Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has published its 2026 Irish Cob Studbook Report, a comprehensive overview of the status, trends and genetic sustainability of the Irish Cob (IRC) and Irish Part-Bred Cob (IRCPB) populations in Ireland. The report forms part of HSIs ongoing commitment to excellence in Breeding and High-Performance Sport under the HSI strategic plan and supports breeders with practical information to inform breeding decisions.The Irish Cob is recognised worldwide for its strength, versatility, excellent temperament and distinctive appearance. As operator of the Irish Cob Studbook, Horse Sport Ireland continues to work closely with breeders to safeguard the breeds future through studbook management, inspections, genetic monitoring and continuous improvement of associated studbook breeding programme.The report highlights strong growth in engagement with the breeding programme, with participation in Irish Cob and Irish Part-Bred Cob inspections increasing by 150% since 2022. The inspection system provides breeders with veterinary assessment, SNP genotyping, validated trait recording and transparent publication of results, supporting informed breeding decisions while ensuring animals meet the Irish Cob breed standard.The report also provides valuable insight into stallion usage, population trends and inbreeding levels within the breed. While DNA verified pedigree recording remains a challenge due to the historical development of the breed, data shows continued improvements in pedigree completeness over time, allowing for more accurate monitoring of population diversity and supporting the long-term sustainability of the breed.A further area of focus within the report is the updated classification system introduced in 2024. Following consultation with breeders, Horse Sport Ireland simplified the classification structure for both the Irish Cob and Irish Part-Bred Cob studbooks to improve clarity and make the system more accessible for breeders and owners presenting animals for inspection.Commenting on the publication of the report, Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland, said:The Irish Cob is one of Irelands distinct native breeds and plays an important role both nationally and internationally. There is considerable marketability of the Irish Cob breed worldwide, denoted by its huge popularity across daughter studbooks both in and outside of Europe. It is encouraging to see the continued growth in breeder engagement with the studbook and inspection system. This year Horse Sport Ireland introduced the digital publication of the first ever Irish Cob Stallion book, this supports the promotion of these Irish Cob stallions but also serves to provide breeders with individual scored traits to support their own stallion selections.The findings within this report demonstrate the value of robust breeding programme implementation, accurate pedigree recording and the application of modern genomic technologies in supporting the long-term sustainability of the breed.The success of any breeding programme depends on breeder and owner participation, and we are grateful to the Irish Cob breeders who continue to breed, promote and actively engage with the studbook. Together, we can continue to preserve and promote this iconic Irish breed for future generations.The 2026 Irish Cob Studbook Report was authored by Dr Jennifer Doyle, Jasmine Kennedy and Dr Sonja Egan and is available to download by clicking the below cover or from the Horse Sport Ireland website.The post Horse Sport Ireland Publishes 2026 Irish Cob Studbook Report appeared first on .

The startlists for the first leg of the Foal Championship and Filly Loose Jumping qualifiers are now live. The first qualifier will take place in Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre, Galway on 10th September. The day will begin at 11:30am with the pony foals and will end with the Pony Filly Loose Jumping. Entries for the Foal Championship Qualifier in Glenamaddy are now closed, entries for the Pony Loose Jumping can be taken on the day of the competition. Foal Championship Qualifier StartlistPony Loose Jumping StartlistClick HERE to enter the next Foal Championship QualifierClick HERE to enter the 3 YO Filly Loose Jumping QualifiersThe Foal Championships and Filly Loose Jumping are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under National Breeding Services.The post Startlist for first Foal and Loose Jumping Qualifier appeared first on .

We have had a very busy summer here at Newmains farm stud with lots of beautiful horses finding their new homes and we have had some great results at shows.LK First LoveLK Kiras TreasureLK Stars Big TreasureRadar Love3x sales liverieshave all found great new homes and we look forward to following all of their exciting futures..Leo and Shannon have been out competing at Bolesworth, Weston Lawns, Chepstow, Arena Uk and Bolesworth. We have come home with some great results that we are very proud of and are delighted with the progress of our horses.our next show is the Arena Uk festivala where we have just over 20 horses going between ourselves and our clients. Looking forward to weeks ahead.Touareg T has been very busy on stud duty this summer getting all our mares in foal. Next year we are expecting foals from Cordocana, Chandela 50 NFS , Blitzen Ballet and Coliene Maestro and Touareg have had lots of semen orders and have given 100% successful pregancy scans for our clients.remember all of the horses are available and if you dont see what you are looking for please dont hesitate to call Leo on 07845327648 to discuss your requirements.

