New research has explored what equine welfare means to horse owners and those who care for horses.The study,What Is Welfare? A Qualitative Study into Perceptions of Equine Welfare of Horse Owners, identified a strong commitment to improving horses lives but also a continuing gap between understanding welfare principles and consistently putting them into practice.The research has been published in theInternational Journal of Equine Science and involved researchers from Hartpury University, EQuerry Co, Karlstad University, the Swedish National Equestrian School of Excellence, and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.The researchers analysed responses from 341 owners and equestrian participants, who answered eight open-ended questions about horse care, riding, training and welfare. Responses revealed four overarching themes: equine husbandry; human-horse interaction; equitation and training; and personal development and ethics.Equine husbandry emerged as the most prominent aspect of welfare for participants.Respondents highlighted the importance ofappropriate housing and management; access to forage, food and water; sufficient space and freedom of movement;year-round turnout;social contact with other horses;opportunities to express natural behaviours; andaccess to appropriate veterinary, farriery and other professional care.Among respondents discussing year-round turnout, 98% highlighted access to appropriate turnout, while 69% specifically mentioned social contact with other horses.The findings reinforce the importance owners place on management systems that allow horses to move, forage, interact socially and experience an environment suited to their behavioural needs.The research also demonstrates that welfare is closely connected to what happens when horses are ridden and trained.Ethical, consistent and welfare-based training was highlighted by every participant. Respondents also placed considerable emphasis on having access to knowledgeable, supportive and trustworthy coaches.The research identified concerns around inconsistent training practices, the misuse of tack and equipment, and the inappropriate use of artificial aids such as whips and spurs.The authors argue that evidence-based coaching can help riders understand equine learning, communicate more clearly with horses and recognise signs that a horse may be experiencing discomfort, stress or conflict.Participants emphasised the importance of understanding horse behaviour and being able to recognise signs of stress, pain or other abnormalities. The findings also highlighted the importance of recognising horses as sentient beings and approaching them with patience, kindness, respect, empathy and compassion.The researchers stressed that good welfare requires people to interpret horses behaviour accurately avoiding both inappropriate anthropomorphism and assumptions that horses emotional experiences can be ignored.They suggested that coaching philosophies can have a lasting influence on owners beliefs and practices. Providing accessible, evidence-based education could therefore help equestrians question established practices, reflect on previous experiences and make welfare-focused decisions throughout their lives with horses.Improving the lives of horsesThis research shows that horse owners are thinking deeply about welfare, said lead authorDr Victoria Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Equestrian Performance at Hartpury University.They recognise that welfare encompasses much more than physical health it includes behaviour, emotional wellbeing, training, relationships and the horses ability to express natural behaviours.What is particularly important is the opportunity to translate that awareness into everyday practice. Education has a crucial role to play in helping horse owners access reliable information, develop their skills and make informed decisions that genuinely improve the lives of horses.The study concludes that there is widespread and genuine concern for equine welfare among the respondents, but that awareness does not always translate into consistent application.The authors call for education and training initiatives that reflect the realities of everyday horse care across different disciplines, cultures and levels of experience.They argue that equestrian education should combine practical skills with scientific understanding and ethical reflection, empowering owners, riders and coaches to make welfare-focused decisions.The next step is not simply telling people that welfare matters, added Dr Lewis. It is empowering them with the evidence, practical skills and confidence to make positive changes at the grassroots level. That is where education, research and collaboration across the equestrian sector can make a real difference.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated contentHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)7 ways to enrich your horses environmentHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post What does welfare really mean? New research explores horse owners views appeared first on Your Horse.

Were delighted to announce that Fancy Footwork Equestrian will be joining the Arena 2 line-up at Your Horse Live 2026.Founded by experienced coach Nina Gill, Fancy Footwork Equestrian has become a favourite among riders looking to improve their horses way of going through fun, engaging and effective polework training. With more than 30 years of coaching experience and hundreds of horses and riders helped since launching Fancy Footwork in 2019, Nina has built a reputation for making training both educational and enjoyableArena 2 visitors can look forward to sessions packed with practical advice, real-world training tips and creative polework exercises designed to improve balance, rhythm, suppleness and confidence in horse and rider alike. Whether youre competing regularly or simply looking to strengthen your partnership at home, youll come away with ideas you can put into practice straight away.Polework is one of the most versatile training tools available, helping horses develop core strength, coordination and body awareness while keeping them mentally engaged. Ninas approachable coaching style and supportive teaching environment have made her clinics incredibly popular, with riders praising the variety of exercises, expert guidance and relaxed atmosphere.As Arena two returns to Your Horse Live for 2026, Fancy Footwork Equestrian is set to bring plenty of inspiration for riders of all levels. Expect practical demonstrations, expert insights and plenty of take-home ideas to help you get even more from your training sessions.Dont miss the opportunity to see Fancy Footwork Equestrian live in Arena 2 at Your Horse Live 2026 and discover how simple polework exercises can transform your horses strength, balance and way of going.The post Arena Two Line-Up Grows with Fancy Footwork Equestrian appeared first on Your Horse.

