Eric Winter, who has been designing the cross-country course at MARS Badminton Horse Trials since 2017, declared himself to be delighted ecstatic, even at how well his track rode.I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the good horses made it look by 12.30pm I was on the phone to my wife, saying that there was a 75% strike rate of clear rounds at that stage [the final tally was 34 clears representing 58%], he said. The riders said it was readable and I think it flowed well.He was pleased with how well the frangible pins worked crucial to safety nowadays (its the way we have to go in the sport) in particular the ones used for the first time on the houses at the LeMieux Village (fence 18ab).Among the rides that particularly impressed him was that of Holly Richardson on her first ride, Ballyneety Silver Service, who rose 33 places after dressage to 23rd after cross-country with the first round inside the optimum time. She was really impressive and showed more experienced riders that the time could be achieved.Eric also singled out Sarah Bullimores performance on her home-bred 10-year-old, Corimiro I thought wow, she looked as if she was just out for a hack and only last year the horse was in the 8/9yo class at Blenheim and, of course, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. What can you say about them? Ros looks as if she has all the time in the world. I hope they win; Graffalo is the horse of his generation, the ultimate athlete with proper eventing breeding that goes back 40 or 50 years.The life of an international designer is hectic. On Monday morning, Eric is catching a 6am flight to Sweden, where he is working on the Young Rider and Junior European Championships course at Segersjo, and then he will be off to France for Chaumont en Vexin.

Veterinarians might consider colic surgery when a horses pain is severe or persistent and doesnt respond to medical treatment, or when diagnostics suggest an impaction or intestinal displacement. Researchers have shown the best surgical outcomes are typically seen in horses treated early, before significant damage occurs. Prognosis also depends on the specific type of colic and severity of damage. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Bianca Ruspi, DVM, equine surgery resident at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, explain when they usually recommend colic surgery for horses and how they come to that decision.This podcast is an excerpt from our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, Equine Colic 101. Listen to thefullrecordinghere.About the Experts: Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMichael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, is the owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Fugaro received his VMD at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square, where he graduated in 1997. He then completed a large animal internship at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada, and a large animal surgical residency at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Previously, Fugaro was the resident veterinarian and a tenured full-professor at Centenary University, in Hackettstown. He has also taught as a visiting instructor at Rutgers University in the Animal Science Department, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Fugaro has held veterinary positions with the New Jersey Department of Agricultures Division of Animal Health and the New Jersey Racing Commission. He has also been the president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners, an advisory board member for the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement (RUBEA), and an admissions committee member for University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. When not performing surgeries, Fugaro enjoys golfing and going to the gym. He resides in Morris County, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna, and dog, Curtis.Bianca Ruspi, DVMBianca Ruspi, DVM, is a third-year resident in equine surgery at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky (UK), in Lexington, for her undergraduate degree and Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, for veterinary school. She is interested in orthopedic surgery and joint disease and is pursuing a PhD at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center following her residency.

12 min read Last updated: January 2026 Struggling to keep watch over your stables without WiFi, especially on dark winter nights? This guide explains the right UK SIMs, simple setup steps, and how to size your datastart with 24GB per cameraso you get dependable, yearround monitoring without surprise bills. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Data Plan Sizing What To Do: Start each camera on 24GB/month; if you live view often, budget 610GB. Set data alerts at 75% and 90% in your carrier app. Why It Matters: Matches allowance to usage and prevents bill shocks. Common Mistake: Picking 1GB then streaming HD nightly and blowing the cap. Area: UK SIM Selection What To Do: Use a nano, dataonly prepaid SIM from EE, O2, Three or Vodafone and confirm LTE bands B1/B3/B7/B8/B20. Install one SIM per camera. Why It Matters: Ensures reliable connectivity with supported networks. Common Mistake: Buying a contract or devicelocked SIM that wont register. Area: APN Setup What To Do: Manually enter your carriers APN in the Reolink app exactly as provided, with no spaces. Test with a spare nano SIM before committing to a plan. Why It Matters: Correct APN is required for the camera to attach to the network. Common Mistake: Typing errors or trailing spaces that block connection. Area: Substream Viewing What To Do: Set substream (smooth mode) as your default for routine checks and switch to mainstream only for detail. Why It Matters: Cuts liveview data by up to 10, keeping costs down. Common Mistake: Leaving live view in HD for casual checks. Area: SD Card Recording What To Do: Fit a highendurance 64128GB microSD and enable motion clips. Review events from the SD card instead of long live viewing. Why It Matters: Local recording uses zero SIM data. Common Mistake: Streaming