Pre-Clip Prep: Winter Horse Coat CareAs the winter months creep in, many horse owners begin to dread the task of clipping their horse ready for the season. Generally, competition horses or horses in heavier work benefit from clipping as it helps keep them comfortable throughout their work. Without clipping, sweating can cause the natural coat to become matted which may take longer to dry and cause issues with cooling your horse and keeping them comfortable. A bonus is that it is much easier to groom a horse with a short, clipped coat.Getting Organised For Horse Coat ClippingIn order to have a stress-free clipping season, it is vital to make sure you are ready and organised for the task ahead. Before each season, it is highly recommended that you have your clippers fully serviced and blades sharpened or replaced to prevent mishaps once you start. If your horse has never seen clippers or been clipped before, it is worth taking the time to allow them to become accustomed to the sound and vibrations which they make, creating a less worrisome atmosphere during the process.A calm horse is much easier to clip; if your horse is accustomed to the clippers, but a bit of a fidget - it may be worth exercising prior to clipping to help burn some excess energy, then offer a hay net as entertainment throughout the clip duration. Please bear in mind that your horse will need to be clean and dry in order to have a smooth clip.Which Clip Does Your Horse Need?Prior to clipping you need to decide which clip your horse requires. There are many traditional options out there - suited for different types and preferences - so do your research and find what works for both you and your horse. If it is your horse's first clip - it may be worth starting with a basic clip of a small area - such as a bib clip, before moving to more advanced cuts.Bathe Your Horse Before ClippingIdeally, your horse should be as clean as possible prior to clipping, so if you can - it is a good option to bathe your horse if possible. Dirt or matted coat grease can potentially clog the clipper blades, dulling them, causing snags and pulls, and just making the job much more tricky than it needs to be. Shampoo your horse thoroughly, rinse, then repeat again! The cleaner the better!Make sure to thoroughly dry your horse as a damp coat can be difficult and dangerous to manage. Adding a small amount of grooming oil to your horse's coat prior to the clip can help increase lubrication and reduce any resistance on the blades. If bathing is not an option, a very thorough groom followed by either hot clothing, strapping, or both - is an adequate substitute at a push!Horse Clipping SafelyIt is vital that you have a safe area to clip. Make sure there are no trip hazards, plenty of space and good lighting. Natural lighting is best for clipping as you can see the direction and lay of the coat clearly. Bonus tip: a helper is always useful to help reassure your horse, and or hold legs if needed - so see if you can find a volunteer to have at the ready. Make sure to have all equipment laid out and ready to go, such as:Rugs - we would suggest not using a fleece as the hair will likely get stuck and entwined within the fabric and hard to remove.Clippers - serviced and clean with clipping oil, a small brush and spare battery (if applicable) all within reach.A circuit breaker is a safety requirement if you are using mains powered clippers in order to keep both you and your horse safe from any potentially dangerous shocks.A grooming brush is essential, to use as you go along - clearing any excess hair which can clog your blades during the process,A step: always handy to help you reach any tricky spots!If you are planning a clip and may require a little extra help; you can always use chalk to draw your clipping lines onto the coat as a good guide. We would recommend banding the mane out of the way, to reduce the likelihood of any unintentional hair cuts! Bandaging the tail or plaiting it tidily out of reach is also a good idea.Correct Horse Coat Clipping Gear!Finally, make sure you are wearing all the right gear! Hair will likely get everywhere, so make sure to wear clothes that are easy to clean or even disposable overalls. We would recommend wearing a hard hat for safety - and a mask could be a good idea to prevent hair getting into your nose or mouth. When you are all suited and booted - it's all systems go! Take your time and keep an eye on the heat of the clippers. Keep the blades well-oiled and take a break if they start to get warm. It's a great idea to give a full groom or a hot cloth after clipping to leave a nice silky coat to finish.

