10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Running 510 acres and worried youll need a tractor to keep UK paddocks tidy? This guide shows how a quad with a 1.21.5m flail topper handles topping and daily chores, which tyres and safety features to choose, and when to outsourceso you save money and protect your fields. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Choose Quad First What To Do: For 510 acres with 25 horses, start with a quad plus a 1.21.5 m flail topper. Keep a tractor optional for heavy lifting or larger acreages. Why It Matters: Delivers the jobs you do most without the cost and bulk of a tractor. Common Mistake: Overinvesting in a tractor that isnt needed for routine yard work. Area: Specify Flail Topper What To Do: Choose a 1.21.5 m, ~15 hp flail with electric start, openable rear flap, antiscalping roller, easy height adjust, fine grass flails, and a kill switch. Why It Matters: Gives clean, safe topping suited to UK paddocks and mixed growth. Common Mistake: Buying too wide/heavy a mower or using coarse flails on horse pasture. Area: Time Your Topping What To Do: Top before the late spring surge (MayJune). Use two passes on heavy growth: start high, then drop a notch. Why It Matters: Controls seed heads and avoids slow, punishing cuts later. Common Mistake: Waiting until grass is rank and cutting too low on the first pass. Area: Protect Wet Ground What To Do: Fit LGP tyres on the topper, use the rear roller and quick height adjust, and run an offset drawbar along fences. Why It Matters: Prevents poaching, rutting and scalping on soft, uneven paddocks. Common Mistake: Working soft fields with narrow tyres and a low cut height. Area: Operate Safely & Legally What To Do: Comply with PUWER: keep service logs, train operators, and complete a risk assessment. Use PPE, electric start and an accessible kill switch. Why It Matters: Reduces accidents and keeps your yard compliant. Common Mistake: Running unmaintained kit with untrained users and no documentation. Area: Daily Quad Tasks What To Do: Tow the flail, manure spreader and arena leveller; ferry feed, posts and water; do fast fence and water checks. Why It Matters: Boosts speed and manoeuvrability in tight gateways and around a manege. Common Mistake: Using a tractor where access is tight and ground is soft. Area: Outsource Heavy Work What To Do: Hire local contractors for hay and big jobs; use the quad for topping and daytoday chores. Why It Matters: Keeps capital costs low while maintaining field quality. Common Mistake: Buying specialist kit youll use only a few days a year. Area: Test Before Buying What To Do: Demo the flail on your softest field; confirm it fits gateways, handles slopes, reverses into corners, and matches your cut height. Why It Matters: Ensures the setup suits your layout, ground and workload. Common Mistake: Purchasing on spec without checking manoeuvrability and cut quality. In This Guide Quad or compact tractor for 510 acre UK horse yards? The right ATV flail mower spec for paddocks How much ground can a quad and flail manage? Tyres and attachments that protect wet UK pastures Safety and compliance: using ATVs legally on UK yards Daily jobs a quad replaces on small horse properties Cost, transport and when to outsource Buying checklist and mistakes to avoid You dont need a full tractor to keep 510 acres of UK horse pasture tidy, safe and productive. For most small yards, a quad bike (ATV/UTV) with the right flail topper and tyres will handle topping, ferrying and daytoday jobs with ease.Key takeaway: For 510 acre UK horse yards with 25 horses, a quad plus a 1.21.5m flail topper will manage paddock topping and daily chores; save the tractor for heavy lifting, larger acreages or commercial workloads.Quad or compact tractor for 510 acre UK horse yards?For noncommercial yards up to about 10 acres, a quad with a flail topper is sufficient for topping, levelling and ferrying; a tractor only becomes essential for heavy work or larger acreages. UK owners managing 78 acres consistently report that quads with toppers handle the workload effectively.On horse properties, ATVs shine for daily jobs: fence checking, hay field inspection and moving tools around pastures, especially where tractors struggle for access or would mark the ground (Stable Management). Forum consensus from UK smallholders managing 78 acres is clear: a quad with a topper/leveller is man enough for regular topping without the cost and bulk of a tractor (Horse & Hound Forum; The Farming Forum).We have quads and a tractor love