for minutes to watch back rather than pulling clips. Area: Multicamera Budgeting What To Do: Plan one SIM and 24GB/month per camera, then multiply by camera count. Use multiSIM or IoT bundles to simplify billing. Why It Matters: Keeps total yard costs predictable and manageable. Common Mistake: Trying to share a single SIM across cameras (not supported). Area: Solar Power Setup What To Do: Mount the solar panel high, southfacing and clean monthly; reduce live viewing in winter to conserve battery. Why It Matters: Maintains uptime through short, dim UK days. Common Mistake: Shading the panel or expecting heavy winter streaming. Area: Mounting & Alerts What To Do: Aim at doors, foaling boxes and feed stores; avoid backlighting; tune PIR sensitivity, zones and schedules. Why It Matters: Captures key activity while reducing false alerts and data use. Common Mistake: Wide, untuned coverage that spams alerts and tempts live viewing. In This Guide How much data do Reolink 4G cameras use? The right UK SIM card for stable cameras How to size your data plan (with quick yard examples) Setup essentials: APN, testing and saving data Multicamera yards: budgeting and billing Powering through UK winters: solar, battery and storage Recommended models and UK pricing at a glance Your yardready checklist Want instant eyes on your stables without WiFi? A 4G Reolink camera and the right SIM plan can give you dependable, yearround monitoring across the yard even in the depths of a British winter.Key takeaway: Budget 14GB of data per camera each month for typical yard checks, use a nano dataonly SIM (one per camera), and switch to substream when live viewing to cut data by up to 10x.How much data do Reolink 4G cameras use?Reolink 4G cameras typically use 14GB per month in standard stable monitoring, depending mainly on how often you live view and at what resolution. Live HD viewing uses around 150250MB per 10 minutes and up to 1.5GB for an hour of continuous streaming, while local SD recording uses no SIM data at all. That means your usage hinges on how often you check in and whether you use the main stream (clear mode) or the lowerbitrate substream (smooth mode).As a practical rule of thumb from Reolink/EIOTCLUB testing: on Reolink Go/Go PT, 1GB of data gets you about 1 hour of mainstream viewing or 10 hours of substream viewing. On the higherresolution Go Plus/Go Ultra, 1GB covers roughly 45 minutes of mainstream viewing or about 3.5 hours in substream. For many UK yards using the popular Reolink Go PT Plus, around 2GB per month is usually sufficient for normal use i.e. a few quick night checks and occasional clip retrieval (EIOTCLUB data guide; Reolink Support).Crucially, Reolink only uses data when you actively stream, upload to the cloud, or retrieve clips. Continuous local recording to a microSD card is offline and doesnt touch your SIM allowance. If you like to keep an eye on a restless horse overnight, switch to substream: those 10minute spot checks will cost roughly 1520MB each instead of 150250MB in HD.The right UK SIM card for stable camerasUse a nano, dataonly prepaid SIM from EE, O2, Three or Vodafone that supports LTE bands B1/B3/B7/B8/B20; avoid contract SIMs and devicelocked cards. Each Reolink 4G camera takes one nano SIM and cannot share a card with another device (Reolink Support).Reolinks own guidance is clear:Choose a SIM card without carrier limitations to ensure seamless connectivity. Avoid contract SIM cards, as these often come with restrictions that may prevent the card from being used with certain devices, including your Reolink camera. Reolink Support TeamMost UK operators EE, O2, Three and Vodafone are compatible with Reolinks required LTE FDD bands (B1/B3/B7/B8/B20). Note that Vodafones VSIM (a oncepopular M2M option) has been discontinued in the UK, so if you previously relied on it, EE has been a robust alternative for many yards (Reolink Community).Before purchasing, check the Reolink product page for your camera and choose United Kingdom to see confirmed carriers. If your exact area isnt listed, Reolinks support team can advise on the best local option (Reolink Support).How to size your data plan (with quick yard examples)For occasional night checks, a 24GB/month prepaid plan per camera is usually enough; for frequent live viewing, budget 610GB. The difference comes down to how often and how long you stream, plus whether you use mainstream HD or the lowerbitrate substream.Use these quick calculations to rightsize your allowance:Light checks in substream: 10 minutes ~17MB (because 1GB 10 hours). Three checks per night = ~50MB/day or ~1.5GB/month. A 2GB plan gives comfortable headroom.Light checks in mainstream: 10 minutes ~167MB (because 1GB 1 hour). Three checks per night = ~0.5GB/day or ~15GB/month costly. Switch to substream for routine checks.Event alert reviews: Grabbing a few 3060s clips per day adds only tens of MB monthly. Set smart PIR sensitivity/schedules to avoid false alerts.Price benchmarks to guide your budget: EEs 120GB, 12month data pack sits around 60/year (community reports), while EIOTCLUBs 5year unlimited 4G plan bundled with a free Reolink Go PT Plus, solar panel and preinstalled SIM is about 399 total (roughly 7/month over five years) (Horse & Hound Forum; EIOTCLUB bundle review).Quick tip: Doing late checks around the yard? Keep yourself safe and seen with hivis layers for riders and wear supportive, waterproof yard and riding boots when youre back and forth to the stables in the dark.For more detail on data maths across Reolink models, EIOTCLUBs deep dive is a handy reference (EIOTCLUB data guide).Setup essentials: APN, testing and saving dataEnter your carriers APN manually (with no extra spaces), and test your camera with a spare or temporary nano SIM before committing to a long plan. Correct APN entry is critical; some UK operators will reject the attach if you include trailing spaces or typos.Reolinks community moderators summarise it neatly:Any data SIM should be fine as long as you add the APN. As a test you can insert your smartphone SIM (nano). Make sure you type it correctly with no spaces as some operators will reject the IMSI attach. Reolink Community