According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, one horse at a private facility in Broward County has tested positive for strangles. One additional horse is suspected to be positive, and 13 horses have been exposed.This is Floridas sixth confirmed strangles case of 2026.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Chronic lameness in older horses most often stems from musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, which gradually breaks down joint cartilage and leads to pain and stiffness. Other issues such as soft tissue injuries or hoof problems can also contribute to uneven movement and reduced comfort in aging horses. Lauren Trager, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg, explains the common causes of lameness in senior horses in this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt.About the Expert: Lauren Trager, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMRLauren Trager, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor of equine sports medicine at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Trager loves to teach and enjoys working on challenging lameness and poor performance cases, particularly those with neck and back pain and anything that involves advanced imaging.

New Recording, Imaging & Social Media Policy Please ReadTo help protect the privacy, safety and wellbeing of everyone at Wirral Riding Centre, we have introduced a new Recording, Imaging and Social Media Policy that applies to all riders, liveries, staff, young people, volunteers and visitors.We love celebrating our horses, riders and achievements online, but its important that we do this safely, respectfully and with the correct permissions in place. What you need to do:Please take a few minutes to read the full policy. By being on site, you agree to follow these guidelines at all times.A copy is available: On our website- https://clthhub.com/xpage/alternative-provision-policies/8 Via this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z2z0HVKcM7fpSjmMU3VNfKttyZZ1r3QP/view From the office on requestThank you for helping us keep our riding centre safe, respectful and supportive for everyone

The MARS Badminton Horse Trials are delighted to welcome back international Grand Prix rider and Olympic-level coach Anna Ross to present the Dressage Display in the main arena on both Thursday and Friday at lunchtime at 12.30pm.Based in Devon, Anna runsAnna Ross Dressage, a sales and training facility where she trains, produces and develops horses and riders for international competition, from young horses through to Grand Prix and Championship level.Anna has represented Great Britain internationally for more than 25 years, competing at theEuropean Championships, Aachen CDIO, London Olympia, World Cup qualifiers, and theWorld Championships for Young Horses. Career highlights include anindividual 10th place at the European Championshipsandvictory in the World Cup qualifier in Warsaw.Alongside her competitive career, Anna is widely respected as a leading international coach. She has trained riders competing atOlympic, World Championship, European Championship, Youth Championship and Pan American Games level, producing both horses and athletes for Championship teams.Anna will be supported during the demonstrations byBeth Bainbridge, aninternational dressage winner in her own rightandAnnas Head Rider of 15 years. Beth has played a key role in producing horses through the levels and brings extensive experience in training and competition to the demonstrations.Annas contribution to the sport has been recognised with theBritish Equestrian Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dressage, and the prestigiousDavison Award at Olympia.Anna is also a regular contributor to theDressage pages in Horse & Hound, and has frequently been part of the Dressage headset commentary team at Badminton.The Horses both due to embark on their Grand Prix careers this year.Furst Encore, also known as Fergus, is an 11-year-old gelding who has had over 70% scores at Prix St George and is well on his way to Grand Prix. No stranger to a master class this pocket rocket has already struttedhis stuff at the British Dressage Championships.My Pride, also known as Marvellous Marvin, is a nine-year-old gelding who represented Great Britain at the young horse world championships as a six-year-old and has been carefully developed since then.The display will be compered by Desi Dillingham MBE former Chair of British Dressage as well as a fundraiser for our Olympic Teams since the 1980s.