A rescued donkey, who was among more than 50 other animals seized by the RSPCA from an address in Essex in 2023, is thriving in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary and has formed a close bond with another donkey in the charitys care.Dandi has been living at one of the Sanctuarys holding bases, where over time he has formed a close bond with Tommy, who was relinquished into charity care with his dam and another mare, after their owners could not meet their care needs.Dandi was discovered at the Essex property among many other animals, including a marmoset, a tortoise, horses, chickens, ducks, a dog, and guinea pigs. They were removed afterpreviousnotices to improve their living conditions were not met by owners and weresubsequentlysigned over to the RSPCA.Prior to coming into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, Dandi was a lone stallion who was kept without the company of his own kind. Stallions can be challenging for their owners to manage, and the charityadvises owners toconsider gelding their male donkeys.Gelding gives owners more options to find suitable companions for their donkeys. Doing so at a younger age lowers the risk of post-operative complications and can reduce the development of stallion-like behaviours that can be challenging to manage in later life.On arrival atthe Sanctuaryholding base Dandi was underweight. He has since reached a healthy weight and been gelded. The six-year-old has also undergone training in his handling, which included making him feel comfortable when picking up his feet.Firm friendsAfter coming into Sanctuary care as a single donkey with no companion, Dandi has since hit it off with Tommy, a five-year-old grey donkey.Dandi is doing great, he loves spending time with his new friend Tommy, said Jess Bush, one of The Donkey Sanctuarys Welfare Advisers. They are in a gelding group and happily mix with other geldings but theyre certainly together as a bonded pair now.As both donkeys are still very young, we hope that when they arereadywe will be able to find a suitable home for them as a pair on our Rehoming Scheme, where they can continue their training and journey in a loving home.The Donkey Sanctuary rehomes donkeys in pairs or more. If you think you can provide a home for life for donkeys like Dandi and Tommy, visit their website:Become a Donkey Guardian | The Donkey SanctuaryMore from Your HorseEscapee donkeys rehomed by charityHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signs9 essential things to get right when youre taking care of a horseEssential guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Donkeys Dandi and Tommy become firm friends following rescue appeared first on Your Horse.

For the first time ever, two of Britains most celebrated equestrian stars, Ros Canter and Becky Moody, will appear together at Your Horse Live 2026 for exclusive sessions that promises to be one of the standout moments of the show.Becky Moody riding Magic DreamRepresenting two different disciplines but sharing the same relentless pursuit of excellence, Ros and Becky have both captured the imagination of equestrians across the world through their extraordinary achievements, horsemanship and dedication to their sport. Now, audiences at Your Horse Live will have the unique opportunity to see them side-by-side as they discuss the training philosophies, competition experiences and partnerships that have shaped their remarkable careers.This fascinating session will take you behind the scenes of elite equestrian sport, offering rare insight into what it takes to perform under pressure on the worlds biggest stages. From developing talented horses and building trust in the saddle to managing the highs and lows of international competition, Ros and Becky will share the lessons, challenges and defining moments that have helped them reach the very top.Whether youre passionate about eventing, dressage, training, competition or simply want to hear from two of the most inspiring women in the sport today, this is your chance to learn from the very best.Expect inspiring stories, invaluable training insights, plenty of behind-the-scenes moments and a rare opportunity to see two equestrian greats together for the very first time.Book your tickets today hereThe post Ros Canter & Becky Moody Together for the First Time Ever at Your Horse Live! appeared first on Your Horse.

