A new global survey is inviting equestrian parents from around the world to share their experiences of balancing horses and family life.The 2026 Equestrian Motherhood Census, launched by the Equestrian Mums Club, aims to collate insight into being an equestrian and a parent, including the pressures and motivations of riders in this situation.Equestrian parents are everywhere at grassroots yards, Pony Club rallies, amateur competitions and elite events, said Katie Allen-Clarke, founder of the Equestrian Mums Club.Theyre running equestrian businesses, part of our governing bodies and federations yet the realities of balancing horses and family life are rarely talked about in a meaningful way.The Equestrian Motherhood Census is about bringing those voices together. Individually our experiences can feel like whispers, but when enough voices come together they become impossible to ignore.The short survey, which takes around five minutes to complete, is open to equestrian parents anywhere in the world from those who love hacking to professional competitors and industry professionals.The census explores many areas including balancing horses and family life, barriers to staying involved in the sport, financial and time pressures, perceptions of the equestrian industry and what keeps parents engaged with horses.This is about understanding a community that has largely gone unmeasured, said Ms Allen-Clarke. Whether someone rides at the highest level, hacks out once a week or simply keeps a beloved pony in the paddock if horses are part of their life and theyre raising children, their voice matters.The census can be found here.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentNew parents will love this equestrian-themed baby wearNatasha Baker makes winning return after having babyWhen riding isnt your day job: the interesting roles that several Badminton riders juggle with competing horseThe post Juggling horses with parenthood? Add your voice to global census appeared first on Your Horse.

I am writing this whilst waiting for Alex (Bragg) to take my horse cross-country at Moreton Horse Trials, which is a lovely event and so good to be out and about in the sunshine!It has been a busy month as we move ever closer to May. February was testing for Eric Winter and the Willis Brothers, as this is when the cross-country fences go out in the Park but thanks to the latter (and their team) hardly a mark was made on the ground. Assisted, without a doubt, by the drainage of the Park that has been carried out over the years and now we are seeing the benefits in full. Eric, Mathias Otto-Erley (Technical Delegate), Mike Etherington-Smith (Course Advisor) and Andrew Heffernan (Assistant Course Designer) then spent a happy couple of days ensuring all is placed as it should be with obviously a few tweaks to be made between now and May. Eric has a few surprises for everyone!The course, main arena and warm-up areas are looking in good shape thanks to the efforts of Dan Cummins who, as well as being the Deer Park Keeper, looks after the Horse Trials areas. A big thank you to Roger Hughes (Farm Manager) and his team for working with us and also assisting with the mowing, which in turn has meant the ground and grass have come into the Spring in good shape. This week Phil Cole and his team are working on the course, harrowing, verti-draining and fertilising.Holly Hopkins (who has taken over from our longstanding Site Manager Harry Verney) arrived on site at the beginning of March and already the Park is a sea of pegs, which mark out where the grandstands, trade stands, tentage, etc. have to be placed. The accuracy of this job is all important, down to the last 50cm!! The grandstand structures are up and now being covered.Entries have now closed with a strong field and I wish all athletes and horses well during their preparations for May. No waiting list this year, so they all know they will get a run!The LeMieux Grassroots is also in a good place. The cross-country fences are out and Simon Grundy (BE Technical Advisor) and Liz Lyall (BE Steward) visited the site recently. The excitement builds as entries open next week.The traffic meeting bought up nothing new but we are always tweaking the plan to assist everyone to have as smooth a journey into the Event as possible, which has been vastly helped in recent years, by all (officials, visitors, etc) starting their journey in good time with a view of arriving early, particularly on the Saturday.The office are, as always, beavering away. The tradestand work is all but complete and officials and volunteers in place. The Box Office is busy and we welcome Sue Kay, who has joined this team part-time.Last but by no means least, Andrew and I had a great quick trip to Florida at the end of February. How lucky are we to have visited Wellington International and the Ocala World Equestrian Centre. Both amazing venues, where the facilities for both horse and man are exquisite. MARS Equestrian were sponsoring the big show jumping class at Ocala, so it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and catch up with the team, we are so grateful for their hospitality and are much looking forward to seeing them all at Badminton in May.Now we are in the final leg to have all ready for the first week in May..

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Scar! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Hidden Acres Rescue for ThoroughbredsAdoptable Horse: Scar, a 9-year-old, 17.0hh Thoroughbred geldingOrganization: Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds,Cocoa, Fla.Get to Know Adoptable Horse ScarWhat a heartthrob! Scar is a stunning 17 hands high gelding who turns heads wherever he goes. With 39 races under his belt, he has truly seen it all.Scar brings that life experience with him in the best way he is calm, confident, and incredibly well-mannered. Scar has excellent ground and stall manners, is very intelligent, and picks up new things quickly. Hidden Acres can easily see Scar thriving in the show arena in any discipline or happily hitting the trails, soaking in the views. He has no injuries, no vices, and an exceptional temperament. A true gentleman with movie-star looks, Scar is every bit of the dream horse youve been waiting for.Contact Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Scar!Photo courtesy Hidden Acres Rescue for ThoroughbredsASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Scar appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Riding a strong cob happily in a Dutch gag but facing your first BD dressage test? This guide shows you exactly how to stay legal without losing feelswap to 2 dressagelegal options (Baucher or hanging cheek) and follow a clear 6step transition to keep soft halfhalts, avoid penalties, and protect your horses mouth. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Dressage Bit Rules What To Do: Compete in a simple, dressagelegal snaffle and check your exact bit against the current British Dressage rulebook. Keep a spare legal snaffle in the lorry. Why It Matters: Avoids tackcheck issues and penalties. Common Mistake: Assuming a Dutch gag (even rubbercovered) is allowed. Area: Legal Alternatives What To Do: Switch to a hanging cheek/Baucher and choose a lozenge or mullen mouthpiece to steady contact. Test thoroughly at home before entering. Why It Matters: Retains mild poll influence without illegal leverage. Common Mistake: Expecting a snaffle to deliver gaglevel brakes. Area: Transition Plan What To Do: Move reins up the gag for 12 weeks to reduce leverage, then school in the snaffle in short, positive sessions. Extend duration as the horse relaxes. Why It Matters: Makes the change smooth and keeps confidence and contact. Common Mistake: Swapping bits days before the test. Area: Mouthpiece Choice What To Do: For leaners/curlers, use a doublejointed lozenge or mullen and size correctly for width and thickness the horse can close around. Change if evasions appear. Why It Matters: Improves comfort and reduces leaning, snatching and resistance. Common Mistake: Persisting with a single joint that nutcrackers the bars. Area: Cob Bit Fit What To Do: Check cheek clearance on fuller faces and avoid pinching; pick Baucher/eggbutt if loose rings rub. Monitor for rubs, foam lines or staining and adjust promptly. Why It Matters: Prevents cheek squash and pressure that cause headtossing. Common Mistake: Ignoring facial conformation when selecting cheek style. Area: Contact Troubleshooting What To Do: Match signs to fixes: headtossingstabilise cheek; leaningtry a Waterford in a legal cheek and ride frequent transitions; mouth openadjust thickness/joint. Check noseband fit and teeth. Why It Matters: Targeted tweaks solve issues before they become habits. Common Mistake: Reaching for stronger leverage instead of addressing cause. Area: Show Prep & Kit What To Do: Audit tack against BD rules, assemble the bridle correctly, and warm up in the competition bit. Wear a certified helmet and carry a spare legal snaffle. Why It Matters: Ensures smooth steward checks and consistent feel in the arena. Common Mistake: Schooling or warming up in a different bit to the one used in the test. Area: Build SelfCarriage What To Do: Ride clear halfhalts, transitions within paces and shoulderfore to shift balance behind; reward soft, balanced moments. Keep sessions frequent and short. Why It Matters: Puts reliable brakes in the training, not the metalwork. Common Mistake: Holding the front or waterskiing instead of rebalancing. In This Guide Is a Dutch gag legal for dressage in the UK? What does a Dutch gag do and why does it feel so different? Dressagelegal alternatives to a Dutch gag How to transition from Dutch gag to dressage snaffle Fit and comfort: getting the cheek and mouthpiece right for a cob Competition prep: rules, tack check and what to wear Troubleshooting: signs your bit choice isnt working Your horse feels rideable in a Dutch gag at home, but youve entered a dressage test now what? If youre transitioning from showjumping or schooling a strong cob in rehab, understanding whats legal (and what rides similarly) will save you time, penalties, and your horses mouth.Key takeaway: Dutch gags are not dressagelegal under British Dressage rules; switch to a dressagelegal snaffle such as a hanging cheek or Baucher to retain mild poll influence without leverage.Is a Dutch gag legal for dressage in the UK?No Dutch gags are not permitted in British Dressage; only simple snaffles are allowed to promote harmonious communication between horse and rider.British Dressage (and British Eventing for the dressage phase) restricts competitors to snaffle bits without shanks or multiple rein rings. Industry guidance summarises this clearly: dressage-legal bits exclude gags, pelhams and other leverage designs that act on the poll via mechanical advantage. See the Houghton Country bitting guide for a plain-English overview and always check the latest British Dressage Rulebook before you compete.This bit is not legal in dressage competitions, but is often seen in showjumping as it offers a variety of brake strengths. The lower down the bit the rein is attached, the more leverage on the poll and therefore the more control the rider has. Stef Eardley, Dressage rider, via Horse & HoundWhat does a Dutch gag do and why does it feel so different?A Dutch gag offers variable leverage via multiple rein rings; the lower you attach the reins, the greater the poll pressure and the stronger the brake.Typically, a Dutch gag has four rings: one top ring for the cheekpieces and three lower rein options. On the bottom ring, the cheek tilts, the poll comes under pressure, and many horses raise the head/shorten the frame, giving a powerful halfhalt feel compared with a plain snaffle. This can be attractive for showjumpers on a hot line or riders of strong cobs but that same leveraged action is exactly why its not dressagelegal.The long flat cheek can cause problems for some horses depending on facial conformation as, when it tilts, the top ring travels forward and can squash the face which can cause the horse to toss its head to avoid the pressure. Horses that find this cheek and mouthpiece action too strong, will sometimes lean into it. Gail Johnson, Horse Bit Hire expert, via Horse & HoundIf your cob has generous cheeks, be alert to this tilting-and-squashing effect; persistent headtossing or leaning isnt naughty its feedback that the cheek or mouthpiece isnt right for that horse.Dressagelegal alternatives to a Dutch gagChoose a hanging cheek (also called Baucher) or similar dressagelegal snaffle to retain mild poll influence and steadier contact without true leverage.While nothing dressagelegal will exactly copy a gags mechanical advantage, you can replicate the feel you like clearer halfhalts, a little poll influence, and less leaning with these options:Hanging cheek snaffle: Attaches higher on the cheekpiece and the rein at the ring, creating a steadier feel and a whisper of poll pressure. Riders on the Horse & Hound forum often recommend this for gag-to-snaffle transitions. Straight bar (mullen) versions reduce nutcracker action, though can be trickier to source.Baucher snaffle: Dressagelegal and loved by riders of heavy leaners; it