Wilmington, Ohio Competitors were welcomed back to World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) this week for Summer III. Featured competition for the week began with the $10,000 CWD Welcome Stake, with tracks crafted by FEI Level III course designer Anderson Lima (BRA). Kady Abrahamson of Lexington, Kentucky, secured the win with her own Jazil Du Houssoit (Peppermill x Gerboise Du Houssoit). Abrahamson spoke on[...]Read MoreThe post Abrahamson Pilots Jazil Du Houssoit to Victory in the $10,000 CWD Welcome Stake of WEC Wilmington Summer III appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Tom McEwen (GBR) riding JL DUBLIN during the Eventing Cross Country at the Chateau de Versailles for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.  Photo Credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark Tom Mc Ewen takes the top slot in the FEI Eventing World Rankings Rising from third place in last month’s rankings, Tom Mc Ewen (GBR) knocks fellow Brit Rosalind Canter off the top spot to become number one in the FEI...

```html Section Key Points Understanding the Role of a Show Steward Manage the smooth operation of the show ring Ensure adherence to rules and regulations Offer guidance to exhibitors and judges Pre-Show Preparation Familiarize with the show schedule Study breed standards Review show rules and regulations Pack essential equipment (clipboard, pens, stopwatch) During the Show Arrive early Stay alert and focused Communicate effectively Be prepared for unexpected situations Post-Show Debrief with show staff Review your notes Seek feedback Helpful Resources Invest in quality apparel Consider useful accessories (riding gloves, riding socks) Keep your horse happy and healthy (treats, vitamins) Conclusion Thorough preparation is key Attention to detail and effective communication Seek feedback for continuous improvement References Crufts Show Steward Guide Dog Show Judges Association, Show Steward's Handbook The Kennel Club, Show Stewarding Kennel Club, Show Steward's Role ``````htmlHow to Prepare for Your First Time as a Show Steward: Essential Tips and InsightsBeing a show steward is a vital role that comes with numerous responsibilities. From managing the show ring to ensuring that breed club and Kennel Club rules are followed, your role is pivotal in maintaining the show's integrity. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential tips and insights to prepare you for your first-time experience in this rewarding role.Understanding the Role of a Show StewardThe primary function of a show steward is to manage the smooth operation of the show ring, ensuring adherence to all rules and regulations while offering guidance to exhibitors and judges. According to the Kennel Club, your responsibilities may vary, but the core duties remain centered on these essential tasks.Pre-Show PreparationPreparation is the key to a successful show. Here are some critical steps to ensure you're well-prepared:Familiarize Yourself with the Show ScheduleReview the show schedule to understand the layout, timings, and requirements for each breed or group. By knowing the schedule, you can plan your day effectively and ensure you're ready for each segment of the show. More details can be found in the Crufts Show Steward Guide.Study the Breed StandardsIt's crucial to be familiar with the breed standards for each breed being shown. This knowledge will help you identify any potential issues or irregularities during the show. The standards are typically available through the breed clubs or the Kennel Club.Review the Show Rules and RegulationsEnsure you have a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations governing the show. This includes guidelines related to exhibitor conduct, judging, and awards. Familiarize yourself with these rules well before the event.Pack Essential EquipmentBring all necessary equipment such as a clipboard, pens, and a stopwatch. These items might seem small, but they are crucial for keeping things organized and running smoothly.During the ShowOnce the show is underway, your ability to stay focused and organized will be put to the test. Here are some tips to help you navigate the event:Arrive EarlyArriving early at the show venue gives you ample time to set up and familiarize yourself with the layout. This also allows you to address any last-minute adjustments or issues before the event starts.Stay Alert and FocusedPay close attention to every dog that enters the ring, and take notes on any issues or irregularities. Your observations can be invaluable in ensuring the integrity of the judging process.Communicate EffectivelyClear and professional communication with exhibitors, judges, and other show staff is essential. Effective communication helps the event run smoothly and ensures everyone is on the same page.Be Prepared for Unexpected SituationsAnticipate and prepare for unexpected situations such as a dog escaping or a judge needing assistance. Having a plan in place for these scenarios can help you respond quickly and efficiently.Post-ShowAfter the show, take the time to review your performance and identify areas for improvement. Here are some tips to help you reflect on your experience:Debrief with Show StaffDiscuss any issues or concerns with your fellow show staff to identify areas where the team can improve. This feedback loop is crucial for continuous improvement.Review Your NotesGo through your notes from the show to identify patterns or trends in exhibitor behavior or judging decisions. Your observations can be valuable for