Premier Equine Journal / Living-out turnout guide Best Turnout Rugs for Horses Living Out: What Actually Matters? A horse living out can spend 12, 18 or 24 hours asking the same turnout rug to cope with rain, wind, grazing, rolling, mud, fencing and other horses. The right rug is chosen around that reality, not simply by buying the heaviest or highest-denier option. 10,000mm waterproof Premier Equine turnout fabric benchmark. 10,000 g/m/24hr Breathability benchmark across turnout fabrics. 3 separate decisions Waterproofing, durability and insulation do different jobs. 4-part Living-Out Test Weather, physical exposure, horse and management. In this guide Quick answer Key takeaways Living-Out Test What changes Weather protection Durability Fill Fit Product match Real scenarios Buying checklist Care FAQs 01 Quick answer What is the best turnout rug for a horse living out? The best turnout rug for a horse living out is one that fits correctly and gives that individual horse the right balance of waterproofing, breathability, outer-fabric durability, insulation and coverage. A quiet horse in sheltered turnout can need something very different from a clipped competition horse on exposed ground, or a warm horse that regularly damages rugs in group turnout. A higher denier does not automatically mean better waterproofing. More fill does not automatically mean better protection. Start with the horse and its environment, then choose the specification. 02 Key takeaways Five things to understand before you choose. Living out does not automatically mean heavyweight. Fill should reflect the horse, clipping, forage, shelter and conditions. Denier is mainly a durability decision. It should not be used as a substitute for a waterproof rating. Fit matters more over long wear periods. Grazing, rolling, walking and lying down continually test how the rug sits. Waterproofing and breathability belong together. The rug has to manage weather outside and heat and moisture from the horse beneath it. Group turnout changes the physical demands. Playing, rubbing, fencing and contact with other horses can justify a stronger outer. Price should follow need. Choose the stronger construction, fit, fill and coverage when they solve a real problem for your horse. 03 The Premier Equine Living-Out Test Assess four things before looking at denier or fill. Living out tells you how long the horse is outside. It does not tell you what the rug has to withstand. A more useful decision starts by separating the demands into four areas. 01 Weather exposure How exposed is the field? Look at shelter, prevailing wind, drainage and how frequently the horse experiences prolonged or driving rain. Two horses living outside for the same number of hours can experience very different weather exposure. 02 Physical exposure What happens to the rug beyond the weather? Consider group turnout, play, rubbing, fencing, trees and whether the horse has a history of damaging rugs. This is the part of the decision where outer-fabric durability becomes especially important. 03 The horse What does the individual horse need? Clipping, breed, age, body condition, natural coat, shoulder width, wither shape and whether the horse naturally runs warm or cold all influence the right turnout system. 04 Management How will conditions be managed? Think about how often the horse is checked, whether rugs are changed through the day, how quickly temperatures move and whether a liner-compatible system would make seasonal changes easier to manage. The useful distinction: weather exposure and physical exposure are different problems. A horse can be highly exposed to rain but gentle on rugs. Another can live in a sheltered field yet destroy rugs through play and rubbing. They should not automatically be wearing the same turnout. 04 Long wear periods What actually changes when a horse lives out? Primarily, time and exposure. A horse turned out for a few hours may experience limited rain and relatively little physical wear. A horse spending most or all of its time outside may wear the same rug while grazing for hours, walking between forage and water, rolling, lying down and interacting with other horses. It may also experience several changes in temperature, wind and rainfall before the rug is removed. That gives small problems with fit, moisture management, damage or insulation more time to become significant. For prolonged turnout, the rug should be considered as a complete system: Weather protection Waterproofing and breathability manage the conditions around a living, moving horse. Physical durability The outer fabric has to suit the field, herd and behaviour of the individual horse. Insulation Fill should provide the warmth that horse needs, rather than simply increasing with turnout hours. 