offers a tiny uplift and very consistent contact a mild, gaglike feel without leverage. See discussion on the Chronicle of the Horse forum.Lozenge (doublejointed) mouthpieces: Reduce the nutcracker effect and often improve acceptance for horses who resent a single joint.Waterford mouthpiece: Under BD guidance summaries, a Waterford snaffle is permitted when used with a simple cheek (for example, eggbutt or full cheek). This can discourage leaning by making it harder for horses to take a solid hold.Full cheek or eggbutt snaffles: Offer lateral steering support and a stiller feel at the corners of the mouth useful for green or wobbly horses.Industry advice is realistic about expectations:If your horse will only go well in a gag or pelham, you are likely to struggle to see the same effect from a dressagelegal snaffle, as these bits act on very different areas of the horse. Houghton Country bitting guideThats why a staged, sympathetic transition plan is key (see below) not a lastminute swap the week of your test.How to transition from Dutch gag to dressage snaffleMake the change over several weeks: reduce leverage first, then school in your chosen snaffle in short, positive sessions while you educate the aids.Use this straightforward plan to keep your horse confident and your contact consistent:Step down the leverage: If youve been on the bottom ring, move to a higher ring for a week or two, or use roundings to soften the effect. The aim is to do more with less before you remove leverage entirely.Introduce your dressagelegal snaffle for 1020 minutes at the start or end of schooling, then lengthen as the horse relaxes. Keep the work structured: transitions, large circles, and clear halfhalts.Choose your mouthpiece wisely: For cobs and horses that curl or lean, a lozenge or mullen (straight bar) often gives a kinder, more stable feel than a single joint.Check acceptance: A good sign is a quieter jaw, steadier poll, and the ability to lengthen and shorten strides without a tugofwar. Test a few halfhalts at trot and canter; you should feel response without bracing.School for selfcarriage: Use transitions within the pace, shoulderfore, and simple lateral work to put the balance on the hindleg where brakes truly live.Protect and prepare: Rehabbing or strengthening horses benefit from lowerimpact, frequent sessions and leg protection. Consider supportive schooling boots and bandages for flatwork and poles.Quick tip: UK autumn and winter bring damp arenas and chilly air. Stainless steel or rubbercovered mouthpieces are practical, corrosionresistant choices for regular schooling, and theyre easy to keep hygienic. For comfort on cold days, keep your horse warm before and after work with appropriately weighted turnout rugs for travel and cooldown.Safety first: Whether youre hacking to the arena or schooling at home, wear a properly fitted riding helmet. At Just Horse Riders, we also see riders book a bitfitting consultation when changing from leverage to snaffle it pays off in softer, clearer rides.Fit and comfort: getting the cheek and mouthpiece right for a cobFit the bit to your horses facial conformation and choose mouthpieces that prevent pinching, nutcracker action and cheek squash.Cobs can be sensitive to cheek shape due to fuller faces. With longcheeked bits (like a Dutch gag), tilting can push the upper ring into the face, provoking tossing or resistance. In a snaffle, avoid sharp corners, ensure adequate width (a fraction wider than the mouth), and pick a thickness your horse can comfortably close around too thick can be as uncomfortable as too thin.Try a hanging cheek or Baucher for a steadier contact if your horse dislikes loose rings.Swap a single joint for a lozenge or straight bar if you see mouthopening, headshaking, or snatching on the halfhalt.Watch the corners: Foam, rubs or lipsticklike staining can reveal pinching. Regular face checks during grooming make a difference keep a soft brush and cloth in your grooming kit to spot early signs.Note any rubbing from winter whiskers or damp maintain good hygiene around lips and bars in wet weather.Pro tip: If your horse leans in a Dutch gag, dont chase more control with a stronger mouthpiece; address posture. Leaning often disappears as the horse finds balance behind and confidence in a steadier, kinder contact.Competition prep: rules, tack check and what to wearCheck the current British Dressage Rulebook: you must present in a simple snaffle (no gags, pelhams, shanks or multiple rings) for affiliated dressage, and British Eventing follows similar snaffle rules for the dressage phase.Before show day:Tack audit: Confirm your bit model, cheek type and mouthpiece are listed as permitted. Keep a spare legal snaffle in the lorry in case of a steward query.Bridle fit: Cavesson or permitted noseband, adjusted to avoid pressure on sensitive facial nerves. Keep everything clean and correctly assembled.Rider kit: Present smartly and comfortably. Explore our curated womens competition clothing for jackets, shirts and show essentials that ride as well as they look, and pair with a certified riding helmet that fits securely.Warmup plan: Prioritise balance and responsiveness in the snaffle youll compete in not the one you jumped in last week.If you compete across disciplines, remember: showjumping often allows gags, but switching back and forth will ride very differently. Build a routine that develops selfcarriage in the snaffle so the brakes live in the training, not the metalwork.Troubleshooting: signs your bit choice isnt workingPersistent headtossing, leaning, evasion or a tight jaw indicate discomfort or an unsuitable action, especially with longcheeked or singlejointed bits.Use this checklist to coursecorrect quickly:Headtossing or facerubbing after riding: Check cheek tilt, ring position and noseband interference; try a Baucher or eggbutt to stabilise.Leaning or waterskiing: Test a Waterford snaffle in a permitted cheek, or a lozenge mouthpiece, and prioritise transitions for balance.Mouth open or tongue over: Reassess thickness and joint; a mullen or anatomically curved lozenge may improve comfort.Inconsistent halfhalts: Practise clear, quick aids and consider a hanging cheek for a touch more poll influence without leverage.Behaviour changes in cold, damp weather: Keep the mouthpiece warm before bridling; maintain routine dental checks and consider joint support if stiffness affects contact. Our supplements range includes options for joints and calmer focus when appropriate.Positive reinforcement helps: reward the moments of soft, balanced contact. Keep a pouch of lowsugar horse treats handy to