10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Worried kissing spine will sideline your UK horse for good? Heres a clear, vet- and physio-backed 4month planstarting with 3 weeks of controlled walking and daily carrot stretchesshowing exactly how to build core strength, optimise saddle fit, and use the RHPE so you can reduce pain and return to regular work with confidence. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Ridden Pain Check What To Do: Use the RHPE before, during and after sessions each week, and log behaviours. If pain is flagged, pause ridden work and adjust the plan. Why It Matters: Objective checks keep work painfree and guide safe progression. Common Mistake: Guessing comfort or ignoring subtle behaviour changes. Area: Saddle & Pads What To Do: Book a qualified saddle fitter to check balance and panel contact over thoracics. Use a shockabsorbing pad if advised and recheck fit as topline changes. Why It Matters: Correct pressure distribution reduces irritation under the saddle area. Common Mistake: Swapping pads or shims without professional fitting. Area: Core Activation What To Do: Do daily baited stretches (chin to chest/knees/fetlocks and lateral to girth) and add controlled hill walks when footing is safe. Keep reps slow and symmetrical. Why It Matters: Activates abdominals and lifts the back, easing thoracic loading. Common Mistake: Rushing reps or dropping stretches once the horse feels better. Area: Poles & Lunging What To Do: Start inhand poles 23 times weekly and 1015 minute lunges in a calm frame; consider Equiband Pro to cue core. Progress to raised poles and fan layouts gradually. Why It Matters: Encourages back lift, stride control and straightness without rider weight. Common Mistake: Overlong sessions or adding complexity before painfree basics. Area: Stepwise Progression What To Do: Follow four phases: settle pain, activate core, build strength/straightness, return to work. Only advance when the RHPE is clean; step back a week if new behaviours appear. Why It Matters: Gradual loading builds resilience and prevents flareups. Common Mistake: Advancing by the calendar rather than the horses comfort and quality. Area: Hoof Balance What To Do: Involve your farrier early; use shorter trim/shoeing intervals during rehab to maintain balance. Review mediolateral symmetry and toe length as posture changes. Why It Matters: Balanced feet improve posture and reduce compensatory back strain. Common Mistake: Focusing on the back while ignoring foot balance. Area: Physio & Vet Team What To Do: Work with an RCVS vet and qualified physio for manual therapy, targeted exercises and, if indicated, laser/PEMF or shockwave. Agree a written programme and review fortnightly. Why It Matters: A coordinated, evidencebased plan accelerates recovery and protects welfare. Common Mistake: Relying on single modalities or DIY plans without oversight. Area: UK Management & Safety What To Do: Use small pens and firm, nonslip surfaces in wet months; choose breathable, wellfitted rugs. Wear grippy boots and hivis for handwalking and keep daily notes of walks, stretches and RHPE. Why It Matters: Managing local footing and safety prevents slips and setbacks. Common Mistake: Overrugging, inconsistent surfaces, and poor handler safety habits. In This Guide What is kissing spine and where does it hurt? Early signs and how to confirm pain Can I keep riding during rehab? A proven 4month conservative rehab plan Postsurgery weeks 14: what changes? The rehab toolkit: saddle, rider, feet, physio and nutrition UKspecific management and common mistakes to avoid Kissing spine is no longer a career-ending diagnosis for many UK horses. With a structured plan and the right team, you can reduce pain, rebuild strength, and safely return your horse to regular work.Key takeaway: Most horses with kissing spine improve with a targeted, UK-friendly rehab plan built around core strength, correct posture, and careful progression and some are back in full training in around 4 months.What is kissing spine and where does it hurt?Kissing spine (overriding dorsal spinous processes, ORDSP) most often affects the thoracic spine under the saddle area, where rider weight can exacerbate pain. This is typically towards the back of the rib cage, around the mid-to-posterior saddle panels.Those bony fin-like projections along the top of the vertebrae can touch or overlap, leading to inflammation, muscle guarding, and reduced back mobility. As The Horse Physio explains, location matters: problems right under the saddle make poor fit and rider asymmetry particularly influential and fixable. Thats why rehab prioritises core stability, postural control, and saddle assessment from day one.Early signs and how to confirm painEarly signs include back pain, reduced performance, and resistance under saddle often in the saddle region because of the thoracic location. Confirm ridden comfort using a structured tool like the 20behaviour Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE) and your vets examination.Common red flags include ear pinning, tail swishing, hollowing the back, napping, reluctance to canter, girthiness, and stiffness through transitions. The RHPE helps you track pain-related behaviours objectively before, during, and after sessions (The Horse Physio). Combine this with veterinary assessment and high-quality imaging when indicated. Also scrutinise the saddle; pressure points over affected thoracic vertebrae quickly amplify pain (Bark and Ride Physio).Quick tip: Watch your horses reaction during grooming over the saddle area flinching, dipping, or resentment can signal discomfort. A soft brush and consistent routine from our grooming essentials can make daily checks more comfortable and informative.Can I keep riding during rehab?Yes if your horse shows no pain using the RHPE, short, sympathetic ridden work focused on posture and back lift can help rehabilitation. If pain is evident, pause ridden work and build core strength in-hand first.Equine physiotherapist Sue Palmer (The Horse Physio) is clear on how to decide:If the horse is not in pain in his ridden work, which you can measure using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, then its likely that ridden work will benefit him, as long as it is done sympathetically and with the aim of building and supporting core strength, postural stability, and spinal flexibility. Sue PalmerKeep early rides short, prioritise long-and-low frames achieved through relaxation (not gadgets that force the head down), and re-check the RHPE weekly. Ensure your saddle is assessed by a qualified fitter and consider a shock-absorbing pad from trusted brands like LeMieux to buffer pressure over the thoracic spine. If youre hand-walking on verges or quiet lanes, stay safe with supportive riding boots and highvisibility layers from our hi-vis selection.A proven 4month conservative rehab planNon-surgical rehab typically begins with around 3 weeks of box rest/hand-walking, before adding lunging and core work; some horses return to full training by month four. This structured, progressive approach is supported by work from the Ontario Veterinary College, summarised in Equus Magazine.Heres a UK-friendly framework you can adapt with your RCVS-registered vet and qualified physiotherapist:Phase 1: Weeks 13 Settle pain, start controlled movementBox rest or small, well-bedded pen turnout (especially vital in wet, muddy UK winters to avoid slips).1015 minutes of in-hand walking on firm, flat surfaces once or twice daily, increasing slowly if comfortable.Daily baited carrot stretches (chin to chest, to knees, to fetlocks; lateral to girth) to encourage thoracic flexion and back lift (The Horse Physio).Physio-guided manual therapy and, if advised, electrotherapies like laser or PEMF to settle muscle tension (IP Vet Physio).Discuss pain relief with your vet and review saddle fit now to avoid retriggering soreness when work increases.Phase 2: Weeks 46 Activate the core, mobilise the spineIntroduce in-hand pole work 23 times weekly, starting with 46 poles at walk, spacing to promote correct step length and back lift.Add short lunging sessions (1015 minutes) in a controlled frame. Many clinicians favour aids that promote abdominal engagement, such as the Equiband Pro (Equicore Concepts).Continue baited stretches and progress to gentle hill walks if footing is safe and the RHPE remains painfree.Protect limbs during polework with supportive horse boots and bandages to keep the focus on back mechanics, not knocks.Phase 3: Weeks 710 Strength and straightnessProgress pole configurations (fan shapes, slightly raised cavaletti) to challenge straightness and thoracic mobility without fatigue.Begin short, painfree ridden walks if the RHPE is clean and your physio agrees; prioritise soft, elastic contact and a swinging back.Use a well-fitted saddle plus, where appropriate, a shockabsorbing pad (see LeMieux pads and numnahs) to reduce focal pressure over affected thoracic areas.Phase 4: Weeks 1116 Return to workBuild duration in walk and trot with frequent transitions, shallow loops, and gentle lateral work to maintain lift and suppleness.Reintroduce canter only when the RHPE remains painfree in walk and trot, and core stability is evident from the ground.Maintain twiceweekly polework and weekly physio checkins initially; taper as consistency returns.Support softtissue recovery with targeted nutrition (omega3s, antioxidants like vitamin E/selenium) from our curated supplements range alongside veterinary advice.Pro tip: Progressions are earned, not scheduled. If you see new RHPE pain behaviours, stiffness, or resentment, step back a week and reestablish comfort before advancing again.Postsurgery weeks 14: what changes?After kissing spine surgery, the first month focuses on box rest or limited turnout, controlled inhand walking, and gentle manual therapy to manage muscle tension and early scar tissue. Youll still build core strength youll just start more cautiously.Gadd Osteopathy outlines Phase 1 (Weeks 14) as box rest or small penned turnout, short inhand walks, and light osteopathic/physio input to restore comfortable range through the thoracic spine. In UK winters, footing is everything: well-drained, nonslip yards and small pens prevent setbacks. Pain management is veterinaryled; your therapist will layer in gentle mobilisation and softtissue work to prevent guarding. Expect groundwork (poles, lunging with core aids) a little later than in conservative plans, and only as your surgeon and physio agree.Quick tip: Keep records. Note daily walking time, stretch reps, and any RHPE behaviours. Objective notes keep your whole team aligned and help your insurer and yard manager understand the plan.The rehab toolkit: saddle, rider, feet, physio and nutritionSuccess depends on saddle fit, rider technique, hoof balance, and targeted physiotherapy not one element alone. Addressing all four, plus smart equipment choices, is what shifts spinal loading away from painful thoracic segments.Saddle fit and pads A qualified saddle fitter should assess balance, panel contact, and wither clearance over affected thoracics. Shockabsorbing, welldesigned pads can buffer pressure while the back remuscles; our customers rate the quality and consistency from LeMieux.Rider influence Sympathetic riding that encourages a lifted, swinging back is nonnegotiable. Short sessions, frequent transitions, and tactful hands help. Consider a lunge lesson for your own position a small change in your symmetry can transform your horses comfort.Hoof balance Farriery is a cornerstone. Balanced