When a horse struggles with hay, keeping enough fibre in the diet can become difficult. A quick-soaking hay replacer can provide a softer, easier-to-chew alternative while also adding water to the ration. Here is when a soaked mash may be useful, what to look for and how Pure Meadow Mash should be prepared.Pure Meadow Mash is a quick-soaking, high-fibre mash with a minty flavour.Forage should form the foundation of a horses diet, but traditional hay or haylage will not suit every horse in every situation. Older horses may find long-stem forage harder to chew, some horses are sensitive to dust, and others become reluctant to eat enough forage when travelling, on box rest or when grazing is limited.A soaked, high-fibre mash can be a practical option in these circumstances. It is not automatically the right choice for every horse, however, and the whole ration still needs to meet the individual horses fibre, energy, protein, vitamin and mineral requirements.What is a soaked hay replacer?A soaked hay replacer is a fibre-based feed designed to be mixed with water before feeding. Pellets absorb the water and soften into a mash, making them much easier to manage for a horse that cannot chew long forage effectively.The British Horse Society advises that elderly horses and those with dental problems may need a high-fibre forage replacement that can be chewed easily. It also recommends seeking advice from a vet or equine nutritionist when making this kind of change.When might a soaked mash help?Older horses or horses with poor teethWorn, missing or painful teeth can make hay increasingly difficult to grind. Warning signs can include dropping partially chewed balls of forage, taking much longer to eat, leaving hay behind or losing weight. A soft mash reduces the amount of chewing required, but it should not replace a dental examination. Unexplained weight loss or a sudden change in eating behaviour should always be investigated.A soft, soaked mash can be easier to manage for horses that struggle to chew long forage.Horses that are sensitive to dustA soaked product provides a low-dust source of fibre. This may be useful where dry forage or dusty feed is difficult for a horse to tolerate, although stable ventilation, forage quality and veterinary advice remain important.Fussy eatersSome horses simply find a soft, aromatic mash more appealing. Pure Meadow Mash contains mixed herbs and peppermint, which can help tempt a reluctant eater without the addition of molasses.Limited grazing, box rest and changes of routineA mash can help add variety when turnout is restricted and can be divided between several shallow buckets to encourage a more natural, head-down feeding position. Any change of feed should be made gradually, particularly when a horse is already coping with illness, box rest or a change of environment.Adding water to the rationBecause it is fed soaked, Meadow Mash is a straightforward way to add water to a meal. This can be useful during warm weather, after travelling or in colder months when some horses drink less. It does not replace constant access to clean, fresh drinking water.Why consider Pure Meadow Mash?Pure Feed Meadow Mash is supplied in a 15kg bag and soaks in around five minutes.Pure Feed Meadow Mashis a 15kg, quick-soaking micro-pellet made as a partial hay replacer. According to the current manufacturer specification, it contains 23% fibre, 4% naturally occurring sugar and 6% starch. It contains no molasses or added sugar and is formulated without wholegrain cereals, alfalfa, soya or nutritionally improved straw.Other useful features include:softens into an easy-to-chew mash in around five minutes;contains prebiotics and live yeast to support the digestive system;includes mixed herbs and peppermint for palatability;can provide additional soaked fibre for older horses, fussy eaters and horses with limited grazing; andcontains no added vitamin and mineral premix, allowing it to be incorporated into an appropriately balanced wider ration.Low sugar and starch figures do not make any feed automatically suitable for every horse with laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome or PPID. If your horse has one of these conditions, use the product only as part of a ration agreed with your vet or a suitably qualified equine nutritionist.How to prepare Pure Meadow MashMeasure the dry feed accurately.Add two parts fresh water to one part feed.Stir thoroughly.Leave for at least five minutes, or until a uniformly soft mash has formed.Check the texture before offering it to your horse.Pure Meadow Mash must be soaked before feeding. Introduce it gradually rather than changing the ration suddenly.How much should you feed?Pure Feeds current feeding rate is up to 1kg of dry Meadow Mash per 100kg of bodyweight per day. For example, the stated upper rate for a 500kg horse would be up to 5kg of dry product per day. That is a maximum guide, not an amount every 500kg horse needs.When it is used as a partial hay replacer, divide the daily quantity between at least three servings and ideally more. Weigh it dry, then add the soaking water. The correct amount depends on the horses bodyweight, condition, workload, grazing and the rest of the diet.Remember to balance the complete dietMeadow Mash is a complementary feed and does not contain a complete added vitamin and mineral package. If it replaces a meaningful portion of forage, make sure the rest of the ration supplies everything the horse needs. A suitable balancer or complete feed may be required, depending on the quantities fed and the individual horse.If your horse can no longer manage hay, is losing weight, has significant dental problems or needs a total forage replacement, ask your vet or equine nutritionist to formulate the ration rather than relying on a general feeding guide.Choosing the right mash for your horseStart with the problem you are trying to solve. Do you need an easier-to-chew forage source, a low-dust option, additional water in the ration, more calories or simply a carrier for supplements? Different mashes perform different jobs, so checking the energy level, sugar and starch, whether vitamins and minerals are included, and the permitted feeding rate is more useful than choosing on the word mash alone.You canview Pure Feed Meadow Mash 15kg hereor compare it with other options in ourhorse cubes, mixes and mash collection. Always follow the current instructions on the bag.Further guidanceBritish Horse Society: feeding horsesBritish Horse Society: care of elderly horsesPure Feed: current Meadow Mash specification and feeding instructions