mark good efforts as you reshape habits.FAQsWhy is a Dutch gag not dressagelegal in the UK?Because it applies leverage and poll pressure via multiple rings, which conflicts with British Dressage rules that require simple snaffles for harmonious, nonleveraged communication. See the Houghton Country bitting guide for a clear summary.What dressagelegal bit helps with a leaning cob?A hanging cheek or Baucher snaffle offers mild poll influence and a steadier feel without leverage. Choose a lozenge or straight bar mouthpiece to reduce the nutcracker effect that can trigger leaning; riders frequently recommend these on the Horse & Hound forum.Can I use a Waterford mouthpiece in dressage?Yes, a Waterford can be dressagelegal when used in a permitted simple cheek (for example, eggbutt or full cheek). Always crosscheck the latest British Dressage Rulebook before you compete.Is a Baucher snaffle similar to a gag?Not mechanically, but a Baucher gives a mild, gaglike uplift and very consistent contact that many riders of heavy leaners find helpful and its dressagelegal. See discussion on the Chronicle of the Horse forum.How do I know if the bit is the cause of resistance?Look for headtossing, facesquashing marks, leaning, mouthopening or tongue evasions. Longcheeked bits like Dutch gags can tilt and press into the face on some conformations, prompting these signs as noted by Horse Bit Hire expert Gail Johnson via Horse & Hound.Whats the best alternative for moving from showjumping to dressage?Switch to a hanging cheek or Baucher snaffle for a touch of poll influence while staying dressagelegal, and transition over weeks to educate selfcarriage and responsive halfhalts.Are rubber Dutch gags milder for rehab?Rubber can soften the mouthpiece feel, but a Dutch gag remains illegal in dressage regardless of material. Use rubbercovered lozenge or mullen snaffles instead for a milder, legal option.At Just Horse Riders, we help riders pair kind, dressagelegal bitting with smart training, safe kit and seasonal comfort. As you refine your contact, gear up with a certified riding helmet, supportive schooling boots, weathersavvy winter turnout rugs, competitionready show clothing, and everyday grooming and supplements to keep your horse feeling their best. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Boots & BandagesShop Riding HelmetsShop Competition WearShop Turnout RugsShop Grooming Kit

From Arctic Soul, who evented at five-star level with Gemma Stevens, to Barbers Shop, shown successfully by Katie Jerram-Hunnable many ex-racehorses have gone on to flourish in second careers.These horses can be exceptional partners for any rider, providing youre prepared for their Thoroughbred energy, brain and boldness. Celebrated for their trainability, athleticism and intelligence, a former racehorses early training fosters focus, responsiveness and mental toughness.For some riders, this makes them an ideal riding partner but it can also be exactly why they arent suited to everyone.Accustomed to routine, structure, confident handling and high-pressure situations, these horses are both brave and sensitive. With the right retraining and care, former racehorses can make loyal, versatile and rewarding riding partners proof that life beyond the track can be just as exciting as a day at the races.Difficult or misunderstood?Kevin and Pam Atkinson, who founded the ex-racehorse charity New Beginnings 15 years ago, say that in their experience, so-called difficult behaviour is rarely the horses fault, but often a result of a lack of understanding about life beyond the track.When an ex-racehorse first arrives at the yard in East Yorkshire, their first task is simply to adjust to life after racing.Depending on the time of year, they get three to six months just to be a horse, says Pam. They take a deep breath, then you get a horse that is relaxed and ready to start learning in a different way.The amount of downtime each horse needs can vary. Pam explains: Some need longer than others. Some are so laid-back that they are practically horizontal from day one. The key is not to rush the process at the beginning; if you take the time, you have a good chance of making it work. Retraining manager Beth Coupland adds that although ex-racers can be affordable to buy, people need to think about the horses requirements before committing.They need time. I think a lot of people buy them because they are cheap, but they havent got the back-up to retrain them. Thoroughbreds are intelligent horses and you need to be a step ahead of them.Instinctive behaviourIts not just the retraining under saddle that takes time and careful management adjusting to a new routine and way of living outside of a professional racing yard can be equally demanding.Turnout, for example, requires diligent planning. At New Beginnings, small paddocks are used initially to help the horses acclimatise.Sometimes we will introduce a companion into the small paddock, but we are careful about who we select to put them with, explains Pam. The horses are very adaptable, but its just about doing it in steps.Even simple tasks, such as standing at a mounting block, require patience, because jockeys often vault on as the horse walks past. One of the issues is that they dont understand how to stand still at a mounting block [because theyve never had to], so we spend a lot of time letting them stand and associate the mounting block with something thats nice. The process is similar to backing a new horse, explains Beth.SuitabilityThoroughbreds need the right approach and this is why they are not suitable for every rider, especially those lacking experience. There are people taking on ex-racehorses now that shouldnt be, confirms Pam. Its like the difference between having a Fiesta or a Ferrari. If you cant drive a Ferrari, its going to scare you, which is a bit like riding a Thoroughbred without respecting it. They have a brain and will get you out of trouble most of the time.Its this rare combination of intelligence, courage and adaptability that can make ex-racehorses such extraordinary partners, but as they are former high-performance athletes, many require regular, consistent work even in a hacking home.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentTop tips for introducing hacking to an ex-racehorseHow to feed and retrain the gut of an ex-racehorseNew eventing initiatives for former racehorsesEx-racehorses shouldnt carry more than 17% of their bodyweight, says RoRProperty director and cheap ex-racehorse make their CCI5* debutThe post Is an ex-racehorse the right choice for you? We investigate appeared first on Your Horse.

