Ocala, FL The $40,000 YETI National Grand Prix was the highlight event on Sunday morning, featuring 39 horse-and-rider combinations competing for top honors. Fresh off last nights $125,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3* victory, Erynn Ballard (CAN) continued her success by claiming first place aboard Mullentine Shalom (Untouchable 27 x Mullentine Crosskeys) and third place with De Flor 111 Z Santa Rosa (Der Senaat[...]Read MoreThe post Canadas Erynn Ballard Cant Be Beat in the $40,000 YETI National Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Team France take the win for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Poland. Strzegom Horse Trials. Sebastien At riding Casanova Du Frety; Marie Bouchanville riding Captaine Charles; Verane Nicaud riding Baron dEtat; Camille Laisney riding Avalone.Photo: Libby Law PhotographyIf Strzegom proved one thing, it was that eventing is rarely predictable. The leaderboard changed dramatically throughout but a young French team proved they could fight until the end, climbing from last to first in the fifth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Poland today. Their score of 145.5 was just a whisker ahead of cross-country leaders Sweden, who wound up on 146.6. Whilst Poland delighted their home crowd by finishing in third on 168.3.All four riders were making their first appearance for the French Team in a Nations Cup competition, but this did not stop them beating stiff competition, including a number of leading riders. These included reigning Olympic champion Julia Krajewski (GER) and winner of six Olympic medals Andrew Hoy (AUS) who at 65 years old was the most experienced competitor in the clubhouse. The French had a disappointing start in the dressage phase, where they finished last of the five teams which came forward with Australia out in front. The cross country phase proved influential, particularly the time with very few riders finishing without penalties. French rider Camille Laisney was one of them and also came out overall winner of the CCIO4*-S. Camille Laisney rides Avalone during the cross country for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup.Photo: Libby Law PhotographyShe was full of praise for her talented French-bred mare, Avalone. It was a really nice day. For me the dressage was not really good, but I was last to go in cross-country yesterday and I saw that the time was hard to get and my horse is really fast so I say ok I can do something here. This is the first time I have come here and the cross-country is amazing. The ground is perfect and all the fences were nice. The showjumping arena is impressive and that can be challenging for horses. I am going to take her of her (horse) as she is just the best.20-year-old Verane Nicaud has no doubt impressed French selectors ahead of the FEI European Young Rider Championships which take place next month at this very venue.It was an amazing week and many beautiful memories. We all get the chance to do our first Nations Cup here so that was a big experience for all of us and this is part of a dream which we share. My next goal is the Young Rider European Championships which is here (at Strzegom). We just tried our best out there and it paid. The cards were really changing after the cross-country, and the time was hard to make, but we are all happy. My next goal will be a four-star long like Boekelo. We came with nothing to lose and we win, and that was a dream. We hope we have shown that France is ready to compete well at the Olympics in Paris. Marie Bouchanville rides Captaine Charles during the Cross Country for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup.Photo: Libby Law PhotographyMarie Bouchanville and Sebastien At made up the French quartet and were both full of praise for the venue. I really like Strzegom. We are really far away, it took two days to come but the weather was really nice and the cross-country was lovely to ride said Bouchanville. Technical delegate at Strzegom, Giuseppe Della Chiesa, highlighted how well supported the event remains, and how useful that can be for Nations needing team practice ahead of Championships. It is great to see how much this event has improved over time. The good thing of the sport is that everywhere is different. Strzegom has been put on the map because there is a good atmosphere and a well-supported atmosphere. In just two appearances, France have remained unbeatable in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series this season, winning the opening leg in Montelibretti back in March. The nation has shown strength and depth in their Eventing squad over the last few season. They have used the Series to give both less experienced riders and more seasoned team members useful practice competing as a team. France is now out in front first in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup standings with 200 points, just ahead of Italy and Switzerland who have 180 points. The Series will now move to Arville in Belgium next month (15-18th August), for the sixth event in this eight-leg Series which concludes at Boekelo (NED) in October. Full results can be found here.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Strzegom Horse Trials (@shtstrzegom) From sitting in 20th after dressage, French rider Camille Laisney aboard Avalone submitted two double-clear rounds in cross country and show jumping to win the whole damn thing today in the CCIO4* FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Strzegom. This brought the gold for Team France as well, with Swedens team in second and Poland leaving with the bronze. Quite a nice accomplishment under the belt of this years Olympic host team, and a great way to go into the month proceeding the Paris Games. Allons-y!U.S. Weekend ActionFox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington Hills, IL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Round Top H.T. (Castle Rock, CO) [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Stable View Summer H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, MA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]UK International EventsAlnwick Ford International (Northumberland) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]International EventsStrzegom Horse Trials & FEI Nations Cup (Poland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [FEI YouTube Channel NC Dressage Free Live Stream][Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country][Whole Event Live Stream via CMH] [Scoring]SemaLease Kilguilkey House International 1 (Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Scoring]Links to Start Your Sunday:Tom McEwens CHF Cooliser welcomes her first embryo transfer baby by DiaradoIts Getting Hot In Here: 6 Myths About Cooling Horses in Hot WeatherBittersweet: William Fox-Pitts Grafennacht to transfer to Harry Meade upon his retirementEquestrian Sports: Millions of Fans, Missing Millions in SponsorshipsTo celebrate the launch of Canter Cultures first riding top, the Alice Sun Shirt, Canter Culture is giving away an entire outfit! For your chance to win an Alice Sun Shirt, one pair of Athletic Breeches, Boot Socks, and a Double Circle Belt, all you have to do is sign up for our newsletter and fill out the form in the 7/1 ICYMI Newsletter! Winner will select color options & sizing. Canter Culture seamlessly blends style & sport, so all thats left to do is enjoy the ride.Stay tuned well announce the winner in our weekly newsletter on 7/1! Sign up for our newsletter here.Sponsor Corner: Your horse cant develop insect-related skin issues if the flies cant land on them in the first place! Take a look at this impressive before and after using Ecovets fatty acid fly repellent formula. [Shop now] View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Chronicle (@chronofhorse) Morning Viewing: Settle in to watch cross country for the CCIO4* FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Strzegom here!