The best jackets for horse riding provide protection and allow performance - no matter what the weather. A warm, waterproof jacket is the vital starting block for your cosy, winter equestrian wardrobe, helping you to brace against the elements during the colder winter months.Blouson/Bomber/Varsity JacketsThe most popular styles of horse riding jackets are designed around blouson/bomber variations. The Pro Rider Unisex Waterproof Riding Jacket is the prime example of an all-round riding and yard jacket which will keep you warm, dry and comfortable throughout all equestrian activities.Fully waterproof and stain resistant: this unisex blouson jacket has a Teflon coating and 5000mm waterproof and breathability rating, making it ideal for use every day, all year round. Elasticated cuffs and waistband help to prevent wind chill, accompanied by a snug-fit fleece-lined collar. A 100g fill and luxurious quilted lining add warmth during the colder days and an internal zip allows access for embroidery - perfect for professional yards, teams, andextra-supportivepartners.For a sporty look with a sleek profile, you may prefer the Pro Sport Varsity Riding Jacket. This ladies jacket is slightly lighter in fill at 40g to provide lightweight insulation. The waterproof outer fabric is very durable and engineered to withstand heavy wear whilst keeping you dry and comfortable. Super easy to care for - this jacket has a Teflon coating which helps to repel dust, dirt and stains. Finished with a luxury 200gsm micro-fleece lining to help moderate your temperature.Horse RidingJackets - Designed For In-The-Saddle UseAs the designs of horse riding coats evolve, options arise for jackets designed to offer improved coverage whilst in the saddle. Riding in heavy rain in a shorter-cut waistline often leads to wet breeches as the rain rolls down the length of the jacket. If you're not wearing water-repellent breeches, this can be rather uncomfortable, especially if you plan to be in the saddle for an extended period of time. Whether you are at home, in the arena, or out hacking in the countryside - staying dry and comfortable is the least you deserve!For maximum coverage with unrestricted movement; look no further than the Cascata Ladies Waterproof Riding Jacket. Designed with practicality and elegance in mind, this riding coat is perfectly engineered to provide protection from the elements both on foot and in the saddle. With a luxuriously soft quilted lining - you can remain warm and comfortable no matter what the weather.The added length allows the rain to glide down without soaking your seat thanks to the robust 5000mm waterproof rated material; rear fold-away gussets and hide-away front skirts offer protection of the upper leg and allow freedom in the saddle. Deep front pockets provide spacious security for your possessions. You may tailor your jacket to your shape with the adjustable waistline and elasticated cuffs for the most refined and comfortable fit. Sporting a detachable hood with a quilted lining, fleece-lined collar and discrete shielding peak which looks stylish whether attached or not.Crafted in a soft-touch fabric which is easy to care for - creating the perfect waterproof riding coat with ultimate protection.Mid-Layers, Fleece Tops, & Layering For WarmthWhen the colder months take hold, sometimes even your favouritewaterproof riding jacket might not offer quite enough warmth to set your brisk mornings off to a snug start. By building your outfit in stages, with a supporting mid-layer, you can adapt to the elements and make sure you are ready for the cold outdoors (after all, it's always easier to take a layer off than to try to restore your body heat at the stables!). The most popular and favoured selection for a mid-layer is a trusted and technical fleece top or jacket.The necessary requirements from your mid-layer should consist of:- Sweat absorption & moisture management,- Chill prevention & heat retention,- Breathable,- Quick dryingThe Ascendo Microfleece Riding Top offers all these and more.Combining a perfect fit with our luxurious hand-feel microfleece. Breathable and moisture-wicking, this piece is an easy-to-wear and comfortable addition to your equestrian wardrobe. Featuring zipped pockets, ideal for storing your valuables while riding.Constructed with a full-length front zip front for ease of wear and the flattering fit makes this top perfect for use as part of a casual outfit as well as around the yard or while riding. Pair with breeches or riding tights for timeless equestrian style or with jeans for a casual day look.There is one downside to using a fleece jacket which we have all experienced: horse hair can seem to stick everywhere! If you need an option that you can take off your outer layer without retaining loose hair from grooming your horse - you should consider one of our synthetically insulated jackets. The most popular insulated mid-layer at Premier Equine is the Elena Ladies Hybrid Technical Riding Jacket.Using synthetic polyfillas the insulating material provides a warmth-retaining and lightweight layer which can be compressed for easy packing. Whilst this material is not quite as compressible as using down insulation - the