In 2025, under National Breeding Services, HSI engaged IFAC to carry out a survey of breeders who had engaged with the inspection process for both mares and stallions across several studbooks. One of the recommendations from the report, and suggestions from breeders, was to include foreign judges/inspectors to support the process. To that end Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to welcome three guest inspectors to the 2026 Stallion Selections to be held in Cavan Equestrian Centre on Thursday and Friday March 26th and 27th.We are excited to welcome Mary Wilson to the Irish Draught inspection panel this year. Mary has extensive knowledge of the inspection process given her vast experience as an inspector with the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) where she acts as one of the Senior Stallion Inspectors.2026 marks Marys first time to inspect in Cavan as part of the Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections. A prolific breeder of Irish Draught horses in her own right, having bred the Class 1 stallion Aye Aye Skipper. Surrounded by horses from a young age having competed in pony classes in the RDS in her youth, and she hails from a renowned family of equestrian knowledge given that Marys sister is Clare Ryan who was heavily involved for many years in the Go For Gold Sale selection process.Mary Wilson (Right) and her sister Clare Ryan at the 2019 RDS Dublin Horse Show. Photo: Susan Finnerty/Flying The FlagFor the sport horses, we will firstly be joined by Henk Dirksen, the Senior Mare & Stallion Selector with the KWPN. Henk has worked for the KWPN since 2010 where he has been an inspector for the Utecht, Flevoland, and Limburg regions. Since April 2021, Henk has been the main regional inspector of Limburg. He is involved with inspections for both jumping and dressage breeding directions. He is an active breeder and keeps several broodmares with his wife.Henk Dirksen (suited), Senior Mare & Stallion Selector with the KWPNHenk Dirksen also bred the mare Olona (KWPN) by Indorado (KWPN).Olona is the dam of Cornets Olona (BE/SIES) who is ridden internationally by British jumping legend, and our third guest inspector; John Whitaker MBE.John holds an impressive medal haul including three Olympic medals stretching back to 1984s team silver at Los Angeles (USA) with Ryans Son; the same horse he finished fifth with in 1979 at the World Cup final in Gteborg (SWE). His championship medal haul includes five World Championship medals, and thirteen European Championship medals including team and individual gold at the 1989 European Championships. He has won the Hickstead Derby four times and has also been on several Aga Khan Nations Cup winning teams for Britain at the RDS Dublin Horse Show.John Whitaker (GBR) & Cornets Olona (BE/SIES) competing at the 2024 Chantilly CSIYH1*; SportfotWith a career spanning six decades with no signs of slowing down, John brings a unique perspective on the requirements of stallions competing in top sport given his success with stallions such as Argento (AES) and his multiple championship partner; Peppermill (KWPN). Several Irish-bred horses are among the many top horses that Whitaker competed with including of course the legendary stallion Cruising (ISH)[TIH].In 2011, Whitaker and the Irish-bred gelding Casino by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) won the 1.50m Grand Prix at the Stockholm CSI3* (SWE). The partnership also finished second in the World Cup qualifier at the London Olympia CSI5*-W in 2008, and second in the 1.55m Grand Prix at the CSI4* in Chantilly (FRA).Speaking about the inclusion of the guest inspectors for 2026, Sonja Egan PhD., Head of Breeding, Development and Innovation had the following to say:Many breeders will recall that during last years stallion inspections, the ifac team conducted an independent review of several Irish sport horse studbook inspection processes. One of the recommendations arising from the report was to explore the use of foreign judges or inspectors to further strengthen the process. We are delighted to implement this recommendation for the first time, and to welcome Mary, Henk and John to this years Stallion Selections. Their expertise across studbook inspection processes, breeding and top sport performance will complement the extensive experience already present on our studbook panels. This combination aligns with the breeds presented, with the potential to introduce new perspectives that can add value to the horses and overall process.This approach mirrors the successful model long used in the RDS Dublin Horse Show, where international judges have contributed positively to the judging process. This is a positive step based on stakeholder feedback; we look forward to working together to continue developing an inspection system that serves Irish breeding to the highest standard.Horse Sport Ireland would like to remind stakeholders that spectators are welcome to attend at no cost, we look forward to meeting you all across the two days!Horse Sport Irelands Stallion Selections are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Equine Technical Support fund.The post Horse Sport Ireland welcomes guest Inspectors to 2026 Stallion Selections appeared first on .

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Short on time yet need a safe, low-sugar, high-fibre mash for a laminitisprone pony or a senior with poor teeth? Heres how SpeediBeets 10minute 1:5 soak compares with PuraBeets 12hour methodso you pick the right option for hydration, budget, and routine without guesswork. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Choose product What To Do: Pick SpeediBeet for 10minute soaks at a 1:5 water ratio by weight. Choose PuraBeet if you can soak 12 hours cold or quicksoak with hot tap water and feed once cool. Why It Matters: Aligns prep time and cost with your routine while keeping sugar low and fibre high. Common Mistake: Buying on price alone then lacking time to soak safely. Area: Soak correctly What To Do: Follow maker times/ratios: SpeediBeet 1:5 for ~10 minutes; PuraBeet overnight cold or hottap then cool, swelling ~5 volume. Always feed fully soaked and discard any that dries out or ferments. Why It Matters: Proper soaking prevents choke and delivers predictable nutrition. Common Mistake: Eyeballing water or rushing the soak. Area: Weigh dry first What To Do: Weigh beet pulp dry with digital scales; add water by ratio. Label buckets with dry amounts for consistency. Why It Matters: Dry weight, not soaked volume, controls intake and nutrients. Common Mistake: Measuring by bucket size and guessing portions. Area: Laminitissafe feeding What To Do: Keep unmolassed beet to 6 g/kg bodyweight/day (e.g., 3 kg dry for 500 kg), split into meals, fully soaked, and pair with forage and salt. Why It Matters: Supports metabolic control without starch or sugar spikes. Common Mistake: Overfeeding dry weight or serving partially soaked beet. Area: Senior support What To Do: Provide a soft mash; use warm (not boiling) water for comfort. Consider FibreBeet if extra fibre variety and condition are needed without high starch. Why It Matters: Easier chewing and added moisture help appetite, weight and gut health. Common Mistake: Relying on longstem forage when teeth are