feet improve posture and reduce compensatory strain along the kinetic chain (Dr Barbara Parks). Loop your farrier into the plan; shorter trim intervals during early rehab can help maintain balance as musculature changes.Physiotherapy and electrotherapies The consensus is clear:Physiotherapy is vital in the rehabilitation of horses with kissing spines. A tailored program may include techniques like stretching, in-hand pole work and electrotherapy. Exercises that promote flexibility and core strength are crucial. C Reynolds Vet PhysioExpect manual therapy, sports massage, and modalities like laser or PEMF, all used within a progressive exercise plan (IP Vet Physio, Bark and Ride Physio). Many UK practitioners are mobile, making yard-based rehab straightforward.Core activation tools and exercises Equine rehab specialists at Equicore Concepts recommend baited activations, inhand pole work, and lunging with the Equiband Pro to cue abdominal lift and controlled movement. Start simple; complexity comes later when movement is painfree and repeatable.Veterinary therapies Work with your RCVS-registered vet to plan analgesia and, if needed, therapies such as shockwave or mesotherapy, delivered under UK welfare standards (Animal Welfare Act 2006). Injections and more invasive steps are rarely first-line when conservative rehab and saddle/hoof/rider changes are still to be optimised.Safety and handler comfort Controlled hand-walking and roadwork demand sturdy, grippy footwear and visibility. Choose supportive horse riding boots and layer from our hivis collection for dark winter afternoons.UKspecific management and common mistakes to avoidIn the UK, manage mud with small pens and firm walking surfaces, dont rush ridden work before core stability, and avoid overrugging that restricts back mobility. Seasonal planning prevents avoidable setbacks.Winter and mud Limit turnout to small, well-drained areas in Weeks 14 to prevent slips. If your horse lives out, choose breathable, well-fitted turnout rugs that dont bridge the back or impede shoulder movement, and monitor weight/comfort daily.Spring and summer Capitalise on better ground to progress poles and hill work outdoors. Long daylight helps you fit in two short sessions rather than one long one kinder for backs rebuilding strength.Autumn Damp conditions tempt heavy rugs. Keep them as light as your horses condition allows to protect thoracic movement, checking for rubs as musculature changes. Continue RHPE checks as training ramps up.Common mistakesRushing straight back to schooling once pain eases build the core first, then the workload.Skipping the saddle/hoof/rider triad success relies on all three alongside physio.Inconsistent surfaces alternate between deep and slippery ground and youll court flare-ups; consistency helps tissue adapt.Neglecting daily stretches theyre the cheapest, most effective part of your programme.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend planning your week in advance, pencilling in two short core sessions, one physioapproved lunge, and one easy hack or inhand walk adjusting with the RHPE and your therapists input.FAQsWhat are the earliest signs of kissing spine in performance horses?Back pain, reluctance to go forward, hollowing under saddle, tail swishing, ear pinning, and resistance in transitions are common early clues, particularly under the saddle because the thoracic spine is often involved (The Horse Physio; Bark and Ride Physio). Confirm ridden comfort using the RHPEs 20 behaviours.Can my horse keep working during non-surgical rehab?Yes if theyre painfree on the RHPE. Keep sessions short and sympathetic, focused on postural stability and back lift. If pain appears, pause ridden work, review saddle/hoof balance, and return to inhand exercises until comfortable (Sue Palmer).How long does conservative rehab take?A structured plan can see some horses back in full training in about 4 months, following an initial 3week rest/handwalking phase and progressive lunging/pole work (Equus Magazine). Early, consistent intervention improves outcomes.What exercises help avoid surgery?Daily baited stretches, inhand pole work, and controlled lunging with coreactivation aids like the Equiband Pro are mainstays (Equicore Concepts; IP Vet Physio). Progress slowly to maintain flexibility without overloading.What role does the farrier play?Hoof balance is pivotal. Correct angles and symmetry improve posture and reduce compensatory back strain, supporting thoracic comfort throughout rehab (Dr Barbara Parks).When should I call the vet?If pain persists despite rest and a saddle check, or the RHPE flags repeated behaviours. Your RCVS-registered vet can discuss options such as shockwave or mesotherapy and coordinate with your physio under UK welfare standards.What kit is genuinely useful for rehab days?Coreactivation tools for lunging, ground poles, a wellfitted saddle with a quality pad (see LeMieux), supportive riding boots for you, and visibility for handwalking from our hivis range. Many owners also add targeted nutrients from our supplements collection after consulting their vet.Ready to start? Build your weekly plan, book your RCVS vet and qualified physio, and set yourself up with safe yardwear and simple rehab tools. For everyday essentials from protective horse boots and bandages for polework to breathable turnout rugs our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Boots & BandagesShop SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding Boots

12 min read Last updated: January 2026 Planning a 14-hour UK horse haul and worried about welfare and legality? Learn how to turn that route into a compliant, horse-first plan that keeps your horse hydrated and low-stress, with specifics like the 12-hour (or 8-hour in heat/cold) limit and 45-minute breaks every 4.5 hours. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Journey Time Limits What To Do: Plan within 12 hours (8 hours if 25C or 0C). Only exceed if you have an exemption; never travel at 30C without vehicle thermoregulation. Why It Matters: Keeps you compliant and protects horse welfare in heat or cold. Common Mistake: Assuming a 14hour continuous haul is fine without exemption or splitting. Area: Stop Scheduling What To Do: Take 45minute breaks every 4.5 hours and add microstops in heat. At each stop offer water, top hay, and allow headdown eating. Why It Matters: Supports welfare and drivers hours compliance. Common Mistake: Treating breaks as driveronly and skipping horse checks and care. Area: Hydration Plan What To Do: Offer plain and flavoured water at every stop and at least every 68 hours. Precondition to a flavour, bring dayone home water, and use plain salt beforehand as advised. Why It Matters: Prevents dehydration, impaction colic, and heat stress. Common Mistake: Relying on unfamiliar water and waiting for obvious thirst. Area: Feeding & Forage What To Do: Feed dustfree forage continuously (1.52% bodyweight/day). Split concentrates into small feeds, add soaked beet pulp, and allow groundlevel eating at stops. Why It Matters: Maintains gut motility and protects airways and stomach. Common Mistake: Big starchy meals or gaps in fibre availability. Area: Temperature & Rugging What To Do: Travel in cooler hours, maximise airflow, and use the lightest rug needed or none. Reassess at each stop; do not haul at 30C without thermoreg. Why It Matters: Prevents overheating or chilling and keeps within legal caps. Common Mistake: Overrugging and shutting vents, causing heat buildup. Area: Vehicle & Paperwork What To Do: For >8h trips hold a Certificate of Competence; if >3.5t, have an Operators Licence and tachograph. Provide 20 cm headroom, secure partitions, nonslip floors, and halters. Why It Matters: DVSA/BHS requirements safeguard legality and safety. Common Mistake: Travelling without the right licences or compliant vehicle fitout. Area: Split Long Routes What To Do: Divide 14 hours into two legal legs with an overnight rest at suitable premises. Align welfare tasks with driver break blocks and tighten plans in temperature extremes. Why It Matters: Reduces stress and keeps you within time limits. Common Mistake: Trying to push through instead of scheduling an overnight. Area: Route & Kit Prep What To Do: Prebook safe, quiet stop points. Pack two labelled buckets, slow hay nets, electrolytes, consistent fibre, travel boots, hivis, sponge and scraper. Why It Matters: Smooth, efficient stops prevent avoidable problems. Common Mistake: Stopping at busy, unsuitable services or missing basic kit. In This Guide Is a 14-hour horse haul legal in the UK? How often should you stop on a long horse journey? Hydration on the road: how much and how often? What should you feed during a long haul? Temperature, rugging and ventilation: whats safe? Vehicle and legal readiness: what must you have? How to turn a 14-hour route into a compliant, horse-friendly plan Planning a 14-hour horse journey takes more than fuel and a sat nav. It demands meticulous welfare planning, legal compliance, and a hydration/feeding strategy that keeps your horse healthy from first mile to last.Key takeaway: In the UK, plan within a 12-hour maximum journey time (8 hours in temperature extremes) unless you qualify for an exemption and use every stop to hydrate, feed, and check your horse.Is a 14-hour horse haul legal in the UK?A continuous 14-hour horse journey exceeds the Governments proposed 12-hour maximum, unless you qualify for an exemption for competition, racing, or breeding horses under the 2025 measures progressing through Parliament. These measures also reduce the journey limit to 8 hours when external temperature is 25C or 0C, and prohibit transport at 30C unless the vehicle has thermoregulation.The measures, announced and progressing through Parliament in August 2025, set a clear welfare-first framework for long-distance transport. If your route would take 14 hours, you should either apply for a qualifying exemption or split the journey into two legal legs with an extended rest at a suitable premises. For the latest legal status and how it applies to your circumstances, monitor Horse & Hounds summary of the Government proposals, DVSA transport guidance, and the BHS transport resources.Remember that the new framework sits alongside existing goods vehicle drivers rules (for vehicles over 3,500kg or used commercially): maximum 9 hours driving per day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week) with a 45-minute break for every 4.5 hours of driving. Use these stops to check and care for your horse, not just to tick a compliance box.How often should you stop on a long horse journey?Stop for at least 45 minutes every 4.5 hours of driving to meet drivers hours rules, and use each stop to offer water, check your horse, and allow head-down eating. On hot or humid days, add shorter micro-stops to cool, water, and reassess, even if youve not reached the 4.5-hour driving mark.Structured stops protect both horse welfare and driver alertness. Across a legal 12-hour journey window, this typically means two or three planned breaks. Build your route around safe, quiet locations (service stations with horse-friendly parking, showgrounds, or pre-booked yards), and factor the extra time needed to unload or drop partitions safely if youll allow ground-level grazing.Quick tip: Drivers hours rules apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or used for commercial purposes. If youre in this category, plan your welfare stops to coincide with the mandatory 45-minute break blocks so youre compliant and consistent with