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A Dartmoor hill pony who achieved fame when he was photographed with a giant teddy bear as an orphaned foal has been put to sleep at the age of 13 following a severe bout of colic.Breeze, who was signed over to The Mare and Foal Sanctuaryas a day-old orphaned foal,captured international attention in 2013 after photographs were shared showing him as a foalsleeping alongside a giant teddy bear called Buttons.Buttons was given to Breeze by staff at the charity to give him comfort and security while he received round the clock care.Despite the sanctuarys work and more than a decade of skilled handling and training, Breezes early deprivation and hand rearing meant he was never suitable for rehoming. He experience health and behavioural challenges and spent his life under the dedicated care of the sanctuarys specialist teams, who adapted their facilities and approaches to give him the safest and happiest life possible.Breeze lived his life at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.An iconBreeze was somewhat of an icon of the Sanctuary, said Nikki Anstey, equine training lead at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.He came to us as an extremely poorly little pony. He was not able to be socialised with other horses for an extended period due to his lack of immunity and had to be hand-reared. There were many sleepless nights, bottle feeding him every hour and having to lift him up and lay him down as he was so weak. His personality started shining through at a young age and he will always remain one of the most influential ponies that I have ever encountered in my career at the Sanctuary. We always had an understanding, and he was incredibly loving and affectionate, despite his complex behavioural needs. I dont think any horse, or person, could have ever taught me as much as he did. Breeze and Buttons in 2016.Shaping equine welfareBreeze lived at several of the charitys Devon sites throughout his life and his casecontinues to inform the charitys approach to equine welfare.Breeze arrived with us as a critically vulnerable orphaned foal, said Sally Burton, head of equine expertise at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. His lack of colostrum, isolation from other horses and need for intensive hand rearing meant he grew up with significant behavioural and health challenges. He could never be rehomed safely, so our responsibility was to give him the best quality of life we could within the Sanctuary. Our teams adapted the environment around him, used the latest evidence on behaviour and welfare, and brought in external specialists when needed. Breeze pushed us all to raise our standards, to think differently about how we support horses and ponies with complex needs, and to champion good practice across the wider equine sector. We are deeply saddened by his loss. Colic is a broad term for abdominal pain and can be caused by a range of problems in the gut, from gas and impaction to twists in the intestine. It can affect any horse, no matter how well they are cared for, and it remains one of the most serious emergencies we see. In Breezes case, despite prompt veterinary attention and intensive care, it was not possible to save him. Breeze when he first arrived at the sanctuary in 2013.Best practiceThe Sanctuary hopes that sharing Breezes story will highlight both the realities of equine welfare work and the importance of specialised lifelong care for horses and ponies that cannot be rehomed. It aims to encourage equine owners and carers to talk openly about planning for serious health issues like colic, including considering insurance, how they would transport their horse to surgery if needed, and whether that is the right decision for their horse.There is a lot of evidence to support the fact that early life stress or trauma is associated with a wide range of adverse effects on brain development and can have long lasting effects on the individual, said Anna Haines, equine behaviour lead at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.This can alter psychological and behavioural responses to the environment, particularly any perceived environmental threats and challenges, meaning that individuals who have suffered significant early life stress such as Breeze did, are likely to find it more difficult to navigate the world than one who hasnt. This meant that Breeze required very careful behavioural and environmental management at all times, to help him to feel as safe and secure as possible and to allow him to thrive.For more information about Breezes story or to find out about the work of the charity, click here. Images The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.More from Your HorseOrphaned foal rescued at two weeks old looking for forever homeHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsHow do horses sleep? Experts explainOur pick of fly masks and veils for horsesThe post Orphaned foal who helped shape equine practice dies aged 13 appeared first on Your Horse.