ModeratorsFollow this quick setup checklist to avoid the common pitfalls:Confirm SIM size: nano only.Check local coverage and LTE bands: B1/B3/B7/B8/B20 are needed; EE, O2, Three and Vodafone all support these in the UK.Manually add the APN in the Reolink app; enter exactly as provided by your carrier (no trailing spaces).Update your camera firmware via the app before installation.Insert a highquality microSD card (up to 128GB on Go PT Plus) for continuous local recording without data use.Set PIR sensitivity and notification schedules to reduce false alerts and streaming temptations.Default routine checks to substream; switch to mainstream only when you need to zoom in on detail.Pro tip: Local SD recording uses zero SIM data. If anything worries you overnight, review the clip from the SD card later in the app rather than staying in live view (Reolink Support).Multicamera yards: budgeting and billingEach Reolink 4G camera requires its own SIM, so plan one data plan per unit and look for multiSIM or family accounts to simplify billing. You cant share a single SIM between cameras (Reolink Support).Use this framework to estimate costs for a livery yard or stud:Percamera allowance: 2GB/month for occasional checks; 46GB/month for moderate to frequent monitoring.Total monthly data: multiply percamera allowance by the number of units (e.g., 8 cameras x 2GB = 16GB/month combined).Billing: Some UK carriers let you manage multiple dataonly SIMs under one account, sometimes with shared or pooled data. If not, IoT providers like EIOTCLUB offer percamera longterm bundles that may pencil out over five years.Cost examples to benchmark: A yard with four Reolink Go PT Plus cameras on 2GB plans would need ~8GB/month across accounts. Using EEs 120GB annual option at ~60/year per SIM (where available) gives plenty of headroom, while an allin EIOTCLUB bundle at 399 per camera includes the device, solar panel and longterm data for those who want a set and forget package (Horse & Hound Forum; EIOTCLUB bundle review).Operational tip: Put routine overnight patrolling in substream and keep motion zones tight to doors, hay areas and foaling stalls. That way youll save data while still catching what matters.Powering through UK winters: solar, battery and storagePair your 4G camera with its solar panel, and rely on the internal battery and a large microSD card to bridge the short, dim days of NovemberFebruary. In winter, youll get less solar input, so it pays to reduce live viewing and lean on local recording.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend installing the panel where it gets maximum midday sun (even in winter), keeping it clean of dust and cobwebs, and using a highendurance microSD card up to 128GB for the Go PT Plus. That capacity lets you record locally for days, then review clips without burning through your data allowance.Quick tip: When youre on winter night checks, youll be warmer and quicker if your horses are already comfortable. If youre turning out, make sure theyre in the right weight of rug for the weather; our selection of turnout rugs handles everything from cold snaps to wet and windy spells, while stable rugs keep them cosy when they come back in.Finally, remember that rewiring stables or running mains to every barn isnt always practical on UK yards. A solarpowered 4G Reolink setup gives you continuous coverage without depending on fixed broadband precisely what many rural and livery yards need.Recommended models and UK pricing at a glanceFor UK yards without WiFi, pick the Reolink Go PT Plus for best allround performance, budget around 159.99 for the camera only, or consider a ~399 camera + solar + longterm data bundle if you prefer a single purchase. The Go Plus/Go Ultra models deliver higher resolution but use data faster when you stay in mainstream HD (EIOTCLUB data guide).As weve seen:Go/Go PT: ~1GB per hour in clear mode; ~10 hours per GB in smooth mode. Basic users often manage on ~1GB/month.Go Plus/Go Ultra: ~45 minutes per GB (clear mode); ~3.5 hours per GB (smooth mode). Plan closer to 2GB/month or more for regular checks.Go PT Plus (popular on UK yards): Around 2GB/month is usually sufficient for normal use with substream for routine viewing.Package options: EIOTCLUBs 5year unlimited 4G plan with a free Go PT Plus, solar panel and preinstalled SIM comes in at 399 (~7/month over five years), while conventional UK carriers like EE, O2 and Three offer paymonthly or annual dataonly plans if you already own the camera (EIOTCLUB bundle review; Horse & Hound Forum).From our experience supporting UK horse owners, the winning formula is: a Go PT Plus + solar + 24GB/month + large microSD + substream for routine checks. Its dependable, costefficient and simple to maintain.Your yardready checklistBefore you leave the tack room, run through this 10minute checklist to ensure your cameras and your yard routine are winterproof and datasmart:SIMs: One nano dataonly SIM per camera; note each phone number/ICCID on the cameras serial label.Carriers: Confirm LTE bands (B1/B3/B7/B8/B20) and local signal for EE/O2/Three/Vodafone; test with a temporary SIM if unsure.APN: Enter the APN manually in the Reolink app; doublecheck for extra spaces or typos.Data plan: Start at 24GB/month per camera; set usage alerts in your carrier app at 75%/90% usage.Streaming: Set substream as your default live view; use clear mode only for detail checks.Recording: Fit a quality microSD (up to 128GB on Go PT Plus); enable motion clips and sensible PIR windows to reduce false alerts.Power: Mount solar panels high and southfacing; clean lenses and panels monthly.Mounting: Aim cameras to cover doors, foaling boxes and feed stores; avoid backlighting from open barn doors.Security: Use strong passwords in the Reolink app; apply firmware updates promptly.Personal kit: Night checks go smoother with supportive yard boots, warm layers, and a grabandgo grooming kit for quick touchups before transport.Pro tip: Keep a few highvalue treats in your pocket for quick, calm handling during checks our selection of horse treats is yardfriendly and great for positive reinforcement.Expert guidance and where to get helpReolinks own resources are