Tested to three international safety standards and blending style, fashion and value, the evoke range of riding hats is perfect for riders of all levels, across a range of disciplines.evoke have focused on quality, hiring some of the best in the sector to make their vision a reality. They have their own BSI (British Standards Institute) certification, and they test in Great Britain. Their hats proudly boast an array of safety regulations including PAS 015: 2011, VG1, ASTM F1163-23, EN 1384: 2023 (pending), and carry their own voluntary prestigious British Kitemark to PAS 015, along with CE/UKCA certification.With safety as a priority and rider comfort and style a close second, the evoke range of equestrian riding hats, including the Callisto Hat, are designed with a liner system. Inside each hat is a replaceable liner that is wicking, cushioning and easy to maintain, ensuring your head is kept feeling fresh during every ride. These liners are also available in a selection of thicknesses, so the perfect fit can be achieved for every rider.The evoke Helmet Replacement PolicyA first within the equestrian safety industry, evoke are aware of a riders needs, and so offer a helmet replacement guarantee: Should a rider suffer a fall within 6 months of purchase, they guarantee to provide a replacement hat at a discounted rate*. Find Out More Here *T&Cs apply. Subject to product registration at time of purchaseevokes mission isnt solely about producing riding hats; it is about nurturing a safety and style centric ethos within the equestrian community. As we continue our journey, we maintain our relentless pursuit of perfection in product development. The evoke mission isnt just to meet industry milestones; it is a testament to our profound passion for the sport, our community, and, above all, the safety and welfare of horses and riders. Shop evoke The post evoke Riding Hats A New Era in Equestrian Safety first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Athenian Lady has been named the 2024 BreyerFest Celebration Horse, where the theme is Against All Odds. Photo courtesy BreyerWhen her fathers military career took Amanda Delgados family to Japan when she was in high school, her beloved horses couldnt come along.I was lost without them, she says. I was the horse girl growing up. Horses defined me.After high school, Delgado followed in her fathers footsteps and joined the Army. Her own military travel made horse ownership impossible, but no matter where she was stationed, shed find nearby stables where she could volunteer. She just wanted to be around horses.A Horse In NeedFast forward several years, and Delgado was volunteering regularly with a rescue near her home in North Carolina. One day, the organization received a phone call that would change Delgados life.A little red mare, the caller said, was in desperate need of help. She was emaciated and practically feral. She shared a pasture with a rusted-out Volkswagen and the skeletons of former pasture-mates.Delgado and her team loaded a vehicle with supplies and drove almost an hour to assess the situation.My heart skipped a beat when I saw her for the first time, Delgado recalls. There was something special about that horse.But that horse was also very scared. Volunteers could barely touch her, so they left clean water and a mountain of hay and promised to return. The rescue was full, so the horse needed an immediate home. Two potential adopters met the horse, but both turned her down.That night, Delgado tossed and turned in bed. She couldnt get the mare off her mind.Gaining TrustThe next morning, after a third potential adopter passed on the horse, Delgado stepped up.I said Id take her, she says. Everyone thought she was dangerous, but I knew that she was just misunderstood.She began making daily visits to the mare, but couldnt get near her with a halter: if the horse felt cornered, shed paw, kick, or plow through volunteers.So Delgado tried a new tactic: she sat on the ground with a bucket of grain. If the mare wanted to eat, she had to come to Delgado, who spoke quietly, earning the mares trust. After four days, she was able to slip the halter over the horses head and lay hands on her trembling skin.The horse needed a name, and Delgado wanted something to reflect both her nature and her journey. She named the mare Athena after the Greek goddess of war, who, like the horse, was both elegant and resilient. The goddess, fittingly, was also the inventor of the halter and bridlethe original tamer of horses.After two weeks of basic groundwork and endless patience, Delgado was able to coax Athena onto a trailer and transport her to the rescue.An Unfortunate InjuryBut just hours after her arrival, Athena sliced her deep digital flexor tendon on a round pen panel. The initial