George Marvin Beeman, DVM, a legendary equine veterinarian, respected leader in the horse industry, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong steward of Colorado agriculture,passed away on Sunday, June 14 2026, at the age of 93.For those who knew Marvin best, there is comfort in knowing that he spent his final moments much as he spent his entire lifesurrounded by horses, hounds, and the sport he loved. His passion for horses, veterinary medicine, and the people who shared those pursuits never diminished, and he remained engaged in the industry that brought him so much purpose and joy throughout his remarkable life.Born and raised on Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Marvins connection to horses and the Western way of life began in childhood and remained the defining passion of his life. He often said he knew he wanted to be a veterinarian by the age of seven. That dream led him to Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1957 and began a career that would shape the equine veterinary profession for generations.Shortly after graduation, Marvin joined the Littleton Large Animal Clinic, helping build what would become the renowned Littleton Equine Medical Center, in Colorado. Over the course of nearly seven decades, he earned a reputation for excellence in equine medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of lameness and musculoskeletal conditions. Clients sought his expertise from across the country and around the world, while generations of veterinarians looked to him as a trusted mentor, teacher, and friend.Marvins influence extended far beyond his veterinary practice. He served as President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, President of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Examiners, and held numerous leadership positions throughout the veterinary and equine industries. He lectured nationally and internationally, published scientific work, advised major equine organizations, and dedicated countless hours to advancing horse health, welfare, and education.His contributions were recognized through many distinguished honors, including Colorado Veterinarian of the Year, the American Horse Council Distinguished Service Award, the American Association of Equine Practitioners Beyond the Call Award, induction into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame, the Colorado Agricultural Hall of Fame, the International Stockmans Hall of Fame, and recognition as Colorados Citizen of the West. In 2023, he was honored as a Legend of Agriculture, a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service to Colorados agricultural community.A lifelong supporter of the National Western Stock Show, Marvins involvement spanned more than six decades. He served as the Stock Shows official veterinarian, member of the Board of Directors, executive committee leader, and trusted advisor. Four generations of the Beeman family shared a deep connection to the Stock Show, and Marvin took great pride in preserving those traditions.Outside of veterinary medicine, Marvin was a passionate horseman. He served as Huntsman and Joint Master of the Arapahoe Hunt Club, rode with the Roundup Riders of the Rockies for decades, played polo, and remained actively involved in the equestrian community throughout his life.Yet for all of his professional accomplishments, Marvins greatest pride was his family.To his children and grandchildren, he was not a renowned veterinarian or industry leader. He was dad, grandpa, mentor, confidant, storyteller, and unwavering source of love and encouragement. He taught integrity through example, generosity through action, and perseverance through the way he lived each day. He possessed a rare combination of strength and gentleness, wisdom and humility, accomplishment and grace.Marvin had an extraordinary gift for making people feel valued. He listened intently, spoke thoughtfully, and offered guidance that was both practical and compassionate. His quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, remarkable memory, and gift for storytelling made him a beloved presence wherever he went. Even into his nineties, his curiosity remained vibrant, his mind sharp, and his passion for learning undiminished.Marvin is survived by his beloved wife, Eunice Beeman; his children, Laurie Beeman and Grant Beeman; his grandchildren, William, Chris, Danielle, Katie, and Ryan; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Ella and Madeline. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow and thrive.The veterinary profession has lost a pioneer, the horse industry has lost one of its most dedicated advocates, and countless friends and colleagues have lost a trusted mentor. As one of his colleagues recently reflected, Marvin lived and practiced with passion and wonder for the horse. His enthusiasm and joy were infectious and inspirational to all who knew him. He will be missed as fiercely as he lived.

According to the assistant state veterinarian, a 23-year-old horse at a private facility in King County, Washington, has tested positive for strangles. The horse is quarantined and receiving veterinary care.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.

Horses have many ways to communicate their emotions and even preferences. | Adobe StockHorses have many ways to tell us how theyre feeling, such as swishing the tail, pricking ears, or pawing. But can they communicate on a deeper level? Can they directly express preferences, whether thats choosing one blanket over another or signaling theyd rather work with a particular handler?Researchers suggest they can, but understanding those preferences starts with knowing how horses learn, how they form associations, and how they naturally communicate through body language.How Do Horses Learn?Horses learn by creating associations with the things that theyre learning about, says Debbie Busby, PhD candidate, MSc, GMBPsS, MBACP, CEBC, CCAB, ABTC-CAB, a clinical animal behaviorist based in Tarporley, England. They can learn to associate something, which we call a stimulus, with a positive feeling on their part, such as pleasure, or a negative feeling such as fear or feeling threatened by something. For example, if your horse has a fear of the parked tractor, feeding him a treat or letting him graze near the tractor can help him associate the object with a pleasant feeling.Horses also learn by operant conditioning, where they act, then the consequences teach them whether to repeat the action. For instance, if a horse paws at feeding time, then gets fed, he recognizes a positive consequence of his pawing.Reinforcement training, such as when a rider puts their leg on to ask the horse to go forward or sideways, then removes the pressure when they get the response they wanta form of negative reinforcement, because youre taking the pressure awayis another way horses learn.Camie Heleski, PhD, MS, a senior lecturer in the University of Kentuckys Department of Animal and Food Sciences, in Lexington, says reinforcement training is often the best way for horses to learn. The horse, partly as a creature of prey, still does really, really well responding to well-timed negative reinforcement, she says. Thats probably the most consistent, and in some cases, quickest way to get them to learn a lot of the tasks that we expect and want from them.Positive reinforcement is the scientific term for rewarding a behavior by adding something horses enjoy, such as food or a scratch, especially on the withersan act thats been proven to reduce horses heart rates by up to 10%. Negative reinforcementis the term for rewarding behavior by removing something horses would rather avoid, such as pressure. It is not punishment or the addition of a negative experience.Habituation, a form of nonassociative learning, happens when horses grow accustomed to something, such as living