Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens both made strong starts to Britains eventing World Championship campaign at Aachen in Germany today (13 August). Their performances mean the team sit in equal gold medal position, alongside New Zealand, on a score of 55.9 after two rotations of horses and riders.Tom and JL Dublin, who was originally produced by Nicola Wilson prior to her career-ending fall, produced a score of 26.6, which also puts them in individual gold at this stage. While Gemma and Flash Cooley, a 14-year-old owned by Pru Dawes, were rewarded with 28, which puts them in sixth individually. For Tom, the challenge was partly managing an atmosphere that proved even more electric than he had anticipated. JL Dublin the 15-year-old gelding with whom Tom won European individual bronze last year was lit up as soon as he entered the arena.There was a little bit more atmosphere than I expected, Tom said. He lit up straight away when I went in there. The pair nevertheless produced another highly competitive championship test, with the only major blemish coming in the final flying change on the centre line in a new test that is just four minutes long, meaning there is little time to re-group between movements. Tom explained that flies have been an irritation for Dublin throughout the week and that they contributed to the loss of concentration at a crucial moment.Hes been annoyed by the flies all week, and Ive really, really been struggling with them, he said. He lost all concentration coming on the final centre line before the last flying change its a tough test and that was our one big mistake, which was a shame. For a rider who knows his horse is capable of producing scores in the low 20s, Tom was understandably a little frustrated, but he was also quick to focus on the positives. I know Dubs and I can come out of the dressage with a 21, 22, but honestly, coming out with a 26, Im really pleased and its great for the team. Speaking of Saturdays cross-country track, Tom is looking forward to the challenge ahead. Its a cracking track, he said. I think its very fair. Theres lots of angle slices, lines, many, many decisions to be made, and well probably start off with a plan that might change three times on the way around, depending on how you go.He expects the time to prove influential, while praising the going and the range of combinations throughout the course.Theres some amazing questions all the way around. Theyve done a fantastic job on the footing too, so thank you very much, he said. Gemma, meanwhile, had every reason to be delighted with Flash Cooleys performance, despite a frustrating mistake right at the end of their test, in the same movement Tom and JL Dublin had a problem.The grey gelding produced elegant and relaxed work and looked on course for an excellent finish before misunderstanding the final flying change on the centre line. Im over the moon with all of it, apart from just that last centre line, which is such a shame, Gemma said. He thought we were halting. You know, it is hot today, and he probably had enough by then, and just came up the centre line at the end and went to stop, and I was like, No, no, weve got to do a flying change, and then obviously we were completely muddled.The error was particularly frustrating because the movement has been going well while schooling at home. It was a real shame to lose that sort of last mark because thats actually been a real highlight in training, Gemma said. But the rest of it was so good, and he was so relaxed and so with me and a real pleasure to ride.The performance represents the culmination of a carefully constructed plan for Gemma, who is back on a British championship squad for the first time since helping Britain to team gold at Tryon in the US in 2018.Weve been working towards this, she said. To be honest with you, its been absolutely the plan set out since the beginning of 2025, and I literally worked out a plan for the whole of that year and then the whole of this year leading up, and its pulled off. In terms of the current standings, New Zealands Jonelle Price and Seor Crocodillo are in silver on 27.2, while Frances Alexis Goury and Jevall are in bronze on 28.5 and the German team are four penalties adrift of joint-leaders Britain and New Zealand in bronze on 59.9. The second day of dressage gets underway tomorrow at 8.30am UK time. Images: Tim WilkinsonRelated contentThe most amazing feeling Ive ever had: Lottie Fry and Carl Hester deliver at World Championships to secure team silverBecky Moody battles back as Fiona Bigwood savours special Aachen moment for Great BritainHow to watch the 2026 FEI World Championships on TV and via livestreamBritish eventing, showjumping and dressage teams announced for World ChampionshipsWhats happening, when? The full 2026 FEI World Championships timetableThe post Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens provide a strong start for Britain at eventing World Championships appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse rug guide Turnout rugsChoose the fit first. Then build the protection around the horse.A turnout rug has to sit correctly before fabric, fill or weather protection can do their job. This Premier Equine guide starts with horse shape and fit, then explains outer fabrics, rug weights, practical rugging decisions, waterproof technology and liner systems.Fit comes firstBuild shoulder wither movement4 outer FABRICS600D 1200D 840D 1680D5 useful fill points0g 50g 100g 200g 400g+One clear aimProtection without unnecessary bulkThe best turnout rug is the one that suits the horses build, environment and changing conditions.Premier Equine rug guideIn this guideQuick answer Fit Outer fabric Fill Rugging guide Rug ranges Waterproof technology Liners FAQs01Quick answerHow should you choose a turnout rug?Start with fit and horse shape. Then choose the outer fabric for the turnout routine, decide how much insulation the horse actually needs, select the right neck coverage and only then refine the choice by weather, liner compatibility and individual product features.02Fit before fabricWhich Premier Equine turnout rug fit suits your horse?Look at the horse before the rug. Shoulder width, wither shape and overall build change how a turnout rug sits and how freely it can move in the field.Look at the shoulderBroad, powerful or very mobile?A deeper cut with more shoulder room can help the rug move with a broader horse rather than being pulled backwards through the chest.Look at the witherHigh or prominent?A neckline that gives extra wither clearance can reduce concentrated pressure over a sensitive area.Buster + AkoniSame fit family, different outer fabric. Both use the original Buster pattern with an extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset. A useful fit for broader horses and horses needing greater shoulder freedom.StratusA cleaner fit better suited to a narrower horse or one with more sloping shoulders. It does not use the extra-high Buster/Akoni shoulder profile.TitanA strong starting point for a regular-build horse. The mid-height shoulder gusset gives a balanced fit with controlled room through the shoulder.Hardy / Half NeckDesigned to give additional wither clearance. Particularly useful where a high wither or pressure around the wither needs more consideration.Important: Buster and Akoni share the same fit concept. The key difference is the outer fabric and the role each range is designed to perform. Always measure first and check the individual product size guide before changing size.03Outer fabricWhich turnout rug fabric should you choose?Denier describes the yarn weight used in the outer fabric. It helps compare how substantial the outer is, but the material itself matters too. Polyester and ballistic nylon behave differently in the field, particularly when abrasion, tearing, surface water and drying time are considered.600D polyester Diamond Triple WeaveLightweight with ripstop-style supportUsed across current Stratus and Akoni designs. The diamond triple-weave construction helps limit the spread of a tear while keeping the outer light and flexible.Works well forOlder horses, horses that run warm, quieter turnout or where a lighter-feeling rug is preferred.Trade-offLess tear and puncture resistance than ballistic nylon when turnout is particularly demanding.1200D polyester Oxford WeaveHigher abrasion resistance with quicker dryingStrong polyester construction with good abrasion resistance. Polyester generally holds less surface water than nylon, so it can feel lighter when wet and dry more quickly.Works well forRiders wanting a robust polyester outer without moving into ballistic nylon.Current range noteYou may still see 1200D on selected previous-generation or End of Line Premier Equine turnout rugs.840D ballistic nylon BusterStrong everyday durabilityA lighter-weight ballistic nylon with excellent tear, puncture and abrasion resistance. Buster combines this outer with the original Buster fit and extra-high shoulder gusset.Works well forHorses turned out with others, active horses and horses that rub against harder surfaces.Trade-offOnce the outer wets out, ballistic nylon can hold more surface water and take longer to dry than polyester.1680D ballistic nylon TitanThe toughest current PE outer directionHeavier and more substantial ballistic nylon with superior resistance to tearing, puncture and abrasion. Designed for demanding turnout and horses that are especially hard on rugs.Works well forPlayful horses, group turnout, rubbing and situations where outer durability is the main priority.Trade-offThe stronger nylon construction can feel heavier when surface-wet and will usually take longer to dry than polyester.04Fill and insulationHow much fill does your horse actually need?Choose fill after fit and