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

Sponsored content in collaboration with DengieAgeing can alter any animals nutritional requirements and this needs to be considered when choosing the most suitable feeds for older horses and ponies.To promote general good health, a regular worming programme is important, and teeth should be checked regularly too by a vet or reputable equine dental technician.At what age does a horse become a veteran?Horses age at different rates and although they are often considered to be senior at 15, as veterinary and nutritional science continue to improve, the age we consider horses to be a veteran is changing.Where some horses will be struggling with their weight and have dental problems in their late teens, others will still be going strong into their mid-twenties and beyond. This means its hard to determine exactly when a horse should be considered a senior, but the key thing is to look for changes in the individual.If you notice differences then it is an indication that they require some special attention. However, if a veteran horse is still in good health, then as with a horse of any age, simply choose a ration that is best suited to their bodyweight or workload.Although there are many senior specific mixes and cubes on the market, not every elderly horse or pony needs them, especially those that hold their weight well.Senior-specific problemsPoor dentition and weight loss are just some of the problems that a senior horse may encounter. In practice, this means they may require a more specialised ration all year round. Feeding horses with poor dentition in the winter months can be particularly challenging, as the reliance on conserved, long-stem forage such as hay increases.Monitoring bodyweight and condition by regular use of a weigh tape and body condition scoring is good practice for any horse owner, but it is especially important for those with older horses. This will provide plenty of opportunity to alter the feed ration before any weight changes progress too far.Feeding the underweight veteranJust because a horse is old, it does not necessarily mean that they are going to be thin. However, for those that really are underweight, it is important to ascertain the reason why and not just put it down to old age.Run through a checklist including dental check, vet check and worming check to identify any problems. Also check the horses diet. In particular, ask yourself whether they are eating as much hay as they used to? It may be time to consider moving onto a more senior-specific, higher-energy feed or a hay replacer product if they are now struggling to chew long-length forages.Remember to proceed with caution, as the best feed for veteran weight gain may not actually be a senior-specific mix or cube, especially for horses that require a low sugar and starch diet.Alfa-A Oil is Dengies highest calorie fibre feed and has a calorie level equivalent to a conditioning mix or cube, but without the high sugar and starch levels. This makes Alfa-A Oil a very suitable feed for older horses that need to gain weight, but who require a low sugar and starch ration.Feeding the veteran with poor dentitionOlder horses often have poor dentition, which can result in weight loss as they are unable to properly chew their feed. Ensuring the horse has a high fibre diet which is easy for them to chew is vital for ensuring they dont lose condition, particularly over the winter months.Dengie Hi-Fi Senior combines nutrient rich alfalfa with soft grasses, making it ideal for veterans with less than perfect teeth. Hi-Fi Senior can be used as part of the bucket feed or as a forage replacer for horses who are no longer able to eat hay or haylage.Soaked fibre feeds such as Dengie Alfa-Beet can be fed alongside or instead of a chopped fibre feed. Alfa-Beet is made from alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet, two highly digestible fibres, helping to promote weight gain and condition even for those with no teeth at all.Alfa-Beet is also ideal for aiding hydration, which is particularly helpful over the winter months when horses can be reluctant to drink.Case study: a 31-year-olds calorie-controlled dietKizzy is a 31-year-old ex-riding school pony who has numerous health conditions that affect her diet and management. The mare hasdiastemas(gaps in the teeth) and recently had a front tooth removed due to a longitudinal fracture. This means she needs a soaked bucket feed without any short, chopped fibre in her ration as this gets stuck between the gaps in her teeth.Kizzy can also suffer periodically with digestive health issues, which are evident in her droppings and are worse if her hay is coarse and stalky.As she is a good doer and prone to laminitis, Kizzy is kept on a very strict calorie-controlled diet that is also low in sugar and starch.Daily turnoutWhen Kizzy was first weighed in 2010, she was overweight and weighed around 320kg. With a strict diet and management plan, she gradually lost the necessary weight and has maintained a healthier body condition weighing in around 260kg for the last couple of years. This has positively impacted her health in lots of ways and Kizzys owner, Tracey, works very hard to manage her various health conditions to keep her happy and healthy. It can be difficult dealing with more than one issue at once.Kizzy doesnt go out to grass anymore, but she is turned out in her own wood chip paddock every day with various buckets of soaked hay to encourage her to forage. She also has a bucket feed ofDengie Alfa-Beetwith an added vitamin and mineral supplement to provide her with a balanced diet.For more information about the Dengie range, or for advice about your own horse or ponys diet, visit dengie.com.Related contentForage replacers for every horse and pony when hay and grazing is poor *Ad feature* How hard is your horse really working? *Sponsored*A feed to support and maintain healthy hooves, even if your horse is a good-doer *Promotion*Feed 80% of forage during the day to reduce ulcer risk, says vetThe post How to feed a veteran horse or pony struggling to hold their weight or with poor teeth or weight loss *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