future shows and can help you refine your strategies.Seek FeedbackAsk for feedback from exhibitors, judges, and other show staff. Constructive criticism can provide you with valuable insights into your performance and help you grow in your role. More advice on seeking feedback can be found in The Kennel Club's Guidelines.Helpful Resources for Your RoleKnowing where to find additional resources can enhance your understanding and performance as a show steward.Invest in Quality ApparelConsider the importance of apparel not just for style but for functionality. You might want to check out collections like Jodhpur Collection or Riding Boots Collection to ensure you're both comfortable and professional-looking.Accessories to ConsiderThings like riding gloves can be incredibly useful when handling animals, ensuring a better grip and connection with the horse. Similarly, riding socks can keep you comfortable throughout the day.Keep Your Horse Happy and HealthyYour own horse's well-being is also crucial. Consider browsing through horse treats and gifts to show some love to your equine friends and also explore everyday vitamins and supplements to maintain their health.ConclusionBeing a show steward is a demanding but rewarding role that requires thorough preparation, attention to detail, and effective communication. By following these tips and insights, you'll be well-prepared to handle your responsibilities. Remember to stay focused, organized, and professional throughout the event, and don't hesitate to seek feedback and guidance from experienced show staff.ReferencesCrufts Show Steward GuideDog Show Judges Association, Show Steward's HandbookThe Kennel Club, Show StewardingKennel Club, Show Steward's Role```

Friday News & Notes from Stable View View this post on InstagramA post shared by Adam Short (@adamshort98)Guys, if the post-Olympic blues are hitting hard, then I would invite you to take a quick flick through these Olympic moments, which Adam Short groom to JL Dublin and Tom McEwen has kindly shared with the world. Have you seen a happier human? To be fair, Adam usually generates positive vibes to all who encounter him, but his reaction to JL Dublins Paris performance saw him take that to another level.Dont get me wrong, I am not ignorant enough to think that the Olympics were this successful for everyone involved Jonelle Price sums up the disappointment of her Games in an achingly honest way here but perhaps it is for that reason that we can all understand the sheer euphoria felt by those who did have one of those rare moments where the stars align, and it all comes right. It is such a rarity in our sport, and make celebrations like Adams more than justifiable. As Kiwi eventer Nick Brooks once said Eventing is like an Island of Happiness in an Ocean of Tears.Admittedly, now that the main focal point of our year thus far is over, it may seem like were all in that Ocean of Tears, but there is still much to look forward to before the season is over, not least of all another three 5*s! So while it may not have come right for everyone in Paris, there is still time for fortunes to change and plenty more sport for us to enjoy! U.S. Weekend PreviewFair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wheeler, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Woodside Summer H.T (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]UK International EventsHartpury International Incorporating the British Championships (Gloucestershire) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Friday News and ReadingAdam Short is providing A LOT of content right now, and well he should. Like I say, he is an all round great human, and so open to sharing his experiences with the wider public, offering a detailed glimpse of life behind the scenes as a top event groom. On the latest episode of the Equiratings Eventing Podcast, he speaks to Nicole Brown about his Paris experience, once again giving us access to an experience beyond our and his wildest imagination!More podcast recommendations to fill your ears! This one is a new discovery for me, and as the proud owner of two OTTB, one that I am particularly keen to get stuck in to. The brain child of Louise Robson aka Thoroughbred Dressage, this podcast takes a deep dive into all aspects of racehorses both pre and post retraining. A fascinating look into the world of racing, it offers a whole new perspective on the lives of Throughbreds, and what makes them tick. A must listen for anyone who has or is considering becoming involved in an OTTB. I have waxed lyrical on many an occasion about how vital the team behind the scenes are, and I am not about to stop now. The FEI are jumping on the band wagon too, shining the spotlight on Super Groom, Jackie Potts Their 2014 Groom of the Year, Head Honcho at Fox Pitt Eventing, and latterly, the groom to Kazumo Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne in Paris, Jackie has been in the sport since the beginning of time, and deserves all of the praise and some more besides. A living legend, three cheers for Jackie! He came, he saw, he conquered. And now he is leaving the country. Thats right Australian eventer turned show jumper turned eventer (again), Chris Burton may have just won himself an individual Olympic medal, but hes not sticking around for much longer. Instead, he and his family are returning home to Australia, and as such, there is going to be a pretty big hole to fill at Chedington Equestrian, his current base. It is also home to Kiwi superstars Tim and Jonelle Price, and has everything that an