Don't forget to get your entries in for our fun event on Saturday 22nd August! With classes from 30/40cm up to 90cm & all disciplines on sand, there is something for everyone. 2 phase and 3 phase options, plus junior and senior sections.

Friends Jo Treweek and Ali Zuend completed a 1200-mile ride from John OGroats to Lands End earlier this month, raising more than 30,000 for Alzheimers Research UK in the process.The pair, who was inspired to take on the challenge after Alzheimers affected both their families, set out from John OGroats on Friday 1 May aboard their horses, Bonny and Poppy, and arrived in Lands End 93 days later.It just felt epic. It was such a huge thing, and we had been building up to it for so long. Then it all unfolded in the most incredible way. I felt really privileged to have had the chance to do it, said Jo, who is an ecologist.Jo and Ali, a Parelli trainer, initially set out with a fundraising target of 2,000, but had raised more than 30,000 at the time of writing.A cause close to their heartOne of the reasons we were raising funds for Alzheimers Research was because my mum had it, and Alis father had it as well, said Jo, whose mum Penny sadly passed away during the ride. Mum had it for 12 years. I wouldnt have gone on the journey if shed still been aware of who I was. She wasnt aware of very much. It wasnt a surprise when she died, but it was still hard to deal with. I paused the ride to go to her funeral.Jo and Ali, who are both based in Devon, started planning the trip more than two years ago. As well as organising the route they also had to get the horses physically fit and ensure they could deal with things like crossing bridges and rivers and had tack and packs that fitted well.Once we were on the route, we had to adjust constantly depending on where we finished each day, as well as information from local people and local bridleways officers about closed routes and diversions, said Jo.Mostly, though, we relied on the generosity of people offering us places to stay. Wed put calls out on Facebook a couple of weeks in advance, and so many people volunteered to put us and the horses up.Jo and Ali during their epic ride.The kindness of strangersMost of the volunteers who helped us along the way had been touched by dementia or Alzheimers in some way and simply wanted to help. They shuttled our kit trailer with feed and our camping stuff from place to place, and some of them we never even met, said Jo.They were incredibly kind. Theyd leave us gifts, food and horse feed. Peoples generosity was just incredible. It was really heartwarming.Jos horse Bonny is a Thoroughbred x Irish mare who completed the ride barefoot and in a bitless bridle. Alis horse Poppy is a seven-year-old Lusitano x Hanoverian x PRE homebred mare.The horses seemed to enjoy the ride so much. It was obviously a big challenge, but they came through it looking amazing. Bonny isnt really impressed with being in the field now. Shes waiting at the gate wanting to go somewhere, said Jo.Avoiding the heatJo and Ali often got up at 4am so they could be out riding by 5am to avoid this summers hot weather. We rode as much as we could early in the morning, as fast as we could, and then got to where we needed to be so the horses had more time off before we set off again the next day, said Jo.Jo and Bonny cooling off.Inaccessible bridlewaysAs well as the heat, Jo cited the main challenges of the ride as finding water for the horses while on the trail, erratic driving and poorly kept bridleways.We had several instances where we had to give up on a bridleway because, although we carried secateurs, a saw and equipment to clear vegetation, you could have been there for weeks trying to clear them, she explained.Wejust had to give up, turn around and go back. A lot of farmers plant crops over bridleways and dont really tell you. Its just not clear where you can go, and you have to give up. A lot of bridleways clearly arent used, which is sad. They look like theyve become overgrown because nobody is using them anymore.Jo also said they encountered hardly any other people on horseback during the ride.We saw 26 people on a horse during the entire journey, which surprised us. We thought, where is everybody? I know were only passing through at one moment in time, but youd have thought we would have encountered the odd person. Given that we were trying to stay on bridleways and off the road, we thought we would have seen more riders, said Jo.Jo and Ali crossing into Northumberland.The green green grass of homeFor Jo, the highlights of the ride were the chance to explore the British countryside and the kindness of strangers.We got to see the landscapes of Britain all the way down the country in one go, at horse pace. We were basically seeing the best bits that are still there and that you can take a horse through. It was just really beautiful, she said.It was also heartwarming how generous people were. It was quite moving how much people wanted to help and make the journey possible, and how they helped get us to the end. It felt like they were all coming along the journey with us.I was feeling a bit depressed before I went off about the state of the country and politics. I was feeling a bit down in the dumps.Its hard to feel that way when people are so great and its such a beautiful country. I just passionately want people to be able to continue riding in it and for horses to still be part of it in the future.Jo and Ali documented the ride on their Facebook page, Adventure B4 Dementia 2026. Click here for their JustGiving page.Images Jo Treweek/Ali Zuend.Related articlesHorse field management: essential paddock care to do in the springWhy hacking is so good for fitness plus how to track improvementsFive top tips for taking your horse on a fun ride soloThe post It was epic: two friends complete 1200 mile ride from John OGroats to Lands End for Alzheimers Research UK appeared first on Your Horse.