in a stall or having a specific routine theyre comfortable with, says Busby. Horses also learn through other process, such as observing other equine behavior.How Do Horses Communicate With Humans?While people use types of reinforcement training with horses, Busby says most humans dont consider the horses preferences. Horses are always expressing preferences to us, and its through their body language, she explains. We dont know if they are consciously thinking, Oh, and now I need to tell this person that I want to do this. They are simply behaving, and that behavior reflects what matters to them in that moment. Its up to us to understand those signals and interpret them.Researchers have conducted several studies into horses communication and learning styles. In 2014 a research group led by M. Mejdell, PhD, of the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, developed a system allowing horses to communicate if they wanted a blanket on or not in the winter. Using symbols and positive reinforcement, they taught the horses to touch their muzzle to a board with symbols representing blanket on, blanket off, or no change. When horses chose an action, researchers immediately performed it, and then they tested their theory in different types of weather, where the horses decided what they wanted based on the conditions. The team reported this context-based decision making showed the horses understood the consequences of their choices and werent just performing a memorized trick.Horses have also been found to understand referential communication. In a 2016 study, researchers confirmed domestic horses engage in intentional referential communication with humans by alternating their gaze between a human and the object they desire, such as a feed bucket, to ask for help. If the human failed to respond, they used other behaviors such as head-nodding or nudging the human.This comes back to the important point about being able to interpret the behavior, because lots of people would think that a horse nudging them was a rude, pushy horse, and it isnt always the case, Busby says. It can be friendly behavior, or it could be, Hey, that buckets over there. I cant reach it. Can you reach it for me?While not everyone might train their horse to choose their own blanket, owners can perform their own straightforward preference tests at home, says Heleski. When I was in Michigan, we had this big barnyard that was all fenced in with a big pasture it attached to, she explains. Because the horses were so used to the routine, if there was a winter storm, I could open the door and give them the exact same hay in their stall as the hay out in the pasture. And probably three quarters of the time, most of my horses would still pick to go outside in the nasty winter storm versus stay in the stall. Now thats small numbers, but thats an example of semi-easy preference testing.Take-Home MessageWhile researchers have shown horses can be trained to communicate preferences, for the everyday horse owner, keeping a close eye on your horses body language and behavior can help you make safe and ethical decisions when training and handling your horse. The missing piece is that its often the humans who arent listening, or who are misinterpreting what the horse is doing, Busby says. Horses are constantly communicating with us. Theyre always telling us things theyd rather do and things theyd rather not do.

The revision of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 does not explicitly provide protection for horses being ridden or driven on public roads, bridleways or other public access routes, despite widespread belief within the equestrian community that it would.The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 was revised in March this year and a key area of change stated that the law had been extended to cover livestock worrying and attacks that take place on roads and paths.Many equestrians welcomed the change and common perception was that riders when riding or driving their horses would now fall under this act if they suffered an incident on roads and paths. However, Katie Smart, one of the campaigners behind Leash & Release, whose horse died as a result of injuries sustained during a dog attack in his field, sought clarification on the legislation and was told by a Defra representative that this is not the case.Regarding the recent amendment to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, the Act now includes roads and paths when livestock are being moved between fields, in addition to agricultural land. The Act also includes horses within the definition of livestock. However, it does not extend to ridden horses on public roads, bridleways, or open-access land, said the representative.As a result, the protections afforded under this Act do not automatically apply to ridden horses in public spaces. In cases involving ridden horses, enforcement typically relies on the Dangerous Dogs Act or other relevant welfare or public order legislation. Prosecution decisions remain at the discretion of the CPS, with final determinations made by the courts.A matter for the courtsDefra told Your Horse that incidents involving ridden horses may still be considered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, depending on the circumstances.A spokesperson for Defra said:We recognise that dog attacks can have horrific consequences, and we take this issue very seriously. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 protects livestock, and this term includes horses. If a horse is attacked by a dog whilst being ridden on a road or path, there may be sufficient evidence that the dog was dangerously out of control within the meaning of section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.The Crown Prosecution Service would assess whether to proceed with a prosecution under section 3 of the 1991 Act or the 1953 Act (or any other relevant legislation) on a case-by-case basis. It remains a matter for the courts to ultimately decide, whether on the facts of the case, an offence has been committed. We expect the courts to interpret road or path in line with their ordinary meanings, which are broad.Current legislationThe clarification means riders whose horses are attacked by dogs in public places cannot assume incidents will be dealt with under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. Instead, cases may be considered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or other relevant legislation, depending on the circumstances of the case.Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence for the owner or person in charge of a dog to cause or permit it to be dangerously out of control in any place.Defra told Your Horse that a dog may be considered dangerously out of control if it injures a person or a horse, or causes a person to fear that it may injure them or their horse, and the person responsible for the dog does not have proper control of it.Leash & ReleaseLeash & Release is a campaign that aims to raise awareness of dog attacks on horses and promote responsible dog ownership around equines. It has been campaigning for stronger protections for horses, riders and carriage drivers, and greater clarity around the laws covering dog-related incidents. The campaign also extends to protect other animals, including livestock and dogs.Find out more about the campaign here.Main image Your Horse LibraryRelated contentMPs support campaign for better protection for horses from loose dogsOwner pays tribute to pony who died on the road after being spooked by loose dogPrioritising the freedom of dogs: concern as Defra responds to dangerous dogs petitionOwner of horse killed after dog attack in its field backs dangerous dogs petitionThe post Revised livestock worrying law does not extend protection to horses being ridden on public roads and paths appeared first on Your Horse.