them both. Quads are really useful for ferrying things around day to day, and would be man enough for topping that acreage.While the utility that a decent compact tractor far exceeds that of an ATV, owners starting with 10 acres and 34 horses find an ATV perfectly adequate for initial maintenance and topping, keeping tractor spend optional (Chronicle of the Horse Forum).For hay, most small UK yards sensibly outsource to local contractors and use the quad for topping and chores in between (PistonHeads Forum).The right ATV flail mower spec for paddocksChoose a 1.21.5m ATV flail topper with around 15hp, electric start, and an openable rear flap, plus antiscalping roller and height adjustment. This spec is purposebuilt for equestrian paddocks, verges and rush/bracken control in the UK.ATV flail mowers in the 1.21.5m range are designed for equestrian field maintenance, topping verges and paddocks, and coping with the mixed growth youll find on UK horse properties (Logic Manufacturing). Models like the FM Range are specified for weeds, rushes and bracken on paddocks and parkland, with robust builds suitable for yards up to about 10 acres (Chapman Machinery).For ease and safety in British conditions, look for:1.5m working width and ~15hp engine for efficient grassland toppingElectric start and an openable flap to clear wet grass safelyAntiscalping rear roller and easy height adjustment for uneven groundFine grass flails for clean, even topping in horse pasturesEngine kill switch for solo yard work safetyThese features are standard on quality UKmarket units (e.g. Kellfri; Logic), and they make topping faster and kinder on your paddocks.How much ground can a quad and flail manage?A quad with a 1.21.5m flail comfortably maintains 78 acres and is specified for general upkeep on horse yards up to about 10 acres. For heavier growth, plan two passes and top before the late spring surge.Realworld UK owners running 78 acre setups report quads with toppers do the job across the season (Horse & Hound Forum; The Farming Forum), while manufacturers specify these toppers for routine maintenance in that acreage band (Chapman Machinery). In practice, youll move quicker over fine ryegrass than you will through rushes and bracken, so allow extra time for those areas.Pro tip: In the UK, top paddocks before peak growth (usually MayJune) to stay ahead of seed heads and reduce the need for slow, heavy cuts later (Kellfri).Tyres and attachments that protect wet UK pasturesSpecify low ground pressure (LGP) tyres on the topper and an antiscalping roller with quick height adjustment to avoid poaching and sward damage. An offset drawbar helps you avoid wheelings while topping close to fences and verges.Wet British winters and soft shoulder seasons are unforgiving on small paddocks. LGP tyres on your topper reduce rutting and let you access softer ground, while the rear roller and height adjusters stop the flails digging in on undulations (Logic Manufacturing). An offset drawbar is invaluable along fence lines, giving you fullwidth cut without running the quad on the same line as the blades.Quick tip: Set cutting height higher for the first spring pass; drop it a notch once the bulk is off. This prevents scalping and protects root crowns.When working around horses, wear visible PPE and keep the worksite obvious. Highvisibility outerwear reduces surprises when you pass gateways or trackssee our curated hivis gear for riders and yard work.Safety and compliance: using ATVs legally on UK yardsATVs and flail toppers used on UK yards must comply with PUWER 1998, which means maintained equipment, risk assessment, and competent operators with documented training. Fit safety features such as an engine kill switch and follow the manufacturers servicing intervals.PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to livery and working yards. UK suppliers emphasise compliant operation, including maintenance logs and trained operators (Logic Manufacturing). Build a simple folder holding:Service/inspection records for the quad and topperOperator training notes/inductions and a brief SOP for toppingRisk assessment (access, bystanders, gates, slopes, debris)Use appropriate PPE for machine operation and the environment: sturdy boots with grip, gloves, hearing/eye protection where needed, and highly visible outer layers for field edges and shared tracks. If youre hopping on a horse straight after fieldwork, keep a BSstandard hat ready; our range of yardready riding boots pairs well with wet, uneven ground.Pro tip: Fit/choose an electric start