Ocala, FL Raise a glass to a milestone in wine history at World Equestrian Center Ocala. On Thursday, October 15, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that changed the wine world and elevated California wines. Hosted in Astons Room at The Equestrian Manor, this special evening brings the story of the landmark tasting to the table through celebratedSource

When I close my eyes and think of Kenya, a slideshow of sights, sounds, smells and sensations come rushing back with such vividness and rapidity that it feels as though someone has pressed the fast-forward button: Vast golden plains running endlessly towards the horizon. Long, tussock-like grasses swooshing under my horses feet. Wood-smoke-scented bucket showers []The post A Special Day on Safari appeared first on In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide.

Research exploring rider weight and its impact on the muscles and heart of a pony has recently been published in the International Journal of Equine Science.The study investigated epaxial muscles (those located above the spine) and their sensitivity to pain, as well as heart rate variability (HRV) as a physiological stress factor.The research team, led my Jenna Payne, analysed ridden Exmoor ponies from different age groups. The 10 trekking ponies were aged between 13 and 25.Credit: Freya SmithThree riders took part in the study, a lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight.The ponies completed a trekking route of just over 4km in walk and trot, once a day for three consecutive days with each of the above riders.A pressure algometer was used to determine sensitivity to pain before, immediately after and two hours following the ride. HRV was also recorded at these times.Image by Freya SmithThe data revealed that the ponies aged 17 or younger experienced an increased sensitivity to pain two hours after the ride, for all rider weights. Ponies aged 18 or older experienced a reduced sensitivity to pain immediately following exercise, but increased sensitivity after two hours rest, when ridden by middleweight or heavyweight riders. HRV was not affected by the age of the pony.The team noted that further research is needed with a larger cohort and selection of breeds or types, and longevity of effects. Industry recognition A poster demonstrating the study won a competition at the 2026 Horses Inside Out Conference earlier this year.This years winner, Jenna Payne, produced a poster that was well-researched, interesting, and very timely, given that the rider weight debate and associated welfare issues are at the forefront of many minds, said Gillian Higgins, founder of Horses Inside Out.The Effects of Rider Weight and Pony Age on Epaxial Muscle Pain Sensitivity and Heart Rate Variability in Exmoor Ponies: A Preliminary Study can be read in full in the International Journal of Equine Science.Lead image by Freya SmithRelated contentHow much weight can a horse carry?Veterans: vet advice for adjusting to the senior years and knowing when to ease off on his workloadResearch reveals surprising similarity between horses and beatboxersThe post Impact of rider weight explored in Exmoor pony study appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in collaboration with BEDMAXKeeping a horse comfortable through winter can be expensive, and bedding is one of the most significant recurring costs for owners. However, making your bedding budget stretch further does not have to mean compromising on your horses health, comfort or wellbeing.When comparing bedding, it can be tempting to focus on the initial price. However, the cheapest bag will not necessarily offer the best overall value. Other things to consider include:Absorbency, durability and the amount removed during mucking out all influence how long a bed lasts. A product that costs slightly more but requires fewer top-ups and produces less waste may prove more economical over time.Good stable management can also make a considerable difference. Removing wet and soiled patches carefully, without taking out unnecessary clean bedding, can help reduce waste and make each bag last longer.An economical alternativeStraw pellets are an increasingly popular option for owners looking for a practical and cost-effective bedding solution. Unlike traditional baled straw, Strawmax pellets are made from high-quality British straw that is milled, heat-treated and dust-extracted before being compressed into easy-to-handle bags.Once laid, the pellets create a highly absorbent bed that draws moisture into concentrated areas. This makes wet patches easier to identify and remove without disturbing the rest of the bed, helping owners retain more clean bedding and reduce the amount sent to the muck heap.After setting up the initial bed, many owners find that around one bag a week is sufficient for ongoing maintenance, although this will vary depending on the horse, stable and management routine.Try a layered bedYou do not need to change your horses bedding completely to benefit from straw pellets. They can also be used beneath high-quality shavings to create a practical combination bed. The pellets form an absorbent base, while the shavings provide a soft and comfortable top layer. Strawmax can also be added to areas where your horse tends to urinate, helping to prevent moisture from spreading through the bed.Keeping the top layer cleaner and drier means fewer shavings may need to be removed during mucking out, potentially reducing waste and the number of replacement bales required.Straw pellets can be used to form an absorbent baseMake every bag work harderSmall changes to your routine can add up to worthwhile savings. Take time to understand how your horse uses their stable and adapt the bed accordingly. Some horses benefit from a full, deep bed, while others may be comfortably managed on a smaller bed with generous banks.Using the right tools can help too. A suitable bedding fork allows clean material to fall through while retaining droppings, reducing the amount accidentally thrown away. Storing unopened bags somewhere clean and dry will also protect the bedding until needed, without creating extra work during busy winter mornings.Keeping a simple record of how many bags you use each week can highlight where savings could be made and make winter budgeting easier.Keep costs downUltimately, economical bedding is not simply about finding the lowest-priced product. By choosing an absorbent, consistent bedding and managing it carefully, you can reduce waste, make each bag last longer and still provide your horse with a clean, comfortable bed throughout winter.For more advice on choosing and managing your horses bedding this winter, visit bedmaxshavings.com.Related contentBedmax horse bedding: an unbeatable combination of health, hygiene and economy *Promotion*Bedding business founder and pioneer in improving equine health receives lifetime achievement awardExperts advise how to choose the best type of bedding to suit your horseThe biggest health threat to stabled horses revealed, with many owners suffering tooThe post Cut the cost of horse bedding without compromising on quality this winter *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

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Police have responded to riders reports of unsafe driving by carrying out a special operation in Yorkshire.Roads Policing Officers and Community Safety Mounted Volunteers took to the streets to conduct Operation Close Pass earlier this summer.The operation on New Road in Nafferton followed multiple reports from the equestrian community regarding drivers unsafely passing riders in the area.In total, 43 drivers were addressed for speed, or passing too close to the horse and rider, however the force was pleased to add that 24 drivers were noted for their exceptional manner of driving and displaying care when overtaking the horses.We are aware that drivers often fail to realise how intimidating or dangerous a close pass can be, and this operation is aimed at raising awareness of these dangers and keeping road users safe, said Sergeant Julie Fenton, Force lead on the Community Safety Mounted Volunteers.Horses can be spooked by loud noises or large vehicles, and cyclists can become unsteady on uneven or slippery surfaces; passing slowly, carefully and at a safe distance helps to keep the roads safe for us all.Op Close Pass is a national operation aimed at educating drivers on the safe passage of vulnerable road uses such as horses and cyclists and aims to offer constructive guidance to drivers.Any footage of dangerous or inconsiderate driving can be submitted to Operation Snap. More information can be found here.Lead image by Tim Graham/Getty ImagesRelated contentOperation Snap: how to report a riding incident to the policeWhich colour high vis is best? Poll reveals most popular among #Hack1000Miles ridersEssential 12-point checklist for safer and happier hackingThe Highway Code: what it means for horse ridersThe post Police catch 43 drivers passing too close or fast following riders reports appeared first on Your Horse.