Police have responded to riders reports of unsafe driving by carrying out a special operation in Yorkshire.Roads Policing Officers and Community Safety Mounted Volunteers took to the streets to conduct Operation Close Pass earlier this summer.The operation on New Road in Nafferton followed multiple reports from the equestrian community regarding drivers unsafely passing riders in the area.In total, 43 drivers were addressed for speed, or passing too close to the horse and rider, however the force was pleased to add that 24 drivers were noted for their exceptional manner of driving and displaying care when overtaking the horses.We are aware that drivers often fail to realise how intimidating or dangerous a close pass can be, and this operation is aimed at raising awareness of these dangers and keeping road users safe, said Sergeant Julie Fenton, Force lead on the Community Safety Mounted Volunteers.Horses can be spooked by loud noises or large vehicles, and cyclists can become unsteady on uneven or slippery surfaces; passing slowly, carefully and at a safe distance helps to keep the roads safe for us all.Op Close Pass is a national operation aimed at educating drivers on the safe passage of vulnerable road uses such as horses and cyclists and aims to offer constructive guidance to drivers.Any footage of dangerous or inconsiderate driving can be submitted to Operation Snap. More information can be found here.Lead image by Tim Graham/Getty ImagesRelated contentOperation Snap: how to report a riding incident to the policeWhich colour high vis is best? Poll reveals most popular among #Hack1000Miles ridersEssential 12-point checklist for safer and happier hackingThe Highway Code: what it means for horse ridersThe post Police catch 43 drivers passing too close or fast following riders reports appeared first on Your Horse.