12 min read Last updated: January 2026 British weather flips fastfrom sunshine to squallsturning a routine hack, journey, or show into a risky call. This guide shows exactly when to cancel, how to travel and adapt so you and your horse stay safe and confident, including one lifesaver: keep the horsebox under 25C. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Weather Go/No-Go What To Do: Check Met Office warnings and onsite wind, visibility and surface. Cancel, delay or downscale if safety is in doubt, especially under red warnings. Why It Matters: It prevents avoidable accidents and transport risks. Common Mistake: Sticking to plans despite amber/red alerts or worsening local conditions. Area: Footing Check What To Do: Walk the route/arena; twist turf for shear and dig a heel to feel for a hard base with a slippy top. Slow down, widen turns or scrap jumping if its greasy or jarring. Why It Matters: Poor going raises slip, fatigue and concussion risks. Common Mistake: Judging by looks alone and riding at normal speed on heavy or firm ground. Area: Safe Travel Heat What To Do: Keep the horsebox under 25C (aim around 18C), ventilate and park in shade, offering water at least every 4.5 hours. Avoid rugging in warm or humid weather. Why It Matters: It limits heat stress and dehydration in transit. Common Mistake: Setting off without temperature checks or planned water stops. Area: Travel Wind/Rain What To Do: Postpone under red storm warnings. If travelling, slow down, extend stopping distances, choose sheltered routes and avoid exposed high ground. Why It Matters: Gusts and spray quickly compromise control and trailer stability. Common Mistake: Using usual routes/timings across open ridges in strong winds. Area: Read Behaviour What To Do: Treat tension, spooking or reluctance as a red flag; shorten the session, move to shelter or dismount and handwalk. Why It Matters: Your horses behaviour is the most reliable onday weather barometer. Common Mistake: Pushing on with sharp work or big fences when the horse is unsettled. Area: HotWeather Work What To Do: Ride early or late, keep sessions light, and cool promptly with repeated cool water and scraping until breathing settles. Why It Matters: It reduces heat strain and speeds recovery. Common Mistake: Training hard at midday or warming up for too long in full sun. Area: Kit Essentials What To Do: Use hiviz, waterproof breathable layers, supportive leg protection and grippy riding boots; secure straps and wear a certified helmet. Why It Matters: It boosts visibility, traction and protection in changeable weather. Common Mistake: Skipping hiviz or using smoothsoled footwear on wet yards. Area: Yard Readiness What To Do: Secure shelters, clear debris, maintain drainage and keep fresh water available; dry under tack after rain and check legs/heels postride. Why It Matters: Good prep prevents injuries, rubs and welfare issues in storms. Common Mistake: Waiting for bad weather before fixing drains, roofs or water supplies. In This Guide When should you cancel riding, travel or competing for UK weather? How does UK weather change footing and safety? What are the safest travel rules for heat, wind and rain? How do you read your horse in wild weather? What kit and yard prep make the biggest difference in bad weather? How should you manage training and events in hot weather? Who cancels fixtures and when is the call made? Your quick decision checklist for UK weather British weather can turn on a sixpence blazing sunshine at breakfast, a squall by lunch, and galeforce gusts for the drive home. When youre riding, travelling, or competing, those swings arent just inconvenient; they can be dangerous if you dont plan decisively.Key takeaway: Cancel, delay or downscale plans whenever Met Office warnings or ground conditions threaten safety, keep horsebox temperatures below 25C with water every 4.5 hours in heat, and read your horses behaviour as your most reliable ontheday barometer.When should you cancel riding, travel or competing for UK weather?Cancel or postpone if the Met Office issues a red warning, or if local footing, wind or visibility make it unsafe for your horse or you. UK event teams and racecourses use structured inspections to make that same safetyfirst call.Weve already seen how fast things can escalate: Storm owyn the first named storm of 2025 brought yellow, amber and red warnings on 24 January, prompting British Dressage cancellations at Kelsall Hill and British Showjumping classes being called off at Aintrees International Winter Classic (Horse & Hound). British storms often combine gusty winds, heavy rain and poor visibility precisely the conditions that undermine transport safety, course control and fair competition.Racing and many larger fixtures follow a formal process. The Racecourse Association explains that an Inspection Panel including stewards, course representatives, trainers, jockeys and veterinary/medical teams assesses conditions and uses a clear decisionmaking chart to determine if a fixture can proceed (RCA explainer).The decision to cancel is never taken lightly and, should it be required, is done so with the safety of humans and equines firmly in mind... The Inspection Panel will be tasked with reviewing the situation and providing their objective thoughts as guided by a set decision-making chart. Racecourse AssociationFor nonracing outings, mirror that approach: check the Met Office forecast and warnings; walk the course, track or