compromised. Area: Reduce iron What To Do: Rinse dry beet, soak in hot tap water, drain, then complete four freshwater rinse cycles. Feed once cool and fully hydrated. Why It Matters: Can lower iron from ~611 ppm to ~211 ppm for ironsensitive horses. Common Mistake: Skipping rinses or using boiling water. Area: Cost vs time What To Do: Use SpeediBeet for busy yards; choose PuraBeet/Equibeet to cut costs when you can plan overnight soaks. Compare calories per if aiming for weight gain. Why It Matters: The right choice keeps routines workable and budgets intact. Common Mistake: Paying for speed you dont use or running short due to long soaks. Area: Winter hydration What To Do: Feed a daily soaked beet mash; use warm (not boiling) water; ensure freechoice salt or add plain salt; check droppings and water buckets. Why It Matters: Beet pectin helps retain gut water when drinking falls in cold snaps. Common Mistake: Skipping salt or offering cold, unappealing mashes. In This Guide SpeediBeet vs PuraBeet: the short answer Soaking times, water ratios and how to prep safely Is beet pulp safe for laminitisprone or metabolic horses? Feeding seniors and poor chewers: mash that hydrates and nourishes Iron in beet pulp: when to worry and how to reduce it How much to feed: work it out by weight, not by bucket Costs and convenience: which offers better value? Winter in the UK: using beet pulp to support hydration Pressed for time but need a safe, lowsugar, highfibre feed for a metabolic pony or an older horse that struggles to chew? Unmolassed beet pulp is hard to beat for hydration, gut health and practicality if you choose the right format and prepare it correctly.Key takeaway: For UK owners, SpeediBeet suits busy yards thanks to a 10minute soak and a 1:5 water ratio, while PuraBeet is cheaper per bag but needs a full 12hour cold soak (or hottap quick soak, fed once cool). Both are suitable for laminitisprone and senior horses when fed by dry weight and soaked well.SpeediBeet vs PuraBeet: the short answerSpeediBeet is ready in 10 minutes with a 1:5 water ratio by weight; PuraBeet needs a 12hour cold soak or can be prepared with hot tap water and fed once cool, absorbing roughly five times its volume of water.Both are unmolassed, low in sugar and high in digestible fibre, making them suitable for horses with metabolic concerns or laminitis risk. SpeediBeet retains about 56% residual sugar and is manufactured to open up the fibre, which speeds water uptake and softening. As British Horse Feeds explain of their patented process:With SpeediBeet the manufacturing process forces the fibres apart, allowing greater accessibility to water. Its like cardboard converted to blotting paper. British Horse Feeds Technical FAQsPuraBeet (EQUIGLO) is also unmolassed with sugar removed as much as possible during processing, but it behaves like traditional shreds in the bucket brilliant value if you can plan ahead, less convenient if you cant. For both, weigh the dry product first, then add water. The maximum recommended feeding rate for unmolassed beet pulp is 6 g/kg body weight per day (3 kg dry max for a 500 kg horse).Soaking times, water ratios and how to prep safelySpeediBeet uses 1 part beet to 5 parts water by weight and is ready in 10 minutes; PuraBeet takes 12 hours in cold water or can be soaked in hot tap water and fed once cool, swelling to roughly five times its volume.For daytoday use, stick to the manufacturers ratios and times so your horse gets consistent nutrition.SpeediBeet: 1:5 water ratio by weight. Example: 250 g dry + 1.25 kg (1.25 litres) water, ready in about 10 minutes. Some owners choose to soak longer to maximise water uptake for satiety.PuraBeet: 12hour cold soak, or hot tap water for a faster swell, then feed once cool. It will take up about five times its volume of water.Warm water (not boiling) can improve palatability and speed softening in winter. Always feed completely soaked beet pulp and discard any that has dried out or fermented.Quick tip: The most important step is weighing the beet pulp before soaking. EQUIGLOs own guidance is unequivocal: weigh first to realise the benefits. Measuring by bucket leads to errors because soaked volume varies by product.If youre prepping multiple feeds at a busy livery yard, SpeediBeets fast soak is a genuine timesaver. At home with regular routines, PuraBeets overnight method is easy to build into your schedule and saves money per bag.Is beet pulp safe for laminitisprone or metabolic horses?Yes both SpeediBeet and PuraBeet are unmolassed, low in sugar, and high in fibre, making them suitable options for laminitisprone and metabolic horses when fed by dry weight and fully soaked.SpeediBeet is around 95% sugarfree (56% residual sugar), while PuraBeet has had sugar removed extensively during factory processing, providing a lowNSC base for restricted diets. This makes beet pulp a smart way to add fibre and moisture without starch spikes. As independent equine nutritionist Clare MacLeod MSc Rnutr notes:Unmolassed sugar beet pulp is a highly versatile and useful horse feed. Its palatable, rich in fibre and minerals, low in sugar, almost free of starch, provides bulk, has moderate energy content and helps to rehydrate because of its water content after soaking. Clare MacLeod MSc Rnutr, via EQUIGLOFor metabolic horses, its essential to control total intake: the maximum recommended dry weight is 6 g/kg body weight per day, split into meals and balanced with forage. Salt provision also matters because the wet mash contributes water; ensure free access to a salt lick or add plain salt as advised by your nutritionist or vet. You can find salt, electrolytes and digestion support in our curated range of horse supplements and care products.Owners focused on agricultural provenance may also appreciate that UKgrown SpeediBeet is produced under stricter herbicide regimes than many US options (though not certified organic). The key takeaway: both products fit laminitisaware diets when you weigh, soak, and balance the ration correctly.Feeding seniors and poor chewers: mash that hydrates and nourishesSoaked beet pulp makes a soft, easytoswallow mash that adds moisture and bulk, supporting seniors or horses with worn or missing teeth.Older horses often struggle to process longstem forage; a soaked beet mash provides fermentable fibre and water in a form thats comfortable to eat. Both SpeediBeet and PuraBeet create a pliable, palatable consistency, and you can customise the wetness to your horses preference. In colder months or after dental work, use warm (not boiling) water for extra comfort and aroma appeal.Need a little more oomph for poor hay doers? Consider a formulated blend such as FibreBeet (a mix of SpeediBeet, alfalfa, oat fibre and biotin), which soaks in 45 minutes with cold water or 15 minutes with warm water. This approach keeps sugar low but layers in quality fibre and key nutrients to support condition without the starch hit of many mixes.At Just Horse Riders, we frequently help owners of golden oldies choose the right winter setup: a warm stable, a consistent bucketfeed routine, and the right rugging. If your senior tends to drop condition in rough weather, pairing a soaked beet mash with appropriate stable rugs for steady barn temperatures and wellfitted winter turnout