and an easily accessible kill switch if you often work alonethese details matter when conditions turn and visibility drops.Daily jobs a quad replaces on small horse propertiesA quad covers the jobs you do most often: ferrying feed and fencing kit, towing small implements like manure spreaders, checking water, levelling an arena, and topping paddocks. Its manoeuvrability beats a compact tractor in tight gateways and around a manege.Owners managing 78 acres specifically highlight the quads agility and speed between small paddocks, stable blocks and arenas (Horse & Hound Forum). A few common, timesaving uses include:Towing a flail topper for routine toppingPulling a small manure spreader for regular turnoverDragging an arena leveller or light grader for an even surfaceShuttling posts, tools and water to distant paddocksChecking fences and gateways quickly after stormsBecause quads are light and narrow, they slip through typical UK gateways and cause less ground pressure than tractorskey on horse pasture that sees a lot of hoof traffic.After topping brambles or rushy corners, check manes and tails for burrs and thistles before turnout; a few minutes with the right kit from our grooming collection saves a lot of detangling later.Cost, transport and when to outsourceStart with a quad and flail for topping, levelling and transport; outsource hay to local contractors and consider a tractor later only if your workload outgrows the ATV. Quads can be trailered or carried in/behind a pickup, making them useful beyond the yard.ATVs are a lowercost, lighterfootprint way to get essential jobs done. They can be moved on a small trailer or in a pickup for hedge checks, hunt days or helping a neighbouradding value you wont get from a fixed, heavier machine (Stable Management).Quad bike and attachments will do [8 acres of pasture] a pragmatic choice over a full tractor investment for small equestrian operations.Keep your horses comfortable while you focus on fieldwork: in winter, pick proven, weatherproof protection from our turnout rugs (we stock trusted brands such as WeatherBeeta), and in summer, reduce irritation posttopping with breathable fly rugs that deter midges on fresh growth days.Buying checklist and mistakes to avoidPick a 1.21.5m flail with electric start, fine grass flails and an antiscalping roller; add LGP tyres and a quick offset drawbar for wet, uneven paddocks. Test manoeuvrability in tight gateways and your manege before you buy.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend you tick off the following:Width and power: 1.21.5m cut; around 15hp; enginedriven topper suits most quads (Kellfri)Cut quality: fine grass flails for horse pastures; openable rear flap for clearing wet growth (Logic)Ground care: antiscalping roller; quick height adjustment; LGP tyres for soft ground (Logic Manufacturing)Reach and safety: offset drawbar; kill switch; good guarding on belts and bladesFit and feel: try tight turns, slopes and reversing into corners on your yard layoutAvoid these common mistakes:Overinvesting in a tractor for under 10 acres when a quad covers 95% of your jobs (Horse & Hound Forum)Buying too wide a mower for your gateways or too heavy for soft groundRunning a low cut height on first passes in spring, which scalps crowns and invites weedsSkipping PPE and visibilityour hivis layers make you easy to spot at field edgesWhen grass is thin after topping or during a dry spell, support condition with targeted nutrition; our horse supplements range includes trusted options from NAF to keep coats and hooves in top form. And if youre kitting out on a budget, check our rotating deals in The Secret Tack Room clearance.Pro tip: Try before you buy. Many UK dealers will demo a flail on your paddockask to test with your usual cut height on your softest field.With summer flies peaking right when topping is in full swing, dont forget to protect sensitive types with breathable, wellcut fly rugs and keep spare lightweight layers from favourites like LeMieux and Shires ready when the forecast turns.Ready to get more done, faster? Sort your PPE and yard footwear firstour durable riding boots for yard and saddle keep your footing secure around machinery and on wet turf.FAQsIs a quad bike with a flail topper enough for topping 8 acres with 25 horses?Yes. UK owners running 78 acre yards report quads with toppers handle topping, ferrying and light levelling effectively; outsource hay to local contractors if needed (Horse & Hound Forum).Which cutting width should I choose for horse paddocks?Pick a 1.21.5m