Teaching your horse to ground drive offers many benefits and is just plain fun and can be done with almost any horse. Some of the uses include: Teaching a young horse how to steer and stop before being ridden. Improving steering on childrens horses that are too small for an adult to ride. Building a horses confidence by having him taking the lead. Doing an enriching activity for horses that are unable to be ridden. Introducing a horse to obstacles or pulling a cart.Ground driving is a great way to improve a horses steering and stopping before he is ridden. Photo by Jason IrwinGetting Started in Teaching Your Horse to Ground DriveI use a saddle, a bridle with a snaffle bit, and two long driving lines. A surcingle may also be used in place of a saddle, and you may want to carry a buggy whip to encourage forward motion. Note: When ground driving, I run the driving lines from the bridle through the stirrups and then back to me. I tie the stirrups beneath the belly using a piece of rope to prevent them from flapping.Before running driving lines through the stirrups, tie the stirrups beneath the horses belly. This prevents the stirrups from flopping around. Photo by Jason IrwinBefore putting the bridle on the horse and hooking the lines up to the bit, its best to get the horse used to the feel of the lines around his hind end. Sometimes when a horse first feels a line touch his hindquarters, he might be tempted to bolt, turn quickly, or even kick at it. To train him to get used to the feeling of the lines, begin with your horse wearing a halter and lead rope and saddled up. Its best to use a halter for this part so you dont accidentally pull too hard on the bit in the horses mouth.Assuming youre starting on the left side of the horse, connect one line to the right D-ring on the right side of the saddle and run it behind the horses haunches (be careful not to get kicked). Hold the line in your right hand, leaving slack in it for now, and hold the lead rope that runs to the halter in your left hand.Start by having the horse circle around you at a walk, and then put slight tension on the line so that it makes contact with his haunches. Have the horse circle once with a small amount of tension, and then release the pressure and then repeat this several times.Once the horse seems to be accepting of the line, youre ready to move on to the next part.Ready to Ground DriveWhen a horse learns to ground drive, its a good idea to have a second person help you for the first few sessions. Put a halter under the bridle and have the second person lead the horse while you drive him. This helps the horse figure out what hes supposed to do and keeps him from suddenly turning and getting wrapped up in the lines.It can be done with one person, but its easier with two. Its also better to drive in a small area in the beginning, if possible, so the horse doesnt have too big of a space to pick up speed.To start driving, hook up the right driving line to the right bit ring and run the line through the right stirrup. Do the same on the left. Keep one driving line in each hand and dont tie them together. You can either let the remainder trail on the ground behind you or gather up the ends and hold them.Now stand behind the horse a safe distance away from his hind end. Here is where you can either use a voice cue, such as walk on, or create a little flapping motion with the lines to get the horse to walk forward. This might feel strange to the horse because hes used to you leading him most places. This is why a second person is good to have in the beginning to give the horse confidence to move forward.Dont make any turns or stops in the beginning, just get forward motion and follow the perimeter of the area that you are in.Turning, Stopping & BackingOnce the horse is moving forward nicely, try to change directions by steering through the center of the pen and heading out the other way. This gives the horse a lot of space to make the initial turns. Again, keep following the perimeter in the new direction.Once the forward motion and change of direction is going well, you can work on stopping. Its best to not work on stopping at the beginning of the session because the horse will have more energy and might not be content to stand still.To stop, just pick up on the lines until he comes to a stop, then release the pressure. You can use the voice cue whoa as well. The first few times you practice stopping, only stay stopped for 10 or 20 seconds, then get the horse moving forward again.He might be a bit confused as to what to do when hes standing by himself and might start to fidget. Try to get forward motion before the horse starts losing focus. Your helper can assist with keeping the horse calm for this part.Begin with a helper if possible to keep the horse moving forward while teaching the new cues from the lines. Photo by