One of the biggest misconceptions about racehorses is that they spend all day galloping around a track. In reality, racehorses spend surprisingly little time exercising. Like most horses, the majority of their day is spent eating, resting and relaxing.A racehorses daily routine is carefully planned to balance fitness, recovery and mental wellbeing. While routines vary between trainers, yards and individual horses, most follow a similar schedule throughout the racing season.Lets take a look at what life is really like for a racehorse in training.Continue reading A Typical Day in the Life of a UK Racehorse at EquiPepper.

One of the biggest misconceptions about racehorses is that they spend all day galloping around a track. In reality, racehorses spend surprisingly little time exercising. Like most horses, the majority of their day is spent eating, resting and relaxing.A racehorses daily routine is carefully planned to balance fitness, recovery and mental wellbeing. While routines vary between trainers, yards and individual horses, most follow a similar schedule throughout the racing season.Lets take a look at what life is really like for a racehorse in training.Continue reading A Typical Day in the Life of a UK Racehorse at EquiPepper.

The penultimate leg of the DAFM Studbook Series was held out West, in Glenamaddy Equestrian. Over 70 competitors braved the heat on Saturday, 11th July, over the three classes. With the final fast approaching, the competition was starting to heat up.Out of 35 entrants in the 5 year old class, 17 went clear. Robyn Moran kept her place at the top of the table with her own Fortside Exhibition (ISH) and is following close in second with Fortside California (ISH), having produced clear rounds with both horses. Young rider, Coen Williams, is right behind her with GLC Mr President (ISH), in third place on the leaderboard.Robyn Moran and Fortside Exhibition (ISH) in the 5 Year Olds. Photo: Between The Ears Media Keeping up the clear rounds, Coen Williams produced another clear with 6 year old mare Codex Girl Van Twelve Oaks Z (ZANG), and remaining at the top of the 6 year old leaderboard with Grand Amour KPCM (ISH). Also producing a double clear, was Katie Nallon with Bouncers Hero (ISH).Katie Nallon with Bouncers Hero (ISH), competing in the 6 Year Old class. Photo: Between The Ears Media Taking the win in the 7 year olds was Damien Griffin and Willie Cusacks Ardragh DRC Drifter (ISH), beating out the other 14 horse and rider combinations. The top two competitors went without any points this leg but remain in top position. With everything still to play for, it all comes down to the final in two weeks time, with close competition between Max Foley and Coen Williams.Damien Griffin and Ardragh DRC Drifter (ISH), winners of the 7 Year Olds. Photo: Between The Ears MediaTheres still all to play for at the final in two weeks, with prizes for leading rider, leading groom, leading breeder, leading young rider, and a new prize for the top three finishing horses in each age category. The final leg takes place in Mullingar Equestrian on 31st July & 1st August, for the final two day show and conclusion of the series. League Tables:5 Year Old League Table6 Year old League Table7 Year Old League TableBreeding:Fortside Exhibition (ISH): 2021 gelding by Castlefield Kingston (OS), out of Fairfield Lucky (ISH), by Ars Vivendi (HOLST). Bred by Margaret Bergin, county Laois.Fortside California (ISH): 2021 mare by Cohinoor VDL (HANN), out of Cayenne (HOLST), by Cachas (HOLST). Bred by Anna Bobel, county Galway.Codex Girl Van Twelve Oaks (ZANG): 2020 mare by Codex One (HOLST), out of Prada JT Z (ZANG), by Plot Blue (KWPN).Grand Amour KPCM (ISH): 2020 mare by Grandorado TN (KWPN), out of Ellie May LVS Z (ZANG), by Emerald Vant Ruytershof (BWP). Bred by Karen Millar, county Down.Ardragh DRC Drifter (ISH): 2019 stallion by Ardragh Me O Moy (ISH), out of CSF Pippa (ISH), by Kannan (KWPN). Bred by Oliver, county Monaghan. The post DAFM Studbook Series Leg 6: Glenamaddy appeared first on .