stitches didnt hold, and then a flesh-eating bacteria ate its way down to the bone.Several vets suggested euthanasia, says Delgado. But I couldnt. I had to give her a chance.One vet agreed to attempt a surgical repair of Athenas leg, but warned Delgado that the horse may never be rideable. Delgado didnt careshe just wanted her horse to have the chance to be loved.After the surgery, Athena was prescribed several months of strict stall rest. Delgado drove to the barn daily and sat in Athenas stall, reading The Black Stallion out loud and offering the mare comfort and support.Four months after the injury, Athena was cleared for simple groundwork. Two months later, against the odds, she was given the all-clear to carry a rider.Saddling UpWhile saddling Athena for that first ride, Delgado remembers how carefully she observed her horses body language. The mare had a reputation for being touchy and explosive, and everyone watching expected fireworks.But when I put my foot in that stirrup, Athena looked back at me, she remembers. I had this overwhelming feeling that she trusted me, and that I could trust her.Delgado swung a leg over the mares back. Athena stood completely still. And then she yawned.I had tears in my eyes, says Delgado. I just kept thinking, Oh my gosh, everyone said this wasnt going to happen, but we did it!Despite a tumultuous past, Athena excelled under saddle due to the strong bond she had developed with Delgado.When I rode her canter for the first time, I felt like I was home, she recalls.Eventually, Delgado was ready to take Athena to her first show. Athena, under the name Athenian Lady, loved the new environments and challenges of showing, and the pair competed at local open shows. They were often in the ribbons, andmore importantlyDelgado felt that Athena was enjoying herself.After starting their competitive career, Delgado and Athena won blue in hunter under saddle at their very first show together. Photo courtesy Amanda DelgadoKnowing that her horse had more to offer, Delgado sought out opportunities for the mare at higher levels. But moving beyond open shows came with new roadblocks: Athena had no registration papers.Delgado was able to register her in the Pinto Horse Association of America (PtHA), but she didnt always feel like they fit in among the well-bred stock horses in their hunter under saddle classes.Regardless, in 2018, Delgado and Athena set off for the first PtHA World Show, where Delgado stumbled on the new discipline of western dressage.I watched a class and thought, Athena could do this, she says. Athena has big movements. She doesnt move like the pleasure stock horses, and I wasnt going to try to force her to. Ive never wanted make her into something that shes not.Western Dressage AccoladesThe pair placed well at the 2018 World Show, earning top-5 and top-10 awards in hunter under saddle classes. But Delgado was intrigued by western dressage. She loved how the disciplinea mix of ranch riding and classical dressageemphasizes safe, sound, happy horses.Delgado began competing in western dressage in 2019, finding the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) extremely welcoming.Since I met Athena, most people focused on what we couldnt do, because of her past, or because she was a rescue, or because she wasnt registered, says Delgado. So many people said, You wont be able to ride her. You cant show her. A rescue horse wont be a world champion.[But] WDAA opened their arms to us. When they learned that Athena was a rescue, their response was, She is? Great! We have awards for that!In 2019, Delgado and Athena returned to the PtHA World Show. Not only did Athena win her western dressage division, but she had the highest score out of any dressage ride at the event, including classical dressage performances and professional riders. Athena and Delgado were two-time World Champions, Reserve Champion, and placed twice in the top 10.But even more exciting was that Delgado and her mare had found their place in the showing world. Theyd found Athenas gift and passion. They found a place where Athena was respected and appreciated for exactly who she was.Theyve also found a level of success that Delgado would never have imagined, winning multiple World Championships (among other honors) at the WDAA World Championship Show in 2020, 2021, and 2023.Delgado has set their sights on the 2024 WDAA International Challenge and the 2024 World Championship Show.Delgado and Athena found their true calling in western dressage, where the mares bigger movement was rewarded with many championships. Photo by Jason Jackson/JSK PhotographyBecoming a BreyerBut perhaps their biggest news for 2024: Athena will be immortalized as the Celebration Horse at this years BreyerFest.I thought it was a prank, Delgado