synthetic advantages include retaining efficiency in damp conditions. Coupled with a shell outer material provides added water and wind resistance when required. Keeping in line with the desired functions of the ideal mid-layer: this jacket has mid-weight jersey sleeves and underarm panels for enhanced moisture-wicking and quick-drying abilities whilst limiting the attraction of loose horse hair and dust!Fix Your Foundations - Selecting Your Base LayerDesigned to regulate your body temperature and wick away sweat and moisture from the skin,the base layer top is the first layer of protection for your skin and therefore it is vital that this layer provides you comfort and offers breathability. The Ombretta Ladies Technical Riding Top is the customer favourite for training in comfort all year round. A truly classic base layer for active riders, the sweat-absorbing thermal fabricoffers moisture-wicking comfort as an ideal base to start your winter layered wardrobe.The close-cut design fits comfortably like a second skin underneath your mid and outer layers, enhanced by a four-way 360 stretch allowing complete freedom of movement in the saddle and on the ground. Available in 7 select colours, many riders use the Ombretta Technical Layer as part of their cross-country and training outfit for the ultimate colour coordination.Finishing Touches - Rider AccessoriesNow that you have protected and insulated yourbody, it is important to transfer thatsame level of thought and protection into the rest of your outfit! It is important to keep your legs warm and protected, evenwhilst riding. Add a pair of water-resistant breeches to your winter wardrobe to prevent chills andpains from the cold elements.It's essential to protect your extremities, i.e. your hands and feet! With a large selection of riding socks available, you can choose astyle that suits you andoffers seamless comfort in a sleek design which fits comfortably inside your riding boots. To complete your outfit, and add to your winter defences, look no further than the Dajour Waterproof Riding Gloves. Expertly designed for the modern equestrian, these waterproof riding gloves ensure you are prepared - whatever the weather.Engineered with soft synthetic leather these riding gloves are entirely waterproof to keep your hands warm and dry when riding. Featuring a touch-screen panel you can easily use your touchscreen phone without the need to remove your gloves perfect for those cold mornings or chilly evenings.Offering an exquisite hand feel these gloves have exceptional grip for handling the reins ideal for if the reins become wet. Communicate precisely with your horse with a Thinsulate lining for warmth without compromising contact with the reins.

Exciting NewsI have excitedly received a letter from British Dressage (BD) saying that my horse, Bugatti (Bug), and I have qualified for the Middle Tour Intermediate II champs at Arena UK at the beginning of October. This consists of riding through the Intermediate II test and then also a freestyle test to music at the same level. (Bug and I have been together for 8 years now, I have had him since he was 4! So he is pretty special to me).Bug and I have only competed at this level twice before and feel our piaffe and 1-time tempi changes are a work in progress!. I have also never really competed in dressage to music before; however, I concluded "you only live once", and I should give it a go!Understanding the RulesI made a quick phone call to BD to confirm that I understood all the rules and set about making a floor plan for my test. My compulsory movements include extended trot and canter, half-pass in trot and canter, piaffe, passage, a single pirouette (both directions), 2 and 1 tempi changes, and a halt at the beginning and end. There are a couple of forbidden moves too... These are airs above the ground and cantering backwards! I cant say I have ever cantered backwards before and think something may be slightly wrong if I did!The floor plan was created with the help of the coach, and we are now picking out music and ready to have it edited this week!- Georgina Tapner-Tapner Eventing Team - Sponsored by PE

BYEH Finals: Success for VicFollowing on from our last blog, where Meridianway Victory qualified for the 5YO finals in the BYEH class at Badminton, we are pleased to report that we have just returned from a successful trip to Burghley!Meridianway Victory (Vic) is one of our homebred horses, by the Billy Studs Cevin Z, and was the last foal out of our good mare Fernhill City Girl (by Ghareeb). We sadly lost his mother during the foaling, and luckily Vic was adopted by a cob, which we are sure has made him the very loving character he is today.Vic was born duringBadminton and named after the famous Vicarage Vee. It was also the same year that we competedthere on the wonderful Fernhill Now or Never - a memorable week!Consideringeverything that goes into breeding a horse, it'seven more special when you qualify for finals like the Burghley Young Event Horse class. Set in the beautiful park, with the house as a stunning backdrop, it is a special and prestigious final to be a part of.New Experience for Young HorsesWe headed up with Vic, wanting to give him