05 Weather protection Waterproofing and breathability need to work together. For a horse living out, a published waterproof rating gives you a useful technical benchmark because exposure can last for hours rather than minutes. Every Premier Equine turnout fabric is specified to a minimum 10,000mm hydrostatic-head waterproof rating and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability. The standard applies across the turnout collection, so moving between Stratus, Buster and Titan is mainly a decision about fit, outer-fabric durability, fill, neck style and construction rather than paying more simply to unlock a higher core weatherproofing benchmark. Waterproofing helps resist rain from outside. Breathability helps moisture vapour generated by the horse move outward. Want the technical detail behind 10,000mm, hydrostatic-head testing, MVTR and the Premier Equine membrane system? Read How Waterproof Is a Horse Turnout Rug? 10,000mm Explained. 06 Outer-fabric durability Does a horse living out need a higher-denier rug? Sometimes. The better question is how much physical punishment the horse is likely to give the rug. Denier describes the outer fabric construction and is mainly useful when considering strength, abrasion resistance and durability. Waterproofness is measured separately. Stratus uses a 600D Diamond Triple Weave polyester outer. It is a useful direction where a lighter outer is appropriate and maximum tear resistance is not the main requirement. 600D Diamond Triple Weave polyester A 600D polyester outer can be appropriate for quieter horses and less physically demanding turnout. Current Stratus designs combine the lighter outer with Premier Equine's core weatherproofing standard. 840D ballistic nylon Buster moves into 840D ballistic nylon. This is a stronger everyday direction for active horses, broader horses using the original Buster fit, regular group turnout and environments where greater resistance to tearing, puncture and abrasion matters. 1680D ballistic nylon Titan uses a 1680D ballistic nylon outer. It is the most hard-wearing outer-fabric direction in the current Premier Equine turnout collection and becomes relevant when the horse or environment genuinely places high physical demands on the rug. A tougher turnout rug does not have to be a warmer turnout rug. Titan 40g is the clearest example: a 1680D ballistic nylon outer combined with only 40g of fill. 07 Insulation Does living out mean your horse needs more fill? No. Fill provides insulation. It does not determine waterproofing or outer-fabric durability. Consider whether the horse is clipped, its age, breed and type, body condition, natural coat, forage availability, activity, field shelter, wind and rain, as well as the actual temperature. An unclipped native maintaining condition well with good shelter can have very different needs from a fully clipped competition horse on exposed ground, even when both live out for the same number of hours. Check beneath the rug regularly around the chest and shoulder. The horse should feel comfortably warm rather than hot, clammy or cold. Titan 40g pairs a 1680D ballistic nylon outer with lightweight 40g insulation. It separates the need for a tougher outer from the need for more warmth. 08 Fit and movement Fit becomes more important the longer the rug is worn. A turnout rug is working on a moving horse. The horse grazes with its head lowered, walks, turns, rolls, lies down and gets back up. A rug worn for long periods has to remain secure through all of this without creating unnecessary pressure or restricting natural movement. Shoulders: check there is suitable freedom as the horse walks and grazes. Withers: look for unwanted pressure, pulling or rubbing. Chest: the front should fasten securely without excessive movement or restriction. Length: the rug should provide suitable coverage without interfering with movement. Neck: if using a neck cover, assess the whole system with the horse's head lowered as well as raised. Fit example Buster Hardy 0g Half Neck 840D ballistic nylon 0g forward-cut half neck The Buster Hardy is shaped with a forward-cut half neck, wither pressure relief and a seamless area over the wither. It is a useful example where neckline shape and wither comfort are a specific part of the buying decision. Explore Buster Hardy 0g Movement example The original Buster fit Extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset deep-cut construction Current Buster designs use the original Buster pattern with an extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset. This is particularly relevant when a broader or mobile horse needs more room through the shoulder. Compare turnout rug fits For a wider explanation of horse shape, fit, fabric and fill, read How to Choose the Right Turnout Rug for Your Horse. 