ambitious competitior could ever want. Think indoor and outdoor arenas, stables that most of us could only ever dream of and even a house for you too! If you, or someone you know would like to find out more, then why not drop them a line? Chedingtons loss could inadvertently be your gain! Anyone keeping an eye on the Burghley entries will see that it is shaping up to be THE event to be at. The international contingent is growing steadily, and the latest all star competitor to join the list is former European Champion, and 2008 Badminton winner, Nicolas Touzaint. Given how long Nicolas has been competing and winning at the top level, it seems unbelievable that this will be Nicolas first time at the Stamford event, but he is bringing his Tokyo Olympic mount Absolut Gold HDC to the party, so his debut at the event could be a very successful one. Who said that we had nothing to look forward to beyond the Olympics?!Sponsor CornerThe August Eventing Academy begins today! Couldnt come this time? Mark your calendars for the October Eventing Academy on October 11th through the 13th. Havent heard of the Eventing Academy? Youre missing out on one of the areas top schooling competitions. Check it out. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Stable View (@stableviewaiken)Weekend WatchingEver wondered what sort of thing goes on behind the scenes for an Olympic Gold Medal winning team? All I am going to say is, youd be surprised. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Whole Earth (@wholeearthfoods)

Section Key Points Adopting an Ex-Racehorse Ex-racehorses require retraining for new careers. Retraining offers challenges and rewards for both the horse and rider. Why Retrain? Over 40,000 Thoroughbreds retired annually. Retraining provides a second chance and helps riders grow. Challenges Inexperienced riders may find retraining daunting. Patience, understanding, and a gentle approach are essential. Tips for Retraining Start with Groundwork: Build trust with exercises like leading and grooming. Gradually Introduce Riding: Begin with short sessions. Focus on Softness and Suppleness: Use exercises like gentle transitions. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats and praise. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with an experienced trainer. Success Stories Personal journeys emphasize patience and positive reinforcement. The Retired Racehorse Training Project has successfully retrained over 1,000 horses. Conclusion Dedication, patience, and willingness to learn are vital. Use groundwork, focus on softness, use positive reinforcement, and seek professional help if needed. Additional Resources Equine Science Center and American Association of Equine Practitioners offer guides and articles on retraining ex-racehorses. Explore Our Collections Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements As an equestrian enthusiast, you may have considered adopting an ex-racehorse as a new partner. These magnificent creatures have already proven their athleticism and endurance on the track, but they often require retraining to transition to a new career. In this blog, we'll explore the challenges and rewards of retraining an ex-racehorse, sharing valuable tips and personal journeys to help you navigate the process. Why Retrain an Ex-Racehorse? According to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, over 40,000 thoroughbred horses are retired from racing each year in the United States alone. Many of these horses are in need of a new purpose, and retraining can provide a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Not only do ex-racehorses make wonderful companions, but they also offer a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a rider. Challenges of Retraining an Ex-Racehorse Retraining an ex-racehorse can be a daunting task, especially for inexperienced riders. These horses have been bred and trained for speed, which means they may have developed strong instincts to push themselves to the limit. As a result, they may require patience, understanding, and a gentle approach to help them adjust to a new pace and new demands. Tips for Retraining an Ex-Racehorse Start with Groundwork Begin by establishing a strong bond with your ex-racehorse through groundwork exercises, such as leading, lunging, and grooming. This will help them become comfortable with your presence and build trust. Gradually Introduce Riding Once your horse is comfortable with groundwork, you can start introducing riding. Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Focus on Softness and Suppleness Ex-racehorses often benefit from exercises that promote softness and suppleness, such as yoga-like stretches and gentle transitions. Use Positive Reinforcement Reward your horse with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit desired behaviors, such as walking calmly or responding to cues. You might find some useful training treats in our Horse Treats And Gifts collection. Seek Professional Guidance Consider working with a professional trainer or equine behaviorist who has experience with ex-racehorses. They can provide personalized guidance and help you overcome any challenges that arise. Personal Journeys: Success Stories and Lessons Learned I had the privilege of retraining an ex-racehorse named Starlight, who had been retired from racing due to a minor injury. At first, she was resistant to my attempts to ride her, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, she eventually became a willing partner. One of the most rewarding moments was when she