flail width for general field topping, verges and rush/bracken patches on UK horse properties (Logic Manufacturing).Quad or tractor for a new manege and tight gateways on 7 acres?Choose the quad. Its more agile in arenas and small paddocks, while tractors excel at heavy lifting or large field work (Horse & Hound Forum).When should I top horse paddocks in the UK?Top before the late spring growth peak (typically MayJune) to keep on top of seed heads and reduce the need for slow, heavy cuts later (Kellfri).What attachments and tyres work best on wet ground?Use low ground pressure tyres on the topper, pair with an antiscalping roller and quick height adjustment, and add a quick offset drawbar to protect swards on soft, uneven paddocks (Chapman Machinery; Logic Manufacturing).Can an ATV replace a tractor entirely on small horse farms?For 510 acres with low horse numbers, yes for most tasks like topping and daily transport; tractors still win for heavy duties or larger acreages (Chronicle of the Horse Forum).Do I need to meet any legal requirements to use an ATV/flail on a yard?Yes. Ensure compliance with PUWER 1998: maintain equipment, record inspections, and ensure competent operator training. Choose safety features like an engine kill switch and follow the manufacturers manual (Logic Manufacturing).At Just Horse Riders, were here to help you work smarter around your yard. Sort your PPE and yardwear, plan your topping window, and equip your quad with the right flailthen enjoy tidy, healthy paddocks without the tractor price tag. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Fly RugsShop Turnout RugsShop Grooming Kit

The following stallions will parade in the main arena at the conclusion of the dressage:1. NPS Supernova, 2012 by Casali ex Marli by Carthago2. Timolin, 2011 by Totilas ex Samira by Sion3. KL Mac, 2011 by Larduc ex Gratina by Graf Quidam4. Catherston Oakley, 2014 by Opposition Bombshell ex Catherston Deodara by Dutch Gold6. Pencos Arctic King, 2018 by Chilli Morning ex Cornish Queen by Rock King7. Harrysson, 2021 by Springs Spirit ex Present Accord by Presenting8. Hallslake Nimrod, 2018 by Glenside Rising Star ex Broadriver Ballin by Vangellis9. Diamant de Heraldik, 2016 by Diamant de Semilly ex Bella Coola by Heraldik10. Langaller Star Maker, 2013 by Keady Star ex Loughbeg Marie by Im A Star11. Pennineview Silver Concorde, 2009 by Z. Concorde ex Silver Squirrel by Silver Wizard12. Comfort, 2013 by Christian ex Avienna by Last Liberty

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to name the 5-Star rated stallion Livello as Aprils Stallion of the Month.Livello was bred by Michael Tolle in Weitewelt, a small, rural village located in the Segeberg district of Schleswig-Holstein, Livello is by Limbus (HOLST), the 1.60m jumping stallion ridden by Bo Kristoffersen for Denmark. His dam, Zocka (HOLST) is by Ahorn Z (HANN) and is the dam of six foals, of which three had performance careers; Chablis T (HOLST) and Godot T (HOLST) who both competed at 1.30m. Her most famous progeny was Livello himself.He stands now in the heart of the Irish midlands in Belmont, Co. Offaly with Andrea Etter of Belmont House Stud.Livello age 27 at Belmont House StudLivello lives with his best friend Bear, who clearly runs the show. A true testament to his characterkind, patient, and gentle with his little pony companion.When I asked his long-time groom Christine from the Holsteiner Verband about Livellos temperament, she smiled and said hes the kind of stallion you could take with you for a pinta real friend.What really gave me confidence in using Livello on our own mares was seeing his former rider, Cameron Hanley, send his own top mares to be covered by him.It was with Cameron Hanley that S.I.E.C Livello, owned by the Sabanci International Equestrian Centre in Turkey, burst onto the international scene. They had their first notable international result when, as only an 8-year-old, the stallion finished second in the Grand Prix at the 2007 CSIO4* show in Copenhagen. This form was continued in 2008 when they recorded Top 10 finishes in the Grand Prix classes at the CSI3* shows in Giubiasco (SUI), Donaueschingen (GER), and Braunschweig (GER).In June 2009 the pairing of Hanley and S.I.E.C Livello made their debut as part of the Irish team in the Nations Cup that finished fifth. Their next outing was again as part of an Irish team in a Nations Cup when they travelled north to Falsterbo, Sweden where they were part of the winning team there. The duo improving on a 5-fault first round to jump an