RedwingsHorse Sanctuary, The University of East Anglia (UEA) and The Pony Club have teamed up to host a writing competition for all ages, and novelistJacquelineWilson, who wrote a foreword forRedwingsand the UEAs special fundraising edition of Black Beauty, will judge the categories.Redwings is the custodian of Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth, the birthplace of the Black Beauty novelist. Their partnership with the UEA, which began with the fundraising edition of the novel, aims to continue Anna Sewells legacy of improving animal welfare and has also included a Black Beauty pledge which encourages kindness and empathy to animals, plus specialist educational resources around Black Beauty and the writing competition, which is now in its third year.This year, entrants are invited to write a short story or poem on the theme of The Animal That Changed My Life, which can be based on a real-life or a fictional animal. The writing competition continues to be inspired by Black Beauty, where not only does Beautys character do many jobs and heroic acts to help the people around him, but also the huge impact the story had itself on the treatment of animals in the real world, leading an incredible movement for change in the treatment of horses, said Charlotte McMorran-Stock, Education and Youth Publications Officer at Redwings.Due to popular demand, we have opened our competition up to authors of all ages, so we can all celebrate the inspiration of animals around us. Our authors may have had an encounter with an animal who changed their life, or maybe an animal encounter that challenged their perspective on the world around them, and the creatures we share it with.How to enterThe closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 September, and will be in the following categories:Ages six 11 (Maximum 500 words)Ages 12 18 (Maximum 750 words)Ages 19-24 (Maximum 750 words)Age 25 + (Maximum 750 words)To enter, email the typed-up story tostories@redwings.co.uk, including the authors name, age and contact details, as well as parent/guardian details if the author is under 16. Prizes include a years sponsorship of aRedwingsAdoption Star, a copy of theRedwingsand UEA Black Beauty, a bundle of goodies from The Pony Club, plus UEA items.The competition is open to entries from the UK.For more information aboutRedwings work and the writing competition, visitwww.redwings.org.ukLead image of Redwings Adoption Star CallistoMore from Your HorseRedwings inaugural book festival a sell-out successColt who survived dams neglect given pain-free future thanks to surgeryHay vs haylage: this is how to choose which is best for your horseBye-bye bugs: Seven fly repellent sprays put to the testThe post Dame JacquelineWilsonto judge equestrian writing competition appeared first on Your Horse.