Jason IrwinIf the horse seems like he needs some reassurance, carefully walk up to his hip and stroke him with your hand to help him remain relaxed. Eventually, you can add in a few back-up steps by pulling on the lines and releasing as he backs up. Once all these steps are going well, you wont need the helper anymore.To advance the horses turns, you can practice rollback-type turns toward the fence or arena wall. Drive him 3 or 4 feet out from the fence and then have him turn sharply toward the fence and continue forward in the new direction. Turning toward the fence causes him to turn more sharply, which makes for better turns. Even though the turns will likely be faster, remember to keep your hands soft and light on the lines.In early training, following the fence helps to keep to keep the horse straight. Photo by Jason IrwinAdding SpeedTo pick up speed, stand to one side of the horse and have him circle around you like youre longeing him. Ask for a trot by using a voice cue, or flap lightly with the lines. Once your horse is trotting, keep him circling around you so you dont have to run behind him.To go faster than a walk, have the horse move in a circle around you, similar to longeing. Photo by Jason IrwinIf youre moving straight, youll have to go as fast as your horse to keep up. By having him on a circle, you wont have to chase behind him. Also, if your horse picks up too much speed and you find him hard to stop, just put him on a smaller circle, which will help slow him down.Once your horse is ground driving well, you can add some obstacle work or even start cart training. Ground driving is a fun way to spend time with your horse and even has lots of benefits that transfer to under saddle work.This article about teaching a horse to ground drive appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Teach Your Horse to Ground Drive appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Britains Tom McEwen made history at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials last weekend when he became the first rider to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old classes in the same year.Toms winning mount in the CCI4*-L was The Fieldmaster, Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barkers nine-year-old Irish Sports Horse who he started riding this season, while he triumphed in the CCI4*-S with Brookfield Danny De Muze, last years seven-year-old World Champion.Success didnt end there for Tom as he also took second place in the CCI4*-L aboard the 17-year-old Irish gelding Brookfield Quality, who finished just 0.1 penalties behind his stablemate. Its a shame they couldnt both have won, but what a weekend, said Tom.I came here with five very nice horses and no expectations. It is a very nice result for Tom Strawson who took Trev {The Fieldmaster] around here last year, but Norris [Brookfield Quality] is an absolute star, a great old boy.It was the first time a rider had secured a one-two in this class since William Fox-Pitt won with Stunning and finished second with Tamarillo in 2002. Sam Ecroyd rounded out the podium with the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Bloomfield Manuscript. A clear showjumping round elevating them from fifth to third.Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster on their way to victory in the CCI4*-L.Danny is the championIn the CCI4*-S the top 20 ran cross-country in reverse order sofas the overnight leaders, Tom andChloe and John Perry and Alison Swinburns eight-year-old Irish Sports Horse, Brookfield Danny De Muze,were the last to go.The pair stopped the clock five seconds over the optimum time to secure a two-point victory over 2025 national champions Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo. Bubby Upton piloted Sancerre De Tiji, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood, into third.Marcus Bean, who is groom to Clarke Johnstone, won the2026 Top 4* Groom Award, which had been judged across Bramham, Scone Palace and Blenheim 4* events.This is an event like no other. We cannot thank the competitors, their support staff, our team and Blenheim Palace enough for all the effort and hard work, said event director Katrina Midgley.It has been an incredible week of talent, both experienced and new and I for one, cannot wait to see what the next generation of riders will do for our sport.Tom McEwen rode Brookfield Danny De Muze into the top spot in the CCI4*-S 8 & 9 year olds class.Images Libby Law Photography.Related contentPiggy Marchs routine for a confident and clear showjumping roundOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshFive cross-country gears every horse need for a safe and clear roundRide confidently in and out of the start box with this advice from Emily KingThe post What a weekend: double delight for Tom McEwen at Blenheim appeared first on Your Horse.