calmly walked through a crowded arena, responding to my cues and trusting my leadership. Another inspiring story comes from the Retired Racehorse Training Project, which has successfully retrained over 1,000 ex-racehorses since its inception in 1998. Their program emphasizes gentle training methods, socialization, and education, resulting in horses that are not only rideable but also adoptable. Conclusion Retraining an ex-racehorse requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn. By understanding the challenges and rewards of this process, you can set yourself up for success and create a lifelong bond with your new partner. Remember to start with groundwork, focus on softness and suppleness, use positive reinforcement, and seek professional guidance when needed. Additional Resources The Equine Science Center at Colorado State University offers a comprehensive guide to retraining ex-racehorses, including tips on nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. The American Association of Equine Practitioners provides a wealth of information on equine behavior, including articles on retraining ex-racehorses and managing behavioral changes. Explore Our Collections Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements By following these tips and drawing inspiration from personal journeys, you can successfully retrain an ex-racehorse and enjoy a rewarding partnership with your new equine companion. As an equestrian enthusiast, you may have considered adopting an ex-racehorse as a new partner. These magnificent creatures have already proven their athleticism and endurance on the track, but they often require retraining to transition to a new career. In this blog, we'll explore the challenges and rewards of retraining an ex-racehorse, sharing valuable tips and personal journeys to help you navigate the process. Why Retrain an Ex-Racehorse? According to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, over 40,000 thoroughbred horses are retired from racing each year in the United States alone. Many of these horses are in need of a new purpose, and retraining can provide a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Not only do ex-racehorses make wonderful companions, but they also offer a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a rider. Challenges of Retraining an Ex-Racehorse Retraining an ex-racehorse can be a daunting task, especially for inexperienced riders. These horses have been bred and trained for speed, which means they may have developed strong instincts to push themselves to the limit. As a result, they may require patience, understanding, and a gentle approach to help them adjust to a new pace and new demands. Tips for Retraining an Ex-Racehorse Start with Groundwork Begin by establishing a strong bond with your ex-racehorse through groundwork exercises, such as leading, lunging, and grooming. This will help them become comfortable with your presence and build trust. Gradually Introduce Riding Once your horse is comfortable with groundwork, you can start introducing riding. Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Focus on Softness and Suppleness Ex-racehorses often benefit from exercises that promote softness and suppleness, such as yoga-like stretches and gentle transitions. Use Positive Reinforcement Reward your horse with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit desired behaviors, such as walking calmly or responding to cues. You might find some useful training treats in our Horse Treats And Gifts collection. Seek Professional Guidance Consider working with a professional trainer or equine behaviorist who has experience with ex-racehorses. They can provide personalized guidance and help you overcome any challenges that arise. Personal Journeys: Success Stories and Lessons Learned I had the privilege of retraining an ex-racehorse named Starlight, who had been retired from racing due to a minor injury. At first, she was resistant to my attempts to ride her, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, she eventually became a willing partner. One of the most rewarding moments was when she calmly walked through a crowded arena, responding to my cues and trusting my leadership. Another inspiring story comes from the Retired Racehorse Training Project, which has successfully retrained over 1,000 ex-racehorses since its inception in 1998. Their program emphasizes gentle training methods, socialization, and education, resulting in horses that are not only rideable but also adoptable. Conclusion Retraining an ex-racehorse requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn. By understanding the challenges and rewards of this process, you can set yourself up for success and create a lifelong bond with your new partner. Remember to start with groundwork, focus on softness and suppleness, use positive reinforcement, and seek professional guidance when needed. Additional Resources The Equine Science Center at Colorado State University offers a comprehensive guide to retraining ex-racehorses, including tips on nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. The American Association of Equine Practitioners provides a wealth of information on equine behavior, including articles on retraining ex-racehorses and managing behavioral changes. Explore Our Collections Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements By following these tips and drawing inspiration from personal journeys, you can successfully retrain an ex-racehorse and enjoy a rewarding partnership with your new equine companion.