worth bookmarking. Start with the official SIM selection guide and the data usage article for authoritative, modelspecific details (SIM card guidance; data usage). Their advice on countryspecific carriers is straightforward:Various countries/regions have different carriers available. Please visit the Reolink product specifications page and enter your country or region to check the corresponding recommended carriers. If your country is not on the list or the recommended carrier is unavailable in your area, please contact Reolink Support for help. Reolink Support TeamAt Just Horse Riders, we also track what works on British yards daytoday. Our customers tell us the Go PT Plus with a 24GB plan, substream default and a good solar setup keeps foaling boxes and isolation stables covered without surprise data bills. While youre optimising your setup for winter, its a good time to refresh yard essentials from warm stable rugs to supplement staples for condition and calmness in cold weather (supplements and horse care) so your horses stay as comfortable as your cameras are reliable.Prefer premium finishes for your matchymatchy kit? Explore seasonal colours and yardworthy layers from LeMieux to keep you smart and practical on late checks and early turnouts.ConclusionChoose a nano, dataonly UK SIM (one per camera), budget 24GB monthly for routine checks, and default to substream to keep data lean. Add solar and a large microSD for winter reliability, and youll have dependable, alwayson eyes across the yard without needing fixed broadband.Set your cameras up this week, and then turn your attention to making winter yard life easier with warm layers, safe footing and the right rugs and supplements were here to help, from tech tips to tack room essentials.FAQsCan I use a standard smartphone SIM card in my Reolink stable camera?Yes as long as its a nano, dataonly SIM that isnt devicelocked. Insert it, then manually enter your carriers APN in the Reolink app. Test with a spare phone SIM first if youre unsure (Reolink Community).How much data will I use if I check my camera a few times each night?In substream, three 10minute checks a night use roughly 50MB/day (~1.5GB/month). In mainstream HD, the same habit can exceed 15GB/month. Default to substream for routine viewing (EIOTCLUB data guide).Does recording to the SD card use my SIM data?No. Local SD recording is offline and uses zero data. Data is only consumed when you live view, upload to the cloud, or remotely retrieve recordings (Reolink Support).What SIM plan should I buy for a UK stable camera?For light, occasional checks: 24GB/month per camera on a prepaid plan. For frequent monitoring: 610GB/month. EE, O2 and Three all offer compatible dataonly plans; EEs 120GB annual pack is reported around 60/year. Longterm IoT bundles like EIOTCLUBs 5year unlimited plan run about 399 with camera and solar included (Horse & Hound Forum; EIOTCLUB SIM guide).Do I need a separate SIM for each camera on my yard?Yes. Each Reolink 4G camera needs its own dedicated SIM; you cant share a SIM between devices. For multiple cameras, look for multiSIM or family accounts to simplify billing (Reolink Support).How do I know if a SIM will work before buying a full plan?Check Reolinks countryspecific carrier list, confirm LTE bands (B1/B3/B7/B8/B20 in the UK), and, if possible, test with a temporary nano SIM at the retailer. Manually enter the APN and ensure there are no extra spaces in the field (Reolink Support).Whats the best camera choice for UK yards without WiFi?The Reolink Go PT Plus offers the best balance of image quality, battery life and data efficiency for most UK yards. Pair it with a solar panel, 24GB/month data plan and a 64128GB microSD card for reliable, lowmaintenance monitoring (Just Horse Riders guide). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Supplements

The Challenge Badminton Horse Trials Trophy ~ to the winning owners: Michele & Archie Saul for Lordships GraffaloMars Equestrian Yeti Cool Box ~ to the winning rider: Rosalind CanterMars Equestrian and Spillers prize ~ 1,000 to the Groom of winner: Sarah CharnleyReplica of the Trophy ~ to the top three riders and the winning owner: Michele & Archie Saul, Rosalind Canter, Tim Price and Harry MeadeMark Holliday Memorial Trophy ~ Groom of winner: Sarah CharnleyButler Challenge Bowl, with replica ~ for the highest placed British rider: Rosalind CanterWorshipful Company of Saddlers 1,000 saddlery voucher ~ Rider with the best score who is under 25 on 1/1/27 and who has not previously won a Company prize in the calendar year: Tom Bird riding Cowling Hot GossipSilver Jubilee Plate ~ to the most successful rider, the horse to be owned by the rider alone, or in conjunction with immediate family: Sam Watson for Ballyneety RocketmanLaurence Rook Trophy ~ best British rider not previously completed Badminton: Holly Richardson riding Ballyneety Silver ServiceGlentrool Trophy ~ Horse & Rider who have made greatest improvement on their dressage placing: Tayla Mason and Centennial, up from 40th to 6thFrank Weldon Memorial Trophy ~ Rider of the youngest British owned and ridden horse in top 12: Tom Jackson for United 36Cotswold Life Trophy ~ To the best British rider who is not entitled to wear the adult Union Jack Badge and whose permanent address is in the county of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire or Somerset: Aaron Miller who finished 11th on Friendship VDLThe William Miflin Memorial Trophy ~ To the rider of the horse with no cross-country jumping penalties and closest to optimum time: Sarah Bullimore with Corimiro who finished one second inside the timeSport Horse Breeding of Great Britain ~ Owner of best horse sired by a SHB(GB) Graded Stallion or Premium Stallion, provided it is in the top 12: Michele & Archie Saul for Lordships GraffaloFarriers Prize ~ plaque to the owner and farrier of the best shod horse: Jim Brendon for Tom Bird, Helen Kerry and Fran Birds Cowling Hot Gossip.Stud Voucher 500 ~ owner of the highest placed British owned mare: Stephen & Dinah Posford and Jules Carter for Annaghmore ValonerDavid Beaufort Memorial Trophy ~ to the person who has contributed to the running of the Horse Trials over many years: Caroline Bromley Gardener who has done the cross-country fence illustrations at Badminton since 1968Embryo Transfer or OPU session ~ to the highest placed British bred or domiciled mare, courtesy of Tomlinson Equine: Annaghmore ValonerBreeder of the winner ~ Lordships Stud/Pennie WallaceArmada Dishes ~ Sarah Ennis, Georgie Goss, Harry Meade, Tom Rowland, Joseph Murphy, Michael Owen