a positive experience. He sometimes lacksconfidence, but we saw this as an opportunity to expose him to a bolderatmosphere and see how he went.On arrival, the lorries were parked in a sectioned-off part of the famous Burghley Deer Park, with quite a few deer nearby (albeit fenced off) - makinggetting on quite interesting! We soon got over that hurdle and he settled during the walk down. He did need a fair bit of hand-holding during the warm-up, with so much happening around him. When it was time to go in, we were very much of the opinion to not put too much pressure on him and to see how he felt.The format of the class is to do a dressage test in an arena before goingstraight onto showjumping and cross country, before stripping the horses off for the conformation judge.Vic did a sweet dressage test, focusing well, but perhaps a tad rushed if we were being super critical.Onto the jumping, and having walked the course and watched a couple, it was a good test. But Vic was on form: he wasnt fazed by the crowds and delivered two great fault-free jumping rounds. We were absolutely over the moon with his performance and the judges liked him in both the jumping and the conformation phases.The ResultsHe scored 70 overall for 11th place just missing out on joiningthe top 10 final gallop. But we were delighted with him. It was by far the largestatmosphere and course he hastackled to date and he took it all in his stride!He is creating a good story for himself already at only 5 years old, so fingers crossed there is muchmore to come- Kate Honey - PE Sponsored Rider

Gearing up for Cornbury InternationalAt Kate Honey Eventing, we are gearing up for a busy week at Cornbury International and wanted to give you an insight into the preparation work involved with ourevent horses. Our 9-year-old mare KEC Delicate Girl (Delphi) has been chosen to compete in the 2*S at Cornbury International 2023. Bought as a 5-year-old from show jumper Poppy Stronge, Delphi has done all her eventing at Meridian Stud - producing some great results so far."Confidence is Key"During the season, when you are 'in the swing of things', you never want to make any drastic changes. However, maintaining confidence levels iskey, along with tuning up any little areas of improvement which arise between events. In the run-up to Cornbury, Delphi completed a showjumping schooling round at Oakingham Stud to make sure she was entirely happy - she felt great: that preparation box ticked!Refining the MovementsWe then had a really productive dressage lesson with Dannie Morgan, where we worked on closing the canter to encourage Delphi to sit and lift, also helping with our simple changes. Throughout the whole session, the emphasis was on maintaining round and connected movement; all things which we will continue to work on with her, and carry forward to our test this weekend.As a final important part of our preparation, we also visited Dickie Waygood to tune up our cross-country lines. As an essential exercise, this helps to keep both the rider and the horse thinking, especially focusing on the horse's footwork and rider accuracy.Each horse differs in terms of what they require in the immediate lead-up to an event, but with Delphi, we have produced somegood build-up training, so she will have a quiet hack today before heading off to Cornbury!- Kate Honey - PE Sponsored Rider

Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier at Badminton Horse Trials May 2023Yesterday we headed to Badminton with our two 5YOs for the Burghley Young Event Horse class. Rewind 5 years, and we were actually heading to the main 5* event with our horse of a lifetime Fernhill Now or Never so a slightly different vibe this time, but all the same exciting to producing the next generation at this world class event.On the lorry was our homebred Meridianway Victory (Cevin Z out of Fernhill City Girl) and MBF Jackpot (Tolan R out of Limerick Girl). Both were lightly campaigned as 4YOs and have been progressing well with their training.The class was being held across the road from the main site, alongside the Badminton Grassroots. It was a lovely big arena for them, but a fair bit of atmosphere.Pictured wearing Close Contact European Cotton GP/Jump SquareMeridianway VictoryVic was up first and put in a stellar performance. A lovely relaxed dressage phase and a classy jumping round too. The final part of this class sees us strip the horses off, present and then trot them up for the confirmation judge. This is a great education for the young ones, as it isnt something they would do regularly at events. The judge took a real liking to Vic and gave him a score of 19/20 for suitability and type the highest score of the day! Which is really rewarding, especially when you have bred them. He scored well across the board, and provisionally went into 3rdplace. We were so thrilled with his attitude and performance; he has come a long way already from being a very green timid horse last year! It is also quite fitting that he was born on Badminton weekend and named after Vicarage Vee! Hopefully a good sign of things to come in the future for him.MBF JackpotUp next was Jack. He is a cracking type, who has matured even more over the