and a 73.97% PSG debut for Special Effekt.How did she perform at her international comeback?At Wellington International CDI3* (1112 October 2025), she won the Grand Prix on 73.74% and the Grand Prix Special on 72.83% with Brave Heart II, with no major errors beyond a small trot halfpass mistake.Does she need permission to compete now?Not for domestic UK shows entered under British Dressage rules. Yes for FEI internationals British Dressage (under the British Equestrian Federation) must approve selection and entries.What welfare issue led to her ban?A training video showing repeated whipping led the FEI to impose a oneyear suspension and a fine close to 99,000. The incident has intensified focus on horsefriendly training and responsible use of the whip.Is dressage at risk if welfare concerns arent addressed?Olympic medallists Carl Hester and Laura Tomlinson have warned that public scrutiny of welfare and judging could threaten dressages future if traditions dont evolve and rules arent implemented thoughtfully.What can I copy from her comeback for my own season?Start domestically at a slightly lower level, compete frequently for consistent 73%+ marks, rotate a small string of horses to avoid overuse, film and audit training for welfare, and seek BD selection for internationals only when your scores and horse fitness are rock solid.Ready to plan your return? Build your checklist, book those local starts, and stock the lorry with the right kit from breathable winter turnout rugs to protective boots and bandages and ringsmart competition clothing. If you need help choosing, our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help you and your horse step back between the boards with confidence. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Competition WearShop Riding HelmetsShop Grooming Kit

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 .