says, remembering when she received an email from representatives at Breyer. But it wasnt.Delgado was invited to a virtual call with Breyer. The 2024 theme had not been announced publicly, and she was sworn to secrecy: Against All Odds would feature stories of triumph over adversity, advancement in the face of disbelief, and defying expectations at every turna perfect match for Athena.Athenas story resonates with so many people; everyone goes through tough times, but those experiences dont have to define you, says Delgado.I love that Athena represents both beauty and strength, said equestrian artist Larissa Ann Ray, Delgados close friend and neighbor. That mare is so powerful, but she moves like a ballerina. She has overcome difficult challenges with grit and grace. I cant wait for her story to inspire so many more young girls this summer.Athena and Delgado will be on-site at BreyerFest, held at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 12-14. Theyll be signing autographs and doing riding demonstrations throughout the event.Im really excited for everyone to see their relationship, says Ray. Theyre magic to watch. Athena knows how much Amanda loves her and tries so hard for her. Its a real privilege to see them together.While it may seem like Delgado changed Athenas life more than the other way around, Delgado sees it otherwise.This horse has completely changed my life, she says. Shes my best friend and my partner. Shes beautiful and resilient; graceful and strong. Theres no quit in her. And for her story to be immortalized its an honor and a dream come true.This article about Athenian Lady appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Meet Athenian Lady: 2024 BreyerFest Celebration Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

An industry first, evokes Helmet Replacement Policy offers customers who suffer a fall within the first 6-months of purchase the chance to replace their evoke riding hat at 50% off*, prioritising safety and removing undue financial burden.Simply register your hat by scanning the QR code found on the helmet label within 14-days. Shop evoke Hats *subject to approval by evoke.How to Arrange your ReplacementBefore you can receive your replacement hat at 50% off, your registration will need to be confirmed and the hat will need to be inspected byevoke.Email returns@redpostequestrian.co.uk with your original purchase details. We will then provide you with a free of charge return label.Once your hat has been inspected by evoke and the exchange has been approved, our team will contact you to arrange the payment for 50% of the replacement hat. We will then post this out to you.If you are returning your evoke hat to our Totnes Store in person, it will need to be left with us so that it can be inspected by evoke. Following approval of the exchange, our team will contact you to advise that the replacement is available for purchase at 50% off.Terms & ConditionsCustomers will not be eligible for the evoke Helmet Replacement Policy without registering their helmet within 14 days of purchase. This can be done by scanning the QR code found on the helmet label.Customers will receive a replacement evoke helmet at 50% of the original purchase price.Any replacement must be an exact replacement of the original purchase (the same style, colour, size & shape).Customers are only eligible for one replacement on the policy at any time. If a like-for-like replacement is not available, a similar replacement will be offered.There are no other refunds, cash alternatives or exchanges.For further information, please contact our trained hat fitting specialists by emailing info@redpostequestrian.co.uk or calling 01803 812040.The post The evoke Helmet Replacement Policy first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

The buzz is real! The British equestrian teams for the Paris 2024 Olympics have just been announced, and Im started to get excited! Not only do I love watching the equestrian on the mainstage, such as the Olympics, I will actually be at Versailles, watching the Team Dressage in person! Heres a quick rundown of the exciting Team GB teams:Dressage Team Led by Performance Manager Caroline GriffithCharlotte Dujardin with Carl Hester and Coral Inghams Imhotep (Groom: Francesca Gorni)Charlotte Fry with Van Olst Horses and her own Glamourdale (Groom: Richard Hauwaerts)Carl Hester with Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and his own Fame (Groom: Lucy Scudamore)Becky Moody with Jo Cooper and her own Jagerbomb (Groom: Kim Masson)Its always exciting to see the likes of Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester in the flesh, they are true legends of the sport.Continue reading British Teams Named for Paris 2024 Olympics: Excitement in the Air at EquiPepper.