rugs can help maintain appetite, comfort and hydration.Iron in beet pulp: when to worry and how to reduce itInitial iron levels in SpeediBeet have tested at 611 ppm, but a thorough rinseandsoak protocol reduces this to around 211 ppm a level many owners of ironsensitive horses consider more manageable.While not every horse is sensitive to higher iron, some metabolic horses and those with specific veterinary guidance benefit from loweriron rations. If you wish to reduce iron in beet pulp, use this simple method:Rinse the dry product briefly to remove dust and fines.Soak in hot water from the tap (not boiling) to encourage leaching.Drain, then perform four postsoak rinse cycles (fill with fresh water, stir, drain) without further soaking.This stepdown procedure has been shown to bring the iron content from 611 ppm to about 211 ppm. Combine this with a balanced mineral plan (guided by forage analysis where possible) and ensure adequate salt provision. If youre adding electrolytes after work or in winter, our NAF collection includes trusted UKformulated options owners rate highly.How much to feed: work it out by weight, not by bucketThe maximum for unmolassed beet pulp is 6 g per kg bodyweight per day thats 3 kg dry weight for a 500 kg horse, always weighed dry before soaking.Because different products take up water differently, feeding by soaked volume is unreliable. Weigh the dry product first, then add the correct water ratio for a consistent result. Here are useful benchmarks:500 kg horse: up to 3.0 kg dry beet pulp/day (split into multiple meals).300 kg pony: up to 1.8 kg dry/day.250 kg native or minicob: up to 1.5 kg dry/day.Converting dry to soaked using SpeediBeets 1:5 ratio gives a practical sense of bucket volume. For example, 500 g dry SpeediBeet becomes about 3 kg (3 litres) of wet mash; 1 kg dry becomes around 6 kg (6 litres). PuraBeets soaked volume is similarly generous, swelling to roughly five times its original volume.Pro tip: Consistency matters more than perfection. Use a simple digital scale in the feed room, label buckets with dry weights, and keep a note of your horses body condition score every two weeks so you can adjust calmly and early.Costs and convenience: which offers better value?SpeediBeet typically costs around 20.93 for 20 kg, while unmolassed alternatives like Equibeet sit near 13 for 20 kg; SpeediBeet wins on speed and convenience, PuraBeet/Equibeet win on price if you can plan ahead.For hard keepers needing substantial calories, standard grain feeds may be more costeffective per calorie than SpeediBeet. If budget is tight and youre home daily, PuraBeet or traditional shreds can be soaked overnight in batches. If time is tighter than money, SpeediBeet shines especially on busy livery yards juggling multiple feeds, unexpected latefinishes, and cold nights when warm water soaks are a bonus.Trying to stretch your winter budget further? Keep an eye on our rotating deals in The Secret Tack Room clearance ideal for picking up yard essentials and winter layers alongside your feed routine.Winter in the UK: using beet pulp to support hydrationBeet pulps pectin helps retain water in the gut, supporting hydration during UK winters when grass is sparse and water may freeze a practical advantage for every horse, not just endurance types.Research cited by EQUIGLO highlights that beet pulps pectin content helps hold a gut fluid reservoir, which is particularly useful for horses exercising for longer periods and during cold snaps when drinking can drop. In realworld UK conditions frosty mornings, shortened turnout, and reduced grass moisture a daily soaked beet mash helps maintain gut motility and overall water intake. As EQUIGLO summarises from MooreColyer et al.:Beet pulp because of its rich pectin content holds water in the gut, making it a useful way to encourage a good gut fluid reservoir for horses exercising for long periods of time, such as those in endurance. via EQUIGLOPractical winter tips:Soak with warm (not boiling) water to increase palatability and speed softening.Offer freechoice salt or add a small daily measure of plain salt to encourage good drinking habits.Rug appropriately so your horse isnt burning excess calories to keep warm; a wellfitted, breathable turnout rug or snug stable rug helps maintain appetite and condition.At Just Horse Riders, we see winter hydration plans work best when theyre simple, consistent and tailored: the right rugging, reliable soaked fibre, and regular monitoring of droppings and water buckets.FAQsIs SpeediBeet suitable for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues?Yes. SpeediBeet is unmolassed and around 95% sugarfree (56% residual sugar), and PuraBeet has sugar removed during factory processing. Both are lowsugar, highfibre options suited to laminitisaware diets when weighed dry and fully soaked.How much time does SpeediBeet actually save compared to regular beet pulp?A lot. SpeediBeet soaks in about 10 minutes using a 1:5 water ratio by weight, while traditional shreds need around 12 hours in cold water. Some owners still soak SpeediBeet longer to maximise water uptake, but the quicksoak option is ideal for busy yards.Is the higher cost of SpeediBeet justified for hard keepers?Not always. For significant weight gain, some grain feeds can deliver more calories per pound spent. If you can plan ahead, traditional unmolassed shreds or PuraBeet are cheaper per bag; if your schedule is tight, SpeediBeets time savings are often worth the premium.Should I be worried about iron in beet pulp?It depends on your horse. Initial iron readings around 611 ppm have been reported for SpeediBeet, but rinsing first, soaking in hot tap water, and performing four postsoak rinses can reduce this to roughly 211 ppm. Discuss total dietary iron with your nutritionist if your horse is sensitive.Can I feed beet pulp to senior horses with poor teeth?Yes thats one of its best uses. A wellsoaked mash is soft, easy to swallow, and adds water and fermentable fibre. Consider blends like FibreBeet if you need extra fibre variety and biotin support, and use warm water in winter to tempt fussy appetites.How do I know Im feeding the right amount?Weigh the dry product every time. The maximum guideline is 6 g per kg of bodyweight daily (e.g., up to 3 kg dry for a 500 kg horse), split across meals. Dont eyeball soaked volume different products absorb water differently.Any simple addons that make a real difference?Yes: a reliable set of feed scales, labelled buckets, and a salt plan. For salt and digestive support, browse our supplements and horse care collection. Keeping your horse warm and comfortable with wellfitting turnout rugs and stable rugs also helps maintain appetite and hydration through winter. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop NAF SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Clearance Deals

