Sponsored content in collaboration with DengieAgeing can alter any animals nutritional requirements and this needs to be considered when choosing the most suitable feeds for older horses and ponies.To promote general good health, a regular worming programme is important, and teeth should be checked regularly too by a vet or reputable equine dental technician.At what age does a horse become a veteran?Horses age at different rates and although they are often considered to be senior at 15, as veterinary and nutritional science continue to improve, the age we consider horses to be a veteran is changing.Where some horses will be struggling with their weight and have dental problems in their late teens, others will still be going strong into their mid-twenties and beyond. This means its hard to determine exactly when a horse should be considered a senior, but the key thing is to look for changes in the individual.If you notice differences then it is an indication that they require some special attention. However, if a veteran horse is still in good health, then as with a horse of any age, simply choose a ration that is best suited to their bodyweight or workload.Although there are many senior specific mixes and cubes on the market, not every elderly horse or pony needs them, especially those that hold their weight well.Senior-specific problemsPoor dentition and weight loss are just some of the problems that a senior horse may encounter. In practice, this means they may require a more specialised ration all year round. Feeding horses with poor dentition in the winter months can be particularly challenging, as the reliance on conserved, long-stem forage such as hay increases.Monitoring bodyweight and condition by regular use of a weigh tape and body condition scoring is good practice for any horse owner, but it is especially important for those with older horses. This will provide plenty of opportunity to alter the feed ration before any weight changes progress too far.Feeding the underweight veteranJust because a horse is old, it does not necessarily mean that they are going to be thin. However, for those that really are underweight, it is important to ascertain the reason why and not just put it down to old age.Run through a checklist including dental check, vet check and worming check to identify any problems. Also check the horses diet. In particular, ask yourself whether they are eating as much hay as they used to? It may be time to consider moving onto a more senior-specific, higher-energy feed or a hay replacer product if they are now struggling to chew long-length forages.Remember to proceed with caution, as the best feed for veteran weight gain may not actually be a senior-specific mix or cube, especially for horses that require a low sugar and starch diet.Alfa-A Oil is Dengies highest calorie fibre feed and has a calorie level equivalent to a conditioning mix or cube, but without the high sugar and starch levels. This makes Alfa-A Oil a very suitable feed for older horses that need to gain weight, but who require a low sugar and starch ration.Feeding the veteran with poor dentitionOlder horses often have poor dentition, which can result in weight loss as they are unable to properly chew their feed. Ensuring the horse has a high fibre diet which is easy for them to chew is vital for ensuring they dont lose condition, particularly over the winter months.Dengie Hi-Fi Senior combines nutrient rich alfalfa with soft grasses, making it ideal for veterans with less than perfect teeth. Hi-Fi Senior can be used as part of the bucket feed or as a forage replacer for horses who are no longer able to eat hay or haylage.Soaked fibre feeds such as Dengie Alfa-Beet can be fed alongside or instead of a chopped fibre feed. Alfa-Beet is made from alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet, two highly digestible fibres, helping to promote weight gain and condition even for those with no teeth at all.Alfa-Beet is also ideal for aiding hydration, which is particularly helpful over the winter months when horses can be reluctant to drink.Case study: a 31-year-olds calorie-controlled dietKizzy is a 31-year-old ex-riding school pony who has numerous health conditions that affect her diet and management. The mare hasdiastemas(gaps in the teeth) and recently had a front tooth removed due to a longitudinal fracture. This means she needs a soaked bucket feed without any short, chopped fibre in her ration as this gets stuck between the gaps in her teeth.Kizzy can also suffer periodically with digestive health issues, which are evident in her droppings and are worse if her hay is coarse and stalky.As she is a good doer and prone to laminitis, Kizzy is kept on a very strict calorie-controlled diet that is also low in sugar and starch.Daily turnoutWhen Kizzy was first weighed in 2010, she was overweight and weighed around 320kg. With a strict diet and management plan, she gradually lost the necessary weight and has maintained a healthier body condition weighing in around 260kg for the last couple of years. This has positively impacted her health in lots of ways and Kizzys owner, Tracey, works very hard to manage her various health conditions to keep her happy and healthy. It can be difficult dealing with more than one issue at once.Kizzy doesnt go out to grass anymore, but she is turned out in her own wood chip paddock every day with various buckets of soaked hay to encourage her to forage. She also has a bucket feed ofDengie Alfa-Beetwith an added vitamin and mineral supplement to provide her with a balanced diet.For more information about the Dengie range, or for advice about your own horse or ponys diet, visit dengie.com.Related contentForage replacers for every horse and pony when hay and grazing is poor *Ad feature* How hard is your horse really working? *Sponsored*A feed to support and maintain healthy hooves, even if your horse is a good-doer *Promotion*Feed 80% of forage during the day to reduce ulcer risk, says vetThe post How to feed a veteran horse or pony struggling to hold their weight or with poor teeth or weight loss *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