Sponsored content in collaboration with SPILLERSWith a third of the equine population possibly now considered senior (over 15 years of age), many of these veteran horses are still leading active, competitive lives.For owners of these working seniors, the key isnt to stop exercising them, but to adapt management and nutrition to support their changing needs.Areas to consider more closely include muscle mass, thermoregulation, joint comfort, digestive health, immunity, and dental and metabolic health.Maintaining muscle and strength muscle loss is more common with ageing this could be linked to reduced exercise as much as ageing itself. Poor saddle fit, injury, or inadequate nutrition can also be causes too.Rebuilding muscle is difficult to achieve in seniors, so its crucial to maintain topline as long as possible through appropriate exercise and diet.Why quality protein countsThe quality of the protein (the amino acid profile) in the diet is as important as the quantity.UK forage can be low in essential amino acids such as lysine, so choosing feeds with a good amino acid profile is important. Overweight horses could still lack muscle tone if their diet is deficient in quality protein. If you notice sudden or severe muscle wastage, its important to consult a vet to rule out underlying issues.Managing body temperatureOlder horses may struggle with thermoregulation, which is the ability to maintain a stable body temperature, particularly if under or overweight. Conditions like PPID (Cushings syndrome) can cause a thick or unshed coat, increasing the risk of overheating. These horses may require more frequent clipping and careful monitoring.All horses benefit from consistent access to fresh water and a salt lick to stay hydrated, with extra salt added to the feed for those who sweat more heavily. Joint healthJoint stiffness and arthritis become more of a concern with age. Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on joints, so maintaining a healthy body condition is essential.When intense exercise may no longer be suitable, less demanding movement from gentle hacking or in-hand work may be useful for keeping joints mobile and muscles strong.Many owners find joint supplements containing ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, and boswellia helpful for providing support.Supporting digestionA horses digestive system relies on a vast population of microbes. Research shows that with age, the diversity of these microbes can decrease, making senior horses more sensitive to dietary changes, the risk of colic or loose droppings. Therefore, any dietary adjustments should be made gradually.When more calories are needed, opt for feeds high in fibre and oil over high-starch options to support digestive health. Ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics can also help maintain a healthy gut. Canon EOS R6 f/4 1/320s 150mm ISO400ImmunityImmune function naturally declines with age this can make seniors more susceptible to infections and slow their healing time.Providing a balanced diet is essential for any senior, working or not. Vitamin E is crucial for both immune and muscle health and should be included in the diet, especially for those still working. Vitamin C may also be beneficial, particularly for supporting lung health, especially in seniors who are working, stabled more or travel frequently.Dental considerations Dental issues also become more common in older horses, which can make chewing forage and fibres particularly difficult. Regular dental checks may help highlight problems before they become a problem and there may come a point where forage replacers need to be considered.Bespoke care for your individual horseUltimately, our senior horses require individualised care. Closely monitoring their body condition will help you make timely adjustments to their diet and management. While specialised senior feeds are often a convenient way to provide elevated levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals, the best feed for your horse may not be the one labelled senior. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help you create the perfect plan to ensure your veteran horse continues to thrive and enjoy their work. If you need any help, the SPILLERS team is on hand. You can call them on 01908 226626 or fill out an enquiry form here.Images Shutterstock and SPILLERS Related contentSlow the decline of topline in a senior horse with this advice *Sponsored*This is why a senior feed balancer will help your ageing horse thrive for longer *Sponsored* This is why feeding a mash will do wonders for a senior horses health *Promotion*When would a senior horse benefit from a feed supplement? *Promotion*Help for senior horses with ageing joints *Promotion*The post What should you feed an older horse thats still in work? Expert explains *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

A young pony signed over to the police after repeated escapes onto the road has been given a safe home at Redwings Horse Sanctuary.The horse welfare charity received a call from local authorities about Dora, so named after the childrens TV character who is always going on adventures, after the one-year-old filly got out of her field in South Norfolk.Her owners were given notice to repair their fencing to ensure Doras and the publics safety, but when they failed to complete the necessary work she was signed over to police and offered a home at Redwings.Dora is thriving in her new environment, and was even honoured on last weeks National Dora Day (7 July).Dora and a new friend, Cabilla, at RedwingsDora is settling in well in her new herd and is making friends, said Redwings Senior Team Leader Tom Steggall. She is a sweet and pretty girl and seems content to put her exploring days behind her for now.She got some extra fuss to celebrate National Dora Day, its not often we have a pony with their very own national day!Doras story is an important reminder for horse owners to ensure their boundaries are secure.Dora grazing with her fieldmates at RedwingsWe are relieved to have Dora in our care and safely off the roads, said Julie Harding, Redwings Senior Field Officer. Escaped horses arent just in danger themselves, but they also put the lives of drivers at risk.We have been involved in road rescues in the past where sadly a horses life was lost, and we are grateful that Dora was rescued before she was involved in an accident.Helping horses in need with safe and secure homes is what we do as a charity, however with rising costs affecting every element of our work, providing this vital care is becoming more difficult. We rely on our supporters to help us be ready to rescue ponies like Dora, and to provide them the care they deserve.Related contentPoisonous plants for horses: in pictures5 common mistakes to avoid when taking out horse insurance *Ad feature*Spot signs of anxiety in your horse using the traffic light system and improve your bondHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)The post Pony left vulnerable to road accident finds sanctuary in new home appeared first on Your Horse.