The equestrian world is mourning the loss of Stephen Clarke, one of the most respected and influential figures in British and international dressage, who passed away on Saturday 13 June 2026.Stephens remarkable career saw him officiate at the very highest level of equestrian sport, including the Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games, FEI World Cup Finals and FEI European Championships.Among his many prestigious appointments, he served as president of the ground jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games a role he described as one of the proudest moments of his life.In 2013, Stephen was appointed FEI Dressage Judge General, helping to shape the future of international dressage judging and education. He played a key role in developing the FEI Judges Handbook and evolving the FEI Dressage Rules.A lasting impressionBut his contribution to dressage extended far beyond the judges box. He was also a sought-after coach, mentor, educator and ambassador for the sport.For Your Horse writer and dressage rider Lauren Williamson, who trained with Stephen for 10 years, his passing marks the loss of a mentor, teacher and friend.Lauren described him as being one of those extraordinary people who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.She added that he had a generous nature, sharp wit, and infectious smile and a remarkable ability to make those around him feel at ease and valued.Training sessions with Stephen brought clarity when everything else seemed chaotic. Despite leading an incredibly busy life, he never appeared hurried. He was measured in his approach, thoughtful in his guidance, and seemed to know exactly the right thing to say at exactly the right moment, said Lauren.No matter what horse you rode, Stephen could help you improve it. His deep love of horses shone through in every lesson, reflected in the positivity, patience, and encouragement he offered so freely.He had a gift for building confidence, helping riders believe in both themselves and their horses.The outpouring of tributes following his passing is testament to the countless lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, respect, and thoughtful guidance will live on in the countless people he inspired.Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his lessons, his encouragement, and his example with us always.Working with Your Horse While Stephen was respected worldwide for his achievements and expertise, many Your Horse readers will remember him for a different reason. Over the years, he worked closely with the magazine on multiple training features, generously sharing his wisdom, experience and unique insight into dressage.His ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and warmth made him hugely popular with readers, who valued his practical advice and approachable manner.A distinguished FEI 5* dressage judge, Stephen dedicated more than four decades of his life to the sport he loved, earning admiration and respect from riders, judges and officials around the globe.Renowned for his exceptional knowledge, fairness and unwavering commitment to dressage, he played a pivotal role in shaping generations of competitors and officials, leaving an enduring legacy that will be felt throughout the sport for many years to come.He helped shape our sportStephen was one of those rare individuals who made everyone around him better, and the extraordinary outpouring of tributes since his passing stands as a testament to both his deep love for the sport and his regard for those within it, said FEI Dressage Director Ronan Murphy.He was generous with his knowledge, consistent in his fairness, and always took the time to support and encourage others, from senior officials to those just beginning their journey.Stephen was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Fair, thoughtful and quietly wise, he never sought the spotlight, yet his presence and influence can be felt throughout our sport to this day.We have lost not only one of dressages greatest judges, but also one of its kindest and most respected figures.Everyone at Your Horse extends their heartfelt condolences to Stephens partner, Julian Sebire, his family, friends and colleagues.Main image by Julia Reinhart/Getty ImagesMore from Your HorseStephen Clarke: the Secret to Learning to Ride With an Even ContactDressage pro Emile Faurie explains how to stop a horse hollowing in transitionsThis is how to improve a horses poor toplineDressage judges explain how to improve your test scoreThe post He had a gift for building confidence: Dressage world mourns the passing of Stephen Clarke appeared first on Your Horse.