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo re-wrote eventing history and smashed records with an extraordinarily smooth third MARS Badminton Horse Trials victory, the first combination to achieve this accolade in the events 77-year history.In the final, tense moments of the competition, Ros was left with a luxurious 10.2 penalty lead in the show jumping arena to clinch the richest prize in eventing, 125,000.She used up just two of those penalties in excess time in an admirably composed, harmonious performance, the 14-year-old Lordships Graffalo (Walter) giving each fence plenty of air for the coolest of clear rounds, his ears pricked intelligently throughout.Harry Meade and the mare Annaghmore Valoner, the cross-country runners-up, had given Ros a little more breathing space with a fence down which dropped them to third place.New Zealander Tim Price, whose previous best Badminton result was a third place in 2017, rose to the runner-up spot with an outstanding clear show jumping round on Falco, a horse owned by a previous Badminton runner-up from 1979, Sue Benson.Falco is a fantastic little horse, all head and heart, said Tim. If hes enjoying it and his confidence is there, he gives me everything.Tom Jackson jumped clear for just 0.4 of a time penalty with the 10-year-old United 36 for fourth place, his best Badminton result, Katie Magee scored a career best with fifth place on Treworra and another Kiwi, Tayla Mason, was sixth on Centennial with a clean jumping round.An international top 10 was completed by French riders Gaspard Maksud (Zaragoza, seventh) and Benjamin Bassie (Filao de Perle, ninth), with Felix Vogg eighth for Switzerland on Cartania and Sarah Bullimore in 10th on the exciting prospect Corimiro, who dropped seven places to 10th with two rails down.Its hard to put into words how I feel right now, but when it sinks in it will be incredible, said Ros in the aftermath of her historic win.I hope this result makes Walter the greatest in the world. And for all the young people out there, you really can learn to be good under pressure. If you have the dream, it is possible.Harry Meade, whose own achievements in the sport are remarkable, generously summed up: It is difficult enough to get a horse to the startline, and to get it to the startline and deliver in the style Ros has done is something every horseman would recognise. Her technical ability and coolness under pressure will stand the test of time and that is her great legacy.Final results on www.badminton-horse.co.ukAbout the winner:Ros Canter, 40, and the 14-year-old bay gelding Lordships Graffalo, by Grafenstolz out of Cornish Queen (bred by Pennie Wallace and the Lordships Stud and owned by Michele and Archie Saul) have contested Badminton four times, finishing second in 2022 and first in 2023, 2025 and 2026. They have also won two Burghleys, in 2024 and 2025, plus the double European gold in 2023 and an Olympic team gold medal in 2024.Ros, 40, came up through the eventing ranks via producing young horses for Judy Bradwell. In 2017, she made her British team debut, riding Allstar B, to win European team gold and the following year they won double gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. They were also travelling reserves for the 2021 Olympics.Ros, who has also won two five-stars with Izilot DHI, lives on the family farm near Louth, Lincolnshire, and is married to Chris McAleese; they have two daughters, Ziggy, six, and Seneh, born in January.Most Badminton wins:6 Lucinda Green4 Capt Mark Phillips, Sir Mark Todd3 Sheila Willcox, Ginny Eliot, Ian Stark, Pippa Funnell, Ros CanterDual winning horses:Kilbarry (1955-56), High and Mighty (1957-58), Great Ovation (1971-72), Sir Wattie (1986, 1988), Supreme Rock (2002, 2003)Triple winning horses:Lordships Graffalo (2022, 2024, 2025)

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Ears back, snapping, or flinching at the girth isnt bad behaviourits your horse telling you something hurts. This guide shows you how to pinpoint the cause and fix itstarting with a vet check for ulcers (often 37% of cases; up to 92% in symptomatic horses) and followed by saddle fit and 1015 minute, gradual girth-tighteningfor calmer, safer tacking-up. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Vet exam & scope What To Do: Book an RCVS vet for gastroscopy plus a full back/lameness assessment. Follow any prescribed omeprazole and management changes. Why It Matters: Ulcers and pain are the top causes of girthiness, and treating the root cause resolves behaviour. Common Mistake: Changing tack or training approach before ruling out ulcers. Area: Track signs & patterns What To Do: Keep a twoweek log of girth reactions, appetite, faeces, ride quality and any colic signs. Share it with your vet and SMS fitter. Why It Matters: Patterns make ulcervstack decisions clearer and speed accurate treatment. Common Mistake: Relying on memory and missing subtle trends. Area: SMS saddle fit What To Do: Book an SMSqualified fitter to check tree, panels, balance, flocking and position, then assess ridden. Refit or reflock as needed. Why It Matters: Poor fit and forward placement concentrate pressure and trigger aversion. Common Mistake: Using pads to mask a badly fitting saddle. Area: Girth tension strategy What To Do: Start snug, not tight; tighten one hole at a time over 1015 minutes, balancing both sides. Check alignment is perpendicular to the sternum. Why It Matters: Gradual tightening prevents pressure spikes that cause discomfort. Common Mistake: Cranking the girth tight on the yard before mounting. Area: Choose the right girth What To Do: Use a wider, anatomical, elasticated girth with soft liners. Position to clear elbows and sit evenly both sides. Why It Matters: Better pressure