The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) has announced plans to move equestrian and para equestrian competitions to an existing purpose-built facility in Temecula, Southern California, emphasising sustainability, legacy, and fiscal responsibility in their decision.

The buzz is real! The British equestrian teams for the Paris 2024 Olympics have just been announced, and Im started to get excited! Not only do I love watching the equestrian on the mainstage, such as the Olympics, I will actually be at Versailles, watching the Team Dressage in person! Heres a quick rundown of the exciting Team GB teams:Dressage Team Led by Performance Manager Caroline GriffithCharlotte Dujardin with Carl Hester and Coral Inghams Imhotep (Groom: Francesca Gorni)Charlotte Fry with Van Olst Horses and her own Glamourdale (Groom: Richard Hauwaerts)Carl Hester with Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and his own Fame (Groom: Lucy Scudamore)Becky Moody with Jo Cooper and her own Jagerbomb (Groom: Kim Masson)Its always exciting to see the likes of Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester in the flesh, they are true legends of the sport.Continue reading British Teams Named for Paris 2024 Olympics: Excitement in the Air at EquiPepper.

The British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship qualifiers continued last week on the first day of The Royal Highland Show.A total of sixty combinations stepped up to face Mark McGowans 1.35m track. Despite faults scattered throughout the course, thirteen rode through to the jump-off. Rachel Proudley stood out by securing two of the rides.Being the first rider to take on the jump-off, Rachel understood that she needed to set a high standard to secure her place in the Horse of the Year show, and she delivered exactly that. Racing around the shortened course, Rachel skilfully guided Millfield Chrisis, a nine-year-old gelding owned by Alan Marnie, completing the course in an impressive time of 40.95 seconds. None of the competitors who followed could match her performance, placing Rachel in the top spot.We look forward to seeing Rachel compete in the Championship at Horse of the year Show later this year.For more information and expert advice from our nutritional team contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit our contact page here.The post Qualifiers continue at the Royal Highland Show for the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Championship. appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

Western horse riding is more than just a pair of jeans, cowboy boots and a Stetson. It has an intrinsic skill set all of its own. It is a popular style of riding in the USA, whereas it is still a niche market in the UK, but a growing one as horse owners look to try something new and different with their horses that is a discipline in its own right.Appreciated for a history of practicality and purpose, there are many benefits that the influence of Western can bring to both the horse and rider who are more accustomed to English style. A closer look at the style of Western horse riding reveals a technique that encourages an independent seat, soft hands and clear yet subtle communication with your horse all things we strive to achieve as riders whether we enjoy hacking a horse, jumping, dressage or something else.What is Western horse riding?Western horse riding is an umbrella term that encompasses the activities and distinguished disciplines that originated in the far west of the USA, with an accompanying style of tack. Yet at the very heart, all techniques and movements are derived from life on the ranch.Western horse riding is about doing less with your hands and more with your seat. With origins dating back to the 1700s, at the time horses first began to be of use to both indigenous Americans and European settlers, the progression of Western horse riding was one of high practical value to meet the needs of those who spent their life working cattle from horseback.The later appearance of the Spanish Conquistadors gave rise to the refined arts of the vaqueros (cowboys), buckaroos and Grey Basin cowboys that have contributed to the evolution of what it means to ride Western, and to the tradition of horsemanship itself.What is Western Horsemanship?Horsemanship is a familiar adjective that is commonly used alongside Western horse riding. Though the general terminology defines it as the art of riding and handling horses, I feel the meaning of horsemanship goes a little deeper than that. For me personally, horsemanship is not just an application but a philosophy; a way of thinking and a way of feeling.To develop your own horsemanship is to develop your skill and your communication, but mainly your awareness of self. If you embrace this it will begin to