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale (pictured top) produced the performance of their lives under the Aachen lights tonight at the dressage World Championships (15 August) to retain their world freestyle title from four years ago and leave the British rider struggling to find words for what she had just achieved.Its unbelievable. I literally cant believe how amazing Glamourdale was in there today, said Lottie after a performance she described as the test of a lifetime.Weve never, never, ever had a test so good and it all just came together at the right time in Aachen its so special.The defending champions delivered when it mattered most, with Glamourdale once again showing why the freestyle is his great stage. The black stallions power, expression and charisma revelled in the 40,000-strong Aachen crowd and their superb aeroplane-themed music. I literally had a smile on my face win the extended canter, she said. I was like, This is the most incredible feeling in the world. I was so relaxed and so calm in there not worried at all, she said. He was just giving me so much confidence, and we both enjoyed it so much, every minute of it.Lottie said Glamourdale couldnt wait to get on the big stage. Hes so funny. He was whinnying the whole time in the warm-up, trying to get in there he was so excited to get in. And then he went in completely relaxed with the crowd and just doing everything his best.Lottie said the victory was the culmination of an enormous team effort.Its just amazing to have the whole team here, she said. I wouldnt be here without any of them they are an incredible support, and its such a huge team effort to be able to peak at the right moment in Aachen. Its a dream come true.This pair won both individual titles at the 2022 World Championships and have remained among the sports defining combinations, with the stallions spectacular extended canter and trademark presence making him one of the most recognisable horses in modern dressage.Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour: Im over the moon Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour was equally delighted with silver on Mount St John Freestyle in this class too.Im over the moon today, she said. I really felt that I lost a gold medal [in the grand prix special] because of my performance and my mistakes. But today I bloody won that silver medal.It was a remarkable turnaround in mindset, and the Danish star made the most of her opportunity with this 17-year-old mare.I didnt expect anything else from Lottie that she was also going to put the ground on fire, which she did, Cathrine said. But Freestyle was fault-free and Im so, so happy about my silver today.Freestyle, who has been in extraordinary form throughout 2026, rose to the occasion in front of Aachens enormous crowd.She felt like she was flying today, Cathrine said. I started my music, and she just felt perfect from the first footprint.Cathrine also paid tribute to the wider team behind her and her horse who has taken her to another championship medal.Im really proud not only of Freestyle and myself, but my whole team and my home team as well, she said. It takes a village.Werth relishes Aachen atmosphereGermanys Isabell Werth completed the individual podium battle in style, producing a performance on Wendy de Fontaine that left her so, so grateful.Im so happy about my test today, Isabell said. And the atmosphere was I got goosebumps when I went in.The German legend said: I realised I had to take risks and that was the only chance I had to get a medal.At the end it was so amazing. She was so with me, and I could play with the piaffe and passage. It was just amazing.For Isabell, her medal today helped with narrowly missing out on one in the grand prix special. Becky Moody: This is cool Britains Becky Moody brought her World Cup-winning partnership with Jagerbomb into another huge championship atmosphere and the home-bred gelding really impressed. This is cool. And he was so chilled, Becky said.She admitted the horseBomb did not quite have all the energy he can produce, but she was delighted with his willingness to stay with her.He was so with me and everything. And I think we can show a good picture, which is what Im really trying to do.Becky also saw the evening as an important education for Jagerbomb.It was a really good learning experience for him, she said. When are you going to get the opportunity to do something like that again?The performance capped an extraordinary season for Becky and Bomb. They arrived in Aachen as reigning World Cup champions after their 88.33% victory in Fort Worth, and Jagerbomb had already shown his ability to thrive on the biggest stages.Carl Hester: I had a totally different horse to ride Fellow Brit Carl Hester signed off his championship with Fame after a week in which the veteran rider repeatedly demonstrated his extraordinary ability to produce under pressure. But it took all of Carls skill to get a spooky and hot Fame to the end of their test. Hes feeling well, Carl said. I had a totally different horse to ride today.The 36-time championship veteran admitted the atmosphere is almost impossible to replicate in training.You cant replicate the atmosphere you get when youve got 40,000 people when youre at home, he said.There was also a hint of relief at the end of a long week.Im