distribution reduces sternum and pectoral pain. Common Mistake: Narrow, nonelastic girths that create focal pressure. Area: Preride forage What To Do: Feed a double handful of chaff or hay 2030 minutes before tacking up. Why It Matters: A fibre mat buffers stomach acid and improves comfort when you girth and start work. Common Mistake: Working the horse after a fasting period. Area: Musculoskeletal screen What To Do: Ask your vet/physio to palpate sternum, ribs and thoracic spine and assess movement inhand and on the lunge. Keep farriery balanced and up to date. Why It Matters: Orthopaedic pain is a significant share of girth aversion cases. Common Mistake: Ignoring back or limb pain when ulcers are negative. Area: Urgent red flags What To Do: Call your vet immediately if girthiness comes with colic signs, weight loss, dullness, heat/swelling at the girth or performance drop. Why It Matters: Early intervention prevents escalation and speeds recovery. Common Mistake: Waiting to see if it settles while pain worsens. In This Guide Is girthiness just bad behaviour? What signs point to ulcers versus tack issues? What should you check first? How do saddle fit and girth tension cause pain? What management changes reduce girthiness today? What kit helpsand what does it cost? When should you call the vet urgently? Your horse pinning their ears or snapping when you do up the girth isnt naughtiness its a message. In UK horses, girth aversion is most often pain-driven, with gastric ulcers and tack-related pressure topping the list.Key takeaway: Girthiness is usually pain, not behaviour start with a vet check for ulcers, then assess saddle fit and girth tension to fix the root cause.Is girthiness just bad behaviour?No most girthy horses are reacting to pain, with gastric ulcers the leading cause in studies (37% in a retrospective series and up to 92% in symptomatic cohorts). In a review of 37 horses, gastric ulceration was the primary cause (37%), followed by orthopaedic issues (27%) and poor saddle fit (8%) (EquiManagement). Other research cited by equine health experts found 92% of girthy horses had ulcers on scope (Mad Barn).Behavioural labels mask welfare issues. UK veterinary guidance links girth aversion with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), back pain and saddle pressure. Addressing the underlying problem not the symptom consistently yields calmer, safer tacking-up and better performance.What signs point to ulcers versus tack issues?Girthiness plus poor appetite, dullness, weight loss or post-feed colic strongly indicates EGUS; isolated resistance only when tacking or under saddle more often points to fit or musculoskeletal pain. The British Horse Society summarises classic ulcer signs seen alongside girth aversion:Weight loss, dull, depressed demeanour, reduced performance, resistance to aids when ridden, grumpy or aggressive behaviour when girthing, rugging or grooming, colic-type signs, reduced appetite. BHSOaklands Veterinary Centre (a BEVA-affiliated UK practice) adds:Gastric ulcers should be suspected if the horse shows one or more of the following signs: Unwillingness to perform as usual, including resistance to riding aids, picky appetite, transient colic signs directly after feeding, dullness, low Body Condition Score, resistance to girthing. Oaklands Veterinary CentreBy contrast, when girthiness is primarily tack-related, youll often see:Reactions localised to tacking up or the first minutes of workTail swishing, ears back, head tossing as you tighten the girthTripping, shortened stride, or reluctance to go forward under saddleDry or ruffled hair, swelling or rubs at the girth area or behind the shoulderQuick tip: Keep a simple log for two weeks. Note girth reactions, appetite, faecal consistency, ride quality and any colic-like signs. Patterns make the ulcer-vs-tack decision much clearer for your vet and saddle fitter.What should you check first?Book a veterinary exam with gastroscopy (the BEVA gold standard) and a lameness/back assessment before changing tack. UK vets routinely perform gastroscopy at yards, and BEVA guidance also supports prophylactic omeprazole for competition horses under British Equestrian frameworks where appropriate, prescribed by your RCVS-registered vet.Start with health because the data and welfare case are compelling: ulcers commonly present with girth aversion, dullness, and low body condition score (BHS; Oaklands). If ulcers are confirmed, your vet will typically prescribe omeprazole treatments often fall in the 100200 per course range alongside management changes such as more frequent forage and reduced fasting windows.At the same time, ask your vet or physio to screen the sternum, ribs, and thoracic spine for pain, and to observe movement in-hand and on the lunge. Orthopaedic problems accounted for 27% of girth aversion cases in the EquiManagement review, so a musculoskeletal exam is just as crucial as scoping.UK context matters. Wet autumns and winters limit turnout and increase stress, which exacerbates EGUS risk. The BHS recommends ad-lib forage; ensuring hay or haylage before and after work buffers stomach acid. If mud restricts grazing, slow-feeding solutions and extra stable time management help maintain fibre flow and calm routines.Pro tip: Feed a double handful of chaff or forage 2030 minutes before you tack up. This creates a fibre mat to protect the stomach lining when you tighten the girth and start work.How do saddle fit and girth tension cause pain?Excessive girth tension shifts saddle pressure forwards and ill-fitting saddles create pressure points that trigger girth aversion. Peer-reviewed research shows that higher girth tension significantly moves pressure towards the cranial (front) aspect of the saddle, a set-up that can cause discomfort and back issues over time (PMC study).Ill-fitting saddles also contribute by pinching behind the shoulder, bridging, or collapsing at the wither and were identified as a common cause after ulcers and orthopaedic pain (ThinLine research summary). In the UK, the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) sets the standard; book an SMS-qualified fitter to assess tree integrity, panel