Landmark GP win for World No 5 headlines host of victories for Irish athletesSunday was a day Shane Sweetnam will never forget, as his parents made the journey to Sweden to watch their son and the horse that has played such a major role in making him one of the stars of world show jumping, take down an elite field in the Rolex Grand Prix at the illustrious Falsterbo Horse Show in Sweden on a Sunday afternoon.It was a first CSIO five-star Grand Prix triumph for Sweetnam, as well as a first Rolex Grand Prix success.Doing it with the James Kann Cruz (Gizmo Partners & Sweetnam), the Irish Sport Horse bred in Co Galway by Patrick Connolly, added to the occasion for the Castlemagner native, who is the fifth ranked show jumper in the world and after a week that also included another podium and top five finish at five-star level, may well be climbing higher.James Kann Cruz goes by the name Gizmo and has long established himself as one of the elite jumpers on the planet. This has led to a slew of consistent performances but as a big unit, he has been susceptible to zippier models in jump-offs.But in one of the most prestigious classes of the global calendar, the 13-year-old gelding, who was partnered by Sweetnam at the Paris Olympics, was able to deploy his giant stride while showcasing guts to go with his bottomless scope, to snatch the verdict from winning machine Richard Vogel (GER) with a jump-off round that will never be forgotten.It was a fourth Grand Prix success for Gizmo from a yield of 24 Grand Prix podiums and Sweetnam, was as pleased for the horse as for himself. And those emotions were brilliantly captured in the image below.It was a brilliant result. Gizmo is in great form. He has been knocking on the door for a long time now. Weve been really consistent and weve been fast but there always seems to be someone a little faster or getting us somewhere, the Cork man told Horse Sport Ireland on Monday morning.Obviously the draw for the jump-off, that I was fastest in the first round and could go last, helped me know what I needed to do and really, everything came up the way I wanted. He was really pinging and enjoying it there.So I was delighted and my parents were there which made it very exciting.And for the horse, I think he deserves a major win like this. Falsterbo is a legendary show and hopefully it will give us a bit of momentum that we can get a few more like this. But either way, hes been brilliant for me and it was a special day for us.This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sweetnam setting up Sweet Oak Farm with his wife Abi, and they are now reaping the rewards of their vision and endeavour.There was, perhaps, an omen in that James Kann Cruz was the quickest of the 14 clear rounds in the opening examination of 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts set by Frank Rothenberger, by almost half a second from Vogel and Cloudio. Certainly, in practical terms, it was significant..Jordan Coyle and Chaccolino (Coyle & Elan Farm) were actually second fastest but four faults in the second round dropped them to 10th.It was Vogel and his 12-year-old stallion who eked five-hundredths of a second off the time set by Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Albufuehrens Iashin Sitte to set what looked a daunting target.James Kann Cruz momentarily slipped on the rollback but still managed to clear the tricky narrow jump straight after. When Sweetnam opened the throttle, the grey galloped with ears pinned back, cleared the penultimate obstacle and then the last, the timers ceasing to move from 37.68 for a decisive triumph.It was a magnificent result, on the week that Horse Sport Ireland announced Equieire as the new official competition jacket supplier to the Irish high performance programme,And the show kicked off with three of the top five in the opening five-star class on Thursday.There are six Irish athletes in the top 50 of the latest Longines FEI world rankings, and 11 in the top 100 and this was reflected in Sweden, with Sweetnam heavily involved with a trademark clear from James Kann Cruz to earn fourth. This proved an ideal pipe-opener for what was to come and crucially, as the first Rolex Grand Prix qualifier of the week, guaranteed a berth in Sundays feature.Coyle was best of the Green Jackets with King Kannan GP (Elan Farm) going clear in 62.11 to just miss out on victory, Andre Thieme claiming top honours in the 1.50m speed class by virtue of a time of 61.72 with DPS Chakaria. Trevor Breen rounded out the top five with Konrad Obolensky (Ian & Heather Black).The Ardmore rider and King Kannan GP moved up one rung in the ladder on Friday morning when triumphant in the five-star Falsterbo Derby qualifier.The pair were