horse care at the same time. See DVSA guidance for the full rules.Hydration on the road: how much and how often?Offer water at least every 68 hours, and more frequently in warm or humid weather; bring familiar or pre-flavoured water so your horse actually drinks. Reduced intake is the biggest risk factor for dehydration, impaction colic and heat stress on long journeys.The nutrition experts are unequivocal:Reducing water intake is one of the biggest concerns with hauling horses on long trips because lower water intake can increase the risk for impaction colic, dehydration, heat stress and reduced performance. Purina Mills Equine NutritionWater tastes and smells different from place to place, and fussy drinkers can refuse it when away from home. The Horse recommends training to a flavour one to two weeks before departure, then using the same flavour on the road:Water can vary in taste and odor, which can cause a horse to drink less. To avoid this, consider bringing a water supply from home for when you're on the road and/or precondition your horse to drink water containing a flavored additive. The HorseAt Just Horse Riders, we recommend packing enough containers to carry home water for the first day and a trusted flavouring or electrolyte your horse already accepts. Our supplements selection includes electrolyte options and plain salt to support thirst and fluid balance.Precondition 12 weeks out: add your chosen flavour or electrolyte to every bucket at home so the taste is familiar on the road.Use salt strategically: add 1 tablespoon of plain white salt per 500 lb of body weight daily for several days pre-travel to stimulate thirst (as per nutrition guidance). Keep offering both plain and flavoured water en route.Offer water at each stop and monitor intake. If you suspect dehydration at any point, call your vet intravenous fluids may be required for severe cases.Pro tip: Bring two labelled buckets one for plain water and one for flavoured and offer both at every rest stop. Many horses will switch between them across a long day if they have the choice.What should you feed during a long haul?Feed continuous high-quality forage at 1.52% of bodyweight per day (1520 lb for a 1,000 lb horse), with small amounts of concentrates (~3.3 lb/day) and soaked beet pulp (~5.4 lb) if needed to maintain intake and gut motility. Prioritise dust-free hay and allow head-down eating during stops to protect the respiratory tract and stomach.Forage is your horses stabiliser during travel. Keep hay available at all times (slow feeders help manage waste), and consider wetting dusty hay to reduce airway irritation. Ride+Climbs rule of thumb is clear:All forages should be fed at a rate of 1.52% of a horse's body weight, which translates to 1520 pounds per day for a 1000 pound horse. Ride+ClimbGround-level eating matters for airways and sinuses during a long day upright:Allowing the horse to drop its head to eat from the ground whenever possible allows the nasal passages to drain and could prevent respiratory disease. OnCourse Equine NutritionIn practice:Keep hay nets topped so theres no gap in fibre intake; use slow nets to prevent bolting and waste.At safe stops, offer a small hay pile at ground level inside the box or in a secure pen so the horse can lower its head fully.If you feed concentrates, split into very small meals and avoid big starchy feeds on the move; soaked beet pulp is a useful, hydrating fibre source.Use consistent fibre sources such as alfalfa cubes or timothy pellets to offset regional hay variability, and consider introducing alfalfa pre-trip for its acid-buffering effect to reduce ulcer risk.Quick tip: If your horse is prone to travel stress or sensitive digestion, consider a gut-support supplement youve trialled at home. Explore proven options in our horse supplements range and start 714 days before the journey.Temperature, rugging and ventilation: whats safe?Do not transport at 30C or hotter unless your vehicle has a thermoregulation system; if its 25C or above (or 0C or below), your journey limit drops to 8 hours under the proposed UK measures. Good airflow, shade from direct sun, and appropriate rugging are non-negotiable for welfare.British weather is famously changeable, so plan around the forecast: depart early in summer to avoid peak heat; in winter, avoid the coldest hours. Keep windows, roof vents and fans working to maintain airflow without creating a draught. In warm months, travel light only use a cool, breathable sheet if needed for protection from flies or rubbing. In cooler or wet conditions, choose the lightest rug that keeps the horse comfortable without sweating.Summer protection without overheating: a breathable sheet from our fly rugs and sheets can add a layer of defence against flies and sun while maintaining airflow.Cooler UK days: if your horse chills when standing, opt for a lightweight turnout from our turnout rug collection before and after loading, then reassess once the vehicle is at temperature.Always reassess at each stop: if the coat is damp under a rug, remove it and cool the horse with shade, airflow, and small sips of water.Pro tip: Pack a sweat scraper and sponge so you can cool efficiently at stops without soaking the coat. Our grooming collection has compact options that live neatly in your travel kit.Vehicle and legal readiness: what must you have?For journeys over 8 hours, the driver needs a Certificate of Competence; if your horsebox exceeds 3.5 tonnes, you also need an Operators Licence and a working tachograph, with at least 20 cm headroom and halters on horses over 8 months. These requirements are enforced by DVSA and supported by BHS guidance.Before you book the route, confirm your paperwork and vehicle set-up:Driver and operator compliance: Certificate of Competence for long hauls; Operators Licence and tachograph if over 3.5t (DVSA: transporting horses in horseboxes and trailers).Journey plan within time limits: 12-hour general maximum (8 hours if 25C or 0C), with travel at 30C only if your vehicle can thermoregulate (see Horse & Hounds breakdown of the proposals).Vehicle and fit: minimum 20 cm headroom above the tallest horses head, secure partitions, safe tying points, and non-slip flooring (summarised by Richard Nelson LLP guide).Haltering and loading: horses over 8 months must wear a halter during transport (BHS: transporting your horse).Protection and comfort kit matter too. Travel boots reduce knocks and scrapes in transit explore options in our horse travel boots and bandages. For roadside visibility when checking or hand-walking, add rider and handler high-vis from our hi-vis collection.How to turn a 14-hour route into a compliant, horse-friendly planSplit the trip into two legal legs with an overnight rest at a suitable premises, or confirm you meet exemption criteria; never exceed the applicable 12-hour (or 8-hour in temperature extremes) journey limit. Build your day around driver break blocks so every stop supports welfare.Heres a simple framework you can adapt to your map and season:Pre-travel (12 weeks out): train to flavoured water; add daily plain salt to feed; introduce any gut support youll use on the day; line up consistent fibre sources (alfalfa cubes/timothy pellets) and dust-free hay. Choose breathable protection from a trusted brand such as WeatherBeeta if your horse needs a sheet.Day 1 (Leg A up to 12 hours within limits): build in a 45-minute stop after each 4.5 hours of driving. At every stop: offer plain and flavoured water; top up hay; allow head-down eating on the ground where safe; check temperature/respiration and adjust rugging; sponge/scrape if warm.Overnight: stable or secure pen turnout. Keep forage free-choice, offer plenty of water (flavoured and plain), a small concentrate meal if you usually feed it, and a short in-hand stretch if appropriate.Day 2 (Leg B remaining distance): repeat the Day 1 stop routine and keep a close eye on hydration. If the forecast pushes you into the 8-hour limit (25C or 0C), tighten your plan and reduce total journey time accordingly.Pro tip: Even in spring and autumn, UK humidity can spike. If your horse is sweating under a sheet at a stop, remove the rug, increase airflow, and re-offer water. Your horse will travel better slightly cooler than slightly warm.On-the-road essentials to keep within easy reach:Two labelled water buckets (plain and flavoured) and enough home water for the day.Hay in slow nets plus extra for ground-level eating at stops.Electrolyte/flavouring youve preconditioned at home shop proven choices in our supplements.Travel boots and tail guard for protection see our horse boots & bandages.Breathable fly sheet or light rug if needed explore fly rugs and sheets and weather-ready turnout rugs.Sponge and scraper to cool quickly compact options in grooming.Handler high-visibility for roadside checks browse hi-vis essentials.FAQsIs a 14-hour haul ever allowed under UK rules?Under the Governments 2025 measures, most horses are limited to 12 hours, reduced to 8 hours in temperature extremes; exemptions may be available for competition, racing, and breeding horses if extra criteria are met. Check the latest via Horse & Hounds legislative coverage and DVSA guidance.How many stops should I plan for a 12-hour journey?Plan at least two 45-minute breaks (every 4.5 hours of driving) to meet drivers hours and use each one to water, feed, and check your horse. In hot or humid weather, add shorter cooling stops so you can re-offer water more frequently than the 68 hour guideline.What should I feed while travelling?Keep hay available continuously and aim for 1.52% of bodyweight across 24 hours (1520 lb for a 1,000 lb horse). If needed, offer small concentrate feeds totalling around 3.3 lb per day and consider soaked beet pulp (~5.4 lb) for extra fibre and moisture. Introduce or increase alfalfa beforehand for its acid-buffering effect.How do I encourage a fussy drinker to hydrate on the road?Precondition with a flavour at home for 12 weeks, bring home water for day one, and offer both plain and flavoured water at every stop. Add plain salt to feed for several days before departure to stimulate thirst, and consider a familiar electrolyte from our supplements range.What temperatures make travel unsafe or illegal?At 25C or above (or 0C or below), the proposed rules cap journeys at 8 hours; at 30C or above you must not transport horses unless the vehicle has a thermoregulation system. Aim to travel in the coolest part of the day in summer and the warmest in winter, and reassess rugging at every stop.Should I tie my horse or let it travel loose?The research here doesnt provide a specific tying versus loose recommendation; however, horses over 8 months must wear a halter during transport. For tying set-up and partition design, follow BHS transport guidance and consult a qualified transporter with a Certificate of Competence for detailed advice.What legal documents do I need for long journeys?For trips over 8 hours, the driver needs a Certificate of Competence. If your horsebox weighs over 3.5 tonnes, you also need an Operators Licence and a working tachograph, and you must follow drivers hours. Ensure at least 20 cm headroom and suitable tying points see DVSA and the BHS for full details.With a clear legal plan, a hydration-first mindset, and well-timed stops, youll turn a daunting distance into a smooth, welfare-led journey. If you need help kitting out your horse for the road, our team at Just Horse Riders is here to help you choose the right travel boots, breathable fly sheets or turnout rugs, and proven electrolytes and gut supports for confident, compliant long hauls. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop Boots & BandagesShop Fly RugsShop Turnout RugsShop Hi-Vis Gear