all-important clear in the second round.That result secured the pair their place in the Irish team at the 2009 European Championships in the shadow of Windsor Castle where they finished best of the Irish in individual fourth place, a single time fault in the final agonisingly keeping them away from a bronze medal.From there, the duo won the 1.55m Grand Prix at the CSI4* in Kiel, Germany, and had a Top 10 finish in a 1.50m Jump-Off class at the CSI5*-W in London Olympia in what was the second last show together for Hanley and S.I.E.C Livello.With Cagri Basel in the saddle, S.I.E.C Livello switched to represent Turkey internationally and in 2010, they were part of the team that represented Turkey at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, U.S.A.2012 saw him change nationality once more when he moved to the stable of Swedens Angelica Augustonsson, and he returned to Irish shores to feature on the Swedish team that competed in that years Aga Khan Nations Cup in the RDS Dublin Horse Show where their clear first round contributed to Sweden, France and Ireland being tied for the lead ahead of Round 2. Irish heroics sealed the home victory that day, as Sweden finished in 7th.Livello retired from international competition in 2013 at 14 years of age. His final Grand Prix being the CSIO5* Grand Prix of Falsterbo where Augustsson and Livello achieved a 13th place finish.Livellos first crop of foals were born in 2004, with his first Irish progeny being born in 2008. The performance of his progeny have earned Livello the 5* SJ PP merit with the Irish Sport Horse Studbook to go alongside his own 5* SJ OP merit.From that first crop of Irish-bred Livello foals came Lapuccino 2 (ISH) who was ridden at international level by Co. Mayos Michael G. Duffy. Lapuccino and Duffy have recorded wins at in the Nations Cup at the CSIO3* in Drammen (NOR) in 2020, and won the 1.60m Grand Prix at the CSI4* in Vejer De La Frontera (ESP) in 2021. He recorded Top 10 places in the 1.60m Sport Ireland Classic at the RDS Dublin Horse Show in 2018, as well as the 1.60m Grand Prix classes at the CSI5*GCT/GCL in Hamburg (GER) 2021, Amsterdam (NED) CSI5*-W 2020, Stockholm City (SWE) CSI5*GCT/GCL 2019, Geneva (SUI) CSI5*-RGS 2017, London Excel (GBR) CSI5*-W (2021), Rome, Circo Massimo (ITA) CSI5*GCT/GCL 2021 and La Coruna (ESP) CSI5*-W 2019.Lapuccino 2 (ISH) & Michaewl G. Duffy (IRL) 2021 CSI 5Star GCT RomeAnother of Livellos high performing progeny also includes FTS Killossery Konfusion (ISH), the 2025 Belgian National Champion. The dam of FTS Killossery Konfusion is Killossery Kruisette (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH] who competed at international level in her own right for Capt. David OBrien of the Irish Equitation School. For Belgiums Jos Verlooy, FTS Killossery Konfusion has taken victory in 1.55m Grand Prix classes in the CSI4* and CSI3* shows in Thermal CA (USA) in 2025. The duo also won the 1.50m Grand Prix classes at Maastricht (NED) CSI4* 2023 and Leipzig (GER) CSI3*. He was also 2nd in the 1.60m Grand Prix at the CSI5*-W in Thermal, and 2nd in the CSI4* Liege (BEL) 1.55m Grand Prix in 2025. He was 2nd in a 1.55m Two Round Class in Stuttgart (GER) in 2023. They have also taken Top 10 placings in 1.60m, 1.55m and 1.50m classes at shows across North America and Europe including Monterrey (MEX) CSI5* MLSJ 2024, Rotterdam (NED) CSI5* LLN 2025, Lyon (FRA) CSI5*-W 2021, La Coruna (ESP) CSI5*-W 2021.Killossery Konfusion & Jos Verlooy CSI3 1m50In 2020, Livello had the distinction of siring two progeny that were on the same Nations Cup team for Ireland when they took the third-place spot on the podium at the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Vejer De La Frontera (ESP). Those two horses were Lapuccino 2 (ISH) with Michael G. Duffy and ESI Toulouse (ISH), ridden on the day Livellos very own Cameron Hanley!At stud in Ireland since 2020 and still going strong in 2026, Andrea tells us:Considering his ripe age of 27, its remarkable how modern Livello still feels. He has so much blood, combined with an uphill trot and canter, making him a stallion who consistently improves not only the three paces but also the rideability in his progeny.If we have a mare that is difficult to get in foal, our first choice is still Livellohis fertility is exceptional and consistently reliable.From a relatively small crop of Irish-born 5-year-old progeny, we are excited to have a stallion son of Livello called Mc Spencer B, a horse we think very highly of.The post Stallions in Focus Livello appeared first on .