electric and foot perfect over the 530m, 14-jump track, going clear in 68.66 to take the spoils. That was almost two seconds clear of Linda Heed (SWE) with Laurien Van Orshof, with her fellow Swede, Stephanie Holmn third on Next Lady.On Saturday, Sweetnam showed off the depth he possesses when improving on his previous days result, sharing second in the weeks second Rolex Grand Prix qualifier with Pia Maria H (Seabrook & Sweetnam).This was a 1.50m speed class, and though Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Callao L were unbeatable, stopping the clock in 62.98, there was no separating Sweetnam and his 11-year-old mare, from Charlotte Jacobs (USA) and Korbach van de Renger.Both combinations registered times of 64.14 to split the second and third-place prize money between them.Breen, from Cashel, and Konrad Obolensky had a frustrating four faults in the Falsterbo Derby and while fifth was a strong result from a nine-year-old on such a test, their time in that first round suggested that they would have been very competitive in a jump-off.Only three pairings progressed to the decider and victory went to Martin Fuchs (SUI) with Love de Vie.Daniel Fitzgerald (above) has been drawing admiring glances in recent weeks with his results and the Kilcullen athlete ensured that would continue with success in the three-star 1.45m speed class at the Riviera Resort in the Italian village of San Giovanni in Marignano.Riding Fleuriske Z (Aloga Stables), Fitzgerald blew away the opposition, as the nine-year-old grey mare flew across the turf and over the obstacles to stop the clock on 66.09, with Riccardo Pisani (ITA) and Chaccos Lawito PS a long way back in the silver medal position, on a time of 68.37.Anna Duff made it an Irish Grand Prix double on Sunday, grasping the lions share of the pot in the highlight of the two-star show at the Lake Arena in Wiener Neustadt in Australia.It was a really dramatic conclusion with the tightest of margins, as the Meath pilot and her Irish Sport Horse MC Crosskeys (Anna & Brian Duff), bred in Co Cavan by Matthew McBreen, registered a winning clear of 50.07 seconds in the tiebreaker, which was nine-hundredths of a second quicker that the time set by Great Britains Mandy Beger and Starlet.Cormac Hanley and Santiago Vh Netehof (Heathman Farm) accomplished a two-star win for the second week in a row at Ocala, taking the 1.45m speed class at the World Equestrian Center by two clear seconds with a time of 59.77 on Thursday.And the Mayo man and his talented partner (above) made it three in a week under the Floridian sun 24 hours later, a jump-off time of 30.60 securing the Grand Prix qualifier.Denis Lynch competed at the Summer Classic in Valkenswaard and got off to the ideal start as international fare got under way on Friday, scoring in the two-star 1.45m speed class with the 11-year-old Katja (Parco Sport Horses), with a clear in 58.15.On Saturday, the Tipperary town athlete steered Mr Newman (Parco Sport Horses) to third in a 1.45m speed class, .David Blake hit the target at two-star grade also, and whats more, took the third placed prize money too from the Welcome Stake at Tryon on Friday.The Tuamgraney rider steered Gucci Des Embruns (Pine Hollow Farm) to the spoils in convincing fashion to a double clear in 35.99. He could not replicate that feat with Max Van De Marijenhoeve (Jill Shulman) but that pair were the quickest of the four-faulters in the five-combo jump-off.Blake would conclude the week with the same pair taking fourth and sixth respectively in the two-star Grand Prix in which there were only two clear rounds.Victory went to Gwyneth Babington (USA), the daughter of Clonmel native Kevin Babington, who represented Ireland in all major championships including when winning European team gold in 2001 and who is a major source of inspiration as he continues to train horses, despite being paralysed in a fall in 2019, and has established a foundation to provide financial support for equestrians who suffer spinal injuries.Cortown native, Alex Butler was also picking up prize money in a Grand Prix, combining with Ti Amo B Z (Butler & Milestone Farm) for fourth in the three-star feature in amorin, Slovakia on Sunday.BREEDINGCSF JAMES KANN CRUZ (ISH) 2013 gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of CSF Telly Cruz (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Patrick Connolly, Co Galway. Owner: Gizmo Partners, LLC. Rider: Shane Sweetnam (IRL).MC CROSSKEYS (ISH) 2016 gelding by S Creevagh Ferro Ex Siebe (KWPN) out of Jumeirah (ISH) by Ard Vdl Douglas (KWPN). Breeder: Matthew McBreen, Co Cavan. Owner: Anna Duff & Brian Duff. Rider: Anna Duff (IRL).The post Sweet one in Sweden for Shane and Gizmo appeared first on .