balance, flocking and, crucially, saddle position. Saddles placed too far forward will magnify girth-related pressure at the horses sternum and pectorals.What to ask your fitter to check:Girth type: wider, anatomical contours that avoid the elbow and sternum; soft materials with elastic insertsGirth alignment: ensure the girth sits perpendicular to the sternum with even tension on both sidesTension strategy: fit snugly for mounting, then tighten in small increments across 1015 minutesDynamic fit: use ridden assessment or pressure mapping if available at your livery yardQuick tip: If you cant access a pressure mat, dust the girth area with grooming chalk before riding. After the ride, uneven smudging or heat at specific points often correlates with pressure peaks.What management changes reduce girthiness today?Tighten the girth gradually over 1015 minutes, use wider elasticated girths, and tack up after a small forage feed to buffer acid. These simple changes immediately reduce sternum pressure and the discomfort that conditions girthy behaviour.A step-by-step routine many UK owners find effective:Before tacking, offer forage (chaff/hay) to create a protective fibre mat.Place the saddle slightly behind the scapula, then slide forward to nestle behind the shoulder.Buckle the girth at the lowest comfortable hole for mounting; do not crank tight on the yard.Walk in-hand for 35 minutes; then tighten one hole. Mount, walk for another 5 minutes; recheck.After warm-up, tighten a final hole if needed, ensuring even holes both sides.Post-ride, palpate along the sternum and behind the elbow. Note any flinching or heat.In wet UK winters, keep stress low: steady routines, ad-lib forage, and appropriate rugging to maintain comfort. Comfortable, weather-appropriate rugs reduce shivering-related stress and calorie drain, which otherwise predispose to ulcers. Explore well-fitting winter turnout rugs for wet days and breathable stable rugs for overnight comfort.Do not punish or rush a girthy horse. Behaviour often improves as pain resolves. Consistency gentle handling, gradual girth tightening, and professional checks is what resets the horses association with tacking up.What kit helpsand what does it cost?Budget 10150 for practical kit (wider girths, pads, hay nets, targeted supplements), and reserve 100200 for vet-prescribed omeprazole if ulcers are diagnosed. Prioritise evidence-led purchases that reduce pressure and support gut comfort while you work with your vet and SMS fitter.Wider, anatomical or elasticated girths: Improve pressure distribution and elbow clearance; expect 50150 depending on design. Look for soft liners or sheepskin covers from brands like LeMieux and Shires, plus shaped pads that stabilise the saddle.Pressure-relieving numnahs/pads: Use with professional fit, not as a band-aid. A shaped pad can help when flocking is due or the horse is changing condition.Forage management: Slow-feeding nets and extra hay prevent long fasting periods that drive acid splash. Browse practical yard essentials and gut-support options in our horse supplements collection.Targeted gut supplements: While medication treats diagnosed ulcers, daily support (e.g., buffers, pre/probiotics) can help management. Explore vet-advised options from trusted brands such as NAF.Comfortable rugs: Appropriate seasonal rugging reduces stress and weight loss in poor weather; see our waterproof, breathable turnout rugs for wet spells and cosy stable rugs for stabled nights.Monitoring and handling: A good grooming kit helps you spot skin changes, rubs or heat daily, while supportive horse boots & bandages can aid comfort during rehab from related musculoskeletal issues.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend combining any kit changes with professional input. Small improvements in fit and routine, made alongside your vet and SMS fitter, deliver the biggest (and fastest) behaviour change at the girth.When should you call the vet urgently?Call your vet immediately if girthiness is accompanied by colic signs, weight loss, dullness, or a marked drop in performance. BEVA-backed UK guidance prioritises prompt gastroscopy for suspected EGUS, especially in performance horses where rapid return to comfort matters (Oaklands Vet Centre).Also call the vet if you see repeated flinching on sternum palpation, heat or swelling at the girth, or deteriorating gait quality. Orthopaedic issues sometimes compounded by unbalanced feet are a significant share of cases; ensure regular farriery is up to date, as the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) notes that correct, balanced shoeing underpins soundness. An annual whole-horse review that aligns vet, farrier, physio and SMS fitter is the surest route to a pain-free girth area.Action plan to get on top of girthiness this month:Week 1: Vet exam with gastroscopy and lameness/back assessment; farrier review if due.Week 2: SMS saddle fit and girth assessment; trial a wider anatomical/elasticated girth.Week 3: Implement gradual-girth routine and forage-before-work; track signs daily.Week 4: Review results with your team; adjust fit/management; progress training calmly.If you compete, discuss BEF-compliant prophylactic omeprazole use with your vet for higher-stress periods. Good preparation, steady feeding, and calm routines often reduce the need for long-term medications.FAQsIs girthiness always ulcers in my horse?No. Ulcers are the leading cause but not the only one. A retrospective study found gastric ulceration accounted for 37% of girth aversion cases, orthopaedic issues for 27%, and poor saddle fit for 8% (EquiManagement). However, in cohorts selected for ulcer signs, up to 92% scoped positive (Mad Barn). Thats why you should vet-check first.How do I tell if its saddle fit or pain causing girthiness?Girthiness with poor appetite, dullness or weight loss points to EGUS; girthiness mainly at tacking and early under saddle suggests fit. Look for performance changes like tail swishing, irregular gaits or tripping and book both an SMS saddle fit and a veterinary gastroscopy/lameness exam. See guidance from the BHS.Can girth type affect my horses behaviour?Yes. Higher girth tension