hacking route; and be prepared to call it off at the last minute if wind strength or surface conditions cross your red lines.Quick tip: Dress for changeable conditions so you can keep options open. Lightweight waterproofs and a breathable exercise sheet let you try a warmup safely and reassess without committing to a full schooling session.How does UK weather change footing and safety?Wet, heavy going is slower and more slippery, making horses tire faster and raising the risk of slips; firm going is faster but increases concussion risk for speed and jumping. You should always walk the surface and adapt your plan to what you find.Persistent rain softens turf and arenas, reducing traction. According to The Horse Exchange, wet conditions turn tracks heavier and slippery, which is why you see slower times and more visible fatigue on heavy ground; conversely, firm ground allows faster racing, but elevates impact loads (The Horse Exchange). In practice, that means:On grass: check for shear (turf sliding underfoot), poaching and greasy cambers; downgrade speeds, widen turns, and shorten sessions.On arenas: dig a heel in if you hit a hard base with a slippy top, reconsider jumping lines and height.On crosscountry: organisers often use spotters to flag tiring horses quickly; if your horse feels laboured earlier than usual, pull up before form dips into risk.Kit can help, but its not a substitute for judgement. For extra stability and strike protection on soft or variable going, many riders use supportive legwear from our horse boots & bandages range; pair with secure, grippy horse riding boots for yourself to keep your base solid at the mounting block and in the stirrup.What are the safest travel rules for heat, wind and rain?Keep the horse compartment below 25C (ideally around 18C), offer water every 4.5 hours, ventilate well and avoid rugging unless essential; postpone travel under red Met Office warnings for storms or heat.The British Horseracing Authoritys Hot Weather Policy is a goldstandard reference for any discipline: it targets a maximum of 25C inside the horsebox and recommends aiming for around 18C when possible, with water offered at least every 4.5 hours and strict ventilation throughout (BHA policy). In practice for mixed UK conditions:Plan travel for early morning or late evening in summer, or between fronts during unsettled spells. Build in extra time for diversions or lane closures.Park in shade, open upper vents and windows where safe, and use fans or reflective covers to stabilise temperatures.Avoid rugging for transport in warm or humid weather unless medically required; in cold, choose breathable layers that wont trap sweat.Carry more water than you think youll need for horses and people; offer at every stop and monitor drinking.In wind and driving rain, reduce speed, increase stopping distances, and skip exposed routes if gusts risk trailer stability.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend a comfort check at every pause: nose flaring or fast breathing, dull demeanour, and flaring nostrils plus sweat patches are your cue to cool down, offer water and reassess timings. If your horse travels hot, a breathable waterproof layer over the loins for loading, then off once on the move, strikes a good balance; browse lightweight options in our waterproof turnout rugs and technical brands like WeatherBeeta and LeMieux.How do you read your horse in wild weather?If your horse becomes unusually tense, spooky or reluctant to go forward, treat it as a red flag and dismount or reschedule. Behaviour changes are often your earliest and most reliable warning that conditions arent right.EquiBox advises checking detailed forecasts before riding and paying attention to how your horse feels on the day: if hes more alert, sticky off the leg, or spinning at flapping hedges, he may be picking up on wind, static, pressure changes or sudden downpours (EquiBox guide). In strong wind or squally showers:Shorten the session to simple, confidencebuilding work; save sharp transitions, new questions, and big fences for calmer days.Choose sheltered arenas and hedgelined tracks; avoid open ridges or forestry edges where gusts funnel.Visibility matters. Use highvisibility equipment on horse and rider so you can be seen by vehicles and other yard users; our hiviz collection includes leg bands, tail guards and rider vests that cut through murk and rain glare.If he starts to feel unsettled, hop off, handwalk and reassess. A calm horse tomorrow is always worth more than a fraught session today.Quick tip: Wind multiplies noise. Secure flapping straps, adjust stirrups and reins before you mount, and choose a wellfitting, certified riding helmet for maximum focus and protection.What kit and yard prep make the biggest difference in bad weather?Use waterproof breathable layers, hiviz, good hoof and leg protection, and secure shelter with reliable drainage and yearround fresh water. Small upgrades here meaningfully reduce risk and postride issues.Before the weather breaks, run a quick readiness audit:Turnout and shelter: Ensure field shelters and hedges provide windbreaks; clear debris and check roofing. Keep troughs unfrozen and topped up fresh water matters in winter gales as much as in heat.Rugs and sheets: Opt for breathable waterproofs that wont overheat on the move or during light work. Our curated turnout rug selection includes lighter deniers for milder wet spells and tougher options for deep winter.Hooves and