A pair of Shetland ponies who came into World Horse Welfares care separately have become such firm friends that the equine welfare charity is hoping to rehome them together. Foulsham Winston, whos 17 and is known as Winston, arrived at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk following a change in his owners circumstances while Churchill was taken in by the charity after being found living alone in unsuitable circumstances.When he arrived here as a three-year-old colt, Churchill had been living without any equine company for most of his short life, said Lizzie Bird, Hall Farm Assistant Centre Manager. He didnt know how to be a pony properly and behaved more like a dog. To help Churchill learn vital social skills, we put him in with Winston, whos a very similar size and had sadly lost his long-term companion the day before he came to us.The pair of them have since become such good friends that we now want to find them a home together.Winston has a new best friend in Churchill. Close bondBoth ponies have been castrated since they arrived at World Horse Welfare and have adapted to life as geldings together.During their rehabilitation, we put them in with another slightly larger pony who we knew had the perfect temperament to help them learn how to be around other ponies in a little herd, said Lizzie.All horses need friends, forage and the freedom to behave like a horse, so its really sad to think of Churchill being kept on his own for so long. Its been wonderful to see him successfully learn how to interact with others though. Hes now a happy, healthy young pony with a bright future ahead and a new best friend in Winston! Wed love to hear from anyone who can offer them both a home of their own.For more information or to offer Winston and Churchill a home, click here.Images World Horse Welfare.Churchill with World Horse Welfare rehoming co-ordinator Rachel. iPhone Air f/1.9 1/269s 2.71484375mm ISO32More 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 Shetland pony duo seeks new home together appeared first on Your Horse.

Rydale has been named the official merchandise partner for the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (17-20 September), with a new limited-edition collection launched ahead of this weeks event.The new limited-edition collection includes clothing and accessories for men and women, as well as a fleece jumper for their dogs.It is available to buy online now and will also be sold at the event on the Rydale stand (A141-142).The dog fleece starts at 16.99About the collectionThe collection features fleece waistcoats (49.99), quarter-zip sweatshirts (54.99), cotton polo shirts (29.99), a ladies equestrian jacket (69.99), fleece headbands (12.99) and unisex baseball caps (14.99). The dog fleece jumper starts at 16.99.Pick up a Blenheim-branded fleece headband for 12.99Were incredibly excited to be designing the official merchandise for this years Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, said product designer Bayley Atton.Its such a prestigious event, and its been really rewarding to bring together Blenheims identity with Rydales own country style for the 2026 collection.We wanted the pieces to feel special enough to mark the occasion, but still be something people would genuinely want to wear afterwards.The collection is available for 2026 only.The fleece gilet is ideal for autumn and beyondRelated contentRydale teams up with equestrian influencer to launch clothing rangeI love this smart changing robe from Rydale it has a raft of features and keeps me extremely comfortable and warmI was a sceptic about waistcoats, but this one has completely changed my mind!Bridles our team has tried and tested for fit, value and performanceThe post Rydale unveils official Blenheim 2026 merchandise and theres something for your dog, too! appeared first on Your Horse.

One of the most requested features from visitors to Your Horse Live is getting Arena Two back, were thrilled to be able to announce that Arena Two is returning to Your Horse Live 2026!Back by popular demand, Arena Two will once again provide visitors with even more live demonstrations, expert advice and inspiring equestrian content across the weekend.TICKETS ON SALE NOW HEREDesigned to bring you closer to some of the industrys leading riders, trainers and experts, Arena Two offers a unique opportunity to learn from the very best in a more intimate setting. Whether youre looking to improve your riding, develop your horses training or pick up practical tips to take home, there will be something for every horse owner and rider to enjoy.With a packed timetable of educational and entertaining sessions planned throughout the show, Arena Two will complement the action in the WeatherBeeta Main Arena and give visitors even more reasons to spend the whole day exploring everything Your Horse Live has to offer.The return of Arena Two marks another exciting addition to what is shaping up to be one of our biggest and best shows yet, with more star riders, live demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities than ever before.Keep an eye out over the coming weeks as we reveal the full Arena Two schedule and the experts wholl be taking to the arena.More horses. More experts. More opportunities to learn. Arena Two is back for Your Horse Live 2026!TICKETS ON SALE NOW HEREThe post Arena Two Returns to Your Horse Live 2026 appeared first on Your Horse.