The 2023 Horse Health Report, recently released by The Insurance Emporium, has shared the most common horse health complaints last year.Leg conditions were the top most claimed for ailment for 2023, costing on average 733, External Accident was the top most claimed for accident for 2023, costing on average 668, and colic incurred the highest average paid claim in 2023 at 1,081.Our latest data on customer claims for common illnesses and conditions paint a similar picture to last year, with leg conditions topping the list for disease-related claims and external accident for accident-related claims, said The Insurance Emporiums Chief Executive Officer, Francis Martin.Incidentally, claims for colic resulted in the highest average paid claim of 1,081, closely followed by digestive system conditions, such as gastric ulcers, at 908. It highlights that without equine insurance, horse owners could be footing an extremely expensive veterinary bill.We understand the rise in veterinary costs, feed, yard fees and all the other costs associated with horse ownership are having a demonstrable impact on owners, with many struggling to afford to keep them. As an alternative, some owners have decided to go into shared ownership to keep costs down. However, if they havent already got cover, additional riders may want to consider rider insurance. While the owner, if concerned about vet fee costs, may want to consider horse insurance cover with vets fees cover as an optional benefit.Further readingCorrect hoof care: essential guide for every horse ownerThe signs of colic plus what you need to do if your horse has itA silent scourge: Identifying and treating gastric ulcers in horsesResearch paints worrying picture for owners due to cost of living crisisBuying horse feed: its not cheap, but these tips will save you moneyThe post Most common horse health conditions revealed appeared first on Your Horse.

In partnership withEquisafetyFrom puddles in the road to crossing streams, there are plenty of times where our horses might encounter water on a hack. Its therefore key that they can handle it safely and with confidence, but many horses will shy or refuse.Accredited coach and 4* eventer Sarah Gairdner shares some tips to help you and your horse navigate water obstacles.Do you need to go through it?Just because you want to go through water doesnt mean the same for your horse, especially if there are other routes around. If your horse is refusing to go through a puddle or crossing, try putting yourself in their shoes.If they were in the wild, would they choose to go through it or go around? Theyd pick whatever route is safest, says Sarah. Water can be murky and they can find it tricky to read when there are reflections or shadows in the water. So if its a small puddle where theres a clear way around, why wouldnt they go round?To us, it seems sensible to introduce water with the smallest expanse, like a puddle, rather than something bigger like crossing a stream or a cross-country course water complex. But this isnt the same for our horses.The biggest mistake I see riders make is with a short expanse of water. Riders want a horse to walk through, but when its narrow a horse will naturally want to jump it to get to the other side, or go around, says Sarah. When theres length, horses will go in rather than jumping it.There is also the question of depth whilst we know that a puddle in the road is shallow, a horse will not have this reasoning. In deeper water, such as a river crossing, we cant see the bottom so dont know how safe it is.As a kid, I was always told if you cant see the bottom, dont go through it, advises Sarah.Some horses may refuse to go into water because they are genuinely afraid your job is to show them that its safe. You can do this with training.How to get your horse used to waterSarah advises riders that whilst it can be tempting to start tackling it on a hack when you happen upon a puddle or stream, this isnt the best place to begin, particularly if your horse is nervous.I would always start somewhere where the horse can clearly see an entrance and exit, like a water complex at a cross-country course, so they understand they have to go through it, says Sarah. Its all about confidence and trust. We know where were going, why were going through the water, and that its going to be ok but the horse doesnt know any of that, so they have to trust that you do.Theres also the safety aspect to consider whilst hacking, there are often too many external factors to consider, such as other road users, that you need to be aware of, meaning your focus cant solely be on providing your horse with a positive experience.If youre in the middle of the road then you have everyones safety to consider, says Sarah. In a controlled environment, like a cross-country course, they can say no safely. You dont have to worry about it becoming a battle.1. Get them thinking forwardYoull struggle to get your horse striding on with confidence if they are behind the leg.The horse needs to be forward. If they arent in front of the leg then theyre not thinking forward, says Sarah. Reward them for moving forward. Let them stand if they want to, but not move backwards.2. Let them have a lookA young or nervous horse will benefit from having the opportunity to investigate the water. Letting them approach at walk and then stopping to have a look can help.Going slowly gives them time to see where theyre