legs: Wet ground softens hooves and encourages mudrelated skin issues; protective boots from our horse boots & bandages range can add grip and shield against knocks. Pick out feet after every ride and stable on clean, dry bedding.Rider gear: Secure footing starts with you pair supportive riding boots with weatherready jodhpurs or breeches for comfortable, nonslip contact.Grooming and drying: After wet work, dry under the saddle area and girth first to prevent rubs. Keep quickdry towels and scrapers in your kit; our grooming collection is packed with yardproof tools that make light work of sodden coats.Postride, check legs and heels for softening or rubs, then offer shelter to prevent chills. In storm cycles, a little extra diligence each day prevents bigger problems later.How should you manage training and events in hot weather?Ride early or late, avoid intense work and travel in peak heat, and plan for a 500kg horse to drink 5070 litres per day, more with exercise. Cool promptly and keep shade and airflow nonnegotiable.The British Horse Society notes a 500kg horse may require 5070 litres of water daily in hot weather four to six buckets with needs rising during exercise (BHS guidance). British Equestrian adds that whether to train or compete in heat depends on your horses age, fitness and health some cope better than others (British Equestrian).Whether or not you choose to exercise or compete your horse in hot weather is a personal decision... consider his age, fitness and whether he has any health conditions. Some horses are also better able to cope with heat than others. British EquestrianSEIBs welfare advice is clear: avoid intense exercise or travelling in the heat, and schedule work for cooler parts of the day (SEIB). On arrival at a venue, minimise warmup duration, and if your horse overheats, the BHA recommends prompt cooling with water cooler than 15C, scraping and repeating until respiration normalises (BHA policy).Pro tip: Pack a heat box spare buckets, scoop, electrolytes if advised by your vet, a thermometer, scrapers and multiple towels. Our customers often add a spare lightweight sheet and a small battery fan for stables without fixed ventilation.Who cancels fixtures and when is the call made?In UK racing, an Inspection Panel makes the final decision using a structured chart, typically after oncourse checks in the hours before racing; other disciplines follow similar safetyled reviews, often informed by Met Office warnings.Per the Racecourse Association, the panel draws on stewards, course officials, trainers, jockeys and veterinary/medical teams to weigh human and equine safety, fairness and logistics before issuing a go/nogo decision (RCA explainer). This explains why calls can come close to start times conditions and forecasts can change materially even within a couple of hours.Outside racing, British Dressage, British Showjumping, British Eventing and unaffiliated shows commonly conduct similar inspections, consulting ground staff and officials and applying organisationspecific thresholds. Storm owyns cancellations illustrate how warnings escalate decisionmaking quickly when risk crosses acceptable limits (Horse & Hound).At yard level, adopt the same mindset: nominate a small weather panel you, your coach and yard manager and agree your own decision chart in advance. If wind exceeds your set limit, visibility drops, or the surface fails your walk test, the answer is simple: not today.Your quick decision checklist for UK weatherMake or move plans based on warnings, footing, transport conditions and your horses behaviour. Run this 60second checklist before you load, mount or set off:Warnings: Any amber/red Met Office alerts? If red, do not travel or ride.Footing: Walk, twist, and dig is it greasy, poached or jarring? If unsafe, cancel or modify.Wind and visibility: Are gusts strong enough to unbalance a trailer or spook a steady horse? Is rain reducing sight lines?Transport: Can you keep the box under 25C with ventilation and shade? Do you have water for every 4.5 hours, plus contingency?Horse check: Is he tense, spooky or backing off the leg? If yes, scale back or reschedule.Kit: Hiviz on, boots fitted, waterproofs ready, and a suitable helmet on your head?If you answer no to any nonnegotiables, change the plan. Remember: firm decisions today protect confidence, legs and enjoyment tomorrow.Conclusion: Decide early, adapt fast, and kit up smartUK weather will always test your planning, but clear thresholds, quick inspections and the right kit keep you on the right side of safety. Check warnings, read the ground, manage heat inside the horsebox, and let your horses behaviour guide the final call. For reliable, weatherready gear from breathable rugs and leg protection to hiviz and performance breeches our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help you ride, travel and compete with confidence.FAQsWhen do UK equestrian events get cancelled for storms?Events are cancelled when conditions threaten safety typically when the Met Office issues significant warnings (yellow/amber/red) and onsite inspections confirm unsafe footing, wind or visibility. In racing, an Inspection Panel makes the final call using a decision chart; similar processes are used across other disciplines (RCA; Horse & Hound).Is it safe to travel horses in heavy rain or high winds?Avoid travelling under red warnings. If conditions are marginal, slow down, choose sheltered routes, park in shade at stops, maintain