Eventing legend Ballaghmor Class was given a heros send-off at Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday (6 September), as the four-time five-star winner officially retired from the sport in front of a packed and emotional main arena.Known affectionately as Thomas, the 19-year-old owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, was given a standing ovation as he entered the arena with Oliver Townend, the only rider he has known throughout his illustrious international career. This retirement ceremony came ahead of Thomas making a special appearance at this yearsYour Horse Live, where he will officially begin his retirement tour between 6 and 8 November. He will join long-time rider Oliver Townend at Stoneleigh Park for what promises to be a memorable celebration of an extraordinary career.The ceremony at Burghley began with a tribute to a horse who has played a defining role in British eventing. A compilation of Ballaghmor Classs career highlights was shown to the crowd, who were reminded of his remarkable record including two victories at Burghley, wins at the Kentucky and Maryland five-stars, and 10 further top-10 finishes at five-star level.He was also a member of the British team that won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, adding one of the sports greatest honours to a career already packed with success.As Oliver brought Thomas into the arena, the reception was deafening. The pair completed a final lap of honour, with Oliver repeatedly patting his long-time partner as the horse took in the atmosphere.Oliver then brought Thomas to the centre of the arena, where he joined his owners before dismounting and removing the saddle for the final time. After one last rub of his neck and a kiss on the nose, a basket of apples and carrots was brought into the arena for the wonderful grey. Thomas with his groom Jess McKieAsked by commentator Hugh Lochore what the horse meant to him, Oliver could only reply: No, prompting laughter from the crowd.But the emotion of the moment soon became clear.Firstly, well done to everyone whos looked after him over the years, Oliver said. As you can see, hes finished extremely sound and fat!He began to explain what Thomas had meant to him, but was briefly overcome with emotion.Kids have dreams, he continued. And because of him, my dreams came true.It was a poignant acknowledgement of the extraordinary partnership that has taken Oliver and Ballaghmor Class to the very top of the sport.Their partnership has included not only two Burghley triumphs, but Olympic glory and victories on three continents. Yet Thomass importance to Oliver goes beyond the results sheet he has been the horse who helped turn a young riders ambitions into reality.After another standing ovation, Ballaghmor Class was led from the arena and into the next chapter of his life.He will remain with Oliver, living out his retirement after a career that has established him as one of the most successful and admired event horses of his generation.Hes made a nation believe in what we can produce here in Great Britain, Hugh Lochore told the crowd.Images by Tim WilkinsonRelated content Oliver Townend to launch retirement tour for Ballaghmor Class at Your Horse Live Thank you Thomas, for everything: Oliver Townends legendary Ballaghmor Class retired Oliver Townend secures third Burghley win with incredible Ballaghmor ClassOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshJumping a youngster: Top tips from Oliver Townend and Geoff BillingtonThe post Because of him, my dreams came true: Ballaghmor Class given emotional Burghley farewell ahead of Your Horse Live appearance appeared first on Your Horse.

