Horse owners across the UK are well aware of the difficulties many faced in sourcing and purchasing hay last winter, following lower than usual harvests in 2025, but with hot dry weather prevailing this summer, how are hay producers fairing and what might lie ahead for forage farmers and the customers they serve?This week, The Environment Agency (EA) declared that more than half of England is in drought. Impacts are already being felt, including low river flows, high risk of wildfires and more than 20 million people under hosepipe bans.The conditions are also impacting grass growth. Paddocks are parched in much of the country and many horse owners are supplementing their horses diets with more hay than they usually would at this time of year.Farmers have reported similar struggles to last year, facing limited second cuts but also a lack of back-reserves of hay that they might have had access to in 2025.Olly Morris of Thatcham-based OJM Farm and Equine reported such an issue.From a production point of view, its very varied across the country, he told Your Horse. But from our point of view, were in the area where the crops are definitely down. Theres no two ways about it.Last year we were probably 60% down on yield. This year Id say were probably 30-35% down.Ive got a guy in Cornwall and his second cut is nearly ready to go, but our second cuts are non existent, its literally brown. Further north and in Wales, its better weather and their second cut is pretty much ready to go.Weve got more in stock this year than we did last year. But theres no carryover from last year. There was a bit of carryover from the year before, but all that has gone because there was such a big demand. Everybodys stocks have massively depleted.Demand for hayHampshire-based haymakers Blaber Enterprises painted a similar picture, with pleasing yields on much of their land earlier this year, but the dry weather now causing issues.Weve got certain blocks of ground that are down 50-60% and others that are where they should be, Ally Blaber told Your Horse. So I suppose on a whole, as a company are down 20 to 30% on a normal year about where we were last year.Last year we were able to buy in hay, we bought from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Devon, Cornwall and France. But were not going to have that [backstock] available this year.Weve already bought in a huge amount. We personally made a machine that unrolls round bales and makes them into the conventional bale which we are able to deliver and sell. But theres a limit if youre paying 70 for around bale, you only get 12 to 13 small bales out of it.It doesnt take long to start doing the maths, that with three labour units rebaling 700 or 800 bales day, my cost is in excess of 7 or 8 a bale and thats before I put it on a transit and run it out to somebody.A costly processIn terms of what lies ahead, both producers didnt see costs coming down in the near future.Its still early days to tell whats going to happen, said Olly. But I dont think prices are going to change that much at the moment going forward. The cost of it all is so expensive. Thats why were having to charge what were having to charge.The cost of the fuel has gone up, rents and wages have gone up as well. Production too, and I cant see its going to be coming back down.Ally said farmers were not profiting from the situation, but breaking even buying in hay in order to keep serving their clients.Last year farmers were criticised for profiteering and stockpiling, but people need to realise that from bought in hay we earn no money, he said. It is difficult and tiresome. We are literally breaking even to retain market share to support our clients.We dont allow ourselves to run out. We never intend to sell other peoples hay but we take on more and more land each year to look after our clients. 90% of the hay that we sell is our own, but in emergency situations like this, you just find it to keep everybody going.Mirroring last yearDemand for hay is higher than normal this time of year, and this is set to continue with short-term rain forecasts offering little relief for dried-out fields.Ally has been sending out 1,000 bales a week from the end of July last year, and demand has continued since then with little let up.Its a mirror image of last year and its unlikely to stop, he said. We look after a lot of big polo yards, and their season doesnt start until end of May, June. If I buy in stock for them, I have to wait a long time to sell it. So thats going to prove to be tricky again next year.Olly has had daily deliveries from his farm, and has had requests for hay from further afield.Weve got deliveries that are going at all the time at the moment, he said. Were getting calls as well from all over the country although we try and stay strictly within the 25 mile radius from our base.Straw seems to be all right so weve managed to pull the price of straw back a bit, at least thats something back for the customer.Whats next?We are in changing times, Olly continued. I think people are expecting the high prices to suddenly drop back down to where they were years ago but unfortunately those days are long gone.I said to a lot of my clients last year, Ill get everybody through as best as I can. It might not be the right size, it might be a round rather than a square bale, but at least I have something to feed.However, on the whole Im quite positive with this year, more so than last year definitely, added Olly. We have plenty of stock and weve got some lovely hay as well.People have to be a bit realistic, suppliers to have to buy in, its its just the way it goes.Ally noted that horse owners may wish to consider including straw in their horses diets to help their hay supplies go further. This year he will have oat, barley and wheat straw available.Last year and this year I baled plenty of straw as I thought demand would take off, but to my knowledge I dont have any customers who feed it regularly, he added.Information on helping your horses forage diet go further, feeding advice for this years hay, supplementing straw and more will follow next week on yourhorse.co.ukLead image ShutterstockRelated contentHay vs haylage: this is how to choose which is best for your horseSoaking hay: how to do it correctlyCrops down 50% in 2025: potential hay shortage raises concerns for horse ownersFeeding a horse straw: why it has a place in their diet and how to feed it safelyForage replacers for every horse and pony *Ad feature*The post High demand for hay continues as makers report back on challenging conditions appeared first on Your Horse.