shifts pressure towards the front of the saddle, increasing discomfort; anatomical, elasticated designs help distribute load more evenly (PMC study). Try a wider, shaped girth and tighten in stages.When should I call the vet for a girthy horse in the UK?Immediately, if girthiness comes with colic signs, weight loss, dullness or reduced performance. UK vets (via BEVA guidance) recommend prompt gastroscopy for suspected EGUS, particularly in performance horses (Oaklands Vet Centre).Does rugging cause similar issues to girthing?It can flag the same underlying pain. Grumpiness when rugging may reflect ulcers or back soreness; check rug fit and observe behaviour changes. See BHS advice on EGUS and handling-related irritability (BHS). For comfort through UK weather swings, choose breathable turnout rugs and well-fitted stable rugs.Whats the best way to tighten the girth without causing pain?Start loose for mounting, then tighten one hole at a time over 1015 minutes as you walk and warm up. Always balance both sides and use a wider, elasticated girth to reduce focal pressure. Feeding a small amount of forage 2030 minutes before tacking also helps.Which products actually help while I sort the root cause?Choose an anatomical/elasticated girth and a shaped pad from trusted brands like LeMieux or Shires, support gut comfort with options from our supplements range (including NAF), and keep your horse comfortable with season-appropriate turnout rugs or stable rugs. Use your grooming kit daily to monitor for heat or rubs, and consider boots & bandages during any rehab phase. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop NAF SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Shires

Nallon wins two-star Grand Prix in RiesenbeckMark McAuley was in the winners enclosure this week, holding his nerve in Saturdays second round of the 1.50m two-round competition at Bourge en Bresse in France, and LArc En Ciel Z taking care of the rest, leaving the obstacles standing and too rapid for the opposition, to score in the four-star class (above).As the last qualifier for the Grand Prix, there was a lot at stake quite apart from prize money in the Prix de la Rgion Auvergne Rhne-Alpes but the experienced Louth pilot has been honed in the white heat of five-star battles in Nations Cups for Ireland and elite Grands Prix, meaning he was the perfect foil for the 13-year-old stallion that was his on-course partner.They were the only duo to break 40 seconds in that decisive outing, their 39.61 seconds too hot for Douglas Lindelw (SWE) and Hermosillo dAubigny, who stopped the clock in 40.29.Ciarn Nallon topped off a good week in Germany when galloping to success to the two-star Grand Prix of Riesenbeck on Sunday.Nallon had been in good form all week, with two podium finishes including one with Megalon K, which clearly brought the nine-year-old mare nicely to the boil for the feature.It was a tremendous show overall for the Irish, and James Connors Smyth and Praic Kenny, a winner earlier in the week, completed the top five, just outside the podium positions, riding Dia Chapila Ps and Ganele De Rie Z respectively.Seven combinations took part in the tiebreaker, including the three Irish. Four went double clear, with Kenny and his nine-year-old stallion the quickest of the four-faulters, dropping one rail in a time of 38.35.Waterford athlete, Connors Smyth and his partner, also nine and from the same Beerbaum Stables that Megalon K represents, opted for safety first in getting around without a jumping blemish but there was no caution about Mayo native Nallon, who went out all guns blazing to stop the clock in 37.59 and claim the spoils.Earlier in the week, Kenny and Chacoon Cherry Ps were resounding winners of the 1.45m speed class, clocking 70.20 and clear to prevail by more than two and a half seconds. He was joined on the podium by Nallon, who was third with Babuschka Dree Boeken and it was the Mayo athletes second third-place return of the week, as he had partnered nine-year-old mare Megalon K to be a major ribbon earlier in the week.Max Wachman and Kannem J A Z on their way to a podium finish in France (Photo: Sportfot)On Friday, Max Wachman missed out narrowly on a big win at the three-star Le Touquet Classic, guiding Kannem J.A. Z to second in the Priz Laboratoire LPC.The Tipperary rider and his 11-year-old stallion were one of seven double clears in the 1.50m class and posted a very competitive time of 44.34 seconds in the tiebreaker. That was just a tenth of a second shy of that set by Brazilian Pedro Junqueira Muylaert and Captain Ciwano.Cian OConnor did qualify for the deciding round with Gospel Tame but Kildare-born, Meath-based athlete decided that his 10-year-old stallion had done enough for the day and took no part in the exciting denouement in the Terrain dhonneur.On Sunday, it was the younger Wachman sibling Tom on the podium, in the weeks concluding Grand Prix de la Ville du Touquet-Paris Plage with Do It Easy (below).The 1.50m competition attracted 60 entries, and 18 of those navigated the opening test, although with Karl Cook withdrawing Caracole de la Roque, that left 17 bound for the jump-off.The added time pressure drew nine casualties but its a testament to Wachman and his 13-year-old gelding that despite there still being eight double clears and with the likes of Marcus Ehning (GER) and Nina Mallevaey (FRA) among them, they were still quick enough with a time of 39.56 for the bronze ribbon.Belgiums Robin Van Thillo recorded the biggest victory of his career with My Jewels Magic Touch (38.96), while World No 6 Mallevaey and Destine To Be, the last combination into the arena, nipped ahead of the Irish contenders by just 0.16 of a second to snatch the runner-up berth.There was five-star action this week in Italy at the Longines Versilia Horse Show in Lido di Camaiore. Another son of Tipperary, Shane Breen and his lovable, homebred gelding Scarteen, were in a cohort of eight flawless rounds in the Longines Stakes, a 1.50m winning round Grand Prix qualifier, and their time of 42.90 earned them sixth-place prize money behind Jrme Guery (BEL) with Killer Queen.The post Gallic glory for McAuley appeared first on .