09 Product match Match the Premier Equine turnout to the problem you are solving. The most useful comparison is not which range is best? It is which construction solves the needs of this horse in this field? Real need Premier Equine example Key specification Why it is relevant Weather protection without fill Stratus 600D Series 0g 600D polyester 0g detachable neck liner attachments A lighter outer and no fill where maximum tear resistance or extra insulation is not required. Stronger everyday outer with no fill Buster Zero 840D ballistic nylon 0g extra-high shoulder gusset liner compatible Separates weather protection and stronger everyday durability from insulation. Clipped horse needing medium insulation Buster 200g Snug-Fit 840D ballistic nylon 200g Snug-Fit neck liner compatible Combines greater outer durability, insulation, neck coverage and Buster shoulder freedom. Maximum durability without heavy insulation Titan 40g Snug-Fit 1680D ballistic nylon 40g dual-membrane system Shows clearly that a tougher outer does not require a heavyweight fill. Changing weather through the season Titan Trio Complete 1680D outer 100g base 100g, 200g and 350g liners two neck covers A modular system where insulation needs to change without replacing the whole turnout platform. Wither pressure is a key fit concern Buster Hardy 0g Half Neck 840D ballistic nylon 0g forward-cut half neck Provides a specific fit option designed around wither clearance and neckline protection. Exposed turnout + insulation Buster 200g Snug-Fit 840D ballistic nylon 200g fill extra-high shoulder gusset A practical example for a clipped horse where the decision includes stronger everyday durability, medium insulation, neck coverage and additional room through the shoulder. Explore Buster 200g Seasonal adaptability Titan Trio Complete 1680D ballistic nylon 100g base three liners two neck covers One turnout platform with multiple insulation options. It is especially relevant where temperatures move frequently and the management priority is adaptability across the season. Explore Titan Trio Always check the individual product page for the latest sizing, specification, materials, care guidance, liner compatibility and availability. 10 Four horses, four decisions Why living out does not point to one universal rug. Horse 1Unclipped nativeSheltered field Quiet turnout with a natural winter coat What matters: correct fit, weather protection and avoiding unnecessary insulation. Likely PE direction: Stratus 600D Series 0g. It provides a lighter 600D outer, no fill, detachable neck coverage and liner attachments if conditions later require additional warmth. Horse 2Clipped competition horseExposed paddock Long turnout with wind, rain and a greater insulation need What matters: waterproofing, breathability, fit, appropriate fill and neck coverage. Likely PE direction: Buster 200g Snug-Fit. The 840D ballistic nylon outer, 200g fill, Snug-Fit neck and extra-high shoulder gusset address several of those needs without assuming the horse requires Titan-level outer durability. Horse 3Warm horseGroup turnout A regular rug destroyer that does not need heavy insulation What matters: physical durability. Likely PE direction: Titan 40g Snug-Fit. Its 1680D ballistic nylon outer addresses physical wear while the 40g fill remains lightweight. Horse 4Broad horsePersistent rain Long turnout where shoulder room and dependable weather protection matter What matters: fit through the shoulder, weather protection and sufficient durability for the environment. Likely PE direction: Buster Zero where the horse benefits from the original Buster fit and 840D ballistic nylon outer. The 0g construction also lets the rider separate weather protection from insulation and add a compatible liner when required. These are decision examples, not fixed prescriptions. The individual horse still comes first. Reassess fit, temperature, condition and weather as circumstances change. 11 Buying checklist Ten questions to answer before you buy. How exposed is the field?Sheltered, partly exposed or fully exposed? How hard is the horse on rugs?Quiet, active, playful or a regular rug destroyer? Individual or group turnout?Other horses can add significant physical wear. What is the horse's build?Look closely at shoulder, chest, wither and neckline. Clipped or unclipped?This changes insulation needs, not waterproofing. How much fill is genuinely required?Factor in the horse, forage, shelter, wind, rain and temperature. What neck coverage suits the horse?Balance exposure, flexibility, mane and fit. Would a liner system help?Useful where conditions change regularly. Are waterproofing and breathability published?Do not use denier as a substitute for either. Can you check the horse regularly?No technical specification replaces daily assessment. 