going, says Sarah. Allow their head so they can look and see, especially if its a young horse; they might want to put their nose down and look at it like that.3. Find a leadIf theyre not sure, take a lead from another horse. If another horse makes the first step theyll often follow, says Sarah.You could always ask a friend to go in on foot too if your horse will follow a person.Dont put yourself in a position of introducing water without help. Theres only so much you can do if theyre digging their heels in and youre on your own, she adds.4. Dont overdo itDont be greedy if they go in, dont keep getting in and out. If they walk in and out of the water then thats good enough, especially if theyre nervous, says Sarah. Just because theyve walked in doesnt mean they are ready to trot and canter they can scare themselves and set you back further than when you started.Venues are expensive to hire, so many people want to get their moneys worth, but that can mean overdoing it. You want to come away with them having enjoyed it, not being overwhelmed.5. Preparing for a leapMany horses would rather leap over a puddle than walk through it, and the idea of this can make some riders nervous. Sarah advises you have a neck strap ready just in case.If they leap in, have your neck strap ready to hold on to so you dont catch them in the mouth, cautions Sarah.If the rider unintentionally loses their balance they usually rely on their hand their hands go to the horses mouth. The less you react down the rein, the better experience the horse has.6. Building up and also back downWhen things are going well its easy to push for more, and whilst this helps with progress, Sarah finds that de-escalating an exercise to end on an easier note to be beneficial for her horses mindsets.I build up in difficulty and then always build back down again. So lets say you want to canter through water start with walking through, then trot, then canter. But dont end it on that note as its the hardest. Instead, come back to something simple like walking through. The horse comes away thinking that it was easy and straightforward, she explains.7. Putting it into practise at homeUnless you have a water tray it can be tricky to replicate this at home, but mimicking the scenario of asking them to calmly walk through or over something unusual will help build up the trust in your relationship. Then the next time you ask your horse, theyll remember you kept them safe before, and will be more willing.You can teach your horse to step onto something and walk off, for example walking them over tight tarpaulin, suggests Sarah. Then you have already built up trust in that type of situation. Its about making sure that your groundwork and ridden work have built confidence.This content is brought to you in partnership withEquisafety, high viz clothing for horses and riders.Meet the expert: Sarah Gairdner is an accredited coach and eventer who has competed up to 4* level. She is the youth coach for the under 18s Eastern region for British Eventing. She runs Danesmore Eventing, based on the Oxfordfordshire-Northamptonshire border.Further readingNine tips for your first beach ride plus introducing your horse to the waterHow do I get my horse used to jumping into water?How to manage a napping horseThe post Is your horse nervous of water? Tips to get them through puddles and streams out hacking appeared first on Your Horse.

Are you ready for the ultimate showcase of racehorses turned riding horses? Join us on July 21st, 2024 for our Racehorse to Riding Horse Show at Narrow Water! Whether you have a retired racehorse or an unraced thoroughbred, we have classes for everyone. Show off your horse's skills in hand or under saddle and compete against other talented equines. With dressage and showing classes, there's something for every horse and rider duo. So mark your calendars and get ready to show off your ex-racehorse's new talents at Narrow Water! Classes are as follows:Class 1 Retraining (raced)Class 2 Retraining (unraced)Class 3 Open (raced)Class 4 Open (unraced)Class 5 VeteranClass 6 In-HandClass 7 Dressage Intro BD AClass 8 Dressage Prelim BD 7Class 9 Dressage Novice BD 27Unraced Classes are open to all TBs aged four years and older.This show is a qualifier for the RH2RH IRE Open Championships.Entry fee is 14 per class.Entries open on July 1st, 2024.#RacehorseToRidingHorseIreland #NarrowWater #EquineShowcase

Many riders choose to put boots on their horse and often they own several sets so that they can use the ones that are best suited to a certain activity, such as hacking or jumping. There is a vast range of different styles, designs, colours and sizes of horse boots on the market to choose from. Technical advances mean it is now possible to buy boots that are designed to protect a horses leg from knocks, while ensuring good air flow to help keep the tendons cool.There are three main features to look for when youre buying horse boots: breathability (ie do they keep the leg cool), flexibility (can the horse move freely) and weight (how heavy they are). These three considerations are essential for your horses wellbeing, and understanding this is key to shopping for a set of boots best suited to you and your horses needs.1 BreathabilityThe most important thing for keeping a horses legs, and particularly tendons, healthy, is helping them stay cool. That means a set of boots with good air flow and that dont cause a leg