Horse Sport Ireland is pleased to announce the Class 1 Irish Draught stallion Moylough Legacy as Aprils Irish Draught Stallion of the Month.Moylough Legacy is by Carrabawn Cross (IDC1) and is out of Ardcarne Vilamear (RID) by Castana (IDC1).Bred in Co. Roscommon by John Gilboy, Moylough Legacy is owned by Patrick Hoare in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. In 2016, Moylough Legacy earned his Class 1 status at the Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections in Cavan Equestrian Centre and then went on to win the Irish Draught Stallion Class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show in 2023 and became a Gold Merit stallion for his progenys achievements in 2024.Moylough Legacy winning the Irish Draught Stallion Class at the RDS Dublin Horse ShowSpeaking to Horse Sport Ireland about the stallion, Patricks daughter, Kate, gave us a little more insight into the history of Moylough Legacys history and future plans.My dad, Pat, and I are lucky to have two Class 1 RID Stallions and when I got asked to do this piece, I didnt know which one to pick a very fortunate position to be in! Given Moylough Supremacy garnered much attention after his back-to-back Champion titles in Dublin the last two years I decided to give the honour to the original and his older big brother Moylough Legacy.We always try and buy a couple of nice draught colts every year. I remember seeing Legacy advertised as a foal. I have a soft spot for a liver chestnut with a bit of bling so this ID colt for sale in Roscommon fitted the bill! I was in college in Dublin at the time and rang home giving instructions to go and get him bought. My cousin Sean Hoare went to see him with my dad who often recalls that Sean whispered stallion material when he saw him. Ten years later Sean would show Legacy to win the Irish Draught Stallion Class in Dublin so he obviously had a good eye! I actually didnt see him until he arrived home a few weeks later and I remember saying he was the nicest foal to come in to the yard he still holds this title!I always keep a list of potential names to use on horses some held for special ones and so this 2013 ID colt was christened Moylough Legacy.Legacy was bred by the late John Gilboy from Boyle in County Roscommon. John was a stalwart of the Irish draught breed and is very much missed ringside at the shows and sales with his biro in hand taking down the scores. Legacy is by Carrabawn Cross who was a relatively young stallion at the time and John said he chose him as he received the highest linear scores on the day of his inspections. So, the system must be working!Legacy was different to some of our other youngsters. I often find many yearlings and two-year-olds go a bit gangly and funny looking but Legacy never did he literally got more quality every day. He was often the one picked out by potential customers who came to look at young horses. We were pressed hard to sell him as a two-year-old to the UK as a show horse but decided to keep him what a different story that would have been.Legacy continued to bloom and he went up for inspections in 2016 achieving Class 1 status. It takes a lot of time, money and effort to get a colt to that level, so it was extremely fulfilling to achieve this. I attended the HSI inspections last week as a spectator and this was evident from many owners presenting colts who were clearly delighted when they achieved Class 1.We have had some amazing days in Dublin with Legacy. He was third there in 2016 on his debut as a three-year-old. We were thrilled with him as we didnt expect anything that day as he was so young. His sire Carrabawn Cross actually won the class the same day for PJ Fitzpatrick so a father and son in the first three was a great achievement.Legacy has had a great record in Dublin always being in the ribbons. He won the elusive Dublin Red rosette in 2023 after being the bridesmaid on many occasions a very memorable day.Probably the best part of being a stallion owner is seeing their horses progeny go on well and that is a huge aspect to promoting the stallion to get more mares and more importantly better mares every year. Legacys progeny have definitely done their sire proud with some fantastic results to include; a Dublin Champion, two Dublin winners, two National Show Supreme Champions, four all Ireland Champion titles and three Balmoral winners. In 2024 he was awarded a Gold Merit from HSI for his progenys achievements. It was down to the breeders who choose Legacy and the producers who brought his progeny to this level that allowed for this so thank you.Last week his son Coom View Legacy bred by Shane Connolly and owned by Sean OSullivan was approved a Class 1 RID