12 Common mistakes Where living-out rug decisions often go wrong. Choosing by denier aloneHigher denier can provide greater physical durability. Waterproof performance is a separate technical measure. Assuming living out means heavyweightTurnout hours do not determine fill. The horse's individual insulation needs do. Ignoring fit because the specification looks strongerA tougher outer or higher fill cannot compensate for a rug that creates pressure or limits comfortable movement. Using price as shorthand for waterproofingPremier Equine keeps the same 10,000mm waterproof and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability benchmark across turnout fabrics. Spend according to the additional fit, outer, fill and construction your horse needs. Setting the rug and forgetting itWeather, body condition and the horse can change. Check temperature, fit, lining, fastenings and outer condition regularly. 13 Care and checks A rug used for long periods needs regular inspection. Check the outer fabric, seams, chest fastenings, surcingles, tail strap, lining, shoulder and wither areas, and any neck attachments. Look for punctures, deep abrasion or damage that could reach the waterproof construction beneath the face fabric. A wet-feeling outer does not automatically mean a rug has leaked. During prolonged rain the face fabric can become saturated while the waterproof membrane beneath continues to resist water penetration. Check the lining and horse underneath before drawing a conclusion. Follow the care instructions on the individual product page. Current PE turnout products referenced in this guide are generally machine washable at 30C and should be dried naturally. Avoid fabric conditioner and direct heat where product guidance advises against them. 14 Frequently asked questions Living-out turnout rug questions, answered clearly. What is the best turnout rug for a horse living out? The best turnout rug is one that fits the individual horse and provides appropriate waterproofing, breathability, outer-fabric durability, insulation and coverage for its field environment. Turnout hours matter, but so do exposure, group turnout, behaviour, clipping and fit. Does a horse living out need a heavyweight rug? Not necessarily. Fill should be selected around the horse's clipping, coat, age, body condition, forage, shelter, weather and whether it naturally runs warm or cold. Living outside alone does not determine how much insulation is required. Is a 600D turnout rug strong enough for a horse living out? It can be. A quieter horse in a less physically demanding environment may be well suited to a 600D polyester turnout. Horses that play, rub, live in active groups or regularly damage rugs may benefit from a stronger ballistic nylon outer. Is 1680D more waterproof than 600D? Not automatically. Denier mainly describes the outer fabric construction and is useful when considering durability. Waterproof performance is measured separately. Premier Equine turnout fabrics are specified to the same minimum 10,000mm waterproof benchmark across the collection. What waterproof rating is suitable for a horse living out? A published hydrostatic-head rating provides a useful technical benchmark. Premier Equine turnout fabrics are specified to a minimum 10,000mm waterproof rating. Real-world performance also depends on the complete rug construction, fit, condition, wear and care. Is breathability important when a horse wears a turnout rug for long periods? Yes. A horse continues to generate heat and moisture as it grazes and moves. Breathable fabric helps moisture vapour move outward while the waterproof system protects against external rain. Which Premier Equine turnout rug has the toughest outer? The Titan range uses a 1680D ballistic nylon outer and represents the most hard-wearing outer-fabric direction in the current Premier Equine turnout collection. How often should I check a horse living out in a turnout rug? Check the horse regularly and reassess as weather and body condition change. Look at temperature beneath the rug, fit around the chest, shoulders and withers, lining condition, fastenings and any signs of rubbing or damage. Final buying advice Start with the horse. Then look at the field. A horse living out needs a turnout rug selected for the reality of its day. Assess weather exposure, physical exposure, the individual horse and your management routine. Then choose the specification that answers those needs. Waterproofing and breathability provide the weatherproofing foundation. Outer-fabric durability should match physical exposure. Fill should provide the insulation that horse needs. Fit should allow comfortable movement throughout prolonged wear. There is no benefit in buying more rug than the horse needs. There is real value in choosing the right rug for the horse in front of you. Explore Premier Equine Turnout Rugs Read the 10,000mm Waterproof Guide Read the Turnout Rug Buying Guide Technical specifications referenced from current Premier Equine product information and the Premier Equine waterproof guide. Always check the individual product page for the latest sizing, specification, materials, care guidance, liner compatibility and availability. Laboratory waterproof and breathability figures are benchmarks; real-world performance also depends on fit, seams, wear, care, damage and environmental conditions.