ThePrincess Royal, Vice-Patron of the British Horse Society (BHS), paid a special visit to the Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Bury, GreaterManchester, earlier this month to see first-hand how its programmes have benefited the local area. Celebrating its 60th year, the BHS Approved Centre continues to play a vital role within the community, through the delivery of BHS programmes, welcoming local schools like Mill Schoolwhich supports children with autism, and through partnerships with organisations such as KrimmzYouth Cluboffering women-only sessions. During the visit, Her Royal Highness had the opportunity to watch pupils from Mill School taking part in ridden sessions designed to be accessible for young people with autism and communication needs, as well as meeting home-educated children participating in stable management activities. She also met the coaches and young people who have been supported through the delivery of BHSs Changing Lives Through Horses initiativeat the Centre. It was an honour and a joy to welcomeHer Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to the Riding Centre to celebrate its 60th anniversary, said MargaretHaes Riding Centre Director and Trustee, Debra Batchelor. Meeting Her Royal Highness in her capacity as Vice-Patron of BHS and introducing her to our horses was atruly special occasion for the Centres riders, volunteers and coaches.A few years back, this major milestoneseemed unreachable as the Centre faced an uncertain future.However, the award of a Community Ownership Grant, together with match funding from Bury-based GARL Foundation, enabled the charity to take ownership of the Centre and secure its future.She concluded: The visit by Her Royal Highness, accompanied by James Hick, Chief Executive of the BHS, was the perfect way to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary, and to remember the late Maragret(Peggy)Haes, theCentres founder, whobelieved horse riding should be accessible to those with disability. It was a delight to demonstrate whatwe doat the Centreand the beneficial impact it has on the lives of our ridersand volunteers. With the support of the British Horse Society, the Centre is well-positioned to continue delivering hugely impactful programmes of horse riding,equine care,alternative education and social connection.At the end of theevent, Her Royal Highness presented BHS Awards and certificates to celebrate the achievements of volunteers, young people and coaches connected to the Riding Centre.This included givingthe CentresVolunteer of the Year award to Sarah Chadwick, an NHS healthcare professional, who devotes her spare time to volunteering at the Centre.It was a real privilege to join the celebrations marking the Margaret Haes Riding Centres 60th anniversary and to see first-hand the difference the Centre continues to make in the lives of so many young people, added Mr Hick.The confidence, skills and sense of achievement developed through equine-assisted learning were evident throughout the day. From the riding sessions and award presentations to the stories shared by participants and their families, it was wonderful to witness the positive impact that horses can have in helping young people grow and thrive.Our riding schools play a vital role in bringing people together and providing welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals can learn, develop new skills and build lasting connections with horses. Hearing from coaches, parents and young people about what the Centre has meant to them over the years was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the value of this work.More from Your HorseLacking hacking motivation? These three ideas will helpHow much weight can a horse carry?Does your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesHow targeted worming can protect your horse and the environmentThe post ThePrincess Royal visits riding centre transforming the lives of young people appeared first on Your Horse.

If youre looking for a riding holiday that combines exceptional horses, breath-taking scenery, authentic cuisine and genuine Sicilian hospitality, then the Taste of Sicily ride delivers on all of these and more. Caron travelled at the end of June and can highly recommend it. Having been lucky enough to travel with In the Saddle many []The post Mountains, Sea, Superb Horses and Outstanding Food a Taste of Sicily appeared first on In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce the team of horses that will represent the Irish WBFSH Studbooks at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2026 inLe Lion DAngers from the 15th to 18th October 2026.Further information about the championships can be found here.Six-Year-OldsBelline Kilbunny Virtue (ISH).Mare by Quality Time (HOLST) out of Ezarah B (KWPN), by Canturano (HOLST).Bred by Richard OHara, Co. Waterford, Co. Carlow.Owned by Richard & Tanja Ames, Co. KilkennyRidden by