to heat up unnecessarily is the most important thing to consider when choosing the right ones for your horse.As a horse moves their tendons and ligaments extend and contract, and this natural process creates heat. When you put a boot on your horses leg this heat potentially has nowhere to go, and its important to keep the leg cool as overheating can cause long-term tissue damage.Many boots are made from breathable materials that will help to keep your horses legs cool. Also consider the design of the boot you want it to encourage air flow to stop the build-up of heat.2 FlexibilityChoose boots that are made from flexible materials that allow your horse to move freely. If the boot is stiff and inflexible, it may restrict your horses joints and their natural movement, and possibly even compromise tendon function.Boots need to allow as much freedom of movement as possible while still providing enough protection.3 WeightThe weight of the boots is an important consideration. Adding even a small amount of weight to the end of your horses leg in the form of a boot increases the effort they must put in to move, resulting in more wear and tear on joints and possibly even affecting the way your horse moves. Also, go for a fabric that doesnt absorb and hold water a wet boot is heavy and may lead to your horse getting tired.How to fit horse bootsBoots that fit correctly have the best chance of doing the job you bought them for namely, helping to protect vulnerable areas on your horses lower legs. If the boots are too big they can slip down, and could rub or cause your horse to trip. Also, dirt and grit may get inside them, resulting in rubs and discomfort.Equally, if the boots are too small for your horse, they wont offer enough protection to their legs, will not be comfortable to wear and are likely to rub. Once the boot is fastenedin place check that your horse can bend their knee without the boot interfering. Its important to fasten the boots so that they are tight enough to hold the boot in place but they must not be too tight you should be able to slide a finger down the side of the boot once the straps are fastened.To check your horses boots fit properly, follow our simple step-by-step video guide:Do you need to buy horse boots?Before you rush out and buy a new set of horse boots, ask yourself this question does my horse need them?Not all horses necessarily need to wear boots, and the answer will vary depending on what activities you do and their conformation. For some disciplines, such as jumping, or if your horse has conformation that means they may be more likely to knock themselves, then boots are a good idea to potentially reduce the risk of injury.Horse boots are designed for particular jobs. Some offer strike protection, ideal for fast work and cross-country, while others only cover the back of the leg to support the tendon. There are also those designed for everyday wear, perhaps for a quick schooling session or to protect legs when going for a hack. Boots can offer some protection to your horses legs from knocks and bangs. Choosing boots that are designed to best suit the type of work you plan to do with your horse is key. This might mean owning several sets of horse boots. Dont worry, its normal! Most riders have more than one set in their horses tack room,especially if they enjoy several disciplines.In any tack shop youll find a selection of different types of horse boots that are suitable for different activities. Below I explain what the main types of boots are for use when training, hacking or competing.Types of horse bootsBrushing bootsBrushing boots are versatileIf your horse will benefit from wearing boots, brushing boots are a good option. Cost-effective and versatile, these boots can be used for activities including flatwork, hacking, lunging, jumping or turnout. They are called brushing boots as they are designed to protect the lower part of the horses leg from the opposite hoof knocking into it, which is known as brushing.Originally these boots were made from leather, but thanks to the arrival of synthetic materials they are now made from softer fabrics that follow the shape of your horses leg for a better fit and they are much easier to care for too.Neoprene is a popular choice of material as its lightweight, soft, durable and breathable. Most brushing boots also feature a strike pad on the inside of the boot, which offers further protection from impact.Tendon horse bootsTendon boots are designed to be used for jumping and are usually made from a tougher material than brushing boots to provide greater protection to your horses lower leg when theyre jumping. Open-fronted tendon boots are a popular choice for showjumpers, although theres a growing number of riders using this type of boot for other types of work too.Tendon boots are popular for showjumpingThese boots encase and protect the tendons on the back of the fore legs and cover the fetlock, which may be liable to injury if the hind hoof strikes the front legs when landing from a jump. The front of the boot is open, which means your horse will feel it if they knock a pole.Fetlock bootsFetlock boots are usually worn on a horses hindlegs and are much smaller than tendon boots as the name suggests, they cover and protect the fetlock joint from brushing injuries. These boots usually feature a strike pad made of tough material to protect the fetlock, and a single strap fastening. They are a popular choice for flatwork and sometimes showjumping, but fetlock boots wouldnt usually be recommended for cross-country or hacking as they dont offer enough protection of the legs.Cross-country horse bootsFetlock boots on the hind legsA greater level of protection is needed when your horse is jumping solid cross-country fences. Boots made specifically for this discipline are designed to offer superior protection. Often a more robust outer material is used that can cope with a direct impact with a solid fence. The lining of the boot is usually a soft breathable material and you may find additional protection on the back of the front boots and the front of the hind boots.Front cross-country boots need to protect the back of the horses leg/tendon area from strike injuries from the hind hoof, and the front of the cannon bone from knock injuries should the horse catch their leg on a fence, explains Ali Felton, sales director at WoofWear, whichspecialises in equine leg protection. The hind boots protect the front of the cannon bone, as horses, especially when tired, can sometimes trail a leg over a fence and the cannon bone can be very badly bruised or injured.Many hind cross country boots will also have a speedicut design. This is where the inside of the boot goes higher up the leg towards the inside point of the hock. This is to protect the area from the opposite hoof hitting it while the horse is galloping. Therefore, a front and hind boot will often look very different in their design.Cross-country horse boots: correct fitCross-country boots should be lightweight but toughBoots worn for cross-country need to fit snugly and be constructed from materials that do not hold water, so that they do not become heavy after a water jump. A well-fitting cross country boot, particularly hind boots, can look deceptively large compared to your day-to-day brushing boots, but this is because they are designed to cover a larger area.It is important to take some time to ensure you have the right size and fit for your horse, advises Ali. Boots should be lightweight but tough, have strike guards and be as breathable as possible. Dont forget that you will be putting these boots through some tough tests galloping and jumping in varying and difficult conditions, so they need to be the right size in order to do their job properly and stay in place.Always test your boots on a hack or schooling session first to ensure your horse is happy and that they fit correctly before using in competition.Over-reach horse bootsOver-reach (bell) boots are usually worn on the front hoovesAlso known as bell boots because of their shape, these boots are usually worn on the front hooves. Overreach boots surround the entire hoof, protecting the pastern, coronet band, and bulbs of the heels from overreach injuries, which occur when a hind hoof strikes the soft heel of the front hoof. An overreach injury can be very painful and take time to heal fully some even require stitching. Some horses naturally overreach more than others and wearing overreach boots is necessary for all activities.Putting overreach boots on horses during turnout is also popular again to reduce the risk of the horse damaging himself, but its also thought that it helps prevent a horse standing on the heel of a front shoe and pulling it off.Types of over-reach bootsRubber over-reach boots can be a pull-on style, meaning they need to be pulled over the horses hoof. They can be tricky to put on and require a good amount of arm strength, but once in place they are thought to stay on better than boots with straps.A rubber over-reach bootRubber over-reach boots (pictured right) can also have a Velcro fastening strap. They are inexpensive and quick and easy to use, making them a popular choice.Neoprene overreach boots are softer, thicker and more durable than rubber. Some riders also consider them more comfortable for a horse. These are secured in place with a touch-and-close strap.Some overreach boots use a combination of different materials. They can have a tough outer, making them more durable and offering greater protection. The lining is usually a softer material such as neoprene for comfort and to avoid rubbing. This type of overreach boot is a popular choice when showjumping or going cross-country.You dont see petal over-reach boots very often these days: this style has a number of plastic petals attached to a strap,whichdoes up around the coronet band. They are quite noisy as they flap when the horse moves off-putting for some horses and riders.Over-reach boots can also feature a fleece trim, which is great for sensitive horses and for added comfort. Its important to keep this trim clean so that it doesnt rub your horse.Whatever style you choose, over-reach boots should be long enough to cover the bulb of the horses heel and should sit snugly around the pastern. Once they are in position and fastened, you should be able to fit a small finger inside the top of the over-reach boot.Images and video: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentBrushing boots tried & tested for fit, value and level of protectionEssential hoof care guide for every horse ownerOver-reach boots: when to use them and our pick of the marketEssential buying guide to travel bootsSwollen legs in horses: why it happens, possible causes and action you should takeThe post How to choose the best boots for your horse appeared first on Your Horse.

Their joints are key to a horses ability to be mobile and agile. When horse joints are healthy, they provide a seamless system that allows them to move with ease and they will be sound. However, they can and do become damaged, often leading to significant claims on horse health insurance policies. The most common form of joint disease is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). In horses I have seen and treated, osteoarthritis is normally the result of wear and tear in the joint over several years. I see it more commonly is middle-aged to older horses, but it can be found in younger performance horses too.When your horse works, small amounts of damage that occurs in the normal course of the joint functioning are repaired and the joint returns to normal. Eventually, though, damage may occur thats beyond the joints ability to repair. This results in inflammation and an increase in the breaking down processes within the horses joint, at the expense of the building up for reparative processes.When the damage exceeds a certain point, cytokines are released by cells within the joint, which in turn leads to further inflammation. As the joint becomes more inflamed, the synovial membrane reacts by increasing synovial fluid production, causing the joint to become swollen. As the amount of this fluid increases, the quality of the fluid decreases. By this I mean it becomes thinner and has less shock-absorbing and lubricating ability, resulting in further cartilage damage and worsening inflammation in the horses joint.Types of jointsEach joint is made up of a group of components that work effectively together so that the horse can reach their full athletic potential.Horses have three types of joints: cartilaginous, fibrous and synovial.Cartilaginous horse joints are connected by cartilage and have limited movement, for example between the vertebrae in the spine.Fibrous horse joints do not move at all; like those that connect bones in the skull.Synovial joints move the most and are usually whats being referred to when equestrians talk about joints. The fetlock, knee and stifle are synovial joints.Synovial horse jointsFor the rest of this article I am focusing on the synovial joint, which consists of two bones held together by a fibrous joint capsule thats attached to the surface of each bone. Within the joint capsule is a synovial membrane that produces and contains synovial (joint) fluid, and the articulating surface of the bones are covered with hyaline (articular) cartilage.Cartilage covers the ends of the bones within the joint, which comes into contact with each other. It provides a smooth, almost frictionless surface that allows the bones to move smoothly against each other without damaging the underlying bone. The ends of these bones are surrounded by a joint capsule which has two parts:The outer fibrous portion helps to provide stability in horse jointsThe inner layer is known as the synovial membrane. This membrane produces synovial fluid; this is the thick fluid that fills the inside of the joint.Synovial fluid has three functions in horse joints:To act as a lubricant between the articular cartilage covering the end of each bone and minimise damage that may occur as the two surfaces move against each other.To provide shock absorption. It can thicken instantaneously when your horse is moving and their joints are loaded.To nourish the articular cartilage (which has no blood supply of its own) by providing nutrients and removing waste.The collateral ligaments are found in pairs, with one ligament on each side of the joint running between the bones.Inflammation of a horse jointThe presence of cytokines and of increased synovial fluid is detected by different receptors in the joint, triggering pain signals and resulting in clinical lameness of the horse. If the joint remains inflamed, then further changes may occur, including:Thinning of the cartilage, reducing its ability to protect the underlying bone.Thickening and stiffness of the bone beneath the cartilage making it more brittle and prone to damage.Thickening of the joint capsule which will reduce the range of motion of the horse joint.Formulation of bone spurs around the joint as it seeks to repair and strengthen itself and maintain its stability.Formation of chip fractures within the joint.As these changes progress, the joint loses the ability to function normally and lameness will develop. At best, if addressed early, these changes will result in the joint requiring rest and treatment and being able to return to full function. At worse, and if left untreated for too long, the joint will develop advanced osteoarthritis and the horse will need to be retired.What to do if a horse joint gets infectedThe penetration of a foreign body into a horses joint is always a concern and something I see reasonably often as a vet. Foreign bodys carry bacteria, mud and hair, and can result in a massive inflammatory response causing non-weight bearing lameness to occur within just a few hours. Thats why its important and I always advise people of this that any injury to a horses joint, no matter how small, should be seen by me/your vet urgently.If the penetration is relatively small, with no foreign material left inside the joint, it may be possible to manage it by flushing fluid through the joint while your horse is standing still. I will also be injecting them with antibiotics to help prevent/fight infection.However, if I think there is gross contamination, a general anaesthetic and endoscopic examination of the joint to remove the foreign material will be required. Depending on your vet practice and what facilities they have on site, this may mean an emergency referral to a nearby equine hospital. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics will also be given.If a joint penetration is left for longer than 48 hours, complications can occur and the chances of the horse making a full recovery lower significantly. A potentially septic joint needs urgent attention.How to prevent injury to a horse jointAlthough its impossible to prevent all injury, it is possible to decrease the risks by taking sensible precautions. I advise the following:Regular farriery is keyFoot imbalance is significant in the development of lameness as structures are overloaded due to forces being transmitted up the leg unevenly. Also, if you leave your horse too long between visits, then a long toe and an unsupported heel can cause significant lameness.Ride on suitable surfacesChoosing a good surface to work your horse on is essential, and its vital that the surface is consistent. This is out of your control when hacking, of course, and in fact cross-training on a variety of terrain is thought to be good for a horses legs. The key is to ride at a sensible pace, based on your horses fitness levels and ability, and what the going is like.When riding across