winter. We kept him fresh for this class, and he was almost too enthusiastic! He kept his cool in the dressage and then showed his huge scope in the jumping, throwing some awesome shapes, but just having a few moments when he thought he knew best! However, the judges really liked him and again he scored well to go into provisional 10th.Pictured wearing Kevlar Airtechnology Tendon Boots & Close Contact European Cotton GP/Jump SquareResultsThe class saw huge entries, with some of the best young horses around, so we were delighted that Vic ended up in 5th and Jack just outside the top 10 in 11th. It was lovely to be part of the prize giving, and Vic made the most of his lap of honor!A great day all round and we are excited to keep producing these promising young horses, to see where they will go.- Kate Honey - PE Sponsored Rider

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lara de Liedekerke (@laradke_x) I feel a little shift in the eventing world Within the past year and half or so weve had some really spectacular five-star finishes with somewhat surprise winners in the end. Think: Tamie Smith at Kentucky 2023, Auston OConnor at Maryland 2023, Caroline Powell at Badminton 2024, and now Lara de Liedekerke-Meier at Luhmhlen. You can throw Laura Collett and Ros Canter in there too for their wins in 2023 at Luhmhlen and Pau respectively, though we might consider them less surprising winners than the aforementioned. What Im trying to say is, it seems those years when every other five-star winner went by the name of Michael or Oliver or Tim seems to be over for now. And no shade to any of those riders theyre clearly all still going strong but with incredible depth and top performances now coming from so many corners of the sport, what an exciting time were in right now! It sure keeps show jumping day exciting.International EventsLongines Luhmhlen (Germany) [Website] [Results] [Live Stream H&C+] [ENs Coverage]U.S. Weekend ResultsAspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Results]Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Results]Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Results]Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Results]Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, WI) [Website] [Results]Monday News & ReadingIf you had to ask, Lara de who? at any point this weekend, then its high time you met the now first Belgian five-star winner. Get to know Lara in this previous EquiRatings podcast episode When Nicole Met Lara de Liedekerke-Meier.Lithuania will have two equestrian representatives in this years Olympics, one of those being eventer Aistis Vitkauskas. And as of Paris, at the age of 51, Aistis will become his countrys oldest ever Olympian, taking over from shooter Rolandas Rainskas who was 48 during the Rio Olympics. So far only Ireland has announced their Olympic teams for all equestrian disciplines. Of the selected riders headed to Paris, jumper Cian OConnor is the most experienced of the bunch, having participated in the Olympic Games over the past few decades. He has a few wise words about competing at this level, borne out of his experience. Video Break: Hear from a shocked Lara and more in this final episode of this years Luhmhlen Lates recap show.

Horse Care Throughout WinterCaring for horses in winter takes large amounts of dedication. The long cold months often make daily care twice as hard and can start to feel like a chore. With winter creeping just around the corner; now is the time to start thinking about planning and preparation to allow you to continue through winter with ease. It is important that you treat each horse as an individual and assess their needs on a daily basis in order to provide your horse with the best care possible.Winter Horse ShelterIn particularly cold weather, most horses could benefit from a form of shelter to protect them from the harsh winter weather. This could be either a stable or a field shelter - depending on what your facilities and routine allows for. Ventilation is extremely important. Good ventilation reduces the likelihood of issues regarding breathing and respiratory infections. The stable or shelter should be clean and dry to keep the area dry and comfortable, whilst providing a dry standing when needed to reduce the risk of thrush or detrimental effects on the hooves and feet.Preventing BoredomWhen spending more time in the stable, whether it is due to the weather, routine, or box rest, it would be a good idea to take measures to prevent boredom in your horse whilst in their shelter. This could be using stall toys and haynets or providing a variety in feed or forage for the duration in the shelter to increase interest.Giving Your Horse Some FreedomWe would advise that it is important to allow your horse some time outside the confines of their shelter or stable. You can add to the routine a variety of activities to get your horse out of the stable, moving, and increasing their circulation. You could allow for a period of turnout if you have a safe and suitable area, either in a field or a secure arena, where your horse can safely take advantage of some freedom to roam. If you do not have the facilities for this, you could consider