improve other aspects of your life just as it will improve the relationship with each horse with whom you come into contact.Horsemanship is not what you do, but how you do it.The training of a Western horse for riding varies both in ridden refinement and ideology to that of their European counterparts. It has many biomechanical and psychological benefits as a result of that training. Before a saddle is ever presented, time is spent on the ground to lay educational foundations to aid in preparation of the horse aside from lunging and long-reining.This helps to ease the transition and ready the horse physically and emotionally, making the addition of the rider a smoother transition. It is the reason why many Western horses are so calm.Western horse riding willTeach the rider to have an independent seat.Allow the horse to move freely and naturally under saddle.Teach a horse to listen and respond to the lightest of aids.Teach you, the rider, to use and apply your weight as an aid.Work on the riders balance.Free a hand for useful jobs such as opening gates.Help you be a better horseman.Each of these are hugely beneficial and vital skills to hone in the English style of horse riding too.Head carriage in Western horse ridingAside from tack, the most notable way of identifying a Western horse is through its carriage, specifically the position of the horses head. Their poll is just above or below the wither, with the nose slightly in front of the vertical. I feel that riding behind the vertical in any discipline is a considerable welfare issue that causes lasting damage to the horse.For many horses, the Western horse riding position comes naturally to them and promotes unrestricted movement. It also allows them to use their body and balance correctly.The element of freedom given by this type of training is highly beneficial out on back country trails where the horse is encouraged to think through situations and negotiate ever-changing terrain. This naturally develops confidence, spatial awareness and proprioception (this is, awareness of how they are using their body and where their feet are).Splitreins and a loose contactThe foundation of Western style is rounding up cattle in the USAThe trained movements of the Western horse complement their calm nature and are at a steadier pace. This allows the rider to concentrate on working on their own balance and independence of seat. Due to the lack of a direct contact with the horses mouth (ie a longer rein) there is nothing for the rider to hang on to with their hands.The reins are split in Western horse riding. They are held with obvious slack between the bridle and the riders hands. A bridged rein is held either in two hands or each rein is held in one hand. Correct style is primarily one-handed with the reins typically carried in the left hand to free up the right hand, which is the most commonly dominant hand.Holding the reins in this way allows the freedom for practical situations such as opening gates and roping cattle. It doesnt mean there is no use of contact. A horse can feel a change in the rein even with slack. It just means that the contact is used as a means of communication to refine a cue, and not to hold the horse in place on a particular outline.A well-trained horse used for Western riding is also accustomed to neck-reining. This is the application of rein contact against the base of the horses neck to yield to the opposite direction. This is done in unison with the riders seat and frees up the hand.Western horse riding: learn the gaitsThe gaits in Western horse riding are known as the walk, jog and lope. Though the beat and gait is the same, the pace is steadier. The two-beat gait is a slower movement than the trot, before moving up a transition to the lope with a feeling much like that of being on a rocking horse.Individual disciplines within Western horse riding such as cutting, pleasure, ranch, rodeo, reining and trail riding each have their own style for the ring, creating variation in the ridden education of the horse. For example, the lope of a horse competing in a Western pleasure class covers less ground than a ranch horse, where the canter is extended and will cover more ground.Movements developed on the ranch were never meant for competitive judgment. The origins of each discipline have foundations in the practical element that would have been asked of the horse in the real world.Western horse riding: communicating by seatAll ridden horses, regardless of education, have a riders seat as their primary point of contact. This is a vital aspect of communication yet I find it is so often overlooked by riders in favour of the overuse of arms and legs. Work on ranches requires a horse to be finely tuned to the movements of the rider, the weight distribution of their pelvis, and in turn