The work off the equine charity The Donkey Sanctuary has been highlighted to a wider audience thanks to BBC Radio 4s Gardeners Question Time, with an unexpected guest joining proceedings to the delight of the audience.A live recording of the popular show at the Sidmouth sanctuary involved panellists AnneSwithinbank, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage, as well as an audience of around 150 gardening enthusiasts. It was hosted by Peter Gibbs who set the scene for listeners by describing The Donkey Sanctuarys location and setting in Devon, before going on to explain the global reach of the charity.The longstanding radio programme is recorded in a different location every week and each show attracts around two million listeners, providing the perfect opportunity to introduce The Donkey Sanctuary to a new audience on national radio.Conundrums and kiwisGQT panellists Anne Swithinbank, Matthew Pottage and Pippa GreenwoodIts just such a lovely, quiet, peaceful spot, great horticulture, which of course is the reason were here, said programme host Peter Gibbs ahead of the recording.Ive only seen one or two donkeys so far, so I have to put that right and actually go and get up close and personal with a donkey or two.The audience provided a wide range of horticultural conundrums and some even came prepared with examples to back up their questions, the most unusual being some locally grown kiwi fruit. A feline fanHatching a plan? Beau checks out the setup prior to the showThere was an unexpected twist in proceedings, which brought a ripple of laughter to the audience, when the resident sanctuary cat made a brief appearance on stage alongside the panellists. Grey moggy Beau was not one to be left out of the limelight, but he was soon escorted somewhere quieter by a member of staff, leaving no further interruptions.During the evening, two programmes were recorded at the sanctuary, the first was transmitted on Friday 28 August,and the second will be broadcast on Friday 25 September.The original broadcast is on Fridays at 3pm, then repeated on Sundays at 2pm.People can also catch up with the episodes on the BBC Sounds platform.The Donkey Sanctuary has beautiful gardens which visitors can enjoy for freeThe Donkey Sanctuary is open every day and is free to visit. Alongside a couple of hundred resident donkeys, the sanctuarys small team of dedicated gardeners look after the landscaped gardens for visitors to enjoy. The sanctuary also has its own award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden, which was relocated to East Devon in 2019.Among those who were in the audience for the shows recording last week was The Donkey Sanctuarys Head Gardener Morley Martin. To have Gardeners Question Time at The Donkey Sanctuary is quite a thing, its a real feather in our cap, he added.More from Your HorseDoes your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesWhat do horses do at night?Am I good enough? How to build your riding confidence and self-belief *VIDEO*Overcome bad hacking habits to become the rider your horse wantsThe post Donkey Sanctuary hosts Gardeners Question Time, with unplanned visit from four-legged friend appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in collaboration with SpillersFor many of us, our horses are far more than partners in sport; they are cherished family members. Deciding when to transition your horse from active work to retirement is a significant step. By combining science with veterinary support and tailoring management, we can ensure our super seniors enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.Insights from modern researchA collaborative study with Spillers involving over 2,700 senior horses in the US (Herbst et al., 2023) highlighted some retirement trends:Approximately 62% of horses are retired between ages 15 and 24, primarily due to physical health problems.Primary physical drivers included chronic lameness, laminitis, and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD, a progressive systemic connective tissue disorder) as the main reasons for retirement.Around one in six senior horses were reported to suffer from muscle wastage. Interestingly, retired horses show a higher risk of muscle loss than those in light work, suggesting that appropriate, regular movement is vital for maintaining body condition.Mares had higher odds of early retirement (perhaps due to transitioning to broodmare roles), while geldings show a higher risk of low muscle mass.When is the right time?Every horse has a unique life story. Rather than relying on chronological age, look out for these key physical and behavioural indicators:Health and physical limitations: persistent soundness issues, recurring health challenges or struggle to maintain healthy body condition.Loss of enthusiasm: lethargy, a reluctance toward being tacked up, or a general disinterest in activities they once enjoyed.Tip: When possible, a gradual reduction in work, such as transitioning from active competition