hand walking your horse or placing them on a horse walker if you have access to one. Daily exercise and stretching is vital to your horse's general health, digestion, and wellbeing.Winter Horse RugsWhether clipped or not, your horse may require a protective layer during the winter months. Clipped horses often require warmer rugs with a heavier filling to keep them at a comfortable temperature; whereas a thicker coated horse may not. A reliable waterproof rug is a godsend in wet weather; helping to keep your horse warm and dry in the harsh elements of winter.For helpful tips on clipping - take a look at our clipping guide.Horse NutritionWe would advise seeking professional nutritional advice regarding your horse's diet in the run-up to winter. A horse often needs to increase it's calorie intake to maintain the same condition throughout winter. This can be in the form of additional forage or roughage or by adding cereals to the diet if preferred. Having access to adlib forage (grass/hay/haylage/forage replacements) provides slow-release energy - perfect for additional calories to maintain condition throughout winter.Equine DentalAs the winter months approach, it may be a good idea to have your horse's routine dental check to make sure that they can digest and therefore get the most nutrients out of their winter diet. We would suggest you contact a trusted dental technician to examine or advise the best course of action for your horse.Winter Water Supply For Your HorseIt is vital to include regular checking of the water supply into your routine to ensure that your horse has access to a clean water supply, which is not frozen over, throughout all hours. Some people suggest adding a large float (larger than your horse's muzzle) to the water supply to reduce the likelihood of it completely freezing over too quickly. Another economical suggestion would be to place a plastic bottle partially filled with salt, sealed, and placed into the water bucket - this works as a buoy and helps prevent freezing on the surface. It is a good investment of time to make sure that your water pipes are sufficiently insulated to prevent any issues or restrictions to your water supply.Magnetic Horse ProductsWhen it comes to exercising and working your horse, take your time to warm-up thoroughly and steadily to make sure not to place unnecessary strain on your horse's muscles and reduce the likelihood of injury. It is commonly estimated that the process of warming-up your horse in the winter would take twice as long as your warm-up routine in the summer. To help with warming-up, you could consider using a magnetic horse product, such as the Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug, or the Magnetic Horse Boot Wraps, to help increase circulation and the efficiency of your warm-up routine.Cooling down correctly is just as important - do not rush when cooling down your horse after exercise, and make sure that every muscle is gently stretched and relaxed as carefully and thoroughly as possible. A good quality, effective cooler rug is essential during winter. We would recommend a warm yet highly wicking cooler rug for the coldest days in winter - to cool down and dry your horse without risking them catching a chill. To help reduce the risk of tying up or cramping muscles, you could consider the Nanotec Infrared Range of horse products to help cool down your horse effectively and increase the efficiency of your cool down routine. Bonus note: the Nanotec Infrared Horse Rug is also moisture wicking!An exercise sheet with a fleece or wicking lining can be very useful during winter. By helping to keep the muscles warm and protected from brisk weather conditions, this therefore helps prevent tying up and cramping whilst increasing the effectiveness of both your warm-up and cool-down routines.Key Tips to help maintain good coat health throughout winter:*Strapping or 'hot clothing' your horse's coat instead of bathing, when possible. The coat produces natural oils which are essential to a healthy, shiny coat - excessive bathing can strip these natural oils and produce a dull, brittle coat; whereas strapping and gentle hot clothing helps to remove the dust and debris without drawing away too much of this natural protection.*Cleaning your horse correctly after exercise and/or sweating. A good no-rinse formula is often the go to for this routine - many brands offer useful scents and additions such as lavender (calming properties), peppermint (cooling and energising properties), and more. The key note is to make sure that all the excess sweat and salt is gently removed from the coat and skin to prevent matting or skin irritation which could lead to issues such as dermatitis.*Keeping rugs and saddle pads clean and clear of dirt and debris after each use. It is vital that your equipment (rugs and saddle pads) is kept clean after each use so that they are ready to use next time. Storing dirty fabrics will reduce their lifespan whilst also having a negative effect on your horse's coat and wellbeing. If you don't have clean equipment, all your coat maintenance could be negatively affected!For top tips on how to care for your winter rugs; make sure to take a look at our blog!