Ragwort is a potentially deadly poisonous plant for horses and a major cause of secondary photosensitisation.Consuming this toxic plant can also trigger other serious health concerns, including diarrhoea, weight loss and jaundice, meaning that keeping your paddocks clear of it is vital.While intact, ragwort is generally unpalatable and horses dont tend to eat it unless no alternative forage is available. However, it becomes much more palatable when it has been treated using a herbicide but hasnt yet fully decomposed, or when it is cut and subsequently dries out.So one of the main sources of exposure for horses is when ragwort is inadvertently incorporated into their hay or haylage.Toxins in ragwortPyrrolizidine alkaloid, the toxin in ragwort, is generally a cumulative toxin. While a toxic dose may be eaten on one occasion, its much more common for a horse to consume a toxic dose over a longer period, even years.The toxin causes irreparable damage to the liver, which can lead to fatal liver failure. Clinical signs are often only apparent when more than 75% of the liver is affected.Signs can include:Depression/lethargy/abnormal demeanourreduced appetiteweight lossjaundiceDiarrhoea PhotosensitisationDiagnosing ragwort poisoningDiagnosis of ragwort poisoning is based on seeing compatible clinical signs, whether or not the horse has a history of grazing ragwort-infested pasture, plus blood tests and, ideally, a liver biopsy.Treatment is generally of a palliative nature to keep the horse comfortable before eventual death.The most effective way to protect a horse is by keeping their fields and surrounding areas clear of ragwort, as it can spread by the wind. Ragwort is rife in many parts of the UK, in gardens, on verges and even dominating the middle of roundabouts.Learning what it looks for in its early stages as well as when it flowers is essential, so that it can be pulled up immediately.It is important to note that all pulled ragwort should be destroyed correctly, ideally by burning, and never left in the field as dead ragwort is more likely to be eaten by horses and is just as big a threat to their health.There are handy tools available to buy that are affordable and effective, including this Ragwort Removal Fork that we tested from Spear & Jackson.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentCould you identify these poisonous plants in your field?Photosensitisation in horses: causes, treatment and prevention tipsCommon horse skin conditions in picturesAtypical myopathy: important vet advice for every horse ownerThe post How does ragwort affect a horse when eaten? Vet explains appeared first on Your Horse.

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) has rebranded as Science for Animal Welfare to provide a clear message of what the charity does and to reflect its evidence-based approach.Founded in 1926, the organisation works to advance the science that shapes how animals are treated around the world, from those used in research and farming to wildlife and often-overlooked species.Science for Animal Welfare has funded independent research, championed the global framework for humane use of animals in research, and shaped animal welfare science and standards worldwide.Dr Huw Golledge, Chief Executive Officer of Science for Animal Welfare, said the new name better reflects the organisations mission.The science we have always supported has radically improved how animals are treated around the world, from developing the 3Rs principles that transformed animal welfare standards in research, to fundamental discoveries about the emotional states of animals, to advocacy for more humane treatment of often-neglected species like so-called pest rodents, he said.Science underscores everything we do, and finally, after one hundred years, we have a name to reflect that.Equines are often the focus of Science for Animal Welfares work, and efforts to improve conditions for horses is ongoing in the UK and further afield.A 2024 review in the charitys journal, , found gaps in equine research, with studies concentrated in just a few countries, and few tracking horses welfare over the long term. This year, the charity has published new research pushing into those gaps, from studies researching equine agency and choice to a review into horse management across the UK and Ireland.Science for Animal Welfare worked with design agency Ave to help find its new name.Ave conducted workshops and a worldwide survey of over 100 stakeholders to find that scientific credibility mattered most. The name Science for Animal Welfare did not come from a brainstorm, it was the result of a comprehensive discovery process that lasted many months, said Ellie Thompson, Founder and Director of Ave Design Studio. The new name puts welfare as the goal and science as the means.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated contentHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsLearn to read your horses body language with this adviceSpot signs of anxiety in your horse using the traffic light system and improve your bondHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)The post Science underscores everything we do: Rebrand for charity improving animal welfare appeared first on Your Horse.