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Sponsored content in collaboration with BEDMAXKeeping a horse comfortable through winter can be expensive, and bedding is one of the most significant recurring costs for owners. However, making your bedding budget stretch further does not have to mean compromising on your horses health, comfort or wellbeing.When comparing bedding, it can be tempting to focus on the initial price. However, the cheapest bag will not necessarily offer the best overall value. Other things to consider include:Absorbency, durability and the amount removed during mucking out all influence how long a bed lasts. A product that costs slightly more but requires fewer top-ups and produces less waste may prove more economical over time.Good stable management can also make a considerable difference. Removing wet and soiled patches carefully, without taking out unnecessary clean bedding, can help reduce waste and make each bag last longer.An economical alternativeStraw pellets are an increasingly popular option for owners looking for a practical and cost-effective bedding solution. Unlike traditional baled straw, Strawmax pellets are made from high-quality British straw that is milled, heat-treated and dust-extracted before being compressed into easy-to-handle bags.Once laid, the pellets create a highly absorbent bed that draws moisture into concentrated areas. This makes wet patches easier to identify and remove without disturbing the rest of the bed, helping owners retain more clean bedding and reduce the amount sent to the muck heap.After setting up the initial bed, many owners find that around one bag a week is sufficient for ongoing maintenance, although this will vary depending on the horse, stable and management routine.Try a layered bedYou do not need to change your horses bedding completely to benefit from straw pellets. They can also be used beneath high-quality shavings to create a practical combination bed. The pellets form an absorbent base, while the shavings provide a soft and comfortable top layer. Strawmax can also be added to areas where your horse tends to urinate, helping to prevent moisture from spreading through the bed.Keeping the top layer cleaner and drier means fewer shavings may need to be removed during mucking out, potentially reducing waste and the number of replacement bales required.Straw pellets can be used to form an absorbent baseMake every bag work harderSmall changes to your routine can add up to worthwhile savings. Take time to understand how your horse uses their stable and adapt the bed accordingly. Some horses benefit from a full, deep bed, while others may be comfortably managed on a smaller bed with generous banks.Using the right tools can help too. A suitable bedding fork allows clean material to fall through while retaining droppings, reducing the amount accidentally thrown away. Storing unopened bags somewhere clean and dry will also protect the bedding until needed, without creating extra work during busy winter mornings.Keeping a simple record of how many bags you use each week can highlight where savings could be made and make winter budgeting easier.Keep costs downUltimately, economical bedding is not simply about finding the lowest-priced product. By choosing an absorbent, consistent bedding and managing it carefully, you can reduce waste, make each bag last longer and still provide your horse with a clean, comfortable bed throughout winter.For more advice on choosing and managing your horses bedding this winter, visit bedmaxshavings.com.Related contentBedmax horse bedding: an unbeatable combination of health, hygiene and economy *Promotion*Bedding business founder and pioneer in improving equine health receives lifetime achievement awardExperts advise how to choose the best type of bedding to suit your horseThe biggest health threat to stabled horses revealed, with many owners suffering tooThe post Cut the cost of horse bedding without compromising on quality this winter *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

Research exploring rider weight and its impact on the muscles and heart of a pony has recently been published in the International Journal of Equine Science.The study investigated epaxial muscles (those located above the spine) and their sensitivity to pain, as well as heart rate variability (HRV) as a physiological stress factor.The research team, led my Jenna Payne, analysed ridden Exmoor ponies from different age groups. The 10 trekking ponies were aged between 13 and 25.Credit: Freya SmithThree riders took part in the study, a lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight.The ponies completed a trekking route of just over 4km in walk and trot, once a day for three consecutive days with each of the above riders.A pressure algometer was used to determine sensitivity to pain before, immediately after and two hours following the ride. HRV was also recorded at these times.Image by Freya SmithThe data revealed that the ponies aged 17 or younger experienced an increased sensitivity to pain two hours after the ride, for all rider weights. Ponies aged 18 or older experienced a reduced sensitivity to pain immediately following exercise, but increased sensitivity after two hours rest, when ridden by middleweight or heavyweight riders. HRV was not affected by the age of the pony.The team noted that further research is needed with a larger cohort and selection of breeds or types, and longevity of effects. Industry recognition A poster demonstrating the study won a competition at the 2026 Horses Inside Out Conference earlier this year.This years winner, Jenna Payne, produced a poster that was well-researched, interesting, and very timely, given that the rider weight debate and associated welfare issues are at the forefront of many minds, said Gillian Higgins, founder of Horses Inside Out.The Effects of Rider Weight and Pony Age on Epaxial Muscle Pain Sensitivity and Heart Rate Variability in Exmoor Ponies: A Preliminary Study can be read in full in the International Journal of Equine Science.Lead image by Freya SmithRelated contentHow much weight can a horse carry?Veterans: vet advice for adjusting to the senior years and knowing when to ease off on his workloadResearch reveals surprising similarity between horses and beatboxersThe post Impact of rider weight explored in Exmoor pony study appeared first on Your Horse.

When I close my eyes and think of Kenya, a slideshow of sights, sounds, smells and sensations come rushing back with such vividness and rapidity that it feels as though someone has pressed the fast-forward button: Vast golden plains running endlessly towards the horizon. Long, tussock-like grasses swooshing under my horses feet. Wood-smoke-scented bucket showers []The post A Special Day on Safari appeared first on In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide.