From Horse Dreams to Animal Rescue: A Journey with Just Horse RidersIn the latest episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander chats with his sister Nicole about her incredible journey from a horse-loving child to the founder of a flourishing animal rescue. Their conversation sheds light on the highs and lows of animal welfare, the challenges of running a rescue, and the powerful impact of a life dedicated to animals. Watch now on YouTube.How It All BeganAaron kicks off the episode by introducing his sister Nicole, who runs Changing Lives Animal Sanctuary. Reflecting on their childhood, Nicole shares how her passion for horses started when their family moved to a farm. "I always had a love for animals. But before we moved to the farm, we didnt even have a dog," she recalls.Falling in Love with HorsesNicoles journey with horses began early. At just seven years old, she was captivated by these majestic creatures. "Who doesnt have that dream as little girls, to go riding on a pony?" she says. Despite being only three feet tall at the time, her determination to ride the biggest horses set her apart. "I wanted to ride all the big ones, but I was never allowed because I was probably three feet tall," she laughs.The Therapeutic BondHorses became a form of therapy for Nicole, helping her manage her energy and difficulties in school. "Being the child that I was, I was quite an energetic child. I wasnt particularly good in school, and when I got home, all I wanted to do was play with the ponies," she shares. This early bond with horses set the foundation for her future in animal care.Independence and DedicationNicole's love for horses taught her valuable life skills, such as independence and dedication. "Youve got to be dedicated to it. It's the early mornings, the 4:00 or 5:00 AM get-ups," she explains. Her routine of mucking out, tacking up, and preparing for shows instilled a strong work ethic in her.The First HorseGetting her first horse was a milestone for Nicole. She fondly remembers her first horse, a Lithuanian sports horse named Rosie. "My first horse, I can remember it. I got on it, fell straight off, and never wanted to get back on it again," she chuckles. Despite the initial setbacks, Rosie became Nicoles beloved companion.From Horses to Animal RescueNicole's journey didnt stop at horses. Her love for animals expanded to founding Changing Lives Animal Sanctuary, a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming small animals. "We rescue, rehome small animals. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, anything smaller than a cat," she explains.Challenges and TriumphsRunning an animal sanctuary is no easy feat. Nicole shares some of the heart-wrenching and inspiring stories from her work. "Weve had so many neglect cases," she says. One recent case involved a severely neglected cat whose claws were curling back into its paws. "We had to shave this cat; it was awful to do it, but there was no other way," she says.Rescuing During FloodsNicole's dedication extends beyond routine care. During severe floods, she went above and beyond to rescue stranded animals. "The farm down the road, 3 or 4 miles away, was flooded, and I really wanted to help them," she recounts. Her quick action and coordination with the community saved numerous animals from dire conditions.Support from the CommunityThe success of the sanctuary is largely due to community support. Nicole recalls a generous donor who unexpectedly filled a van with dog food, treats, and toys. "He opened the van, and the whole thing was full of food, treats, toys, everything you could need for a dog," she says. This support has been vital in sustaining the sanctuary.The Costs of CaringRunning an animal sanctuary involves significant expenses. Nicole estimates that they need at least 13,000 a month to cover vet bills, staff wages, food, and other essentials. "Its about 13,000 per month," she states. This figure highlights the ongoing need for donations and support.Fundraising EffortsTo keep the sanctuary running, Nicole organizes various fundraisers, from showjumping competitions to summer ftes. "Weve done music nights and they are really successful. They raised just over 2,000," she notes. Despite these efforts, the sanctuary is often just breaking even, making continuous fundraising essential.The Impact of Covid-19The pandemic brought additional challenges. Many people adopted pets during lockdowns, only to abandon them once life returned to normal. "For Covid, people were getting their animals, but then they couldnt afford to keep them," Nicole explains. This influx of abandoned pets added to the sanctuarys workload and financial strain.Adoption StoriesDespite the challenges, there are many success stories. Nicole shares the tale of a cat named Daniel, who despite severe neglect, remained trusting of humans. "Daniel was so friendly, rubbing on you, giving you good boops with his head," she recalls. Although Daniel had to be euthanized due to severe health issues, his story reflects the resilience and trust animals have, even after experiencing neglect.Heartwarming ReunionsNot all stories end in sorrow. Nicole recounts the heartwarming reunion of a cat that had been missing for nine years. "The owner was just crying her eyes out when she found out we had her cat," she says. These moments of joy and connection are what make the hard work worthwhile.Government Policies and Animal WelfareNicole also discusses the need for better government policies to protect animals. She criticizes recent laws that impose fines on owners who fail to microchip their pets, arguing that such measures could make things worse for rescues. "Its probably going to make rescues more full because people dont want the 500 fine," she notes.Future Plans and AspirationsLooking ahead, Nicole hopes to achieve charity status for the sanctuary, which would allow them to apply for larger grants and expand their operations. "Once we get charity status, we can start applying for bigger grants, like 250,000," she explains. This funding could enable the sanctuary to purchase new premises and increase their capacity to help animals in need.Aarons PerspectiveAaron shares his pride in Nicoles achievements and her unwavering dedication to animal welfare. "Youve been meant for it. You really, really care," he tells her. His support and admiration are evident throughout the episode, highlighting the close bond between the siblings.How You Can HelpIf youre inspired by Nicoles story and want to support Changing Lives Animal Sanctuary, consider donating or participating in their upcoming events. "We have a summer fte coming up in July, with pony rides, bouncy castles, and a dog show," Nicole announces. Every contribution helps keep the sanctuary running and supports their mission to rescue and rehome animals.ConclusionNicoles journey from a horse-loving child to the founder of a thriving animal sanctuary is a testament to her passion and dedication. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that a love for animals can have, not just on the animals themselves, but on the lives of those who care for them. To hear more about Nicoles inspiring journey, listen to the full episode now.Explore More from Just Horse RidersFor more equestrian content and updates from Just Horse Riders, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Check out our collections for the latest in Jodhpurs, Boots, Gloves, Socks, and more!

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team finished eighth at the Longines League of Nations final qualifying leg in Rotterdam this evening. A stunning performance from France to finish on a zero score across two rounds of jumping saw them emerge victorious, with Sweden finishing second on four faults and Great Britain in third, also on a final total of four. Having won the second leg in Ocala and finished runner-up in Abu Dhabis opening leg, Ireland had already secured qualification for Octobers final in Barcelona, but there was plenty at stake with the Paris Olympics firmly on the horizon. Ireland began a little slowly in the Rotterdam rain as Shane Sweetnam finished on an unlucky eight faults with the inexperienced RR Combella. The pair were unfortunate at the water when the mare just left a heel on the tape, before dropping the top bar at the double, having jumped []

Galway Downs main arena boasts unique spectator seating and a backdrop of flags representing an international array of competitors. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.The organizing team behind the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has released new updates to their proposed venues for competition, putting these updates forward for approval by the City of Los Angeles next. The first venue proposal was created in 2017, and in the intervening years more options and developments have become available to evolve the original proposal.Looking at the equestrian sports, LA28 originally identified the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area as the prospective host site for equestrian and para-equestrian competition, the latest update has revealed that an exceptional existing facility in Temecula, CA, that is the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all required disciplines in one location has now been designated as the host venue for the upcoming Games. This, of course, leads us to Galway Downs, which currently hosts competitions across disciplines, including CCI4*-L level eventing. LA28 submitted these updated venue assignments to the City of Los Angeles, which must approve competitions that move outside of the citys boundaries from the venue plan submitted during the bid, the press release put out by the committee today states. This means that the decision is not 100% final yet, but should it be approved that would allocate the equestrian and para-equestrian sports to Galway Downs. You can view the full submission put forward to the City of Los Angeles here. The equestrian-oriented portion of the submission reads as follows:In the 2028 Venue Plan, the Equestrian venue is Galway Downs in Temecula, CA. LA28 considered many possible venues, but the IOC requirement that all three Equestrian disciplines (Jumping, Dressage, Eventing) be organized within the same site rendered many venues unfit, particularly for the Cross Country component of Eventing. One of the venues examined was the Hansen Dam Horse Park in Lake View Terrace; however, it lacks adequate space and facilities to accommodate the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian requirements. Additionally, the current operation and resident horses would need to be displaced throughout the build and Games period given restrictive quarantine and build requirements. The IOC requirement that all three Equestrian disciplines be delivered on the same site to manage the cost andcomplexity of the Equestrian program rules out Hansen Dam.The only existing venue that can accommodate the requirements of Equestrian, while also reducing the cost and complexity of delivery, is Galway Downs. These venue adjustments result in an estimated net benefit of +$26 million, primarily driven by the significant reduction in estimated venue infrastructure expense.In comparison to building an entirely temporary facility at Sepulveda Dam, the existing facilities at Galway Downs can accommodate Equestrian at a much lower cost, and its operator is experienced in hosting large events.All proposed venue changes have been assessed in consultation with each respective International Federation, the statement continues. The IOC Executive Board has approved these venue assignments for Olympic sports, pending approval from the City of Los Angeles. Changes to venues for Paralympic sports will require approval from the IPC Governing Board in the future.There is no date or timeline given for the approval process by the city, but as soon as we have more confirmed details and official information on the proposed venue updates, well keep you in the loop. As we continue to focus on the Games happening in Paris next month, well eagerly be awaiting more news from a home Olympics coming next.

Stirring second round fightback secures podium finish in Deauville semi The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team has qualified for the final of the Longines EEF Series Nations Cup in Warsaw in September, after a stirring second round fightback earned a podium position in Deauville this afternoon. This performance illustrated the depth of Irish show jumping given that another team was also competing in the Longines League Of Nations at Rotterdam. It was a real team effort too as while no Irish combination managed a double clear, each of them recorded one. Three of those arrived in the second round to secure third, as Tyrones Jenny Rankin recovered from her opening eight-fault outing on Blackwood Groups Ibiza to get the comeback under way. Tipperary man Tom Wachman, on Coolmore Showjumpings Berlux Z, and Galwegian Jessica Burke, riding the Liam Nicholas-owned-and-bred Irish Sport Horse Express Trend, followed suit to achieve the []

Glandular ulcers involve different risk factors and treatments than squamous ulcers. Addressing an affected horses exercise frequency, stress, and environment can help.The post Treating and Managing Horses WithGlandular Gastric Disease appeared first on The Horse.

If you had the time and freedom to take a year long journey, would you spend it riding across the United States of America?Modern life no longer considers the horse as a primary mode of transportation. It has mostly become an animal of leisure sports, done primarily for the entertainment of the rider. If one simply wanted to cross the United States, a horse would not be the first method proposed.But what if it wasnt about the destination, but instead, the journey? If one leaves from the coast on one side, travels over mountains, deserts, and plains, going all the way to the coast on the other side, would they gain enlightenment from the experience? Would the hardships of taking care of a notoriously fragile animal, combined with the uncertainty of how to survive yourself, leave you knowing yourself in a way you never thought before?Many have thought so. They have made the journey, not because they had no other choice, but because they choose to take on this challenge. Here are a few of those stories.Can You Ride Across America on a Horse?Short answer, yes, you can. Long answer, yes, but youre in a for a challenge, as youll need to plan an appropriate route, feed and care for your horse along the entire journey, and take care of yourself in very rough conditions.In my opinion, only an experienced horseback rider and an experienced outdoorsmen should take on this on. The horse requires one set of skills, and surviving off bare bones camping requires another.Of course, theres always paying for a support team, accommodation, and horse board, so alternatively, you could just have a lot of money.How Far Can a Horse Travel in one day?In the best case scenario, for an average horse that is fit but not endurance racing fit, across easy terrain, one could probably cover between 20 and 30 miles a day.Some horses are better at long rides. The Tevis Cup competition is the most extreme endurance riding competition in the world, covering 100 miles in 24 hours. Since this is the top tier of endurance horses, nearly all horses arent going to be capable of something like that.That also doesnt take into account any supplies that would need to be carried. Many long distance riders end up getting a pack horse, as its just too much for one horse to carry a person and supplies together.How Long does it take to ride across America?Lucian Spataro completed the coast to coast ride in a record breaking 150 days, but he had an entire team devoted to supporting him. Most estimates are double this length of time, so assume approximately a year, if no significant breaks are taken.The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across AmericaThe Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across AmericaMy interest in rides across America was sparked by this book. Its the true story of a woman, Annie Wilkins, who rode her horse from Maine to California in 1954. This ride across America occurred during the age of the super highways being built, showing the country in ways well never see it again. Its a fascinating read about a woman who, as she was told her life was coming to an end, that shed never left her home state of Maine. With only 1-2 years of life predicted to be left, she decided to spend them riding a horse out to see California.These days, its unlikely anyone is going to be riding their horse down the highway like her, using very basic paper maps to navigate an entire country, and relying on the hospitality of strangers.But how would her journey have went if it happened now, in the time of social media? There was plenty that Annie could be criticized for: She hadnt even ridden in the 30 years before her trip. Her horses were acquired just for the journey. One of her them even died on the route, due to her own lack of knowledge.Would she have encountered the same friendliness and hospitality of the nation? Or would she have been torn apart on social media?Which brings us toThe Tik Tok Cross Country RideCyril Bertheau, 24, inspired by his familys tradition of making epic rites of passage, decided to ride a horse from Austin, Texas, to Seattle, Washington, about 2,300 miles. In April 2023, he set off with his horse Shiok, who was newly purchased off Craigslist. At some point he acquired a second horse. He estimated that the trip would take him 100 days, and documented the journey on Tik Tok and Instagram.It didnt take long for the criticism to begin.People were concerned about the welfare of his horses. Experienced riders were asking about the conditioning, care, and training of the horses. His accounts were flooded with concern for the horses.Bertheau responded with video of the horses being checked by the vet, and a video of a police officer declaring the horse fine. He also said that