uneven ground, be cautious of the unpredictable and changing loads that the legs will be subject to. Be extra careful on hard, rutted ground and boggy ground.Have a fit horseEnsure your horse is fit enough for the work you are asking them to do. Many joint and soft tissue injuries occur when the horse is tried and the muscles are less able to support the tendons and ligaments in the limb, causing strains or over-extensions.Golden rules for looking after horse jointsIts simple really. If you dont look after your horses legs and joints, you wont be able to ride them. Here are some of the golden rules to keep in mind:Warm up well: you wouldnt walk out of your house and immediately run as fast as you can, as far as you can, so dont expect your horse to either.Warm down properly: dedicating the last section of your ride, whether schooling, hacking or jumping, to walking will help your horses body and muscles cool down, helping to prevent stiffness.Use protective wear: are you booting up? Seek advice on which boots best suit your horses needs. My advice is choose those that offer strike protection and keep tendons cool.Good after care: legs need time to cool off, so remove brushing boots quickly. Consider whether your horse will benefit from turnout after riding and/or cold hosing if theyve done something particularly demanding, such as galloping or cross-country.Watch the ground: riding in deep, boggy ground increases the risk of tendon injuries while lots of work on hard, rutted ground means concussive type injuries are a concern. The ground wont be perfect all the time, so a bit of common sense is required no fast galloping on hard ground for example. Research shows that riding your horse on a variety of surfaces is ideal.Consider a joint supplement: look for one that contains chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, MSM, boswellia serrata or green-lipped mussel. Ask for advice if youre unsure.Investigating lameness in a horse jointAfter initial assessment by hand, your vet may suggest an ultrasound of the jointModern, portable, high-quality ultrasound and radiography machines, along with a sound knowledge of anatomy and skills in nerve and joint blocking, will help your vet to diagnose joint disease quickly without your horse needing to leave the yard.In the event that more advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) are required, or if a surgical procedure is needed, your horse will be referred to one of the many equine hospitals across the country.Certain conditions, such as chip fracture removal or other forms of fracture repair, require surgery. However, several different systemic and intra-articular treatments are available to use in the management of degenerative joint disease.Treatment options for horse jointsCartrophen or AdequanThese are delivered by injection and have a short-term effect on inflamed joints, improving the quality of joint fluid and cartilage and reducing inflammation. They are used once a week for four weeks, they may be given at monthly intervals.Cartophen and Adequan are often used before or during longer competitions, such as three-day events, to help the horses joints when they are under most stress.Non steroidal anti-inflammatoriesGiven by injection or orally, mon steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Bute, work by preventing prostaglandin production, which can contribute to inflammation and joint pain. Because they are given systemically (which means they affect the whole body), they can inhibit the actions of other beneficial prostaglandins, and if used for too long or too high a dose, lead to side effects such as gastric ulcers or inflammation of the large intestine.Intra-articular medicationsThe act of injecting straight into the horse joint itself is not without risk. There is the risk of introducing infection into the joint, failing to get the medication where it needs to be, or the horse reacting badly and damaging themselves or injuring the vet.Corticosterioids are highly effective at reducing inflammation and arresting the changes that lead to degenerative joint disease. They are the most frequently used type of joint medication and must be used carefully. If used too often, they can lead to thinning of the articular cartilage and, subsequently, worse lameness.Hyaluronic Acid is a natural component of horse joint fluid and may be injected into joints alone to improve the quality of synovial fluid. Or, more frequently, it may be used along with a corticosteroid to prolong the anti-inflammatory effects.It may also be given intravenously when it can have a short term anti-inflammatory effect on any inflamed joints.Polyacrylamide Hydrogel is a relatively recent arrival in the equine world. When injected into a joint, it mimics the viscoelastic action of synovial fluid and provides a synthetic form of lubrication, improving joint function and comfort.Regenerative medicine for horse jointsThe use of products derived from the blood of the horse, which contain natural anti-inflammatory molecules that block the effects of cytokines, is now widespread. These products also contain growth factors that can stimulate additional repair within the joint.Commonly used products are IRAP and Pro-Stride, both of which are made by extracting and then processing the horses own blood and turning it into a product that is then injected back into the diseased joints. It produces no unwanted side effects, such as laminitis, and because the product is entirely natural, theres no risk of falling foul of any anti-doping rules for those horses who compete under rules.Other regenerative medicine products include platelet-rich plasma and stem cells. These are sometimes more frequently used in the presence of significant soft tissue inflammation such as collateral ligament injuries.Joint treatments have a common goal to repair normal function. Whether or not this is possible depends on the degree of damage in the first place, and what the joint is asked to do following treatment.Images: copyright Shutterstock. Diagram: copyright Your Horse Library/Geoff Johnson DesignRelated contentHow to tell if a horse is lameHow long can you safely trot a horse on the road for?All about the patella and locking stiflesHorse fitness plan: how to get a horse fitHow to take care of a horseThe post Everything you need to know about horse joints appeared first on Your Horse.

In addition to winning the runners up prize in the main Al Shiraaa Hickstead Derby at Hickstead, we are delighted for our rider Adam Ellery aboard Mcgregor tn (Berlin x heartbreaker) jumped 3 amazing rounds to finish 3rd in the foxhunter second round at Hickstead.So pleased for Adam and his team.Helen Rees aboard Orlando (highway tn), 5yr old, were clear all week at Hickstead picking up a 1st and 2nd. Sold by us as a 3yo.And too many other of our graduates in action to list!