not disappointed because Ive had an amazing week, Carl said. Top 10 in all three tests thats a good feeling.And after years at the very top, his gratitude for the people around him was clear.Its always the support team. We do have an army out here with us, and they make sure that we get we are in the best possible place to get and give our next performances. So for that, were really, really grateful. Images: Tim WilkinsonRelated contentI cant believe what just happened: emotional Lottie Fry and Glamourdale retain world title for Great Britain in emotional Aachen grand prix special triumphThe most amazing feeling Ive ever had: Lottie Fry and Carl Hester deliver at World Championships to secure team silverBecky Moody battles back as Fiona Bigwood savours special Aachen moment for Great BritainHow to watch the 2026 FEI World Championships on TV and via livestreamThe post The most incredible feeling in the world: Lottie Fry and Glamourdale claim history-making World Championship freestyle gold for Britain appeared first on Your Horse.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (pictured top) produced the performance Britain needed at Aachen today (15 August), moving into individual silver and helping Great Britain establish a commanding team lead after a thrilling cross-country day at the 2026 eventing World Championships.The British anchorwoman delivered a clear inside the 9min 50sec optimum time, leaving her on her dressage score of 23.4 and just 0.4 penalties behind Germanys Michael Jung. Laura Collett and London 52 are third on 23.6, with Tom McEwen and JL Dublin in fourth on 28.6, meaning three British combinations occupy the top four places going into Sundays final showjumping phase. The cross-country was action-packed where only six of the 85 starters jumped clear inside the optimum time. The 5,600m track, designed by Giuseppe della Chiesa, demanded relentless accuracy as well as speed, with little opportunity for horses and riders to take a breather between fences. Ros, who is still breastfeeding her seven-month-old daughter Seneh, said she was just over the moon, although she admitted she was quite relieved too. Its been a long wait today, and its a very, very intense track to ride, she said. Badminton and Burghley feel a little bit easier for Walter because you can cruise along in-between, whereas today you have to go so fast between fences, and there doesnt seem to be any space to do that because all of a sudden youve got another jump to jump.Yet Lordships Graffalo, who is a dual Badminton and Burghley champion, looked every inch the championship horse. What an amazing horse he is, Ros said. He just absolutely loves it, doesnt he? And as soon as he came over to the cross-country warm-up, his ears pricked. He just gives me the utmost confidence, he really does.Ros took the direct options throughout the intense track, but there was one moment when she nearly chose a long route. Having watched Tom McEwen take the long route at fence 17, Ros was tempted to do the same. I was really, really tempted to go long because he just felt like hed got a little bit strung out, she explained. Then came the pep talk: But then I thought for goodness sake, you havent come to the World Championships to wimp out of it. So get on with it because you know youre on a good horse.Ros now sits just 0.4 penalties behind cross-country leaders Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH for Germany. Laura Collett: The best round Ive ever hadLaura Collett produced another extraordinary performance with the 17-year-old London 52, finishing clear and only two seconds over the optimum time, moving down one place into individual bronze on 23.6. The pair are just 0.2 penalties behind Ros and only 0.6 from Michaels lead.This horse is just unbelievable, Laura said. It felt like hed walked the course and knew what I was wanting him to do even before I got there. He gave me so much confidence from start to finish. He never wavered off line.There was, however, a worrying moment approaching the final water when London 52 slipped and nearly fell.We had a bit of a scary moment because he pulled off a shoe and turning to the last water he was nearly on his side, Laura said. I dont know how he jumped quite a big fence into water but he is just the most amazing horse. The ground looked very close at one stage.That was probably the best round Ive ever had on him.Laura also had to make a decision at a late combination, initially considering the long route. But after watching Tom, and with British team coach Chris Bartle, British eventing high performance coach, urging her on, she committed to the direct line.My horse was on fire, reading everything, so I knew I could trust him, she said. Chris Bartle grabbed hold of me and said, I believe in you. Go straight. And there was no reason to doubt him.The British teams success was made more poignant by the pressure created when Gemma Stevens was eliminated earlier in the day following three refusals attempting to jump into the first part of a rail, ditch rail combination with Flash Cooley, meaning Britain could not afford another non-score. Im so proud of all the horses, Laura said. They are all real performers. They love the big stage.Tom McEwen: I let him set sail Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, already bronze medallists