outer fabric. The gram figure describes insulating fill, not the weather the rug is automatically for. The horse still makes the decision.HorseAge, body condition, coat and whether the horse naturally runs warm or cold.ClipA clipped horse has less natural insulation and may need more help in the same conditions.Forage + activityForage availability and how much the horse moves in the field both affect heat production.EnvironmentWind, rain, shelter and how long the horse is turned out matter alongside air temperature.0gNo fillWaterproof protection without added insulation.50gVery lightA small step above a rain sheet for cooler or changeable conditions.100gLightLight warmth when 0g is not quite enough.200gMediumA clearer increase in insulation for colder turnout.400g+HeavySubstantial insulation for horses and conditions that genuinely justify it.05Practical starting pointA turnout rugging guide for clipped and unclipped horses.This chart is a starting point, not a rigid rule. Use the temperature band to orient yourself, then adjust for rain, wind, body condition, forage, shelter, activity and the individual horse.TemperatureTurned out unclippedTurned out clippedWhat changes the decision?10 to 15CNothing or 0gOften no rug in dry conditions. Use waterproof protection if the horse needs help staying dry.0g or lightweightStart with rain protection and add only the warmth the horse actually needs.Persistent rain, wind exposure and poor shelter can move the decision upwards.5 to 10CNothing or lightweight0g to low fill can be useful in wet, exposed conditions.LightweightOften 50g to 100g as a starting point, with neck coverage where useful.Clip type, body condition and how active the horse is in the field.0 to 4CLightweight or medium-weightChoose around exposure and the horses natural coat.Medium-weightOften around 150g to 250g, with neck coverage if needed.Wet cold usually feels very different from dry cold. Check beneath the rug.-10 to 0CMedium-weight, possibly with neckIncrease only where the horse needs it.Medium to heavyweightMore insulation and neck coverage may be appropriate for fully clipped horses.Shelter, forage, age and whether the horse is maintaining condition.Below -10CHeavyweight where requiredStill assess the individual horse rather than rugging by temperature alone.Heavyweight + adaptable layeringA liner-compatible system can help manage severe or changing conditions.Severe weather requires more frequent checks and closer attention to condition and comfort.10 to 15CStarting pointUnclippedNothing or 0g. Use waterproof protection if the horse needs help staying dry.Clipped0g or lightweight. Add only the warmth the horse actually needs.Adjust forPersistent rain, wind and poor shelter.5 to 10CStarting pointUnclippedNothing or lightweight. 0g to low fill can be useful if wet or exposed.ClippedLightweight. Often 50g to 100g, with neck coverage where useful.Adjust forClip type, body condition and field activity.0 to 4CStarting pointUnclippedLightweight or medium-weight depending on exposure and coat.ClippedMedium-weight, often 150g to 250g, with neck coverage if needed.Adjust forWet cold, wind, shelter and regular checks beneath the rug.-10 to 0CStarting pointUnclippedMedium-weight, possibly with neck. Increase only where needed.ClippedMedium to heavyweight. More insulation may suit a fully clipped horse.Adjust forShelter, forage, age and condition.Below -10CStarting pointUnclippedHeavyweight where genuinely required.ClippedHeavyweight with adaptable layering may be useful in severe conditions.Adjust forMore frequent checks, condition, forage and shelter.06From problem to purchaseWhich Premier Equine turnout rug range is right for your horse?Use fit first, then fabric and fill. These examples show how the current Premier Equine turnout ranges solve different real-world needs.STREAMLINE fit 600D polyesterStratusA lighter 600D option with a cleaner fit that can suit narrower horses and more sloping shoulders. Current Stratus designs also use a waterproof and breathable membrane with a Teflon-coated finish.Explore Stratus 100gBuster fit 600D polyesterAkoniUses the same original Buster fit concept and extra-high shoulder gusset, but with a lighter 600D Diamond Triple Weave polyester outer. A useful choice when you want the Buster shape with a lighter-feeling fabric.Explore Akoni 0gBuster fit 840D ballistic nylonBusterThe original Buster fit with an extra-high shoulder gusset and a stronger 840D ballistic nylon outer. A strong everyday choice for broader, active horses or tougher turnout.Explore Buster 50gRegular build 1680D ballistic nylonTitanA mid-height shoulder gusset for a regular-build horse, paired with the highest-denier ballistic nylon direction in the current turnout range. Choose Titan when hard-wearing protection is the priority.Explore Titan 450gBroad horse?Start by comparing Buster and Akoni. Same fit family, different outer