Horse breeds reflect the land where they were developed, and the Missouri Fox Trotter is no exception. Native to the Ozark Mountains, which traverse the states of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a hardy, sure-footed horse that can handle the roughest trails and the harshest mountain environments. As a bonus to its hardy constitution, the Missouri Fox Trotter has a smooth, four-beat gait that can comfortably support a rider for many miles.Photo by Mark J. Barrett/Adobe StockThe Missouri Fox Trotter is a culmination of the breeds Southern settlers brought to the Ozarks with them in the early 1800s. Arabians, Morgans, Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walkers and Standardbreds all accompanied the farmers that settled in these mountains. They used their horses to clear forests, sort livestock, and work the fields they planted on the plateaus common in the Ozarks.These same horses carried them from place to place and pulled their buggies on the weekend. By the end of the 19th century, a gaited horse unique to these mountains had developed from the original breeds and was being selectively bred. Thus, the Missouri Fox Trotter was born.Developed in a mountain environment, Fox Trotters can handle the roughest trails. Photo courtesy Valley Springs FoxtrottersBy the 1940s, motorized vehicles had eliminated the need for horses to work farms and provide transportation around the U.S., and the Ozarks were no exception. But the Missouri Fox Trotter was a beloved breed that had become well known throughout the area, and in 1948, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) was formed to help preserve them. In 2002, the breed was named the state horse of Missouri, making it an official state symbol.In 2004, the MFTHBA created a separate registry for Missouri Fox Trotters who stand between 11 and 13.3 hands, known as Missouri Fox Trotter Ponies.Missouri Fox Trotter Breed CharacteristicsThe Missouri Fox Trotter is a short-backed, graceful horse prized for its three natural gaits: the flat-footed walk, the fox trot and the canter.Known for being relaxed and for enjoying human company, the breed makes for a great companion and unflappable trail horse. Photo courtesy MFTHBAThe flat-footed walk is a four-beat gait characterized by each foot lifting and setting down an in even cadence. With each stride, the back foot reaches forward and slides in as it sets down. The gait is smooth to sit and helps preserve the riders energy over the miles.The breed is best known for its second fastest gait, a broken diagonal gait called the fox trot. The gait has a distinctive rhythm created by the horse moving its front foot a split second before its opposite rear foot. At least one of the horses feet is in contact with the ground at all times, with sometimes two feet in contact, giving it smoothness and stability over uneven ground. Fox Trotters can travel as fast as 10 mph in this gait.The canter is a broken, three-beat gait in the Missouri Fox Trotter, and should be performed as an athletic lope or a collected rocking-chair canter.In addition to its smooth gaits, the Missouri Fox Trotter is celebrated for its gentle and willing temperament. Known for being relaxed and for enjoying human company, they make great companions and unflappable trail horses.Fox Trotters are known for their unflappable nature and smooth ride on the trails that preserves the riders energy over the miles. Photo courtesy MFTHBAVersatilityIts no surprise given its history and characteristics that the Missouri Fox Trotters most popular job is as a trail horse. Its smooth gait and quiet disposition make it a natural.But the breed also makes a great and versatile competition horse. They participate in a variety of events, such as endurance riding, competitive trail, obstacle challenges, performance (gait competition), model (halter), showmanship, horsemanship, reining, English pleasure, speed events and ranch horse competitions.Fox Trotters compete in a variety of events, including showmanship. Photo courtesy MFTHBARanch sorting was most recently added to MFTHBA shows in 2017, and the association now offers World Champion titles in this discipline, which is becoming very popular for the breed. In fact, the MFTHBA recently launched a lifetime achievement program that recognizes achievements in 16 different categories, including ranch sorting. The breeds cow sense should come as no surprise, since the Missouri Fox Trotter was also used to work cattle in the Ozarks where it was developed.Ranch sorting was most recently added to MFTHBA shows in 2017, and the association now offers World Champion titles in this discipline, which is becoming very popular for the breed. Photo courtesy MFTHBAEvery year, the MFTHBA sponsors the Missouri Fox Trotter World Show and Celebration in Ava, Mo., home of MFTHBA headquarters. The show includes a variety of classes and competitions, including trail ride events outside the arena, designed to highlight the versatility of the breed.Missouri Fox Trotters are found in all 50 states and a number of countries around the world. The European Missouri Foxtrotting Association registers the breed in the European Union, and sponsors shows and other events for the breed.The breeds cow sense should come as no surprise, since the Missouri Fox Trotter was used to work cattle in the Ozarks where it was developed. Photo courtesy MFTHBAIn the U.S.,104,425 MFTs have been registered since the MFTHBA registry started.The breed is continuing the grow in popularity as horse lovers everywhere discover its endearing traits.Missouri Fox Trotter Fast FactsHeight: 14 to 16 hands for horsesColor: All horse colors. Pinto markings permitted.Overall Appearance: Proud carriage with a graceful neck and well-proportioned head. Back is short and strong. Overall look of substance and grace.Association: Missouri Fox Trotting Breed AssociationThis article about the Missouri Fox Trotter appeared in the May 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Breed Portrait: Missouri Fox Trotter appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.