Six lucky winners* will receive a months supply of a Spillers supplement tailored to their horses individual needs.Each winner will receive a 3kg bag of the supplement of their choice thats a one-month supply for a horse or two months for a pony! Entries are open now and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 21 September 2026.Supplements to choose fromThe range of powerful pelleted supplements has been created by harnessing Spillers 65+ years of trusted nutrition and veterinary expertise.Each winner can choose from:Spillers Ulca EaseThis supplement contains a natural marine calcium source, lecithin, apple pectin, liquorice root, fenugreek and threonine to provide targeted gastric support to help maintain a healthy stomach lining.Spillers CalmContains a high level of magnesium from two sources, together with yeast, and a blend of traditional herbs to help promote calmness, support the nervous system and reduce anxiety.Spillers Instant EnergyA unique formula containing rapid and moderately available carbohydrate sources, as well as ginseng, which is known as a feel good herb to encourage a focused and energetic performance.Spillers FlexA rich blend of joint-supporting ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and MSM, alongside rosehips and boswellia to help maintain joint health and mobility.Spillers Hoof HealthA high-biotin formula including essential amino acids, alongside zinc, copper, MSM, rosehips and hawthorn, to support hoof growth and quality.Spillers Ventil-AteA scientifically-proven formula containing a high level of bio-available vitamin C, together with selenium, vitamin E, garlic, rosemary, spinach and nutmeg, to reinforce a horse or ponys natural lung defences.How to enterENTER HEREThe closing date is 11.59pm on Monday 21 September. *UK winners only. Full terms and conditions are on the entry form.Find out more about the full range of Spillers supplements.The post Win the Spillers supplement of your choice! appeared first on Your Horse.

The FEI has partnered withSignify Group to help protect athletes, officials and other key stakeholders at the upcoming FEI World Championships in Aachen from online harassment and abuse.The partnership reflects a growing recognition that athletes and officials are increasingly exposed to online abuse and threats, particularly during major competitions or following high-profile incidents.Signify Group, a global leader in online abuse and threat prevention, intelligence and investigations, will offer education, AI monitoring and threat assessments, content moderation, direct message support and investigations during the event, which takes place from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 23 August.Zero-tolerance approachConstructive criticism and respectful debate remain an important part of sport and will continue to be welcomed, said FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch.At the same time, the FEI takes a clear zero-tolerance approach to online abuse, including hate speech, racism, homophobia, graphic or harmful content, fraud, spam and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.Our objective is to foster a safe and respectful online environment where athletes, officials and all members of our community can engage with confidence. By monitoring and addressing harmful content, we reinforce that abuse is not tolerated and will be acted upon.We also want to ensure that athletes and officials understand how to protect themselves online, how to report concerns, and that appropriate support is available when needed.Guidance for athletes and officialsThe partnership will also provide athletes and officials with guidance on protecting themselves online, reporting concerns and accessing support.Sport should be a place where athletes and officials can perform and engage without fear of abuse, said Jake Marsh, head of sport at Signify Group. Having seen the impact of our monitoring service at the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, were pleased to bring an expanded offering to Aachen, working hand-in-hand with the FEI and the German Equestrian Federation.The Threat Matrix service identifies risks early, mitigates harmful content in real time, and delivers investigations that hold perpetrators accountable helping to make this one of the most comprehensively protected Championships to date.Image FEI/Marta Fusetti.Related contentHow to improve poor toplineThe Scales of Training explained, including impulsionPiggy Marchs training exercise: jump out of trot to test rider balanceFive of the most common rider jumping positions solvedThe post FEI introduces online abuse protection measures ahead of World Championships appeared first on Your Horse.