Stallion at the HSI Stallion Inspections. He also has a son Dowdstown Moy standing as a stallion in America for Jordan Ellis.Legacy has also proved popular with thoroughbred and half-bred mare owners with his daughter Cois Luna being awarded TIH Horse of the year at the 2025 Showing awards for Sarah Lang, Tom Power and new owner Alastair Finlay. The ID/TB cross was the original cross for the Irish sport horse with the draught often deemed the backbone to the Irish sport horse industry. This cross had lost some momentum, but I think there is a swing back to this in recent years especially with the promotion of classes by the Traditional Irish Horse Association.Another aspect of owning a stallion is the number of connections you make and the people you meet along the way. I think this is actually my dads favourite part of owning a stallion.We were very fortunate to come across Moylough Legacy, his temperament is so good at times I think he is almost human. We often laugh that he is always posing for the camera with his ears pricked, eyes on the prize and I can often see the same characteristics in many of his progeny.It was because of Legacy turning out so well that we asked John Gilboy for first refusal on another colt and thats how we got his younger full brother Moylough Supremacy, so we have a lot to thank him for.We have had great days with Legacy and hopefully more to come in the future. The season is about to kick off and he has his first few mares covered and the first of this years crop of foals are starting to hit the ground so exciting times ahead.Horse Sport Ireland would like to join Kate in wishing all stallion owners and breeders the very best of luck for the breeding season ahead.The post Stallions in Focus Moylough Legacy appeared first on .

Photo: Shelley PaulsonEquine gastric ulcers are common in both performance andpleasurehorses, but the clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Affected horses might showpoor performance, changes in attitude, decreased appetite, or unexplainedweight loss. Because the horses stomach continuously produces acid and isdesigned forforaging, management factors such as intermittent feeding, high-starch diets, and stressfrom transport orworkcan contribute to ulcer development.The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is through gastroscopy, soitsimportant to work with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse might have gastric ulcers.Register now for this free Ask TheHorse Live event to submit your questions and learn more about equine gastric ulcers.Register NowAsk The Horse Live begins on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. EDT Days Hours MinutesAbout the Experts: Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP, grew up in the Salinas Valley, riding horses with her mom and sisters. Winfields professional interests are equine internal medicine, emergency and critical care, neonatology, acupuncture, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. Winfield is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also a veterinary medical manipulation practitioner, having completed her training at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Reddick, Florida. In integrating her riding background with her training in internal medicine, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation Winfield strives to offer a comprehensive view of horse health and performance. Dr. Winfield is an equity partner at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics, in Salinas, California. She enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. Nick Carlson, and their children. She loves horseback riding and 3-Day eventing with her horse Franky. James D. Conway III, DVMJames D. Conway III, DVM, is the associate director of veterinary technical services at Bimeda. He previously held the same roles at Dechra Veterinary Products and Contura Vet. Conway has been an industry veterinarian for the past 10 years. Prior to his role in industry he served as an associate veterinarian at a large regional referral lameness and rehab facility in North Texas. Conway completed an internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, in Weatherford, Texas, and upon completion started his own lameness and sports medicine practice in the panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. He is a 2012 graduate of Colorado State University Veterinary School, in Fort Collins, where he was heavily involved with equine stifle and condylar fracture research. Conway's publications over bisphosphonates, the equine stifle ethesis, and medial condylar fractures can be found in Equine Veterinary Education and Equine Veterinary Journal.