fabric.Narrow or sloping shoulder?Stratus may sit more cleanly through the shoulder.Regular build?Titan offers a more regular shoulder profile with a mid-height gusset.High wither?Consider the Hardy / Half Neck construction for extra wither clearance.Hard on rugs?Move towards 840D or 1680D ballistic nylon rather than choosing by fill alone.Weather changes often?Confirm liner compatibility before purchase.07Technical detailHow does a Premier Equine waterproof turnout rug work?Waterproof performance is a system, not a single coating. The exact construction varies by range, but the principle is the same: manage surface water, stop rain passing through the rug and allow moisture generated by the horse to move away.Waterproofing, layer by layer01 Outer surfaceTeflon-coated finishUsed on current PE turnout designs such as Buster, Titan and Stratus to improve stain resistance and help reduce moisture penetration into the outer fibres.02 Main barrierWaterproof + breathable membraneSits beneath the outer fabric. Microscopic pores are designed to repel larger water droplets while allowing airflow through the rug.03 Moisture managementHydrophilic membrane on Buster + TitanA second membrane deeper in the construction helps draw and disperse moisture from the horses coat. This supports a drier microclimate beneath the rug.04 Against the horseBreathable liningAntibacterial, anti-static or shine-enhancing linings are used depending on the range to support coat comfort and moisture management.Why can the outside feel wet?The outer fibres can absorb surface water once the finish begins to wet out. That does not automatically mean the waterproof membrane underneath has failed.When should you investigate?If water is reaching the lining or the horse beneath, inspect the fabric, seams and membrane for damage. Reproofing can refresh surface repellency, but it does not replace an intact waterproof membrane.08Adaptable insulationWhen does a liner system make more sense?A liner-compatible turnout gives you another way to adjust insulation without changing the complete outer rug. This can be useful when conditions shift through the week or when daytime and night-time temperatures differ.Step 01Choose the outerStart with the turnout fit and fabric that suit the horse and field routine.Step 02Check compatibilityConfirm that the individual turnout rug includes PE liner attachments before buying.Step 03Add insulation when neededUse compatible liners to increase warmth without replacing the complete turnout outer.Step 04Recheck the horseLayering increases insulation. Check beneath the rug and remove layers when the horse no longer needs them.Compatibility matters: not every PE turnout takes a liner. Hardy rugs, for example, do not include liner attachments because of the extended half-neck construction.Build a more adaptable rugging system with compatible Premier Equine liners.Explore horse rug liners09Frequently asked questionsTurnout rug questions, answered clearly.Can I use a reproofing product on a Premier Equine turnout rug?Yes. A suitable reproofing product can refresh surface water repellency and stain resistance. The main waterproof barrier is the membrane beneath the outer fabric, so reproofing does not repair damage to the membrane itself.Can I attach a neck cover to an Original turnout rug?No. Premier Equine Original turnout rugs are designed without neck cover attachments.My rug feels wet and heavy on the outside. Is it still waterproof?It can be. The outer fibres can become saturated while the waterproof membrane beneath continues to protect the horse. If moisture is passing through to the lining or the horse, inspect the rug for damage.Are Buster and Akoni turnout rugs the same fit?Yes. They share the original Buster fit concept, including the extra-high shoulder gusset and deep-cut shape. The important difference is the outer fabric: Akoni uses a lighter 600D Diamond Triple Weave polyester outer, while Buster uses 840D ballistic nylon.Do Premier Equine turnout rugs come up big?Buster and Akoni offer more room through the shoulder. On a standard or narrower horse, a different PE fit or sometimes a smaller size may sit more cleanly. Measure first and use the product-specific size guide before changing size.Which Premier Equine turnout rug range is the most durable?Titan is the most hard-wearing current range, using 1680D ballistic nylon. Durability still depends on field conditions, rubbing, fencing and herd behaviour.How should I wash a Premier Equine turnout rug?Where possible, use a professional horse rug laundry service or an appropriately sized industrial machine. If machine washing is suitable, wash at 30C with non-bio detergent, avoid fabric conditioner and allow the rug to dry naturally. Avoid tumble drying and direct heat.How should I store a turnout rug?Store only when the rug is fully dry and free from mud, manure and other organic matter. Keep it