The Linear Profiling Training Day held at Gurten College, on Friday 24th July, proved to be an outstanding success with 100% of feedback received saying it either fully met or exceeded expectations. This day was funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Fund and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.Our speakers on the day were Irish Draught and Irish Sport horse inspectors Philip Scott, Andrew Gardiner, JP Rogan and our head movement speaker was Brendan Doyle. Our inspectors led the morning classroom session with Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, Dr Sonja Egan, where participants received information packs and a brief outline of the profiling process.The practical sessions began with an Irish Sport Pony, which was profiled entirely from conformation, loose movement and through the loose jumping lane. The trainers explained each trait of the profile on the animal for conformation and movement, while Brendan Doyle spoke about how to correctly take the pony through the loose movement section, both from a welfare perspective and to aid the horse.The mother and daughter Irish Cob duo were then assessed side by side to compare the requirements for class one and class two. Attendees found it beneficial to be shown how selective breeding can improve the herd as the dam was class two and the daughter was class one.The attendees then had a chance to assess an Irish Draught and an Irish Sport Horse in full themselves from conformation through to jump while a second Irish Draught was assessed for conformation and an Irish sport Horse and Irish Sport Pony were assessed though the jumping section only. Attendees had the opportunity to assess all these animals and ask questions throughout each process.We would like to thank all the owners who brought their animals to the training day for practical demonstrations, to our speakers for explaining the linear profiling process so well and to Gurteen college and our attendees without whom the day would not be possible.The post Linear Profiling Training Day appeared first on .

Ocala, FL World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) is pleased to announce the reopening of the enhanced LeMieux retail store, bringing an elevated shopping experience to exhibitors, guests and equestrian enthusiasts. The refreshed retail destination offers the latest technical horse and rider wear from the globally recognized brand, with a focus on style, innovation and performance.Source

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is asking for the publics help after three important items used in its outreach work were stolen from its offices in West Yorkshire earlier this month.A life-sized, black mechanical horse named Duchess, a silver/grey Ifor Williams double trailer, and a brown Western saddle with childrens stirrups are believed to have been taken from the yard at BETAs headquarters in Wetherby around 2.30am on Sunday 5 July.Duchess, who was inside the trailer when it was stolen, was wearing the Western saddle. She has theBETA logo printed on her side and her serial number is 225.Duchess cannot function without her key, meaning she has no practical use to anyone who has taken her.The trailer, which was built in 2017, is unusual in that it doesnt have a front ramp. Itfeatures the BETA logos on the side and back and its serial number is5143373.Outreach work affectedExecutive director Claire Williams said the theft would have a significant impact on the associations outreach work.The loss not only means disappointing members of the equestrian community who were planning on borrowing the horse for promotion and fund-raising efforts but means our ability to promote the enjoyment of riding often to non-horsey members of the public is severely curtailed, said Claire.Anyone who sees the trailer, mechanical horse or saddle is asked to contact BETA on 01937 587062, North Yorkshire Police quoting crime reference NYP 10072026-0377, or emailinfo@beta-uk.org.Image British Equestrian Trade Association.More from Your HorseGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassThe post BETA appeals for help after theft of mechanical horse and trailer appeared first on Your Horse.