Elizabeth Power (IRL).BT Just Special (ISH).Gelding by Im Special De Muze (BWP) out of Chitter Chatter (TB) by Robin Des Pres (TB).Bred and owned by Bridget Speirs, Co. Kildare.Ridden by Ian Cassells (IRL).Lady Sky M (ISH).Mare by Cinsey (HANN) out of Emily M (ISH), by Je TAime Flamenco (BWP).Bred by Susanne Macken, Co. Meath.Owned by Andrew Cox, Co. Meath.Ridden by Sarah Ennis (IRL).Seven-Year-OldsHHE Fernhill McCoy (ISH) (was JAG Lovestory).Gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of CSF Salut Flamenco (ISH) by Je TAime Flamenco (BWP).Bred by Jag Equestrian, Co. Kildare,Owned by Fiona OHara and Harry Horgan.Ridden by Harry Horgan (IRL).Hildare Trust Me (BWP).Gelding by El Barone 111 Z (ZANG) out of Bonami (KWPN), by Apple Juice (BWP).Owned by Anna Sims Hilditch.Ridden by Danielle McCormack (IRL).Kratos Cal M2S (WSI).Gelding by Ulysses M2S (KWPN) out of Acondia M2S (KWPN), by Rubicell (OLD).Bred by Claire Wood & Morningside Stud, Co. Clare.Owned by Cameron Kieran.Ridden by Michael McNally (IRL)Millstreet Kanby (ISH).Gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of Toujours Daisy (ISH), by Rapid Raimondo (ID).Bred and owned by Thomas Duggan, Co. Cork.Ridden by Robbie Kearns (IRL).Rutland Flamenco (ISH).Mare by Casallco (HOLST) out of Red Flamenco (ISH), by Je TAime Flamenco (BWP). Bred by Eugene McEntee, Co. DownOwned by Patrick (Dick) MurphyRidden by Ian Cassells (IRL).Sonja Egan, PhD, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, said: On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, I would like to congratulate all competing combinations, owners and breeders on their selection to represent the Irish studbooks at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses in Le Lion dAngers.Ireland has a long and distinguished tradition of breeding world-class event horses, and the Irish Sport Horse studbook continues to be recognised among the leading eventing studbooks globally. We were particularly proud to see an Irish combination return to the podium at Le Lion dAngers in 2025, securing Irelands first medal at the championships in a decade.This years team features representatives from both the Irish Sport Horse and Warmblood Studbook of Ireland studbooks. This reflects the depth and quality of breeding taking place across Ireland and demonstrates the commitment of our breeders, owners and producers to developing young horses capable of competing at the highest international level.Le Lion dAngers remains one of the most important showcases for young event horses worldwide, and we wish every member of the Irish team the very best of luck as they compete against the best young horses and studbooks from around the globe.Debbie Byrne, Chef dEquipe, Eventing Young Horse Squad:I am delighted to announce my horse & rider combinations that will represent our national studbooks at the upcoming WBFSH World Young Horse Eventing Championships at Le Lion dAngers.Our 6-year-old division is strong with two of the worlds highest ranking in this age category- BT Just Special (number 1) & Lady Sky M (number 2).Our 7-year-olds are well represented, however with the way our domestic international calendar worked out this year, especially with the cancellation of Lisgarvan, a lot of them are lacking mileage but are more than capable. I have two returning this year after a successful Le Lion in 2025 as 6-year-olds, silver medallists Ian Cassells & Rutland Flamenco, & Harry Horgan on HHE Fernhill McCoy.Le Lion has proved itself over & over again as an important stepping stone in the development of our future championship horses. We are blessed as a nation to have breeders who take great pride in their breeding programmes & their selection of bloodlines, followed by very committed owners, all of which we are so grateful for. Without their commitment, the Irish Studbooks wouldnt be as well represented as they currently are. Irish studbooks participation in Le Lion DAngers is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.The post Team Ireland selection for FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2026 in Le Lion DAngers 2026 appeared first on .

The startlists for the final leg of the 3YO Filly Loose Jumping qualifiers and third leg of the foal championship qualifiers are now live. The qualifier will take place in Goresbridge Horse Sales, Kilkenny on Thursday 24th September. The day will begin at 10.00am with the Loose jumping followed by the foal championship. Entries for the final qualifier for foals are available below.Foal Championship Qualifier Startlist3YO Filly Loose Jumping StartlistClickHEREto enter the next Foal Championship Qualifier.The Foal Championship and Filly Loose Jumping are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under National Breeding Services, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.The post Startlist for Foal Championship and 3YO Filly Loose Jumping Qualifiers at Goresbridge appeared first on .