The 2024 Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) campaign reached more than 2.8 million equestrians, with over 150 new Ambassadors joining the campaign to help spread the word about prevention of the disease.SAW, held annually during the first week of May, is co-ordinated by a team of equine welfare organisations, research institutes and companies. Content is shared information about strangles and biosecurity, as well as the latest research, to help protect horses and businesses from a potentially devastating strangles outbreak.This years campaign was supported by event riders Lucinda Green and William Fox-Pitt, dressage rider Richard Davison and influencer Riding with Rhi, who starred in videos promoting actions horse owners could take to give their horses the BEST protection from strangles:Boost immunity by vaccinating against stranglesEducate yourself and othersSeparate new horsesTemperature check routinelyHorse owners are urged to watch the Never an isolated case animation (below) produced by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Horse Trust and Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES), which highlights how easily strangles can spread when horses move or mix. Presenting research by the SES network, which has shown links between strangles outbreaks, not only in different counties, but different countries, the animation shows the many situations in which horse owners can be vigilant to protect their horses.2.8 million is a huge number of equestrians who are now more aware of how to protect their horses from the threat of the infectious disease, said Lydia Duce, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who coordinates SAW. As our animation shows, strangles loves to hitch a ride when horses move or mix, and Id encourage all owners to watch and recognise themselves and the situations that could impact their horse. Because any horse can get strangles and every person can make a difference.Over 40 equestrian brands donated prizes for the SAW BEST prize draw for horse owners who could correctly identify the BEST actions. The prize worth more than 6,000 was won by Elaine Macdonald, yard owner at Thornhill Stables in East Ayrshire, who is also an Ambassador for Strangles Awareness Week.I am over the moon to be receiving the prize but equally proud to be a SAW ambassador, Elaine said. Even when designing our yard 15 years ago we had reduction of the spread of infectious disease in mind, with the construction of a separate quarantine facility. Prevention and biosecurity have been at the forefront of practices put in place on our yard.For more information and to sign up to become a Strangles Awareness Week Ambassador click here.Further readingStrangles in horses: is your horse vaccinated?William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green and Richard Davison among leading riders backing strangles campaignNew videos released to show the potentially devastating impact of stranglesThe post Strangles Awareness Week reaches millions and attracts new Abassadors appeared first on Your Horse.

The Origin of Premier Equine Turnout RugsTwenty years ago, rugs were expensive and restrictive, causing rubs and sores; others fell apart due to poor quality after only weeks of use. After using the market standard rugs of the time, professionally and at home, Clive Davies (designer and managing director at PE)felt ample protection was far from perfect. Breathability was hugely lacking in ranges of turnout rugs, waterproof rugs were unreliable, and these two aspects were rarely well combined. So, the development began, starting with the materials to create innovative designs which offered quality and protection.Dual Purpose Horse Turnout RugsWaterproofness and breathability are at the forefront, creating a rug which is dual purpose for the modern horse owner and can be used inside the stable and for turnout. The patented design of an elasticated poll on the neck cover stopped the wind and rain from driving down the neck. The patented elasticated shoulder gusset created unmeasurable freedom of movement, and the deep-cut design helped to stop the rug from slipping to the side providing security throughout wear.After 20 years of design, innovation, evolution, and 100,000s customers Premier Equine International will always strive to improve and advance to offer the ultimate protection to horses worldwide.Evolving Anatomical Design into Turnout RugsThe Premier Equine Rug Range is cut 2 4 in front of the wither, allowing the neckline to fall comfortably in front of the shoulder and neatly down to the chest closure. Emphasis on the placement of the chest clip closures was made, where they were not too high or low strategically. We have two clip position options for adjustability.We cut our rugs deeper than everyone else on the market. The innovative design of our patented elasticated shoulder gussets shook the market. The combination provides immense freedom of movement, continuously adapting with the horses stride. The forgiving fit also allows our rugs to fit most horses across many disciplines, from sports horses and thoroughbreds to larger breeds. The unique elasticated shoulder gusset design allows ultimate flexibility in the fit, providing protection and comfort to the highest standards.World Renowned for Waterproof Turnout RugsIn specialising for 20 years, we have perfected our renowned waterproof system with unparalleled breathability, which is now supported and sought after by customers worldwide in all climates. The lining of our range is an antibacterial and anti-static material, enhancing hygiene alongside comfort. Further innovations include the depth of rug wrapping seamlessly around the horse and secured with low cross-surcingles. The placement and mechanics of this design results in complete relief from pressure on the spine. We have also mastered the art of self-righting rugs allowing your horse to roll and shake as desired without worrying about a rug sitting askew.Our lengthened tail flaps are waterproof and contain padding, which helps prevent any lift from the wind and provides continued protection. The technical and refined design of our turnout rug range means that no leg straps are required however, for these customers who need the reassurance of the availability of these straps, we continue to supply these with every turnout rug.Extensive Range of Elite Horse Turnout RugsAvailable in various neck styles, including half neck (hardy), no neck (original), and detachable or integrated neck (of either snug-fit or classic neck variations). We proudly provide the most extensive range of design and weight availability in turnout rugs providing elite protection for all horses.