individually at last years Europeans, produced a fast clear to climb to fourth individually on 28.6, adding just two time penalties.Dubs for me was brilliant, Tom said. I let him set sail, never felt like I was rushing and tried to leave enough petrol in the tank.But a late combination presented a dilemma. Having hoped to take the direct route, Tom made the decision to protect the team score.I made the quick decision and sped as quickly as I could round the long route, which is clearly much safer, he said. Its a good option. Obviously, the straight route should be great, but team comes first.Tom admitted JL Dublin was beginning to tire towards the finish.He was just starting to get a little bit tired there, he said. Galloping around Aachen is tiring, not just for the horse physically, but mentally, and thats the same with the riders.The pair finished five seconds over the optimum time for two time-faults but, crucially, jumped clear and kept Britains team challenge on track.Michael Jung: I have no words At the top of the individual leaderboard sits the seemingly ageless Michael Jung with fischerChipmunk FRH. The German maestro delivered one of the days only clear rounds inside the time, finishing on 23 penalties and moving 0.4 ahead of Ros.FischerChipmunk is amazing and I have no words, Michael said of the 18-year-old. Hes an unbelievable horse, he is full of energy, hes galloping, hes jumping.He added: He was listening so well today and was so lovely to ride and it is such an honour to have this horse.The ground was perfect. The conditions were perfect. It was a bit cloudy, and that helps for sure also.The German rider went on to explain how managing energy was crucial around todays track. If you went too fast in the beginning and you had no energy in the end, the last jumps get so difficult, he explained. The time is not everything.In the end, I was fighting a bit more, and he was absolutely with me, and thats a great feeling.It was also another extraordinary championship milestone for the pair, with Chipmunk becoming only the second horse after La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to make the optimum time at five separate championships.Caroline Harris: another big performanceBritains individual rider Caroline Harris and her mount D. Day were also very impressive today. The pair jumped clear and finished only three seconds outside the optimum time, leaving them 14th individually, having been 40th after the dressage. Oh my God, that horse is just something else, Caroline said. He was class.I knew as soon as we jumped the trakehner early in the course that he was going to be on it today because he can sometimes go a little bit ditchy, she said. But I think this year hes just grown up and is a phenomenal horse to ride cross-country.Caroline, who won Luhmhlens five-star earlier this year and also won the five-star at Pau in 2024 with D. Day, but then fell uncharacteristically at the European Championships at Blenheim last September, said their partnership has developed significantly this season.He loves it. Hes always great, and we just have 100% faith in each other now, she said. We learnt a lot last year, as everyone likes to keep reminding me. But weve come out this year, and he just feels a totally different horse.She added: Hes so straight. He always just wants to look for the flags and jump between them. Germanys Julia Krajewski and Uelzeners Nickel, who were overnight individual leaders after their brilliant 22 dressage, slipped to 20th after picking up time penalties across country, but this wasnt a huge shock as this horse hasnt finished within the optimum time since he was competing at two-star level in 2022. Britain clear at the top but Germany remain dangerousIn the team standings, Britain sits on 75.6, giving them a 14.8 advantage over Germany on 90.4. Switzerland is third on 106.5, followed by Ireland on 110.1, the USA on 112.3 and France on 113.9.Individual top six after cross-countryMichael Jung (GER) fischerChipmunk FRH: 23.0Ros Canter (GBR) Lordships Graffalo: 23.4Laura Collett (GBR) London 52: 23.6Tom McEwen (GBR) JL Dublin: 28.6Christoph Wahler (GER) DAccord FRH: 29.4William Coleman (USA) Diabolo: 30.0Team standings after cross-countryGreat Britain 75.6Germany 90.4Switzerland 106.5Ireland 110.1USA 112.3France 113.9The final horse inspection takes place at 8.30am (UK time) on Sunday morning, with the final showjumping phase scheduled to kick off at midday (UK time). Images: FEI and Tim WilkinsonRelated contentLaura Collett leads British charge after dressage as Germany mount pressure at eventing World Championships and its nip tuck in the individual standingsTom McEwen and Gemma Stevens provide a strong start for Britain at eventing World ChampionshipsI cant believe what just happened: emotional Lottie Fry and Glamourdale retain world title for Great Britain in emotional Aachen grand prix special triumphThe most amazing feeling Ive ever had: Lottie Fry and Carl Hester deliver at World Championships to secure team silverHow to watch the 2026 FEI World Championships on TV and via livestreamWhats happening, when? The full 2026 FEI World Championships timetableThe post What an amazing horse: Ros Canter leads British charge as Aachen cross-country delivers a thrilling World Championship battle Britain holds team gold appeared first on Your Horse.