to hacking rather than an immediate halt of exercise, may help keep joints lubricated, muscles toned and minds enriched.The right retirement environmentChoosing where your horse will spend their golden years depends on your budget, facilities, and the horses specific medical needs. Retirement optionsKey advantagesCrucial considerationsRetirement at homeFamiliar environment, consistent routines, and direct control over daily care.Time-consuming; may require adaptation of facilities/routine and increased daily visits.Specialist liveryExpert geriatric care, well managed herds, appropriate facilities and increased monitoring.Potential stress during the initial adjustment phase; less daily contact for the owner.Managing health challengesAs horses age, their physical and metabolic needs often change, requiring close collaboration with vets and other professionals.Metabolic changes: conditions like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID or Cushings syndrome) and insulin dysregulation (ID) become more common with age, with ID also increasing laminitis risk. Proactive veterinary care and regular farriery are essential.Dental care: horses are great at masking dental issues. Regular dental exams before signs like quidding (dropping partially chewed food) or weight loss occur can help reduce problems and discomfort. Easy-to-chew forage replacers or mashes can be lifelines.Immune, joint and eye health: ageing horses experience immunosenescence (declining immunity) and inflamm-aging (chronic, low-grade inflammation). Consistent turnout in suitable paddocks remains great therapy for stiff, arthritic joints. And dont forget to keep an eye on their sight in one recent survey over 80% of older horses had at least one condition affecting the eyes.Nutrition basicsEven retired horses require a balanced diet. It helps long term wellbeing by supporting immunity, hoof health, vision, muscle mass, respiratory health all the body systems, in fact. Grass or forage alone often lack critical nutrients. Ensure their diet includes quality protein sources, zinc, copper, selenium and vitamins A, E, and C. For good doers, balancers are often the ideal choice. For those needing more calories to maintain healthy body condition look for fortified feeds, appropriate for any health conditions, and ensure youre feeding correct amounts.EnrichmentKeep their minds active and bodies moving.Choose compatible herd members.Utilise interactive feeding systems if restricting forage.Maintain a close bond with thorough grooming sessions which enable you to assess their body and behaviour once a day. Key takeawayRetiring your horse at the right time is the best way to thank them for a lifetime of devotion. Theres no one-size-fits-all decision, but theyll thrive with pro-active monitoring, happy herd life, great nutrition and tailored care rather than simply being put out to grass.If you need any support or advice for your senior, the SPILLERS team are here to help. You can contact the team on 01908 226626 or complete our online form here.Main image SpillersRelated contentWhat should you feed an older horse thats still in work? Expert explains *Ad feature*Slow the decline of topline in a senior horse with this advice *Ad feature*This is why feeding a mash will do wonders for a senior horses health *Ad feature*Help for senior horses with ageing joints *Ad feature*The post The golden years: When is it time to consider retiring your horse? *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

Eventing legend Ballaghmor Class was given a heros send-off at Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday (6 September), as the four-time five-star winner officially retired from the sport in front of a packed and emotional main arena.Known affectionately as Thomas, the 19-year-old owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, was given a standing ovation as he entered the arena with Oliver Townend, the only rider he has known throughout his illustrious international career. This retirement ceremony came ahead of Thomas making a special appearance at this yearsYour Horse Live, where he will officially begin his retirement tour between 6 and 8 November. He will join long-time rider Oliver Townend at Stoneleigh Park for what promises to be a memorable celebration of an extraordinary career. The ceremony at Burghley began with a tribute to a horse who has played a defining role in British eventing. A compilation of Ballaghmor Classs career highlights was shown to the crowd, who were reminded of his remarkable record including two victories at Burghley, wins at the Kentucky and Maryland five-stars, and 10 further top-10 finishes at five-star level.He was also a member of the British team that won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, adding one of the sports greatest honours to a career already packed with success.As Oliver brought Thomas into the arena, the reception was deafening. The pair completed a final lap of honour, with Oliver