folded in a clean, dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.The final rug decisionFit the horse. Match the field. Then choose the protection.A good turnout rug decision becomes much simpler when you use the right order. Start with the horses build and fit. Choose the outer fabric for the turnout routine. Add the level of insulation the horse genuinely needs. Then refine the choice with neck coverage, waterproof technology and liner compatibility.Explore horse turnout rugs Lightweight turnout rugs Medium-weight turnout rugs Heavyweight turnout rugs Horse rug linersAlways check the individual product page for the latest sizing, specification, materials, care guidance, liner compatibility and availability. Where health, body condition or temperature regulation is a concern, seek appropriate veterinary advice.

A colt born at Redwings Horse Sanctuary after his mother was neglected can now enjoy a pain-free life thanks to specialist surgery and rehab at the charitys Horse Hospital.Now yearling Echo was born to mare Electra, one of 10 thoroughbred-types given a forever home at the charity after their owner was prosecuted by the RSPCA.Electra was one of four mares the man from Suffolk was convicted of welfare offences in respect of, three of whom were in foal. Echo was the only foal who survived after one dam died dueto severe parasitic worm diseaseand the other foal was born with several health issues and tragically didnt make it.The group arrived at Redwings in March last year, and Echo was born in June. A further six horses arrived in February this year, after the case concluded and the owner was banned from keeping animals for life.Unfortunately Echo developed a flexural deformity of the coffin joint, known as a club foot, which meant his tendon didnt have enough flexibility to allow his heel to drop, said Nicky Jarvis, Head of Veterinary and Care at Redwings.Following an episode of lameness, we then diagnosed sesamoiditis [inflammation of the proximal sesamoid bones that lie behind the fetlock joint] which caused pain and further discouraged him from dropping his heel to the ground.Echo surgery had his surgery in May We gave him pain relief and moved him onto woodchips at our Horse Hospital to rest, along with his mum Electra, where our brilliant farriers also gave him specialist trims to try to help, but unfortunately it didnt improve matters enough.We sent X-rays to our colleagues at specialist equine hospital Rossdales for some additional advice and they recommended that Echo needed surgical intervention.Usually an operation like this would involve a horse having to be travelled, but as Redwings has a dedicated Horse Hospital and theatre, the charity was able to have one of their expert vets come to them instead, which meant Echo and his dam could stay in the comfort of familiar surroundings.Echo in February 2026The surgery, which involved cutting and releasing the inferior check ligament, went well, and our dedicated horse care team followed it with a rehab programme including physio, timed walks and picking up his other legs to encourage the heel to drop on the affected limb, over several months, continued Nicky.Finally, Im happy to say, Echo has a spring in his step! Hes doing so well that he can now run around pain-free. His progress is wonderful to see.Richard Payne, Clinical Director at Rossdales, who carried out the surgery, shared Nickys happiness at the successful outcome.Echo and Electra in July 2026Weve had a fantastic relationship with the team at Redwings for many years and are delighted to have played a part in achieving success in this case, he said.Theyre lovely people dealing with tough situations with limited resources and were happy when were able to help.The group of 10 horses associated with the prosecution case have needed extensive treatment since arriving at Redwings, including surgeries, plasma infusions and dental care.A safe haven: Artemis, Echo, Electra, Helios, Hermes and Hera in July 2026If youre able to make a donation towards Echo and his friends continued care, and to helpRedwingsbeReady to Rescue, wed be so grateful, and to everyone who already has, thank you so much, added Nicky. As a charity reliant on donations, the treatment that Echo and his friends have received in our care wouldnt have been possible without you.More from Your HorseHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsLooking for hacking inspiration? Most scenic riding routes revealedTwo in-hand exercises to improve a horses core strengthBye-bye bugs: Seven fly repellent sprays put to the testThe post Colt who survived dams neglect given pain-free future thanks to surgery appeared first on Your Horse.