Great Britain produced a superb comeback to claim team gold at the inaugural FEI World Eventing Championship U25 in Millstreet, climbing from third after dressage to top the podium thanks to outstanding cross-country performances. Germany took the silver medal while hosts Ireland claimed bronze.The new championship, contested at CCI4*-S level, has been created to bridge the gap between young rider competition and the senior ranks, giving the sports emerging stars the opportunity to compete for a world title at a pivotal stage in their careers. Four clears around Mike Etherington-Smiths influential cross-country course propelled Great Britain to the top of the leaderboard, a position they retained after the showjumping despite the withdrawal of overnight leaders Alice Casburn and Topspin on Sunday morning. Championship debutant Cerys Macaulay enjoyed a week to remember with Kananaskis, an 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse who is owned by Cerys partner Richard Coney. The pair not only helped Great Britain to team gold but also claimed the individual silver medal. Also in the victorious team were Jasmine Underwood and Indian Girl G, fourth individually, and Tom Bird with Lenny, who finished 11th.Incredibly proudIm incredibly proud of every one of these riders and the way they represented Great Britain throughout the week, said David Sheerin, British Eventing Under-25 Chef dEquipe.Championships are about so much more than the final results. Theyre about preparation, teamwork, resilience and performing under pressure, and this group demonstrated all of those qualities.To come away with team gold and individual silver is a wonderful reward for all of that hard work. Its a fitting reflection of the commitment shown by everyone involved, and its exciting to see what the future holds for these combinations.Inaugural individual championsIndividual gold medal winners Calvin Bckmann and Altair de la Cense (GER) Photo credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark.The individual gold medal was awarded to pre-event favourite Calvin Bockmann (GER) andhis long-time partner Altair de la Cense, a 16-year-old Selle Franais mare who has carried him through the junior and young rider ranks.The pair led the individual standings after the first phase but dropped to third after they amassed 12.4 time penalties across-country. A clear round on the final day saw them return to the top spot after leaders Tom Nestor and Cooley Diamond Dancer (IRL) knocked four rails and plummeted to eighth.I honestly dont think Ive ever had so much fun at a championships. We are very lucky to have this new competition and this venue at Millstreet. The gap between young riders and seniors can be big and you can get lost, said Calvin. I dont normally get nervous but I did feel the pressure. The cross-country was tough and quite different to anything we have seen in central Europe, but it will prepare us well for the future. My horse showed that she fights and wants to do her best; she grows 10cm. For her to have this result means the world to me.USAs Olivia Dutton, the daughter of Olympic event rider Phillip, and Jewelent produced one of just seven clear showjumping rounds to climb from 12th and claim the individual bronze medal.Heartbreak for AliceAlice and Topspin produced the quickest cross-country round of the day, adding just 2.8 time penalties to lead the individual standings overnight. Unfortunately, Alice felt her homebred five-star horse wasnt quite right on Sunday morning and took the difficult decision to withdraw him. He was very angry not to be jumping this morning, but I felt he wasnt 100%. It was very hard but my teammates have been brilliant and he will now have a happy retirement, said Alice.Showcased the futureThis championship has showcased the future of our sport. We have seen outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship and talent throughout the week and I look forward to watching these athletes in their senior careers, said FEI Eventing and Driving Director Molly Day.Individual British riders Barnie Brotherton and DHI King Nelson finished 22nd, while Jess Rimmer and The Spice Merchant were 30th.Next years competition will take place on British soil at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire.Final resultsTeamGold: Great Britain, 149.7 penaltiesSilver: Germany, 168.6 penaltiesBronze: Ireland, 180 penaltiesIndividualGold: Calvin Bockmann and Altair de la Cense (GER), 40 penaltiesSilver: Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis (GBR), 45.3 penaltiesBronze: Olivia Dutton and Jewelent (USA), 48.2 penaltiesFor full results, click here. Main image Hannah Cole Photography.Related contentPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post Great Britain claims historic U25 World Championship gold in Millstreet appeared first on Your Horse.