Having the same rider and handler can help reduce a horses risk of glandular disease. | Adobe StockTo understand and, therefore, prevent equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), horse owners need to understand it encompasses two distinct conditions: equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).Theyre like the odd couple: They both exist in the stomach but dont really have anything to do with one another, said Ben Sykes, BVSc, BVMS, MS, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, FHEA, during his presentation at the 2026 EquiSUMMIT Equine Nutrition & Health Conference, hosted by Kemin Industries.How do ESGD and EGGD Differ?Squamous disease affects the lining of top half of the horses stomach, called the squamous mucosa. This tissue, like human skin, doesnt tolerate acid well. Yet the highly acidic gastric juice floating in the lower half of the stomach can splash on the squamous mucosa, causing a chemical burn.In contrast, EGGD occurs in the bottom half of the stomach. Researchers know much less about this disease, but it appears to be stress-based. It is a much more horse-centric disease how the horse perceives and interacts with its environment, said Sykes.Squamous disease occurs very frequently, in up to 90-100% of racehorses. Glandular disease also occurs frequently, in about 50-75% of competition horses, particularly Warmbloods.Understanding and Preventing Squamous Disease in HorsesUnder normal conditions a basketball-sized ball of food floats on top of the highly acidic gastric juice within the horses stomach. The ball stops the splashing effect, decreasing the chances of a chemical burn on the squamous mucosa.The three most important factors that contribute to squamous disease are roughage, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) consumption, and exercise, said Sykes.1. Roughage All horses should have sufficient hay available to meet a minimum intake of 1.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis or closer to 2% of body weight on as-fed basis.But we need to appreciate that eating behavior is a complex social behavior for horses, said Sykes. So even horses with unlimited access to hay need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable to eat. So even if they are fed ad lib, measure how much hay theyre actually consuming.While horses benefit from grazing on turnout, Sykes says he prefers for ESGD prevention. Because of the high water content, grass can create a grass soup rather than the roughage ball we want on top of the gastric juice, he said. So even horses on pasture may still need hay and can have squamous ulcers.He also noted that spreading hay in multiple locations, whether in a pasture or a stall, can help reduce overnight fasting and encourage movement that mimics the horses natural grazing behavior.Allowing horses to be social can also influence how much they eat. Horses in groups consume 40% more than horses housed in isolation, speaking to the concept of friends, forage, and freedom.2. Nonstructural Carbohydrates Limit NSCs to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per meal. If the horse needs more NSCs per day, Sykes recommended providing more frequent, smaller meals. You can also add calories by feeding more fat in the diet. Soaked beet pulp can also help reduce the risk of squamous disease.3. Exercise As horses exercise, the abdomen contracts, causing the acid level in the stomach to rise and allowing it to splash on the squamous mucosa. But its the duration of exercisemore than 30-40 minutes per daynot the intensity, that increases squamous disease risk.In addition, when horses are exercised first thing in the morning, there is no roughage ball on the gastric acid in the stomach, so were going to get a lot of splashing on the squamous mucosa, said Sykes. Feeding alfalfa in the morning will help soak up the acid so it cant splash around.Understanding and Preventing Glandular Disease in HorsesFor most horses, diet is not the driver of glandular disease, but we will still want to reduce NSCs, include alfalfa in the diet, and use oil as an energy source, said Sykes.Overall, a horses environment, along with handling and riding practices, can increase the risk of glandular disease. Affected horses need a limited number of handlers/riders and two to three complete rest days scheduled per week. Also address all confounding stressors such as lameness and saddle fit. We have to treat the whole horse, Sykes said.Reducing stress is also key. Horses benefit from social contact, including the ability to groom one another, he added. Massage and music also benefit horses at risk for developing glandular disease. A decrease in stress-related behaviors translates to increased performance.Take-Home MessageEquine gastric ulcer syndrome consists of two unique conditions, each with its own risk factors. Environmental factors largely drive squamous disease, with prevention centered around optimizing roughage, limiting NSCs per meal, and reducing exercise quantity. In contrast, EGGD reflects internal horse factors; environmental enrichment in the form of friends, forage, and freedom, combined with other stress-relieving measures, might help prevent disease.

Some notable two-star wins too on another good weekThe eighth and penultimate leg of Major League Show Jumping got under way at the Kentucky International venue in Lexington and Shane Sweetnam departed with a little more lucre in his coffers thanks to some strong results at the prestigious five-star international competition.The Castlemagner man kicked off with a fourth-place finish on Pegina VD Bisschop in Friday nights individual speed class, their time of 67.66 less than a second off the podium in the contest won by Eduardo Pareira De Menezes (BRA) with H5 Kontador VDM, who stopped the clock in 65.68.In Sundays Grand Prix, the World No 7 got the leg-up on his trusty steed, the Gizmo Partners-owned James Kann Cruz (ISH), bred in Galway by Patrick Connolly. As is his wont, the 2024 Olympic horse barely rubbed a pole and posted another double clear, and with that another Grand Prix podium. The pair (below) stopped the timers in 40.71 seconds for third, splitting Americans McLain Ward with High Star Hero, and Laura Kraut, with Una Mariposa.It was another local favourite, Kent Farrington that took the honours, Descartes SR just having too many gears for the rest of the field to take top spot from a stacked field of 41 with a time of 39.92.There was more five-star fare in Europe, in the princely surroundings of Fontainebleau and again, it was a high-calibre affair. Bertram Allen bagged a top-five in Fridays Prix Normandie Drainage, a 1.55m speed class won by Austrias Max Khner and Elektric Blue P, with a clear in 69.12.Enniscorthy pilot Allen and his 10-year-old left all the rails up and recorded a time of 71.66 for a juicy share of the prize money.Tom Wachman improved upon that result in the final class of the day, the Prix Cheval TV. This was decided by very small margins with less than half a second separating the podium finishers in what was a 1.50m speed class. It was Khner that took the honours once more, this time steering Kurt DZ to a clear in 58.52.Petronella Andersson (SWE) claimed the silver medal with a time of 58.68 on Odina Van Klapscheut, while Wachman, from Goolds Cross, followed in close order with Oboras Laura (below), in 58.99.Le Lames Horses Sporting Club hosted the four-star show at Montefalco and Billy Twomey guided Ace Of Heartzs Z to a runner-up return in a 1.50m jump-off class on Friday. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) took the lions share of the prize money with a clear in 38.78 in the tiebreaker.Cork-born Twomey and his grey stallion were faultless over the obstacles only six of the 73 contestants managed double clears and a time of 39.78 earned second position.On Saturday, Derry native, David Simpson just missed out on a podium in a 1.45m speed class, partnering Billy Fern to fourth with a clear in 67.6, which was just six-tenths of Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and CCStuds Liisolde in third. Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) was victorious with Addressee, setting an unbeatable standard of 66.04.As her uncle was performing so well on the other side of the Atlantic, Abbie Sweetnam was victorious in the 1.45m Grand Prix at Sentower Park on Sunday. Riding Kiritan, the Cork athlete proved a resounding victor, her 11-year-old posting a double clear and then blitzing a challenging pack led by none other than Belgian winning machine, Gilles Thomas, with Riesling Van T Roosakker, in the jump-off, the time of 42.24 more than two seconds better than the notable runner-up.Conor Swail was part of a most dramatic class at the two-star show in Monterrey, where one of those rarest of events, the dead-heat unfolded on Friday. The Darragh Cross native, riding the Ollie Glancy-owned Clonterm Obolensky bred in Ashbourne by Brian Duff propelled his partner to a double clear in the 1.45m test and a time of 43.03 in the jump-off but that was matched to the hundredth of a second by Brazils Rodigro Lambre, with Take-Off Diara PS.There was a notable double in Arouca for Kilkenny-based Molly Hughes Bravo, daughter of former Team Ireland Aga Khan Cup winner Marion Hughes and Portuguese rider Miguel Bravo and representing the country of her father. The 23-year-old and the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse bred by her parents under the Bravo Hughes banner, HHS Mercedes, followed up Fridays triumph in the 1.45m speed class by securing Sundays Grand Prix at the two-star show at the Quints Equestrian Center.BREEDINGCSF JAMES KANN CRUZ (ISH) 2013 gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of CSF Telly Cruz (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Patrick Connolly, Co Galway. Owner: Gizmo Partners, LLC. Rider: Shane Sweetnam (IRL).CLONTERM OBOLENSKY (ISH) 2016 stallion by Cornet Obolensky (BWP) out of She Has The Lux (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Brian Duff, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Owner: Oliver Raymond Glancy. Rider: Conor Swail (IRL).HHS MERCEDES (ISH) 2017 gr mare by Can Ya Makan (HOLST) out of Chester Lass (ISH) by Couletto (OLDBG). Breeder: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Owner: Bravo Hughes & Molly Hughes Bravo. Rider: Molly Hughes Bravo (POR)PHOTOSShane Sweetnam: MLSJ/Meraki Creative GroupTom Wachman: PSV/J MorelThe post Sweetnam and Wachman on form appeared first on .

According to the State Department of Agriculture, one horse in Benton County, Oregon, has tested positive for pigeon fever. The horse was imported to Oregon from California two weeks before diagnosis. One additional horse has been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Pigeon FeverPigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses. It can cause large abscesses, most commonly on the chest and under the belly. Horses become infected when bacteria enters through broken skin, such as small scrapes or wounds. Peak season for infection is late summer through fall.Good horse health safety practices are key to limiting the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:Fly control;Not sharing water buckets or equipment; andAvoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.If a horse owner suspects that their animal is affected, they should contact their veterinarian.