The GermanTeam bested nine other nations in the second leg of the2026FEI Longines League of Nations(LLN)show jumping competitionunder the sun and palm treesin Ocala, Fla.,last weekend.The four-man squadaccruedonly 4 faults over two rounds in the main arena at the World Equestrian Center(WEC)onSaturday,March 21.Prize money for theCSIO5*-LLNevent was $770,000.The German Team in the victory gallop after the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala competition: Richard Vogel; Christian Kukuk; Rene Dittmer, and Andre Thieme. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan PhotographyNations with teams competing there wereBelgium,Brazil,Germany, France,Ireland,Italy,theNetherlands,Switzerland,USA,and reigning champions Great Britain, who secured their place by winning a dramatic jump-off at the Longines League of Nations Final 2025last Octoberin Barcelona, Spain.The course designer forLLN Ocala was Irishman Alan Wade, who will also design the courses for the 2028 LA Olympic Games.In LLN competition, teams of four horse-and-rider pairs from the ten qualified nations jump two rounds, with each team being allowed one of the four as a drop score. Everyone jumps in the first round, then based on the scores from that round, three riders from each of the top eight teams return to jump the same course again with scores from the two rounds combined to determine the overall winner. The ten teams accumulated points are tracked over four qualifying competitions to determine the series rankings going into the finals. The League of Nations is the FEIs newest Nations Cup competition. It all began in 2024 with teams from ten countries competing in a series of four events throughout the year leading to a final to determine the overall series winner. The WEC has hosted the North American stop of this series in mid-March each year thus far. The other legs are: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in mid-February; Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in mid-June; Gassin-St. Tropez, France, in mid-September, and the finals in Barcelona, Spain, October 1-4, 2026. Find out more about the FEI Longines League of Nations here.Horse-and-rider combinations for the German Team were Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria, Christian Kukuk and his Olympic gold-medal mount Checker 47, Richard Vogel and Cloudio, and Rene Dittmer and Corsica X, with Olympic rider Otto Becker serving as their Chef dEquipe. The Irish Team, all male riders as well, was a close second with 8 faults total. The Belgian Team, composed of two male and two female riders, was also in the hunt, finishing third on 12 faults. 2024 Olympic gold medalists from Germany Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 clear the last fence in the 2026 LLN Ocala. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan PhotographyAll three German riders went clear in the second round, with Vogel and Cloudio as their anchor pair. I have great teammates here. They did a really good job. I went in almost in a bit of a comfortable situation, having one rail to give. In this format, it makes it very exciting; anything could happen, as we saw in the second round. Im very proud of my horse, Cloudio. He came over from Europe for the Nations Cup; I just met him here, and he delivered double clear. I couldnt be happier with him, said Vogel, who lived for a time in the USA training with McLain Ward. Richard Vogel and Cloudio of the winning German Team sky the water jump during the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala. Photo by Kim MacMillanChefdEquipeBecker was beaming in the press conference following Germanys win,What a week, what a team.I have no words. We hada great weekandto winthe Nations Cup today means a lot to me.Imvery proud. A big thank you to the Roberts family[owners of the World Equestrian Center], to the organizers, to Longines,to the sponsors. Special words for the course builder; it was a fantastic course. I appreciate what we saw today and thought it was great advertising for the sport.The U.S. Team, which was victorious in the LLN in Ocala last year, had a rough go in this years League of Nations Ocala. Originally the team was to have been a repeat of last year with Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward all tapped to ride by Chef dEquipe Robert Ridland. However, a last-minute substitution was necessary when Ward injured his hand in a fall with a horse the week before, so Natalie Dean stepped up to fill in. In the end Dean, who jumped second in the order for the USA and was the Teams best in this LLN Ocala, put in a fault-free ride in the first round with Marigold Sporthorses LLCs Pedro van de Barlebuis. Best scoring rider for the U.S. Team in the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala, Natalie Dean on Pedro van de Barlebuis. Photo by Kim MacMillanIn a cruel twist of fate, the other seasoned and decorated U.S. riders all encountered just plain bad luck no one could have foreseen. First out for the U.S. Team was Lillie Keenan and her long-time partner Argan de Beliard, a horse thathadan impressivefour double-cleansin NationsCup competitionslast year. After pulling only one rail over the challenging course to that point, Argan stunned everyone by stopping at the final fence which caused Keenan to fall off. Horse and rider were bothalright, but the rider fall resulted in mandatory elimination.The biggest mystery was Lillies horse stopping, saidChef dEquipeRidland. Were not sure why he did that. The last fence was right towards the crowd. Maybe he saw something.This left the U.S. Team with only three riders (and no other drop score) to try to qualify for the second round since only the top eight teams of the ten returned for the second class. After Krauts horse Tres Bien Z (who won the Washington International Horse Show Grand Prix last fall) also refused on the first attempt at the water jump and had an additional three rails down plus time faults, things began to look very bleak.Anchor U.S. rider Vale on Carissimo 25, a horse with a history of clean rounds and big wins, also grabbed an uncharacteristic four rails for 16 faults. This left the USA with 49 total faults so they failed to qualify for the second round in Ocala. They plan to move on to compete in the next two legs of the LLN, however, so they have the potential to improve in the LLN standings. Switzerland also had a difficult first round and did not return for round two. View the complete results and a list of competitors from the 2026 LLN Ocala here.A drone show lit up the sky over the WEC main arena before the 2026 LLN Ocala awards. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan PhotographyFrance won the first round of the LLN in Abu Dhabi in February, with Germany second there and Brazil third. After two of four legs have been completed, the Longines League of Nations preliminary overall standings thus far are: Germany, first; France, second; Ireland, third; Brazil, fourth; Great Britain, fifth; Belgium, sixth; Switzerland, seventh; the Netherlands, eighth, Italy, ninth, and USA tenth. Track the 2026 League of Nations standings here.Fans of the sport can relive the excitement of the Longines League of Nations Ocala on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, March 28, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time,with an encore presentation on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. ET.This article about the 2026 FEI Longines League of Nations show jumping competition in Ocala is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post 2026 FEI Longines League of Nations Jumping: Germany Shines Under Ocala Sun appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.