Leg 1 of the Foal Championship qualifiers took place out West, on Thursday 10th September in Glenamaddy Equestrian.There were 26 foals in the running, 9 of which were ponies, the rest horse foals. Amongst these were Connemara Ponies, Irish Sport Ponies, an Irish Warmblood, Traditional Irish Horses and Irish Sport Horses.The day kicked off with pony eventing, with 6 competitors. The winner was Fintan Cosgroves filly foal, Knockmoy Pleasure (ISP), by Another Pleasure (KWPN), out of Moonlight Magic (CP), by Moonlight Silver Shadow (CP). In second place was Suckfield Zane (CP), colt by Tuckmill Rocket Boy (CP), out of Glendun Northern Girl (CP), by Ballycastle Pearl (CP), bred by Lisa Collins.Fintan Cosgroves filly foal, Knockmoy Pleasure (ISP), by Another Pleasure (KWPN), out of Moonlight Magic (CP), by Moonlight Silver Shadow (CP).The second class of the day was the pony showjumping section. Stephen McDonalds filly Jasmines Dancing Diva (ISP), by Weststar Sunny (CP), out of Dancing Jasmine (ISH), by Moores Clover (ISH). Second place was won by Elisa OConnors foal Oilean Pleasurablo (ISP), a colt by Double Pleasure (BES), out of Oilean Crunchie (ISP).Stephen McDonalds filly Jasmines Dancing Diva (ISP), by Weststar Sunny (CP), out of Dancing Jasmine (ISH), by Moores Clover (ISH).The next class of the day was the horse eventing class. Liz Murphys colt foal Cappulcorragh Dance in Time (WSI), by Galileo Dance (TB), out of Cappulcorragh Quality Time (ISH), by OBOS Quality (OLD). Second place went to Susan Malees filly foal Carrabeg Ophelia (ISH), by Billy Zeus (AES), out of Lislan Ruby (ISH), by Maltstriker (ISH). The top scoring TIH foal was Shauna Finnerans colt HVF Galliano, by Carnakilly Maguire (CP), out of HVF Versace (TB), by Kutub (TB).Liz Murphys colt foal Cappulcorragh Dance in Time (WSI), by Galileo Dance (TB), out of Cappulcorragh Quality Time (ISH), by OBOS Quality (OLD).The Foal Championship ended with the horse showjumping section. Andrea Etters colt foal Mr Sapphire B (ISH), by Color Vant Roosakker Z (ZANG), out of Lucy in the Sky B (ISH), by O-Piloth (KWPN). In second place was Lorraine Beirnes filly foal Pixies Pickle (ISH), by Comthago VDL (HOLST), out of Madame Tussaud (ISH), by Ramrio B (BWP).Andrea Etters colt foal Mr Sapphire B (ISH), by Color Vant Roosakker Z (ZANG), out of Lucy in the Sky B (ISH), by O-Piloth (KWPN).Well done to all competitors yesterday. All class winners have qualified for the final in Emerald Equestrian on 15th October. The next leg of the Foal Championship qualifiers will be in Kernans Equestrian on 15th September.The Foal Championships are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under National Breeding Services.The post Foal Championship Qualifier: Leg 1 appeared first on .

Ocala, FL Save the date for the 2027 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center Ocala, returning January 6 through April 4, 2027. The 13-week circuit will feature US Equestrian (USEF) hunter/jumper competition, with 12 of those weeks being USEF Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition alongside 10 weeks of FEI competition and a lineup of major international events.Source

Owners may unknowingly be leaving their horses absent from the British Central Equine Database (CED), a competition organiser and showing association have warned.The confusion has prompted the British Horse Society (BHS) and World Horse Welfare to share advice surrounding the correct procedure for registering imported horses.The issue came to light after concerns were raised by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA), a UK Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO), who discovered that a significant number of imported horses entered into a Search for a Star qualifying show were not recorded on the CED.The Irish PIOs do process the change of ownership with the new English address on the label within the passport but that is the end of their responsibility it seems as these details are not then added to the CED, said Andrea Betteridge, Director of the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association. As a result, many owners who have done everything they believed was required remain unaware that an additional step is needed to register their horse on the Central Equine Database through a UK PIO.We need to ensure we are educating owners and making sure they are aware of this issue. Adding a horse to the CED is easily done but in this situation it will only happen at present if the owner knows to ask the question.A confusing matterWorld Horse Welfares Kim Ayling, Head of Public Affairs, said it was encouraging to see shows identifying cases where horses imported into the UK have not been correctly registered.It gives owners the opportunity to put things right and provides an incentive to do so, she said. We know that owners, understandably, find current passport regulations confusing. A British Horse Council survey in 2022 found that only a quarter of horse owners thought equine passport laws had been communicated well.If a horse has been imported, the new owner often doesnt realise that its their responsibility to make sure the horse is registered with a UK PIO within 30 days. Registering the change of owner with the original PIO is only one part of the puzzle its the UK-based PIO which will ensure the horses details are on the Central Equine Database [a process known as overstamping].Weve long been calling for a fully digitised equine identification system, which would make it much easier for owners to update information and check if their horses details are correct. The current divide between paper passports and a digital CED makes it easy for confusion to occur.Advice for ownersGemma Stanford, Director of Horse Care and Welfare at the BHS, acknowledged that some owners may be unaware of the correct process.Overstamping helps support equine traceability and welfare by ensuring horses can be linked to the UK Central Equine Database, she told Your Horse. This can be particularly important in situations involving disease control, welfare investigations, horses found at large, or lost and stolen horses. Owners should be aware that updating ownership details with an overseas passport issuing authority does not automatically mean the horse is registered on the UK Central Equine Database. If a horse has been imported into the UK, owners should check whether an overstamp is required and seek advice from a UK-based PIO if they are unsure.The BHS encourages owners to ensure their horses passport and ownership records are accurate and up-to-date. Further guidance can be found on the BHS website HorsePassportFAQs and via the World Horse Welfare website. Owners can also check their horses details on the CED using theEquine Register Chip Checker.Defra told Your Horse it meets with industry representatives on a monthly basis, providing an opportunity to raise issues and concerns for it to consider, and that it has no current plans to implement a fully digital equine identification system, but is working with industry to identify improvements to the system.DEFRA also shares guidance relating to registration of imported horses via this page. The post Confusion surrounding registration of imported horses appeared first on Your Horse.