Your Horse Live is delighted to announce that internationally renowned dressage rider and trainer Anna Ross will be joining the WeatherBeeta Main Arena line-up on Friday 13 November 2026.One of Britains most respected dressage professionals, Anna has represented Great Britain in team competition across the world, competing at some of the sports most prestigious events including the European Championships, Aachen, Olympia and on the FEI World Cup circuit. With an impressive record of international wins and placings, she has earned a reputation as one of the leading figures in British dressage.Visitors to Fridays show will have the opportunity to see Anna share her wealth of knowledge and experience during a captivating Main Arena masterclass. Whether youre an aspiring dressage rider, looking to improve your flatwork, or simply want to learn from one of the very best in the sport, Annas session promises invaluable insights into training, performance and horsemanship.As the founder of the highly successful Elite Dressage programme, Anna is known for her practical, rider-focused approach and her ability to help combinations at every level achieve their potential. Her engaging demonstrations have made her a popular favourite with audiences around the country, combining world-class expertise with advice that riders can take home and put into practice.Anna joins an exciting Friday programme packed with inspiration, education and top-class equestrian entertainment, making Your Horse Live 2026 a must-attend event for horse lovers of all disciplines.Dont miss your chance to see Anna Ross live in the WeatherBeeta Main Arena on Friday only at Your Horse Live 2026.Book now hereThe post Anna Ross Confirmed for the Friday Main Arena at Your Horse Live 2026 appeared first on Your Horse.

Have you ever felt that you arent good enough for your horse? Or perhaps you feel unworthy and outclassed when you get to a competition even if, when you think about it rationally, youre just as good as all the rest? You could be suffering from self-doubt, which quickly erodes confidence.Self-doubt can be kick-started by all manner of elements and they dont have to be horse related. People who have a troubled childhood can be racked by self-doubt; perhaps a succession of critical equestrian coaches has eroded their self esteem; or maybe a series of falls has left them with few feelings of self-worth in the saddle.What causes self-doubt?Self-doubt is a limiting belief that occurs when the mind gathers enough evidence to turn it into a belief, says NLP master trainer Tracey Cole. The mind can collect this evidence over time until, due either to cumulative effects or perhaps a major one-off incident, a threshold is crossed and that person will then say, Im just not good enough.Once someone feels this way, its very difficult for them to believe in themselves again, even if they have people around them who are telling them how great they are.I had one client who went up the levels in dressage until she was competing against some big names, and this brought on self-doubt; a feeling that she didnt have a right to be there.Another rider began having massive self-doubt when she moved her horse from a professional yard to her own base. The move gave this horse more joie de vivre, and turned him into a more forward (but not an unsafe) ride, and suddenly this lady began to think: I cant ride him and also Im not deserving of him.However, by using specific questioning techniques related to these situations and what was ultimately flimsy evidence, both riders managed to move on and overcome their self-doubt. All is certainly not lost for riders suffering from self-doubt, and with professional help they can invariably move forward.For anyone wanting to conquer these debilitating feelings of self-doubt, try Traceys two simple exercises.Exercise 1: Questioning the doubtIdentify your self-doubt statement. This may be something you tell yourself about your riding, but which your instructor, friends or partner may argue against.Divide your page into two.In the first column, write down any evidence that you have for your self-doubt (empty out all your thoughts and memories that support the self-doubt).For each piece of evidence, write a counter example in the second column from when you rode well.As you think about each piece of evidence in turn, picture a scene that encapsulates this evidence. Watch yourself in the picture and ask yourself: How could my mind have distorted my self-belief?Do the same as step five, but this time distance yourself even more by imagining youre a butterfly way above the scene and youre watching yourself in the picture. Ask: How could their mind have distorted their self-belief like that?If there are any pieces of evidence that seem more stubborn than others, ask yourself: What positives can I learn about myself from this?Exercise 2: Using peripheral vision to gain insightPractise going into peripheral vision by extending your arms out to your sides at shoulder height. Now wave your fingers slowly. Can you see your fingers? Aim to go into the widest comfortable vision for you. For the rest of the exercise, theres no need to have your arms out!While you are in peripheral vision, ask your mind: What is there to learn that will eliminate this self-doubt? Click your fingers or clap your hands.Give yourself a few moments for a word, picture, or phrase to come to you. If nothing does, thats fine, it will come later.Repeat steps two and three until you have the insight to break down this belief.Meet the expert: After overcoming her own riding confidence issues using NLP, Tracey Cole started a mindset and mental performance business in 2013. She is a trainer and master coach of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy, specialising in equestrianism. She runs training and coaching sessions via Zoom from her home in the Staffordshire Moorlands. An avid horse lover, she owns two mares.The post Self-doubt: two exercises to help riders overcome it whether youre in or out of the saddle appeared first on Your Horse.