An unvaccinated 20-year-old mare in Municipal District of Taber, Alberta, was confirmed positive for equine herpesvirus-1 after aborting a full-term colt on April 27. The owner has reported an unknown number of additional abortions, and the property is under voluntary quarantine.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture confirmed a 5-year-old Quarter Horse stallion in Oceana County positive for strangles on May 6, 2026. He began showing signs of swollen, draining lymph nodes on April 23 and is currently recovering. Three other horses have been exposed, and the property is under voluntary quarantine.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.

British-based American rider Tiana Coudray riding Cancaras Girl scored a personal best dressage score on the first day of MARS Badminton Horse Trials and is now in the lead at this early stage of the competition.The ground jury president Christina Klingspor (SWE), Amanda Miller (USA) and Angela Tucker (GBR) awarded only three sub-30 marks.Tiana is on 28.1 penalties, with Britains Will Rawlin (Ballycoog Breaker Boy) on 29.3 and the mornings leader, Bubby Upton riding Cola, scoring 29.8.Two Irish riders, Georgie Goss (Feloupe) and the 2024 runner-up Lucy Latta (RCA Patron Saint) are fourth and fifth and Britains Sarah Bullimore is currently in sixth place on the home-bred Corimiro.This is Tianas third Badminton with the Holsteiner mare Cancaras Girl who came from a show jumping yard 10 years ago and was originally for sale as a junior horse. She was a horse I saw on Facebook she was small, pretty and polite but never flashy and in the end I didnt sell her, Tiana explained.It is a privilege to be here a third time and I will be as competitive as I can be. Everything is the icing on the cake with her.Wiltshire-based Tiana, 37, is from California, where she competed in Irish dancing at world championship level. She began eventing through a school programme and came to England in 2011, representing the US at the 2012 Olympic Games.Will Rawlin, 32, is also competing at a third Badminton with his ride, the Irish Sport Horse Ballycoog Breaker Boy. Like Tiana, he lives in Wiltshire and is trained in dressage by Tracie Robinson.Ballycoog Breaker Boy felt fantastic coming into Badminton, said Will. He has had a good spring lead-up and I am very chuffed. We had a few mistakes, but there is plenty more to come.Newmarket-based Bubby Upton, who made a courageous recovery from serious spinal injury in 2023, has produced the 16-year-old Cola all the way from BE100 level through winning medals at the Young Rider Europeans to five-star level. To be here together for the fifth time is very special, she said. He is a horse that has fulfilled so many dreams.Todays riders are already looking ahead to Saturdays cross-country phase. Eric [Winter, course-designer] is an absolute genius, said Bubby. Its a helluva track, big intense and will get us thinking.Experienced five-star rider David Doel, who is lying 28th on his first ride, Ferro Point, said it was one of the fairest Badminton tracks. The combinations come up clearly to the horses and it should ride nicely. It is still jolly big, though!Dressage recomences at 10am tomorrow. World number one Harry Meade will be first into the arena with his second horse, Annaghmore Valoner.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo begin their title defence at 10.48am in front of HM The Queen, who is attending Badminton in her capacity as patron of the events designated charity, the Ebony Horse Club.Follow the competition on Badminton TV and Radio Badminton.

My parents were friends with Oliver Townends parents and when he won Badminton in 2009 I held the trophy and it has been my dream ever since to ride here..Sam Ecroyds usual role at Badminton is as supporter of his girlfriend, Emily King, but this year he is fulfilling a lifetimes ambition to ride here.In 2021, he suffered a serious fall, incurring a head injury and nearly 60 broken bones, and was resigned to a competition career restricted to the lower levels. The fall changed my perspective, he says. It was a humbling experience to be in a hospital bed, unable to do anything.Now, however, Sam, who has completed his dressage test on the 18hh Boleybawn LeCrae, scoring 36.9, and is one-third of the way through my first Badminton.Its so much better riding, he said delightedly. My girlfriends been here several times and its been horrible watching.My parents were friends with Oliver Townends parents and when he won Badminton in 2009 I held the trophy and it has been my dream ever since to ride here. And if ever there was the right horse to do my first Badminton on, Beleybawn LeCrae [Patrick] is the right one.