the complimentary movement of their legs to allow a soft and quick response when faced with a rogue cow.Using your seat effectively requires the following:The rider must keep balanced with the horses movements when asking for forward movement, stopping and direction, as in any discipline.You must also be looking towards the point of travel.When the turn approaches, looking in the direction of travel allows your shoulders and torso to rotate in unison.With Western horse riding, you then open the inside leg and close the outside leg to follow the turning movement, like opening and closing a door.Having your weight lightly on the seat bone towards the direction of travel is a natural consequence of the body working in unison.Classical equitationWhen applied and taught correctly, the core of training the Western horse in the style of the vaqueroechoes that of classical equitation in relation to lateral manoeuvres and body control after being introduced from European countries such as Spain, France and Portugal.As a result, riders in the far west had been applying lateral movements to their horses long before dressage appeared as an Olympic sport in the early 1900s, as these movements came in useful for working cattle. When we add lateral movements such as shoulder-in, leg-yield or half-pass to our riding, we work on our horses suppleness and straightness in unison. This benefits the horse physically.Doing so engages aspects of their body that contribute to a longer-lasting ridden career and a level of manoeuvrability to dodge or direct the sometimes unpredictable movements of a cow.Think less and feel moreAt the very heart of Western horse riding is the practicality of life on the ranch and fulfilment of getting the job done in unison with your companion, the horse. It was not about rosettes and ribbons, but being the best horseman you could be. Just like Yin and Yang, there are good methods and good ways of riding, and there are bad methods and bad ways of riding. Benefits can be found throughout the eclectic range of styles, methods and disciplines the world has to offer.Putting aside the stereotypes, Western horse riding can teach you the value of movements steeped in history, build confidence in your ridden independence and trust that communication is key. Think less and feel more. That is Western Horsemanship and your horse will thank you!Main image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd; inset: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentAll about natural horsemanship and achieving harmony with your horseLearn about Liberty horse training with Ben AtkinsonCan you read your horses body language?Draw reins for horses: should you use them?Essential tack for every riding horseThe post Achieve an independent seat, soft hands and clear communication with Western horse riding appeared first on Your Horse.

A clear showjumping round secured victory at Badminton CCI5* for Piggy March in 2019 and her prowess in this phase has helped her secure other big titles (Burghley 2022) and championship medals (European team gold and individual silver in 2021) since then. So if youre seeking advice for how to nail the perfect warm-up and establish a winning routine for jumping a clear round in the arena, Piggy March is one of the best riders in the world to ask.Having a plan in place for what youre going to do with your horse and when will help you feel confident, in control and give yourself the best chance of enjoying a competition day that goes smoothly. This involves factoring in enough time to walk your showjumping course and warming up properly. Theres nothing more nerve-wracking than arriving with very little time to spare, which means youre in a rush and have to cut corners, potentially leaving you feeling unprepared. Piggy March reveals how she prepares to jump a clear round at a show.Walk the courseWhether youre taking part in a showjumping class or out eventing, one of the best ways to succeed and jump a clear round is to walk your course well. You need to know the exact line youre going to ride each fence and walk your distances, especially in the combinations.In eventing, the optimum time is getting tighter, says Piggy. Its annoying and frustrating to jump a nice clear round only to hear the commentator announce that youve clocked up a few time penalties.To avoid this, when youre walking your course be economical with the lines youre going to ride, but make sure your approach to each fence is straight.Utilise the collecting ringAs you get into the collecting ring, check with the steward whether the class is running to time and ask them to put your number down on the board. Count how many riders are in before you. Youll need a little time to warm your horse up on the flat in trot and canter before you start jumping. Just like