On April 22, a 13-year-old Lusitano gelding in Washtenaw County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed a fever and nasal discharge on April 16. He is recovering, and two additional horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

With another 5* round the corner, there are still plenty of top Irish bred runners this week doing the business.Great results and good luck for Badminton in 10 days time.See below the up-to-date results for this week unverified results will be added to next weeks results.Defender Kentucky CCI 5* Long (USA) 22nd 26th April 20262nd HSH Blake (ISH)[was Galwaybay Blake & Galwaybay HSH Redfield]- 2015 gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Doughiska Lass (ISH) by Kannan (KWPN). Breeder: Justin Burke. Rider: Caroline Pamukcu (USA) 26.6, 0, 2.0 = 28.65th Brookfield Quality (ISH) 2009 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Bay Coffey Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Sean Kelly (Monaghan). Rider: Tom McEwen (GBR) 25.1, 0, 8.0 = 33.1.Other Irish Bred Finishers:11th Cooley Nutcracker (ISH)[was Ballyshan Contender] 2014 gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Ballyshan Cleopatra (AES) by Cobra (HOLST). Breeder: Gary Doherty. Rider: Boyd Martin (USA) 43.714th HSH Tolan King (ISH) 2015 gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Kilmolash Clover Rhodes (ISH)[TIH] by Porter Rhodes (TB). Breeder: William OBrien. Rider: Caroline Pamukcu (USA) 50.315th Plot Twist B (ISH) 2015 gelding by Plot Blue (KWPN) out of Safieria (KWPN) by Concorde (KWPN). Breeder: Etter Sportfferde AG (Offaly). Rider: Tom Jackson (GBR) 58.516th Global Quest (ISH)[was Metro Super Star] 2013 gelding by Metropole (KWPN) out of Broadford Star (ISH)[TIH] by Big Sink Hope (TB). Breeder: John Kelleher (Clare). Rider: Tim Price (NZL) 62.822nd Traditionally Fernhill (ISH)[TIH][was Ken Black & Fernhill Ken Black) 2014 gelding by Killinick Bouncer (ID) out of Church Lady (TB) by Snurge (TB). Breeder: Michael J Kavanagh (Wexford). Rider: Gabby Dickerson (USA) 110.4.CCI 4* Short2nd Very Dignified (ISH) 2015 mare by Dignified Vant Zorgvliet (BWP) out of Kateys Gem (ISH) by Ricardo Z (ZANG). Breeder: Deirdre Bowler. Rider: William Coleman (USA) 31.4, 1.6, 4.4 = 37.4.Horse Park New Jersey Spring Horse Trials (USA) 25th 26th April 2026Open Preliminary2nd Cooley LA (ISH)[was Boleybawn Calandra] 2016 mare by Dignified Vant Zorgvliet (BWP) out of Boleybawn Corbell (ISH) by Courage II (HOLST). Breeder: Boleybawn Horses Ltd. Rider: Ryan Wood (AUS) 35.8, 0, 0.0 = 35.84th 24 Carat Quality (ISH)[was Greenhall Twenty Four Carat] 2017 gelding by Cobra 18 (WEWB) out of Greenhall Maybe So (ISH)[TIH] by Laughtons Flight (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Derry Rothwell. Rider: Greta Schwickert (USA) 31.8, 0, 11.6 = 43.48th Quantum Cooley (ISH)[was Its Quantum Cooley] 2018 gelding by Dakar VDL (KWPN) out of Ming Dynasty (ISH) by Luidam (KWPN). Breeder: Diana Warrington. Rider: Fylicia Barr (USA) 28.4, 0.8, 36.8 = 66.0.Open Modified1st Fernhill Chaos (ISH) 2008 gelding by Chacoa (HOLST) out of KEC Donna Diamond (ISH)[TIH](P) by Glidawn Diamond (ID). Breeder: William Kennedy (Kerry). Rider: Madi Simpson (USA) 27.5, 0, 2.8 = 30.32nd Rock Me Mama (TB) 2009 mare by Royal Anthem (TB) out of Ithastobedone (TB) by be My Native (TB). Breeder: Sean Behan. Rider: Holly Payne Caravella (USA) 28.0, 0, 3.6 = 31.63rd Vindakova (ISH)(was Lakeview Galloway Roller) 2010 gelding by Castlelawn Galloway (OLD) out of Roller Girl (ISH) by High Roller (ISH). Breeder: Bernard Keveney. Rider: Megan Tardiff (USA) 21.3, 0, 12.8 = 34.15th Princess Candy (ISH) 2019 mare by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Princess Greystone (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Alberta Capital Ltd. Rider: Holly Payne Caravella (USA) 29.3, 0, 6.0 = 35.37th Killinick Lace (ISH)[TIH] 2017 mare by Killinick Bouncer (ID) out of Got A Coin (TB)[IRL] by Gothland (TB). Breeder: Ann Lambert. Rider: Anthony Lambert (IRL) 29.5, 8, 0.0 = 37.58th Rockabilly (ISH) 2017 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Black Cat (ISH) by Nigrasine (TB). Breeder: Brian Clinghan. Rider: Madeline Scott (USA) 26.3, 0, 14.8 = 41.1.Kelsall Hill International and One Day Event (GBR) 25th 26th April 2026CCI 3* Sec A1st Brookfield Quality Time (ISH)[was Ellaghmore Erhart] 2016 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Trebra Bep Bop (ISH) by Harlequin du Carel. Breeder: P J Howley. Rider: Max Warburton (GBR) 28.2, 0, 0.0 = 28.25th Wedding Day (ISH) 2018 gelding by Clonaslee Captain Cristo (ISH)[TIH] out of Seacoast Lucy (ID) by Young Carrabawn (ID). Breeder: Stephen Dobbyn. Rider: Amelia White (GBR) 32.0, 0, 0.0 = 32.06th Earl Dorado (ISH) 2019 gelding by Diarado out of The Kings Lady by Kings Master. Breeder: Jim Tempany. Rider: Max Warburton (GBR) 32.7, 0, 0.0 = 32.7.CCI 2* Short Sec L5th Tir Na Nog Shadow (ISH)[TIH] 2009 mare by Shadows Dun (CP) out of Tir Na Nog Diamond Lady (ISH)[TIH] by Coevers Diamond Boy (ISH). Breeder: Thomas OSullivan (Clare). Rider: Tara Moore (GBR) 31.9, 0, 0.0 = 31.96th Rathlee Candy Clover (ISH) 2016 mare by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Little Nico (ISH) by Carraber Nico (ISH). Breeder: Michael McGuinness. Rider: Madison Tapner (GBR) 32.0, 0, 0.0 = 32.0.Advanced Intermediate Sec B2nd SRS Kan Do (ISH) 2010 gelding by VDL Arkansas (KWPN) out of La Vie En Rose (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH). Breeder: Michael Donner (Westmeath). Rider: Kylie Roddy (GBR) 33.3, 1, 0.8 = 35.13rd Cooley Foxtrot (ISH)[was Cruise Billerough] 2014 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Cruise Grove (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Sean Jones (Clare). Rider: Andrew Downes (GBR) 34.1, 3, 0.4 = 37.55th Diamond Pippin (unk) 2010 mare OIO. Rider: Grace Botterell (GBR) 35.5, 4, 0.8 = 40.36th Monbeg Take Two (ISH) 2017 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of Our Dream Come True (ISH)[TIH] by Coevers Diamond Boy (ISH). Breeder: Clare Hughes. Rider: Morvan Pringle (GBR) 37.3, 5, 0.0 = 42.38th RNH Tom Tom R (ISH)[was RNH Hendricks NJ] 2014 gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of RNH Beach Babe (ISH) by Beach Ball [ISH). Breeder: Norman Hammond. Rider: Bill Levett (AUS) 30.1, 7, 13.2 = 50.3.CCIP 2* Short5th Midnight Mist III (unk) 2009 gelding OIO. Rider: Alice Fraser (GBR) 31.7, 4, 0.0 = 35.77th Coeveressa du Rouet (ISH) 2019 mare by Big Dan du Rouet (ISH) out of Coumroe Coeverssa (ISH)[TIH] by Coevers Diamond Boy (ISH). Breeder: William Walsh. Rider: Isaballa Moreton (GBR) 38.8, 0, 0.0 = 38.88th Coolnaleen Rebel (ISH)[TIH] 2010 gelding by Rebel Mountain (ID) out of Crested Ten Lady (TB)[IRL] by Naheez (TB). Breeder: Noeleen Redmond. Rider: Eva Bryant (GBR) 33.6, 6, 0.0 = 39.69th Benmore Windy (CP) 2017 gelding by Blue Smoke (CP) out of Bullaun Windy (CP) by Mam Hill (CP). Rider: Tilly Newman-Moore (GBR) 34.4, 4, 1.6 = 40.0.Open Intermediate Sec D2nd Castle Howard Casanova (ISH) 2013 gelding by Womanizer (KWPN) out of K Cavalier Belle (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Susan Fitzpatrick (Wicklow). Rider: Marcio Carvalho Jorge (BRA) 28.9, 0, 0.0 = 28.93rd Wild Atlantic Way (ISH)[TIH] 2017 gelding by Puissance (ISH)[TIH] out of KMS Clover Crystal (ISH)[TIH] by French Buffet (TB). Breeder: Michael J Kavanagh. Rider: Susie Berry (IRL) 31.8, 0, 0.0 = 31.86th Strangford (ISH) 2017 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of Templepatrick Dara Bay (ISH)[TIH] by Cruisings Micky Finn (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Dorothea Wilson. Rider: Susie Berry (IRL) 28.9, 0, 6.8 = 35.78th Cooley Capri (ISH) 2016 gelding by Capri Van Overis Z (ZANG) out of Simona (SWB) by Leuthen I (HOLST). Breeder: Tom Moloney. Rider: Finley Marsden (GBR) 34.5, 0, 8.9 = 43.49th Cooley Lucky Penny (ISH)[was Drennans Lucky Penny] 2015 mare by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Macia (THUR) by Semper Odem (THUR). Breeder: Mary Brennan. Rider: Angus Smales (GBR) 36.4, 4, 3.2 = 43.6.Intermediate Sec C1st Cooley Incognito (ISH) 2017 gelding by Con Air (HOLST) out of BP Masterpiece (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Greg Broderick. Rider: Andrew Downes (GBR) 28.4, 0, 0.0 = 28.42nd Jungle King (ISH) 2016 gelding by King Cheetan (TB) out of Sampsons Court (ISH) Lulu by Porsch (BWP). Breeder: Imelda Dillon. Rider: Jessica McKie (GBR) 33.2, 0, 0.0 = 33.23rd Honourable Watchman (ISH)[was Thats Howie] 2018 geelding by Capri Van Overis Z (ZANG) out of Parknahown Beauty (ISH) by Olympic Lux (KWPN). Breeder: Liam Delaney. Rider: Mathew Glentworth (GBR) 32.1, 0, 2.8 = 34.94th Riverstown Royal (ISH) 2017 gelding by Royal Concorde (ISH) out of Riverstown Rosie (ISH) by Polanski (SWB). Breeder: Thomas Keenan. Rider: Georgie Frow (GBR) 27.3, 8, 0.0 = 35.310th Killerisk Cooley (ISH)[was Killerisk Luke & Cooley Carolean] 2018 gelding by Lancelot (KWPN) out of Ballybunion Buffett (ISH)[TIH] by French Buffet (TB). Breeder: Maura Counihan. Rider: Annie Broad (GBR) 31.1, 4, 8.8 = 43.9.Seven Year Olds Sec E2nd Edentrillick Dassett Muze (ISH)[was Edentrillick Special Edition] 2019 gelding by Im Special De Muze (BWP) out of Leestone Uno Momento (ISH) by Numero Uno (KWPN). Breeder: William Greene. Rider: Kate Rocher-Smith (GBR) 32.3, 8, 41.2 = 81.5Only 2 finished.Six Year Olds Sec P1st KMS Dassett Envoy (ISH) 2020 gelding by Comilfo Plus Z (WEWB) out of KMS Chinchilla (ISH) by Chin Chin (HOLST). Breeder: Ivor Broderick. Rider: Kate Rocher-Smith (GBR) 32.0, 0, 0 = 32.04th Unnamed (1021624) (ISH) 2020 gelding by A Umonia 60 (WPN) out of Lowhill Slow Down (ISH) by Carrick Diamond Lad (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Gene Ormiston. Rider: Charlotte Melin (GBR) 31.3, 0, 4.0 = 35.37th Monbeg Can Do (ISH) 2020 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Diamond Action (ISH)[TIH] by Colin Diamond (ISH). Breeder: Michael McDonald. Rider: Max Warburton (GBR) 31.8, 0, 24.0 = 88.89th Can You Pogo (ISH) 2020 mare by Lagans OBOS Quality (ISH) out of Delligabaun Lady (ISH) by Colonel Clovere (WNTR). Breeder: Tim Delaney. Rider: Josie Summers (GBR) 34.8, 12, 70.4 = 117.2.Open Novice Sec O1st Mellow Lane (ISH) 2016 mare by Hermes De Reve (SF) out of Hankalaine (ISH) by Hankalo (TB). Breeder: Julia Crosbie. Rider: Emily King (GBR) 25.8, 0, 0.0 = 25.82nd SRS Coolkeeran (ISH) 2018 gelding by Coolkeeran (HOLST) out of Cottage Cavalier (ISH) out of Don Juan de la Bouverie (SBS). Breeder: Thomas Hutchinson. Rider: Susie Berry (IRL) 27.0, 0, 0.0 = 27.0.Novice Sec M2nd Madgeslane Harriot (ISH) 2019 mare by HHS Cornet (ISH) out of Madgeslane Harley (ISH) by Harlequin du Carel (SF). Breeder: Ann Marie Pender. Rider: Susie Berry (IRL) 26.8, 0, 0.0 = 26.810th Ross Joey (unk) 2014 gelding OIO. Rider: Georgia Reece (GBR) 32.8, 0, 2.0 = 34.8.Novice Sec N1st Kylemore Cool Hero (ISH) 2018 gelding by Diamant de Semilly (SF) out of MHS Kylemore (ISH) by Cardento (HOLST). Breeder: Michael Ormond. Rider: Oliver Townend (GBR) 28.0, 0, 0.4 = 28.46th Cavallero (ISH) 2018 gelding by Gallant Cavalier (ISH) out of The Rose of Castlerea (ISH)[TIH] by Bahrain Cruise (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Michael Cummins Jnr. Rider: Lottie Walsh (GBR) 33.5, 0, 0.0 = 33.59th CFH Farewell Rebel (ISH) 2018 gelding by Adieu Z (ZANG) out of Lisreagh Rebel (ISH)[TIH] by Rich Rebel (TB). Breeder: Seamus Carey. Rider: Lauren Kilpatrick (GBR) 35.5, 0, 0.0 = 35.5.Ascot Under Wychwood One Day Event (GBR) 24th 26th April 2026Open Novice Sec S4th Ballymalone Dancer (ISH)[TIH] 2017 gelding by Heigh Ho Dubh (ID) out of Vic Well Dancer (TB([TIH] by Old Vic (TB). Breeder: Patrick Daly. Rider: Florence Wiles (GBR) 29.8, 0, 2.0 = 31.8.Open Novice Under 18 Sec S15th The Partner (ISH)[was Corriebeg Conquest] 2010 gelding by Irko (WESTF) out of Backhander (ISH)[TIH] by Courfield (TB). Breeder: Hayley Togher. Rider: Lilly Herrmann (GBR) 37.3, 4, 6.0 = 47.36th Creevagh Dun (ISH) 2016 mare by Camiro de Haar Z(ZANG) out of Creevagh Creme de la Creme (ISH). Breeder: Ronnie Hollinger. Rider: Alice Mackaness (GBR) 42.3, 4, 13.2 = 59.5.Novice Saturday Sec R3rd Cruisader M2S (ISH) 2018 gelding by Ulysses (KWPN) out of Caslemorris Atom Cruise (ISH) by Atomic Cruis (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Teresa Walsh. Rider: Catrin Menzies (GBR) 33.8, 0, 0.0 = 33.84th Santo Libre (ISH) 2018 mare by Vittorio (HOLST) out of Coolmannon Vechta (ISH) by Vechta (KWPN). Breeder: Anthony Connolly. Rider: Maja Hullah (GBR) 33.8, 0, 0.0 = 33.86th Sportsfield Molly May (ISH) 2020 mare by Udancer Hero (KWPN) out of Derha Fort (ISH) by Coolcaum Hill (ID). Breeder: Amanda Kirwan. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL) 34.0, 0, 1.6 = 35.67th Garryduff Heart of Bay (ISH) 2018 gelding by Garryduff Jar of Hearts out of Garryduff Beauty. Breeder: John Joyce. Rider: Emilly du Luart (GBR) 34.0, 4, 0.0 = 38.09th Ballyshan Trendsetter (ISH) 2015 gelding by Future Trend (OLD) out of Ballyshan Cleopatra (AES) by Cobra (HOLST). Breeder: Gary Doherty. Rider: Lucy Care (GBR) 42.0, 0, 0.0 = 42.0.Novice Saturday Sec O3rd Dreaming With Hugo (ISH)[TIH] 2014 gelding by Puissance (ISH)[TIH] out of Warcraft Kate (TB) by Warcraft (TB). Breeder: Rosemary Ponsonby. Rider: Ben Millard (GBR) 29.0, 0, 0.0 = 29.05th ESI Dallas (ISH) 2019 gelding by Dallas VDL (BWP) out of Brooklyn Breeze (ISH) by Heritage Fortunus (HANN). Breeder: Oldtown Stud. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL) 30.3, 0, 0.0 = 30.36th Youll Never Walk Alone (ISH) 2019 gelding by Vittorio out of Lady T by Armami First. Breeder: Tracey McCartan. Rider: Tom Rowland (GBR) 32.3, 0, 0.0 = 32.39th Ballyj Ed (ISH)[TIH] 2018 gelding by Black Hero (ID) out of Memories of Emly (TB) by Pilsudski (TB). Breeder: Fintan McGrath. Rider: Emily Proud (GBR) 33.3, 0, 0.0 = 33.3.Novice Friday Sec H1st Number One Contender (ISH) 2018 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of Chacoas Clover (ISH) by Chacoa (HOLST. Breeder: John OBrien. Rider: Becky Heappey (GBR) 29.8, 0, 0.0 = 29.85th Warrenstown Tomboy (ISH) 2015 mare by Quidam Junior I (KWPN) out of Warrenstown Well Aware (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Ronan Tynan (Kilkenny). Rider: Amit Hardy (GBR) 34.0, 0, 3.2 = 37.2.Novice Friday Sec I2nd Monbeg Raegan (ISH) 2019 gelding by Quabri de LIsle (SF) out of OBOS Nancy Broone (ISH). Breeder: Marti Rud. Rider: Luke Bacon (GBR) 31.0, 0, 0.0 = 31.04th Danqu Eile BK (ISH) 2019 gelding by Ustinov (KWPN) out of Britt M. (KWPN) by Steringer (OLD). Breeder: Seryna Van Keulen. Rider: Nicky Hill (GBR) 33.5, 0, 0.0 = 33.56th The Dane (ISH) 2020 mare by Echonix (ISH) out of GCS Paris (ISH) by LArc de Triomphe (OLD). Breeder: Clare Hughes. Rider: San Jenkins (GBR) 32.5, 0, 6.0 = 38.59th Kilbunny Blue Bird (ISH) 2017 gelding by Kilbunny Blue (ISH) out of Bite Wing (TB)[IRL] by Bobs Return (TB)[IRL]. Breeder: Richard OHara. Rider: Claire Deuten (GBR) 31.3, 2, 9.6 = 49.910th Portphilip Danny Boy (ISH) 2020 gelding by Big Dan du Rouet (ISH) out of Portphilip Cruise (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Bernadette Boland. Rider: Daisy Amin (GBR) 32.3, 4, 7.6 = 43.9.Oudkarsprl International (NED) 16th 19th April 2026CCI 3* Long1st Standfast (ISH) 2018 gelding by Island Commander (TB) out of Ballyogreek Princess (ISH) by Flagmount King (ID). Breeder: Michael Murphy. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL) 31.5, 0, 1.6 = 33.110th Night Agent (ISH)[was Tullibards Benny and Jess] 2016 gelding by Tullibards Bennys Legacy (OLD) out of Cosima 189 (OLD) by Concetto (OLD). Breeder: Hans Jurgen Kuehnle. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL) 33.8, 0, 11.6 = 45.4.CCI 2* Long5th Tykillen Shindig (ISH) 2019 mare by Dignified Vant Zorgvlllliet (BWP) out of Ballymurphy Queen (ISH) by Master Imp (TB). Breeder: Ciara Kinsella. Rider: Kirsty Chabert (GBR) 30.5, 0, 0.4, = 30.910th Miss. Robinson (ISH)[TIH] 2019 mare by Jack The Robin (TB) out of Inistioge Best Betty (ISH)[TIH] by Ghareeb (TB). Breeder: Julie Radden. Rider: Lander Van Den Broeck (BEL) 36.3, 0, 0.0 = 36.3.CCI 2* Short5th Monbeg Senna (ISH)[was ESI Easy Goer] 2010 gelding by Zapatero VDL (KWPN) out of Brooklyn Breeze (ISH) by Heritage Fortunus (HANN). Breeder: Ennisnag Stud (Kilkenny). Rider: Raju Singh (IND) 31.8, 0.4, 0.0 = 32.210th Molly Bloom (ISH) 2017 mare by Lancelot (KWPN)out of Puissance Gypsey (ISH)[TIH] by Puissance (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Michael Byrne. Rider: Elaine Pen (NED) 36.0, 0, 0.4 = 36.4.CCIP 2* Long6th Kilnacappagh Cracker (CP) 2016 gelding by Mystic Bobby Lane (CP) out of Granogue Blondi (CP) by Graahan Champ (CP). Rider: Nomi Palm (SWE) 36.9, 16, 0.0 = 52.98th Anglode Drifter (unk) 2012 mare OIO. Rider: Doris Ruuda (SWE) 43.2, 12, 7.6 = 62.8.Strzegom International (POL) 23rd 26th April 2026CCI 4* Long1st Speedwell (ISH)[was MGH Natrix] 2014 gelding by Cobra (HOLST) out of Me Two [ISH] by Warrenstown You 2 [ISH]. Breeder: Ronan Tynan (Kilkenny). Rider: Jesse Campbell (NZL) 25.5, 0, 1.8 = 27.1.CCI 4* Short2nd Tullabeg Platinum (ISH) 2014 gelding by Dignified Vant Zorgvliet (BWP) out of Tullabeg Hero (ISH) by Cult Hero (TB). Breeder: Nicholas Cousins. Rider: Julia Krajewski (GER) 30.3, 0, 1.2 = 31.59th Cooley Kildaire (ISH) 2013 gelding by Heritage Fortunus (HANN) out of HHS Clo Jo (ISH)[TIH] by Clover Echo (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Thomas Hughes (Kilkenny). Rider: Alexa Gartenberg (USA) 34.1, 5.2, 0.0 = 39.3.CCI 3* Long4th Tullibards Tick the Boxes (ISH) 2016 gelding by Tullibards Bennys Legacy out of Fairy Bride (TB)[IRL] by Brian Boru (TB). Breeder: Hans Jurgen Kuehnle. Rider: Pauline Knorr (GER) 33.6, 4, 0.0 = 37.610th Global Fugitive (ISH) 2015 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Garrison Nancy (ISH) by Ricardo Z (ZANG). Breeder: Liam Byrne. Rider: Bo De Groot (NED) 34.8, 8.4, 16.4 = 50.6.CCI 3* Short4th Fernhill Castlefield Clark (unk) 2018 gelding OIO. Rider: Nicholas Touzaint (FRA) 32.2, 0, 0.0 = 32.2.CCI 2* Short3rd Shanaghan Faith (ISH) 2020 mare by Centresatge (AES) out of Shanaghan Scarlet (ISH) by Silvano (KWP). Breeder: Esther Skelly Smith. Rider: Rebecca Chiappero (ITA) 29.9, 0, 2.0 = 31.99th CSF Hi Spec (ISH) 2009 gelding by ARS Vivendi (HOLST) out of Angie Van Paemel (BEWB) by Darco (BEP). Breeder: Brian Connolly (Galway). Rider: Camille Lasse Weiss (SUI) 35.1, 0, 0.0 = 35.1.CCIP 2* Short1st Cooldorougha Boy (CP) 2009 gelding by Kingstown Boy (CP) out of Cregduff Rosie (CP) by Moy Hazy Cove (CP). Rider: Selma Halerud Lindell (NOR) 39.8, 8, 10.4 = 58.22nd Ruthstown Rocky (unk) 2007 gelding OIO. Rider: Jens Ottosson (SWE) 33.9, 4, 29.2 = 67.1.Mortegliano International (ITA) 17th 19th April 2026CCI 1* Intro6th Orchard Cyclone (ISH)[TIH] 2017 gelding by Killossery Klover (ISH)[TIH] out of Star Time (ISH)[TIH] by Ghareeb (TB). Breeder: Lloyd John Black. Rider: Jennifer Zulian (ITA) 41.2, 4, 0.0= 45.27th Ballyneety Fernhill First (ISH)[was Nordie] 2015 gelding by Diamond Roller (ISH) out of Cottage Donna (ISH) by Don Juan de la Bouverie (SBS). Breeder: John Kearney. Rider: Asya Ravasi (ITA) 40.3, 0, 8.8 = 49.1.CCI 2* Short2nd Tradewinds Alfredo (unk)[was Rice Crispie] 2013 gelding by Barnaby Flight (ISH)[TIH] out of Danielles Girl (unk). Breeder: Patrick Byrne (Carlow). Rider: Andrea Docomo (ITA) 36.6, 0, 3.2 = 39.86th Not a Bother (ISH) 2017 mare by Lancelot (KWPN) out of Ballylean Craft (ISH)[TIH] by Warcraft (TB). Breeder: Paddy Donnellan. Rider: Andrea Dodimo (ITA) 45.1, 8.8, 9.6 = 63.5.CCI 2* Long3rd I Cant Get Enough (ISH) 2019 gelding by Lagans OBOS Quality (ISH) out of Clann Captains Beau (ISH)[TIH] by Captain Clover (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Pat Troy. Rider: Kassya Krutzler (ITA) 35.8, 4.8, 0.0 = 40.68th Ardeo St Patrick (ISH) 2012 gelding by Beach Ball [ISH] out of Bishops Leap (ISH) by Courage II (HOLST). Breeder: Gerry Keyes (Tyrone). Rider: Michelle Zicche (ITA) 39.5, 12.4, 0.0 = 51.9.These results have been provided to Horse Sport Ireland by Charlie Ripman.These results are funded by Horse Sport Ireland.The post Six of the 8 Irish bred horses in the top 20 at USA 5* appeared first on .

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Worried your field shelter could flip in the next gale and leave your horses stressed and soaked? Learn the proven UK setupturn the back to the southwesterlies and anchor all four corners with screw ground boltsto keep shelters standing and horses calm. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Wind Orientation What To Do: Position the shelter with its back to the prevailing southwesterlies and face the opening downwind or to the east. Why It Matters: Reduces internal turbulence, uplift and driving rain for major stormdamage prevention. Common Mistake: Pointing the doorway into the wind and creating a wind tunnel. Area: Local Wind Check What To Do: Log onsite wind direction for 24 weeks with a vane or simple observation, then orient the shelter accordingly. Why It Matters: Local topography bends wind, so measurement avoids a wrong orientation. Common Mistake: Assuming the generic southwesterly applies exactly to your field. Area: Permeable Windbreaks What To Do: Install a 5070% permeable hedge or mesh 25x its height upwind; brace and ballast temporary screens and avoid solid barriers immediately upwind. Why It Matters: Slows gusts without vortexes, creating a calmer quiet zone. Common Mistake: Using a solid fence right upwind, which can increase suction and uplift. Area: Corner Anchoring What To Do: Fit screwtype ground anchors with metal brackets at all four corners the day the shelter arrives; add extra/longer anchors in soft or boggy soils and recheck after storms. Why It Matters: Proper tiedowns stop creep, twisting and blowover. Common Mistake: Relying on weight alone or delaying anchor installation. Area: Add Mass/Skids What To Do: Fit metal skids to mobile shelters and add internal ballast (sleepers or concrete blocks); top up ballast as soils soften. Why It Matters: Extra weight resists uplift and racking in high winds. Common Mistake: Leaving lightweight shelters unballasted through winter. Area: Emergency Tiedowns What To Do: If anchors arent in, run 23 wide ratchet straps over the roof to screwin stakes or deadmen, and place wrapped round bales tight along windward and side edges; move to the lee of a hedge if possible. Why It Matters: Buys crucial stability during a named storm until permanent anchors are fitted. Common Mistake: Using flimsy pegs or leaving gaps between bales and the shelter. Area: Ground & Access What To Do: Site on welldrained, slightly elevated ground; install a compacted hardcore base or mats at the entrance and keep clear access away from gates and fences. Why It Matters: Drier footing protects hooves and structure and makes daily care safer. Common Mistake: Parking the shelter in a muddy hollow or crowding gateways. Area: Safe Recovery What To Do: After a blowover, fence off, photograph damage and clear debris; if the frames compromised, remove roofing, replace broken timbers, then reroof and right with machinery; resquare and anchor immediately. Why It Matters: Prevents injury and further tearing, enabling a controlled, safe lift. Common Mistake: Trying to flip a damaged, fully roofed shelter by hand. In This Guide Why field shelters fail in UK storms The right orientation for UK winds Buildin shelter from wind: windbreaks that work Anchor it or lose it: best ways to secure a field shelter Emergency measures when a storms rolling in Safe recovery: righting a blownover shelter Choose the ground and keep it sound Field shelter checklist and timeline Storms can flip a field shelter like a matchbox, but most losses are avoidable with smart siting and solid anchoring. Get these fundamentals right and your horses stay dry, safe and calmno matter what the UK weather throws at you.Key takeaway: Face the shelters back to the southwesterlies, anchor all four corners with screw ground bolts and brackets, add a 5070% permeable windbreak 25x its height upwind, and use weight (metal skids or ballast). Do this and youll prevent the vast majority of storm damage.Why field shelters fail in UK stormsUnsecured field shelters are routinely lifted or overturned by UK high winds, especially on exposed ground. Their broad, flat walls act as sails; wind pressure, horse movement, and soft winter footing combine to shift, twist, or even flip a shelter. Sources like Olson Timber Buildings highlight how quickly a strong gust can turn an unanchored structure, and leading manufacturers stress that shelters must be fastened down to prevent movement or blow-over in storms (Jon William Stables).High winds are a regular UK reality, and exposed sites make matters worse. The risk spikes in autumn and winter when ground softens, reducing grip for skids or posts. Combine this with a doorway facing the wind and you effectively create a wind tunnel that multiplies uplift and drag. The solution is simple but nonnegotiable: orient for the wind, add an effective windbreak, and anchor every corner into solid ground.The right orientation for UK windsIn the UK, face the shelters back to the prevailing southwesterlies and turn the opening away from the wind. This single choice dramatically reduces internal turbulence and uplift.As Sussex Stables puts it, the best approach is to block the southwesterlies and maintain airflow:The best approach is to position the shelter with its back facing the prevailing wind. In the UK, winds typically come from the southwest A three-sided shelter should be positioned to block harsh weather while still allowing good airflow.Where weather varies, an eastfacing opening is a smart hedge: it avoids westerly storms while letting in morning sun to dry overnight dampness. If youre unsure of your sites specific wind pattern, record it for a few weeks using a weather vane or simply stand in the field and face into the windnote the direction and frequency. Guidance from Finer Stables is clear: local topography can bend wind; measure, dont assume.Also plan for sun and workflow. Morning sun on the doorway helps dry bedding and mud; deep shade in the hottest hours keeps summer heat at bay. Keep the shelter well away from gates and fences for easy muckingout and free horse movement.Buildin shelter from wind: windbreaks that workThe most effective windbreaks are 5070% permeable and should be placed 25 times their own height upwind of the shelter. This reduces wind speed without creating damaging eddies.Permeable barriershedges, postandmesh screens, or breathable sheetingslow wind while letting some pass through, preventing the vortexes that solid walls can create. Gardening and landscape shelterbelt research consistently recommends 5070% permeability and a setback of 25x the barrier height for the quiet zone (Gardeners Snaresbrook).Practical windbreak options include:Existing hedges: Natures best 5070% screen; place the shelter just downwind for a calmer microclimate (Finer Stables).Temporary screens: Use mesh netting or windbreak fabric, braced in triangles and ballasted (sandbags, concrete blocks) for storm stability (HB Barricade).Wrapped round hay bales: Line them along the windward edges to provide mass and a permeable baffle; excellent as a shortnotice measure (Colt Stables).Pro tip: Dont put a solid wall immediately upwind of a shelterthis often accelerates wind over the top and increases suction on the leeward side, inviting uplift.Anchor it or lose it: best ways to secure a field shelterSecure all four corners with screwtype ground anchor bolts and reusable metal brackets; you dont need concrete, and you can unscrew the system to move the shelter later. This is the fastest, most reliable way to stop rotation, creep, and blowover.Colt Stables recommend flexible ground anchors because the pegs and brackets are reusable and nonpermanentjust unscrew and relocate. Fit metal brackets at each corner, then drive anchor pegs through the bracket holes deep into firm ground. This ties the shelter down and prevents twisting in gusts or when horses rub against the structure.For exposed sites or amber weather warnings, beltandbraces your setup:Ratchet straps over the roof to ground stakes or deadmen anchors.Diagonal braces inside the shelter at corners to stiffen frames.Metal skids on mobile shelters to add mass and resist rot and racking (Horse Gossip discussion).Remember, even brandnew, correctly assembled shelters are not safe without secure tiedowns; high winds can and do lift them (Horse & Hound Forum). At Just Horse Riders, we recommend fitting anchors the same day your shelter lands on sitedont wait for the first gale.Quick tip: If your soil is boggy, increase the number and depth of anchors, and add ballast (e.g., sleepers, concrete blocks) inside the skids to raise the overall weight.Emergency measures when a storms rolling inIf you cant install ground bolts in time, lash the shelter with ratchet straps and build a perimeter of wrapped round hay bales to add mass and cut wind. This buys crucial stability until you can fit anchors.Emergency stabilisation that works when a named storm is hours away:Run two or three wide ratchet straps over the roof and stake them to solid deadmen or screwin anchors.Place wrapped round bales tight to the windward and side edges to form a permeable wind baffle and ballast (Colt Stables).Move the shelter downwind of a hedge if possible; even a small setback reduces gust load (Finer Stables).Check for loose sheets, protruding nails, or rattling fixings and address them before winds rise.Prepare horses too: if rain and windchill are severe, ensure theyre comfortable in appropriate turnout rugs. Many of our customers trust stormready options from WeatherBeeta for reliable waterproofing and breathability. If horses will be stabled during the peak, have clean, dry stable rugs to hand.For your own safety in low light and driving rain, wear hivis for riders and sturdy, grippy horse riding boots when checking fences and shelters.Safe recovery: righting a blownover shelterStart by clearing sharp debris from the base and walls; if the frame is compromised, remove the roof and replace damaged beams before reroofing and righting the structure. This prevents further tearing and makes the lift safer.Owners on the Horse & Hound Forum advise a twostage approach: first, tidy the back of the shelter so nothing snags while rolling or lifting; then, if major uprights or ring beams are broken, strip the roofing, replace the timber, and only then reroof to complete the job. Similar guidance appears on the New Rider Forumprioritise structural integrity before attempting a full righting.Safety first:Keep horses well away and fence off the area.Photograph damage for insurance before you move anything.Use machinery and experienced help; do not stand under or downwind during the lift.Once upright, resquare, fit diagonal braces, and anchor all four corners immediately.Choose the ground and keep it soundSite shelters on welldrained, slightly elevated ground, avoiding winter wet spots; add a hardcore base or drainage if high ground isnt available. This protects hooves, comfort, and the shelters structure.UK winters are wet. A shelter in a hollow quickly becomes a mud trap, inviting thrush, lost shoes, and rubs. Sussex Stables and Finer Stables recommend dry, elevated positions, or installing a compacted hardcore pad with drainage to keep the floor firm. If ground is limited, rotate mobile shelters periodically so the footprint can recover and dry outespecially valuable in the UKs wet climate (Olson Timber Buildings).Comfort and welfare checks:Keep the entrance clear of churn and puddles; add mats or hardcore as needed.Position against a hedge where possible to add a natural windbreak (Finer Stables).Balance light and shade: morning sun to dry damp, shade for summer heat relief.Keep clear access for barrows and vehicles; avoid siting near gates to reduce crowding and damage.After storms, check legs for knocks from slipping or scrabbling in mud and use appropriate care from our grooming kit selection. To support hooves and overall condition through wet months, explore targeted horse supplements recommended by our team.Field shelter checklist and timelineA simple seasonal checklist prevents most losses and keeps horses comfortable yearround. Use this as your quick, repeatable plan.Before storm season (late summer/early autumn):Record local wind direction for 24 weeks with a vane or simple observation.Reposition so the back faces SW and the opening is downwind or eastfacing.Fit screwtype ground anchors and metal brackets to all four corners.Add a 5070% permeable windbreak 25 its height upwind (hedge or mesh screen).Inspect frame joints; add internal diagonal bracing if the shelter flexes.Consider metal skids for mobile shelters to add mass and longevity.4872 hours before forecast gales:Tighten all fixings; secure loose sheets and trim branches near the roofline.Lay in emergency straps, stakes, and ballast (sandbags, wrapped bales).Move to the lee of a hedge if the site is very exposed and anchors arent in yet.Prepare horse kit: waterproof, breathable turnout rugs, plus dry stable rugs if stabling during peaks.Stage your personal storm kit: hivis and nonslip riding boots for night checks.During the storm:Avoid unnecessary trips to the field; observe from a safe distance if possible.Do not attempt repairs while winds are high.Immediately after:Check horses first; look for cuts, swelling or heat from slips or knocks.Inspect and photograph the shelter; clear sharp debris.Reanchor and rebrace as required; schedule structural repairs promptly.Pro tip: Keep a dedicated shelter kit in a weatherproof box: straps, spare brackets, anchor pegs, drill/driver, heavy hammer, gloves, and firstaid items for you and the horses.Next stepsAct nowbefore the next yellow warning. Turn the opening away from the wind, fit four ground anchors, add a permeable windbreak set back upwind, and check your drainage. At Just Horse Riders, we can help you kit out your horses for wild weather with proven turnout rugs and supportive supplements, while you sort the anchors and windbreaks.FAQsWhats the most costeffective way to secure a field shelter if I cant buy ground bolts right now?Line wrapped round hay bales around the shelters windward and side edges to add mass and create a permeable windbreak. Lash the roof with ratchet straps to stakes as a temporary measure (Colt Stables).How do I find the prevailing wind direction on my property?Log wind direction daily for a few weeks using a weather vane or by standing in the field and facing into the wind. Across the UK the prevailing wind is typically southwesterly, but local landforms can shift it (Finer Stables).Can I move a mobile field shelter thats been anchored down?Yes. With screwtype ground anchors and reusable brackets, simply unscrew the bolts, relocate the shelter, and refix in the new position. The same pegs and brackets can be reused (Colt Stables).Which way should the shelter opening face?Face the opening away from the prevailing wind to cut gusts and rain. In mixed conditions, consider an eastfacing opening to avoid westerly storms while allowing morning sunlight and good airflow (Sussex Stables).Whats the best ground position for a field shelter?Choose a welldrained, slightly elevated site and avoid areas that flood or churn in winter. If you dont have high ground, install a compacted hardcore base or drainage, and keep clear of gates and fences for safe access (Sussex Stables; Finer Stables).Is a brandnew shelter safe from being blown over without anchoring?No. Even new, properly built shelters can be picked up and overturned in high winds if not secured. Always pin or lash them downpreferably with four ground anchors and, in storms, retaining straps over the roof (Horse & Hound Forum). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop WeatherBeetaShop Stable RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding Boots