ventilation and carry extra water. In heat, keep the horse compartment below 25C and offer water every 4.5 hours (BHA policy).How do I know if the ground is too slippery to compete?Walk the surface: if turf shears, the top slides over a hard base, or cambers feel greasy, downgrade or withdraw. Wet going is slower and more injuryprone, while very firm going is faster but concussive for speed and jumping (The Horse Exchange).What signs show my horse cant handle todays weather?Unusual tension, spooking, reluctance to go forward, or a looky way of going are red flags. Dismount, handwalk, and call it for the day if behaviour doesnt settle (EquiBox). After rain, dry under tack and check for rubs.Should I rug my horse for travel in bad weekend weather?In warm or humid conditions, avoid rugging for travel unless essential; prioritise airflow and temperature control below 25C. In cold, choose breathable layers that wont trap sweat once moving (BHA policy). See breathable, waterproof options in our turnout rugs.What gear helps most when its wet, windy or murky?Hiviz for horse and rider, supportive legwear, and waterproof breathable layers make the biggest difference. Explore highvisibility essentials, protective horse boots, weatherready riding boots, and fastdry tools in our grooming collection. Brands like Shires and WeatherBeeta are proven favourites with UK riders.How does hot weather change my warmup and cooldown?Shorten warmup, avoid peak heat, seek shade and airflow, and cool promptly with repeated applications of cool water (ideally under 15C) and scraping until breathing normalises (BHA). Expect a 500kg horse to need 5070 litres of water per day, more with exercise (BHS). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Riding Helmets

9 min read Last updated: January 2026 Struggling to get your UK paddocks back after winter without wasting time and money on the wrong kit? This guide shows exactly when (MarchMay), how (two cross passes), and which to usespring tines for aeration, moss and thatch removal; chains for quick dung spreadingso your horses graze a healthier, even sward. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Harrow choice What To Do: Use spring tines for aeration, moss and thatch removal; keep chain harrows for light surface scratching and dung spreading on flatter, drier ground. Why It Matters: Spring tines lift debris and open the sward, improving regrowth and paddock health. Common Mistake: Expecting chain harrows to fix compaction or heavy moss. Area: Size & setup What To Do: On 8 acres, run 4 ft behind a quad or 6 ft behind a compact tractor; use the correct hitch (ATV or Cat 1/2) and a robust frame. Why It Matters: Matching width and mount to the tow vehicle speeds work and keeps the implement stable. Common Mistake: Towing an overwide unit with an underpowered ATV. Area: UK timing What To Do: Harrow MarchMay when the surface is dry on top but moist below; rotate horses off first and avoid saturated ground. Why It Matters: Right conditions prevent poaching and let air and light reach the sward base. Common Mistake: Working straight after rain or on waterlogged clay. Area: Technique & passes What To Do: Make two lighter passes at right angles; start medium aggression and adjust by patch, keeping a steady speed for tine vibration. Why It Matters: Crossworking lifts more thatch, levels hoof marks and leaves an even tilth. Common Mistake: Doing one heavy pass that scours thin areas and clogs tines. Area: Prep & aftercare What To Do: Move horses, remove wire/stones, check gates, then keep horses off until the surface has settled, especially at gateways. Why It Matters: Clean, rested ground recovers faster and reduces injury and repoaching. Common Mistake: Leaving horses in the field or turning back out too soon. Area: Clogging control What To Do: Watch for balling in fibrous thatch; reduce aggression, lift to shake, or stop and clear the tines. Why It Matters: Clear tines keep bite and finish, avoiding dragged mats of debris. Common Mistake: Pushing on with bunged tines that just smear material. Area: Cost planning What To Do: Budget ~50/hour at ~2 acres/hour/pass; plan two passes and factor travel if hiring. Why It Matters: Realistic time and cost avoid cut corners and halffinished fields. Common Mistake: Pricing and scheduling for a single pass only. Area: Arena care What To Do: Use a spring tine arena harrow with levellers and a roller; set depth to footing and use side wheels to protect boards. Why It Matters: Proper grooming loosens, levels and reconsolidates without damaging edges or riding deep. Common Mistake: Dragging chain harrows in arenas and scuffing the track. In This Guide Which harrow suits UK horse paddocks? What size and setup works for an 8acre yard? When should you harrow in the UK calendar? How do you harrow for the best results? What does harrowing cost if you hire versus own? How should you harrow arenas on horse properties? Chain vs spring tine: what are the real-world pros and cons? Healthy paddocks are the backbone of sound, happy horses and the right harrow can make the difference between a rough, mossy field and resilient, even grazing. If youre weighing up chain versus spring tine harrows for your UK yard, heres the no-nonsense guidance you need.Key takeaway: For most UK horse paddocks, choose spring tine harrows for aeration, moss and thatch removal; use chain harrows for light surface scratching and dung spreading.Which harrow suits UK horse paddocks?Spring tine harrows are best for aeration, moss and thatch removal on UK grass; chain harrows suit light scratching and dung spreading. This matches both practice and owner consensus: spring tines penetrate and lift debris for healthier swards, while chains mainly scuff the surface.UK operators consistently find spring tine harrows more effective on horse ground. Mayo Groundcare confirms spring tines rip out moss and thatch while aerating, whereas chains largely scratch. Smallholder consensus backs this up: spring tine harrows are far more effective than a chain harrow (Accidental Smallholder Forum). On horse yards too, the upgrade is decisive: the spring tine harrows win hands down (Horse & Hound).At Just Horse Riders, we recommend spring tines for the UKs damp spring conditions and heavy clay areas, reserving chain harrows for quick, light jobs like spreading dung on flatter ground.What size and setup works for an 8acre yard?Use 46ft implements on small equestrian properties: 4ft suits lighter ATVs, while 6ft+ suits compact tractors; mount via ATV hitch or Cat 1/2 threepoint linkage, and favour strong 50mm frames. On chain harrows, 13mm tines are recommended for longevity and some UK suppliers back them with threeyear warranties.For an 8acre horse property, a 4ft spring tine harrow behind a quad is a practical starting point; step up to 6ft with a compact tractor to reduce passes. Chain harrows are commonly sold in 46ft sizes with 13mm tines and can carry multiyear warranties (Chain Harrows UK), but remember their role is surface work. For paddocks that need structure improved, spring tines with adjustable aggression (e.g., Logic ProHarrow using Einbck tines; Logic Today) give you the control to suit soft or compacted areas.Quick tip: If youre accessing fields via lanes, wear highvisibility layers and sturdy yard footwear. Our rider hivis and supportive horse riding boots are made for safe, grippy, allweather yard work.When should you harrow in the UK calendar?Harrow paddocks MarchMay after winter turnout, once the surface has dried enough to avoid poaching; spring tine harrows excel at lifting moss and thatch in the UKs damp grass before summer grazing. Rotate horses to a drier paddock first so the ground can recover.Postwinter is when grassland suffers: hoof damage, compaction and moss thrive in our wet seasons, especially on clay. Tine harrowing at this stage lets air and light reach the base of the sward, evens hoof marks and preps the field for growing season. In drier windows later in summer, a light pass can still refresh swards, but avoid harrowing on saturated ground at any time youll worsen poaching and smear the soil. If your horses were in heavier rugs over winter and youre moving them onto fresh, cleaned grass, nows also a good moment to review kit like winter turnout rugs and tidy up the shedding coat with a good grooming session before they head back out.Pro tip: Avoid singlepass harrowing in spring. Two lighter, crosspattern passes reduce clogging, lift more thatch and leave a better finish.How do you harrow for the best results?Make two passes at right angles with spring tines, set aggression to suit the sward, and stop to clear any balling of straw/thatch. Work when the surface is dry on top but still has moisture below, and remove horses during and after until the field has settled.Heres a practical sequence for UK horse paddocks:Preparation: Move horses to a different paddock. Check the field for wire, rope and large stones. Hitch securely to your ATV or compact tractor (Cat 1/2 linkage for mounted frames) and test lift/transport.Set aggression: Start medium; increase on mossy areas or reduce on thin swards to protect new growth. Spring tine systems with central levers make this quick (Logic Today).First pass: Work in straight runs following the fields longest edge. Keep a steady speed so tines vibrate and comb the sward not so fast you bounce, not so slow you drag.Second pass: Cross the first at 90. This lifts remaining thatch, evens hoof prints and leaves a consistent tilth (Mayo Groundcare).Monitor clogging: Spring tines can bung up in fibrous thatch; pause and shake/clear tines to prevent balling that just drags debris.Edges and gateways: Go gentler near gateways and on thin patches. On heavy clay, one lighter pass may be kinder in the wettest corners.Aftercare: Keep horses off for a short period to let the surface settle and avoid repoaching, especially in soft gateways. If your horse is exuberant on first turnout back, consider protective horse boots & bandages for peace of mind.What does harrowing cost if you hire versus own?Professional spring tine harrowing typically runs about 50 per hour and covers roughly 2 acres per single pass; two passes are recommended. Travel is commonly charged at 3 per mile outside a 25mile radius of Clee Hill (DY14 0QU) in one UK example (Mayo Groundcare).Worked example for an 8acre paddock: at ~2 acres per hour per pass, one full pass takes about 4 hours; two recommended passes take about 8 hours or roughly 400, plus any applicable travel. That twopass standard is what leaves the surface aerated and even, with moss and thatch properly lifted rather than just skimmed. If youre weighing up ownership, look for durable frames and reputable tine systems; chain harrows with 13mm tines and multiyear warranties indicate better value over time (Chain Harrows UK).Quick tip: After a good harrow and spring growth, rich grass may spike energy and weight gain. Review diet and consider targeted support from our horse supplements range if youre managing weight, hooves or digestion through the spring flush.How should you harrow arenas on horse properties?Use a multiprocess spring tine arena harrow with levellers and rollers to loosen, level and reconsolidate surfaces without scuffing the boards; side/guide wheels help protect kickboards and track edges. Match aggression to footing type to avoid overdigging.For schooling surfaces, dedicated arena harrows beat field kit. Systems like the Logic ProHarrow use quality spring tines (Einbck) with adjustable settings for depth and vibration, followed by levellers and rollers to leave an even, supportive surface (Logic Today). Side wheels keep the implement off walls, and a finishing roller prevents the surface riding deep. Keep speeds even, adjust for wet/dry patches and tidy the track edge every few passes.Operator safety matters when towing on the yard or lane. If youre using a quad, many riders choose to wear a protective hat; see our selection of modern, ventilated riding helmets suited to yard and hacking use.Chain vs spring tine: what are the real-world pros and cons?Spring tines generally outperform chains for UK paddocks because they bite, lift and aerate; chain harrows are ideal for lighter, quick surface jobs. Choose spring tines for recovery after winter, and chain harrows for simple scratching and dung spreading on flatter, drier ground.Spring tines: Adjustable aggression, create a tilth, pull moss/thatch, aerate compacted areas and level hoof marks. Forum users note they can still bung up in fibrous material and need clearing:Spring tine harrows are much better at creating a tilth and have more settings on how aggressive they are, but they can still bung up and ball up straw and thatch. Deere342, experienced operator (The Farming Forum)Chain harrows: Simpler, good for breaking up droppings and lightly scuffing thatch on drier days, but just scratch the surface compared with spring tines (Mayo Groundcare). For many yards, the upgrade is decisive:Weve upgraded after many years with a basic set of 6' chain harrows to a set of spring tine harrows, and the spring tine harrows win hands down. Hhorse, yard owner (Horse & Hound Forum)The smallholder communitys verdict mirrors equestrian yards:The general consensus seems to be that spring tine harrows are far more effective than a chain harrow. Accidental Smallholder Forum (read the thread)If you still want chain harrows for quick jobs, look for 13mm tines and a decent warranty (Chain Harrows UK). Otherwise, a spring tine system with a robust frame and central aggression control is the better longterm paddock tool for UK conditions.FAQsHere are clear answers to the most common UK paddockharrowing questions, based on current pricing and yard experience.Chain or spring tine for general paddock maintenance on a horse property?Choose spring tines for aeration, moss and thatch removal; keep chain harrows for light scratching and dung spreading. Spring tines bite into the sward and lift debris for healthier regrowth (Mayo Groundcare), while chain harrows largely skim.What size harrow for an 8acre field with a quad bike?Use 4ft behind lighter ATVs for manageable towing and multiple passes; upgrade to 6ft on compact tractors to reduce time. Chain harrows commonly come in 46ft widths; for longevity look for 13mm tines and multiyear warranties (Chain Harrows UK).Do spring tines clog in wet UK grass?They can. In fibrous thatch or damp conditions, spring tines may ball up. Reduce aggression, lift briefly to shake clear, or stop and clear by hand to restore performance. As one operator puts it, theyre superb at creating a tilth but can bung up if you push them too hard in heavy thatch (The Farming Forum).Whats the best time to harrow horse paddocks in the UK?Harrow in spring (MarchMay) once the surface has dried to avoid poaching, ideally after rotating horses to another field. Spring tines are particularly effective in our damp grasslands for lifting moss and thatch before summer use.How many passes should I plan, and how long will it take?Plan two passes at right angles for a quality finish. As a guide, a compact tractor with spring tines covers about 2 acres per hour per pass; for 8 acres, budget around 8 hours for two passes (Mayo Groundcare).How much does it cost to hire someone to harrow my paddocks?Expect around 50 per hour for spring tine harrowing at roughly 2 acres per hour per pass, with two passes recommended. Some providers charge travel at about 3 per mile outside a 25mile radius of Clee Hill (DY14 0QU) (Mayo Groundcare).Any quick yard tips for a smooth harrowing day?Move horses first and have a helper to check gates and dogs. Wear hivis when towing between fields, and use proper yard boots for grip. A few horse treats make catching and rotating herds quicker when youre working to a weather window.At Just Horse Riders, were here to help you get more from your ground and your season. From safe yard kit like hivis and boots to thoughtful supplement support after the spring flush, weve got you and your horses covered. If youre unsure which harrow best suits your setup, use this guide as your checklist then plan those two tidy passes when the first good spring week arrives. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Riding HelmetsShop Boots & BandagesShop Supplements

Every year, horse enthusiasts flock to Columbus, Ohio, to get fully immersed in the magic of Equine Affaire a name synonymous with community, education, and celebration. Horse Illustrated had a wonderful time in Ohio getting to attend the event, so let me take you through our experience!First, let me introduce myself. My name is Liz Galletta, and Ive been a member of the Horse Illustrated team since 2024. This is my second time attending Equine Affaire and every year it seems to get better! I want to take you with as I experience the event this year.Our western brand, Western Life Today, is the sponsor of Cowtown in Cooper, so our booth was the highlight of the Western Life Today Alleyway. We had seven wonderful booth sponsors, including PetKORE, Stud Muffins, AnimaSol, Chewy Equine, Boomerang Rubber, Sentinel, and Parelli Natural Horsemanship.Our booth at Equine Affaire Ohio 2026. Photo by Madison Wintrich/MW Creative & PhotographyParelli set up at one end of our booth, and we were so thrilled to have them with us this year. 2026 was the start of a new partnership with Parelli, in which Pat and his team write a training column in each Horse Illustrated issue and select Young Rider issues. Not only were the Parelli team members so amazing to hang out with, but the energy and excitement that Pat Parelli brings wherever he goes is unlike anything Ive ever seen before. He draws crowds and captivates his audience so effortlessly its no wonder how hes developed such a large fanbase. He did daily giveaways at 4 p.m. at our booth, and every single day he drew a large crowd.Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 1Day 1 of Equine Affaire was filled with the excitement and anticipation of what was to come. We saw hundreds of people come through our booth in the Bricker Building, and we had the chance to see seminars and demos from some of our favorites, including Pat Parelli and Sam and Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons. I also got talked into riding a mechanical bull check out how that went below!Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 2Friday was the first day Cooper in Cowtown was open, so we got to watch things get western during clinics by Mike Bednarek, Zoe Woodland, and Joe Sansone. My favorite part, of course, was the adorable young cows being used in these clinics. We also got to see additional clinics in other rings by Horse Illustrated Webinar guests Dan James, Jason Irwin, and of course our friend Pat Parelli. Friday also brought about the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, which is the ultimate test of horsemanship and training. Riders and their horses must race through a timed obstacle course, created to test horsemanship skills and athleticism. Though, timing is not the only criteria, and points are awarded for a positive horse attitude, overall performance, and more. After a close competition, Brenda Hanson and Ace reigned victorious and took home the first-place prize.I also had the privilege of being able to Drive A Draft with Kellie Rettinger, which was an incredible experience that I am sure to never forget. Check out that experience below.Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 3Day 3 was an incredibly busy day all around, but we made sure to watch some clinics as well as swing by some of our partners booths, including Equi-Analytical, KENT, Wild Animal Sanctuary, Farriers Magic, GG Equine, Tyler Shupe Leather, and the ASPCA Right Horse Adoption barn (spoiler alert by Sunday evening, all but two horses had been adopted!)After watching more presenters (including our friends Bronwyn Irwin and Reese Koffler-Stanfield), we got to watch the hilarious Cowboy Challenge, emceed by the one and only Hayden Kristal. This on-foot challenge had competitors complete a series of farm-related tasks, including moving hay, setting up jumps, and scooping grain, to see who would be crowned the ultimate cowboy. This was insanely entertaining and, in our eyes, everyone was a winner for being brave enough to tackle those tasks in front of an audience.Saturday was also the biggest day for Parellis giveaway, and we easily had over 100 people flooding our booth to get a chance to win big!Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 4Sunday was a bittersweet ending to a wonderful weekend. My favorite part of the day was taking advantage of the sales the shopping booths were putting on the whole Horse Illustrated crew brought home solid clothing hauls for an incredible deal.Another touching outcome of this weekend came from Boomerang Rubber they graciously provided the flooring for our booth (which saved our backs from hours of standing on straight concrete) and at the end of the weekend, donated the mats to two different ASPCA Right Horse partners. We could not be more thankful for Bobby and his team, andwereglad they could make a difference in the lives of adoptable horses through their donation.Over the course of Equine Affaire, we got to meet thousands of amazing people, introduce dozens of new readers to Horse Illustrated, and celebrate our 50thAnniversary with readers who have been with us for years.If you attended Equine Affaire this year, wewereso glad to get tomeetyou and get to know you.If you didnt attend, I hope you consider stopping by next year so you can experience the magic of this event.This article about Equine Affaire Ohio 2026 is a web exclusive Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post A Recap of Equine Affaire Ohio 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.