your dressage warm up, youre checking your horse is on your aids and focused. Use transitions and changes of rein to ensure your horse is really listening to you.Stay focused in the warm up and ride your horse try not to freeze and leave them to their own devices, advises Piggy. Keep working on the quality of your canter and the straightness to your fences and on landing too. Focus your mind on your horses way of going and trying to make that the best you possibly can, rather than thinking too much about the course youre going to jump and the inevitable fences that may be playing on your mind.Dont start jumping too soonI usually start jumping my horse in the warm up when theres six to go before me, explains Piggy. This gives me enough time to jump the fences, plus a little extra in case I have any problems.The key thing to remember is dont jump too big, too quickly, and try to stick to your jumping warm up plan so you remain focused. Once youve jumped all the fences you want, give your horse a bit of a breather for a few minutes. As the competitor before you is in the ring, jump one more fence to make sure your horse is on the ball and listening to you.Which warm-up fences?Piggy March and Vanir Kamira at Badminton 2022. Credit: Trevor HoltThe aim of your warm up is to encourage your horse to focus and use their brain, and encourage them to make a good shape over fences. Piggy March uses the following fences to warm up:Warm-up fence 1: Cross-poleThis type of fence is always a good choice as your first fence to jump. Its nice and inviting and the shape of it helps you ride a straight approach, says Piggy.How to ride itIt can be wise to approach in trot to begin with, especially if youre on a young horse. It gives them a chance to work out what youre asking them to do.You only need to jump a cross-pole a few times, until your horse is jumping it quietly and confidently.Focus on having a straight approach and maintaining a rhythmical canter.Warm-up fence 2: VerticalProgressing on from your simple cross-pole, build an upright fence with a ground pole a little way out to make the jump look inviting, which will give your horse confidence, says Piggy.How to ride itApproach the fence in canter.Keep your horse straight and aim for the middle of the jump.Keep your chin up, riding positively from your leg into an even contact down both reins.Jump this fence a few times, before increasing the height by a couple of holes until its the same as in your class. Piggy says she doesnt see the need to jump bigger in the warm up arena compared to the class height.Warm-up fence 3: OxerStart off with a fairly small oxer, with the front rail a little lower than the back rail, advises Piggy. Position a ground pole away from the fence so it gives the feel of jumping a triple bar. This will encourage your horse to get in the air and to reach for the back rail.How to ride itJump an oxer a few times, increasing the height and width until its at the height youll be jumping in the ring.After each jump, square the oxer up slightly in front and move the ground pole in so its a more vertical fence. The end goal is an up-to-height square over with ground pole tucked in at the bottom of the fence.Youre simply changing the look of the oxer, so keep the way you approach it the same, making sure you have a good canter rhythm. Then leave the rest of the thinking to your horse.Warm-up fence 4: VerticalTo finish, go back to a vertical fence but roll the ground pole in or put it up onto some cups so that you have a very upright vertical which isnt quite as inviting, says Piggy.Ride into the ring with confidenceWhen its your turn to jump, Piggy March advises trotting confidently into the ring and letting your horse have a bit of a look around before asking for canter. You should know what rein youre going to approach the first fence on, so make sure you stick to your plan, and once the bell rings start your approach to the fence.Ride positively from your leg and maintain a balanced, rhythmical canter. Keep your chin up and look ahead to your next fence. Use the corners to re-balance your horse this will help you ride good lines and give them the best chance to jump clear.Lead image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd. Please note Piggy March is not pictured ridingRelated articlesPiggy March: jump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust in your horseNine course-walking tips from Olympic showjumping champion Ben MaherFive of the most common jumping position problems and how to address themWhy does my horse refuse? Three reasons and exercises to solve themFeeling the pressure? Manage competition nerves with performance coach Annika McGivern *video*The post Piggy Marchs showjumping course-walk tips and winning warm-up routine appeared first on Your Horse.