Well done to Holly smith and Nike van het singraven winning the 150cm Grand Prix at csi_ascona top job Holly and her #bshgraduate

A familiar face at the All England Jumping Course, Harriet Biddick, claimed victory in the All England Seven Year Old Championship, piloting Baluchi Lancer to a win out of a 22 strong starting field."Its nice to have a horse like this on the grass; he is super confident and I knew he would be brave on the grass in a big arena like this." Said Harriet.Harriet Biddick & Baluchi Lancer (Owned by Stephanie Bristow)Megan James & Tick A HeroMolly Hay & GHS Corriana#Hicksteadlovely to see this son of chapeau tn in such form this year after recently qualifying for hoys at bicton too..

Cavalier Crystal, the mount of Harry Meade, has won the Twemlows Burghley scholarship for the fourth consecutive year.Charlotte and Peter Oppermans 16-year-old Irish Sports Horse claimed the prize, which consists of two embryo transfers at Twemlows Stud Farm in Shropshire, after finishing 10that the Defender Burghley Horse Trials last weekend.The scholarship is awarded each year to the highest-placed British-domiciled mare finishing in the top 20 at the Lincolnshire CCI5*. The award has previously been presented to event riders Mary King, Piggy French, and Jonelle Price.Now in its 18thyear,the scholarship aims to encourage home-grown breeding of elite mares competing at the highest level, at an optimum breeding age, without interrupting their competitive careers.An exceptional combinationCongratulations to Harry and Cavalier Crystal on a great performance at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, said Twemlows managing partner, Edward Matson.We have awarded the scholarship to many champions over the years, but never to the same combination four times in a row, which shows what an exceptional combination they are. With so much great talent, it is an exciting time for British eventing and we are very proud to be supporting the sport with the role we play in championing these mares bloodlines. What is embryo transfer?Embryo transfer is a specialist form of equine surrogacy that allows a donor mare to be inseminated, and her embryo placed into a carefully selected recipient mare, who then carries the foal to term.This advanced technique enables mares to continue competing at the highest level. It also avoids the risks for those unable to carry a foal themselves, while enabling their genetics to be passed on.At Twemlows we have a highly skilled veterinary team, who manage the whole reproductive process from synchronisation, to flushing and transferring the embryos, continued Edward.This allows competing mares, or those who cant safely carry the foal themselves to be bred from without pausing their competitive schedule or putting them at risk. We are home to one of the largest recipient mare herds in the country, so we can carefully match the recipient mare to the donor mare.Twemlows Stud Farm, based in Shropshire, is a family-run business headed by Edward Matson. The stud artificial insemination and embryo transfer services and works with more than 300 mares and 130 stallions each year.Image Twemlows Stud.Related contentBurghley final top 10 in pictures: Gemma Stevens tops all-female podiumBreeding scholarship worth nearly 10k for top British mare at Defender BurghleyWhy an in-season mare shouldnt be described as moodyPlasma transfer saves the life of newborn foal born to rescued mare (and both are named after cheese!)The post Cavalier Crystal wins Burghley breeding scholarship for fourth consecutive year appeared first on Your Horse.