he and the horses are being supported by a remote team, whatever that means. He would not divulge any information about how his horses training, or how he decided his travel route. He also would not give any information about his previous riding experience.Was he abusing his horses? Or was he being unfairly picked on by the internet?At one point, Bertheau stayed with a Texas rancher who later told news outlets that Bertheau, had no idea what hes doing.He didnt feed his horse while he was here, the rancher said, explaining further that he took it upon himself to feed Berteaus horse, and was not reimbursed for it. He shared photos with an online blog that declared the horses legs were swollen, had cuts, and appeared tender to the touch on his back.Berthaeu was eventually stopped by police and was charged with a misdemeanor, but not due to horse welfare concerns. Instead he lacked a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for either horse.Officers who stopped him also commented on the condition of the horses: I also observed Pete to have a large open/oozing and swollen saddle sore, approximately 4 inches long on his right rib cage, and his left hind fetlock was significantly swollen. The officer also added that Pete appeared unsound.Bertheau never made it to Seattle, but he said he took the horses to the vet, and then continued riding for another two weeks. He then declared his ride over.I got cited and went on to continue and finish the trip a whole 2 weeks after. I didnt abandon my trip, I finished and changed the destination midway. It was never about finishing in Seattle, it has no significance.With his journey over, he apparently had zero desire to keep riding. He listed them for sale for $60,000, hugely inflating the value of the two horses apparently due to the social media fame. Naturally, he was criticized for inflating the cost of the horses, but also for showing only select images of the horses, which many believed was done deliberately to avoid showing their poor condition.But for those concerned about the price, Berthaeu was also open to trades of automobiles and real estate.Shiok later sold at auction for $9,600.The 1974 RideNot all who attempt to ride across country are inexperienced riders. In 1974, an experienced rider team traveled from Colorado to Maryland in 4 months.Roz Green had been gifted her first pony at 4 years old. She was foxhunting at 6 years old. She took her horse with her to boarding school. There she met Chris Mann, who rode on the equestrian team with her.It was grief that caused her to take on her journey. Her beloved father, supporter of her equestrian endeavors, had died while she was living in Colorado. She decided to ride home to Annapolis, Maryland.These experienced riders took on their journey responsibly. They each had a riding horse and they shared a pack horse. Each night they found a place for the horses to graze. Every two weeks the horses had their shoes reset by a farrier.Like Wilkins, they were welcomed as they crossed the U.S., with small towns celebrating their arrival and farmers inviting them to stay with them. But there were still critics. Despite the lack of social media and therefore real time information on their actions, they still had a concerned citizen call the FBI on them to do a brand inspection, convinced they were doing something wrong.Despite the stops, they efficiently made it to Annapolis, where Green settled down for a new career.With the ride complete, one of the horses was donated to their old boarding school. But Green, a rider at heart, kept the other two with her.The Trail Across AmericaIf youre looking to ride across America, youre in luck, because theres an entire mapped out route to use. The American Discovery Trail runs from Cape Henlopen, Delaware, all the way to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. Its a connected route of national parks and trails, recreation trails, and local and regional trails, spanning 6, 800 miles. It goes through cities, small towns, forests, mountains and deserts.In 2003, Matt Parker was the first horseback rider to complete the trail. It was a two year journey, stopping along the way for temporary jobs and a break for winter weather. He shuffled through three different horses: a racking horse, a Missouri Fox Trotter, and an appaloosa. Even though most of the trail he followed was the ADT, he did have to leave the trail a few times, as some parts of the ADT do not allow horses.Parker was 25 when he took on this journey. When asked why, he stated, I kind of wanted to see what I was made of at a basic level. I couldnt imagine a more supreme test than to ride a horse across the U.S. in this day and age. Ive already had the best education money can buy and it didnt teach me a thing about manhood. This trip for me is a rite of passage to manhood.Interested in the Long Ride?For those looking to try out the adventure of traveling with their horses and long rides without the commitment of months to years of adventuring, Endurance riding might be a good way to start. There are organized rides across the country, which might fulfill that wanderlust itch without all the perils of taking on an exceedingly long journey.For those people who stumbled upon this page and arent actually horseback riders, but want to do a long ride take some lessons first. Learn about horse care. Make friends with trail riders. Invest your time in learning before you put an innocent animal into this kind of situation.For those who ignore that and do it anyway, well, I think youre just trying to feed your ego. Since were all going to hear about your ride, because why else would you do it, be prepared for the waves of criticism youre going to receive.The post Crossing America on Horseback appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

The horse lives in Hamilton County, where three horses are exposed. The post Ohio Gelding Tests Positive for Strangles appeared first on The Horse.