Lottie Fry, who is defending world champion with her spectacular black stallion Glamourdale, helped secure team silver for Great Britain at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany this afternoon (12 August). Lottie and Glamourdale (pictured top), a 15-year-old Lottie owns alongside van Olst Horses, produced the sort of performance for which this horse has become renowned expressive, powerful and electric for a score of 80.31%, which put them second individually. Im feeling amazing, said Lottie afterwards. Glamourdale was just incredible. That was the most amazing feeling Ive ever had in the ring.The pair were not completely foot-perfect. Lottie admitted there had been a small misunderstanding early in the test in a piaffe, but it was an otherwise spectacular test.The rest of them [the piaffes] were really good, and the last piaffe on the centre line was just incredible, she said. I was laughing inside; it was amazing.Glamourdale and Lottie have a brilliant partnership, and this shone through today. Their CV includes double individual gold at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, and they added team and individual bronze at the Paris Olympics and European team gold and the 2025 World Cup title to his CV too. Aachens historic main stadium is enormous, with the noise and scale capable of testing even the most experienced horse and rider, but Glamourdale seemed to lap it up.He absolutely loves Aachen and he always goes well here, Lottie said. I never have a bad ride here, touch wood, and he was just insane in that arena. He loved every second of it, and he loved the crowd. At the end, he wanted to go right up to them. It was so cool.That atmosphere is a huge part of what makes Aachen such a special venue, and Lottie believes it is exactly what championship dressage should feel like.For me, thats how a championship should be. Its just incredible to go into an arena like that, she said. Glamourdale loves to show off. He rises to the occasion every time. Her performance was particularly significant for Britain, who came into the second and final day of the grand prix competition chasing Germany for team gold. After a difficult test from Becky Moody and Jagerbomb yesterday, Britain needed strong scores from its two remaining combinations. Becky scored 73.82%, while Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella posted 69.35%, a score expected to be discarded. Carl Hester then produced a hugely important ride with Fame (pictured above), scoring 77.31% exceeding the 75-77% range he had set himself as a realistic target.I had to go in there and do the best possible test for the team, Carl explained. Becky is so solid, but her horse was lit up yesterday and that is happening with a lot of horses in that arena with the atmosphere.Fame, who historically has sometimes been spooky on the world stage, thankfully proved more than capable of handling the occasion today.I was so able to direct my thoughts to my horse and he reacted absolutely beautifully, Carl said. Weve watched him over the years get calmer and calmer and I think possibly today was one of his calmest tests.The 16-year-old, owned by Carl, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, agave Carl the confidence he needed to step their performance up a level. Quite often its at the beginning of the test where we dont get the points Im trying to get in the halts, the walk or the rein-back and as far as I could feel, we really nailed those movements today, he said.Speaking about what its like to ride at Aachen, Carl said: You cant explain what its like to ride in that arena until youve ridden in it. The atmosphere actually gave me a lift, because I suddenly felt confident because he didnt react negatively at all to the noise.You really feel like youre riding in front of a dressage audience here too, as they are so knowledgeable the audience judging has been pretty similar to the marks the judges are awarding, Hester said. Were not being watched by seven judges, were being watched by 20,000 judges!With the grand prix deciding the team medals, Germany ultimately won team gold on a score of 235.063, Britain scored 231.445 and Denmark secured bronze on 229.426.The next element of the dressage World Championships is the grand prix special, which takes place on Friday, 14 August, when the individual medals will begin to be decided. The freestyle follows on Saturday evening.For now, though, Britain can savour a day when its two most experienced combinations delivered under the brightest of spotlights, and when Glamourdale reminded Aachen exactly why he is a world champion. Images: Tim WilkinsonRelated contentBecky Moody battles back as Fiona Bigwood savours special Aachen moment for Great BritainHow to watch the 2026 FEI World Championships on TV and via livestreamBritish eventing, showjumping and dressage teams announced for World ChampionshipsWhats happening, when? The full 2026 FEI World Championships timetableThe post The most amazing feeling Ive ever had: Lottie Fry and Carl Hester deliver at World Championships to secure team silver appeared first on Your Horse.