repeatedly patting his long-time partner as the horse took in the atmosphere.Oliver then brought Thomas to the centre of the arena, where he joined his owners before dismounting and removing the saddle for the final time. After one last rub of his neck and a kiss on the nose, a basket of apples and carrots was brought into the arena for the wonderful grey. Thomas with his groom Jess McKieAsked by commentator Hugh Lochore what the horse meant to him, Oliver could only reply: No, prompting laughter from the crowd.But the emotion of the moment soon became clear.Firstly, well done to everyone whos looked after him over the years, Oliver said. As you can see, hes finished extremely sound and fat!He began to explain what Thomas had meant to him, but was briefly overcome with emotion.Kids have dreams, he continued. And because of him, my dreams came true.It was a poignant acknowledgement of the extraordinary partnership that has taken Oliver and Ballaghmor Class to the very top of the sport.Their partnership has included not only two Burghley triumphs, but Olympic glory and victories on three continents. Yet Thomass importance to Oliver goes beyond the results sheet he has been the horse who helped turn a young riders ambitions into reality.After another standing ovation, Ballaghmor Class was led from the arena and into the next chapter of his life.He will remain with Oliver, living out his retirement after a career that has established him as one of the most successful and admired event horses of his generation.Hes made a nation believe in what we can produce here in Great Britain, Hugh Lochore told the crowd.Related content Oliver Townend to launch retirement tour for Ballaghmor Class at Your Horse Live Thank you Thomas, for everything: Oliver Townends legendary Ballaghmor Class retired Oliver Townend secures third Burghley win with incredible Ballaghmor ClassOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshJumping a youngster: Top tips from Oliver Townend and Geoff BillingtonThe post Because of him, my dreams came true: Ballaghmor Class given emotional Burghley farewell ahead of Your Horse Live appearance appeared first on Your Horse.

For nearly 30 years In The Saddle has promoted what is widely considered one of the finest mobile safaris in the world the Maasai Mara with Safaris Unlimited. During this time, the equestrian travel industry may have undergone significant change and growth, but this safari has stuck firmly to its heritage providing incredible []The post The Maasai Maras Timeless Magic appeared first on In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide.

Equestrian retailer and insurance provider Harry Hall has launched a Horse Ownership Budget Calculator to help equestrians gain a clearer understanding of the costs involved in owning their horse. The budget calculator allows owners to input finances from livery and feed to veterinary and personal care costs, giving them a helpful estimate of what their horse costs daily, weekly, monthly and annually.Household costs are continuing to rise along with the cost of owning a horse, said Liz Hopper, CEO of Harry Hall.At Harry Hall, we understand that these costs can be daunting and in line with our mission to make horse ownership more affordable and accessible. Thats why we have launched the Horse Ownership Budget Calculator to alleviate some of the stress equestrians are facing and provide a clear breakdown to make horse ownership feel more manageable.Horse owners feeling the pinchA recent survey by Harry Hall One Club found that 36% of horse owners have adjusted their personal budget to help pay for horse ownership while 87% saidit is becoming harder to afford a horse.We were extremely fortunate, as partners of Harry Hall, to have the calculator shared with us at an early stage of its development, said Maria Haig, head of marketing & communications at The Howden Way.We were so impressed by it that we were delighted to be given permission to share it with our membership, who we felt would really value such a useful tool. We were absolutely right to do so. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, as it highlights just how easy it can be to overlook some of the many costs involved in the day-to-day care of our horses. The calculator is a simple but incredibly useful way of helping owners understand the true cost of keeping a horse and, importantly, plan for those costs more effectively.The calculator can be accessed for free here.Image Harry Hall.Related contentGastric ulcers is the most common cause of horse insurance claims, says brokerThe UK hay crisis: how extreme weather is redefining forage, welfare and costs for horse owners9 essential things to get right when youre taking care of a horseEssential guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverWorried about an insurance claim dispute? Free help at hand for horse ownersThe post Budget calculator launched to help equestrians understand horse ownership costs appeared first on Your Horse.