Key AspectDescriptionConformationPhysical structure and appearance, including balanced body proportions, strong bone structure, adequate musculature, and overall balance.PedigreeGenetic heritage and lineage with successful ancestors, emphasizing successful bloodlines and genetic diversity to avoid inbreeding.Performance RecordSuccess in competitions or specific disciplines, indicating the stallion's abilities, versatility, and trainability.TemperamentManageability and trainability of the offspring, including calm disposition, willingness to work, and good behaviour.Progeny SuccessQuality and performance of offspring, ensuring consistent quality, performance success, and high market value.FertilityHigh fertility rates ensuring successful pregnancies and healthy foals, focusing on semen quality, breeding success rate, and overall health and nutrition.Genetic TestingScreening for hereditary traits, colour patterns, and genetic disorders to ensure healthy and desirable off spring.Breeding a stallion is a significant investment and a critical decision for any horse breeder. The right stallion can enhance the quality of the offspring, contributing positively to the breed's future. But what exactly makes a great breeding stallion? This blog will delve into the essential characteristics and considerations that define an exceptional breeding stallion.ConformationConformation refers to the physical structure and appearance of the horse. A stallion with excellent conformation is more likely to pass on desirable traits to his offspring. Key aspects of conformation include:Body Proportions: Balanced body proportions ensure the horse's soundness and athletic ability.Bone Structure: Strong, well-formed bones are crucial for durability and performance.Musculature: Adequate muscle development supports the horse's physical activities and overall health.Overall Balance: A well-balanced horse is more likely to excel in various disciplines.PedigreeA stallion's pedigree provides insights into his genetic heritage and potential to pass on desirable traits. A well-documented lineage with successful ancestors can be a strong indicator of the stallion's breeding potential. Breeders should look for:Successful Bloodlines: Proven performance and desirable traits in the lineage.Genetic Diversity: Avoiding inbreeding to maintain genetic health and vigor.Performance RecordA stallion's performance record in competitions or specific disciplines is a testament to his abilities and potential as a sire. Key performance indicators include:Competition Wins: Success in shows, races, or other events.Versatility: Ability to perform well in multiple disciplines.Trainability: Ease of training and willingness to learn.TemperamentTemperament is a critical factor in breeding, as it affects the manageability and trainability of the offspring. A good breeding stallion should have:Calm Disposition: A gentle and cooperative nature.Willingness to Work: Eagerness to perform tasks and learn.Good Behaviour: Minimal aggressive or undesirable behaviours.Progeny SuccessThe ultimate test of a stallion's breeding potential is the success of his offspring. Evaluating the performance and quality of his progeny can provide valuable insights:Consistent Quality: Offspring that consistently exhibit desirable traits.Performance Success: Progeny that excel in competitions or specific disciplines.Market Value: High demand and good prices for the stallion's offspring at sales.FertilityA stallion's fertility is crucial for a successful breeding program. High fertility rates ensure a higher likelihood of successful pregnancies and healthy foals. Considerations include:Semen Quality: High motility and viability of sperm.Breeding Success Rate: Percentage of mares that conceive after breeding.Health and Nutrition: Optimal health and nutrition to support reproductive functions.Genetic TestingGenetic testing can provide valuable information about a stallion's potential to pass on specific traits and avoid genetic disorders. This includes:Hereditary Traits: Identifying desirable and undesirable genetic traits.Colour Patterns: Predicting coat colours and patterns in offspring.Genetic Disorders: Screening for genetic conditions that could affect the health of the progeny.ConclusionSelecting a great breeding stallion involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including conformation, pedigree, performance record, temperament, progeny success, fertility, and genetic testing. By carefully considering these aspects, breeders can make informed decisions that contribute to the improvement and preservation of the breed.Breeding is both an art and a science, requiring diligent research and thoughtful analysis. With the right stallion, breeders can achieve their goals and produce exceptional horses that excel in their respective fields.For more detailed insights and expert opinions on selecting a breeding stallion, you can refer to resources such as The Horse Forum, GoHorseShow, and Ranvet.What makes a good stallion?A good stallion combines excellent conformation, a proven performance record, a calm and cooperative temperament, and a successful lineage. He should demonstrate strong fertility and produce high-quality offspring that perform well in their disciplines.What makes a good breeding mare?A good breeding mare should have strong conformation, good health, and a proven performance or production record. Her temperament is also crucial, as it affects the manageability of her offspring. Like a stallion, her pedigree and genetic health are important factors.What to look for when choosing a stallion?When choosing a stallion, look for strong conformation, a solid pedigree with successful ancestors, a good performance record, and a calm temperament. Additionally, consider the stallion's fertility, the success of his progeny, and results from genetic testing.What makes a good sire?A good sire consistently produces high-quality offspring that inherit his desirable traits. He should have excellent conformation, a proven track record in competitions or as a producer, and a calm, trainable temperament. His pedigree should show a history of successful ancestors, and his fertility must be high to ensure successful breeding outcomes.