The horse lived in Oswego County and was euthanized. The post New York Gelding Tests Positive for WNV appeared first on The Horse.

Ticks are small arachnids (the same class as spiders) and they undergo four phases in their life cycle: egg, larvae, nymphs, and adult. The tick requires blood meals to develop between these phases.After the nymph stage, ticks develop into either male or female adults. Female ticks will need blood meals before they start to lay eggs, while male ticks dont suck blood.Ticks can spread disease, usually in the nymph stage of their life cycle and, if female, before they lay their eggs.Tick larvae will also seek blood meals but will not transmit pathogens. It is these pathogens that poisons or irritates its host and can negatively affect horse health.How ticks operateHorses are vulnerable to ticks, which attach to the skin and suck bloodYou will normally find ticks in wet environments, on grass or in low bushes, especially from March to June, and then again from August to November. However, there is a very significant risk of horses (and people) picking them up all year round.Other animals are prone to picking up ticks too including family pets, like cats and dogs as they spend a lot of time roaming in grass. It is important a tick is removed from their body promptly as well.The tick is blind but will feel vibrations, body heat, and carbon dioxide from ones breath. If it finds you, the tick will crawl onto its host.The tick will choose its host based on its size. Larvae will normally seek out small birds and mice, while nymphs will attach to rabbits, cats, and dogs, and the female ticks prefer larger animals, like horses.Its hosts size is very important for the ticks development. If the host is too small, there will not be enough blood and the tick will struggle to survive.Once the tick has attached itself to a host, it will feed, during which it might transmit pathogens.This can cause skin irritation, bacterial skin infections, and small abscesses. In severe cases, especially in ponies and foals, a tick may even cause anaemia.Ticks on horses: prevention tipsTick prevention requires diligence: you must constantly check for ticks and, if found, quickly remove them.Application of tick-specific repellents is also key. These should be applied to your horses mane, tail, head, chest, and underbelly before riding or turning your horse out on pasture.When your horse is back in their stable, make sure you check their whole body for ticks thoroughly.Ticks are easier to feel than see, so run your hands through their mane, tail, and across their body, feeling for small bumps along the way, being careful not to damage or dislodge them by accident.How to remove a tick from a horseIf a tick attaches itself to your horse, you will need to remove it as soon as possible by doing the following:Decide if you are confident to remove the tick yourself, or if you need assistance from your vet.Wear latex gloves and use a tick fork.A tick attaches itself to the skin by screwing barbed mouthparts into the skin. Therefore, it is very important that the tick is removed using an un-screwing technique.If you havent got a tick fork, use fine-point tweezers to gently grasp and twist the head of the tick.Avoid grasping the body of the tick as this will cause it to regurgitate its stomach and salivary gland contents into the skin, increasing the risk of pathogen transmission.If a tick is removed with a straight pulling motion or dislodges by accident, the mouthparts may be left behind in the skin and cause localised inflammation and infection.After the tick is removed and killed, clean the area with a mild antiseptic solution or saltwater.If the area looks infected or irritated (red or swollen), you should contact your vet.Should you find ticks around your horses ears, call a vet for advice about removing the tick, as safe removal may be difficult in this sensitive area.What to do with the tickAfter you have detached a tick, ideally it should be sent in a crush-proof container to Public Health England for identification. This information is used to identify potential tick-borne diseases that may pass to animals or humans. A submission form can be found here.Alternatively, drop the detached tick in a small jar of alcohol to kill it, or flush it down the loo.Never apply Vaseline, chemicals, or freeze/burn a tick that has attached to a horses body, as this may stimulate it to regurgitate its saliva and stomach contents, increasing the risk of infection.Ticks on people: lyme diseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to people by infected ticks. A circular or oval-shaped rash around a tick bite is an early symptom.Not all ticks carry lyme disease, but it is still important to check for ticks after being in your garden or in grass and remove them. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose and the symptoms in some people can be lengthy and debilitating.Read the NHS advice about lyme disease and ticks on people here.Main image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd. Inset image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHorse flies: active times plus tips for keeping them at bayOur pick of fly masks and veils for horsesBest fly rugs: tried and tested14 fly sprays tried and tested to find which work bestThe post How to remove a tick from a horse appeared first on Your Horse.

The mare lived in Lake County and was unvaccinated.The post Florida Mare Dies After Contracting EEE appeared first on The Horse.

The Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian stadium on the grounds of the French Palace of Versailles has gone quiet for now. The throngs of spectators, and the riders, grooms, officials and horses have all gone home to rest. Over the last two weeks, the competition has been top-notch and the setting breathtaking.In less than a months time, the worlds top para-dressage riders and horses, and their entourages, will once again fill the stadium during the Paralympics. After that, the task for Games organizers will be to restore the grounds to original conditionpristine parkland.But for just one more moment, lets savor the Paris 2024 Olympic Games equestrian action. Heres a recap of what was.Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutinue clear the Eiffel Tower jump with the backdrop of Palace of Versailles a summary of the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian setting. Photo courtesy US EquestrianOpening CeremonyThe Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place on a rainy Friday, July 26, not in a stadium this time, but on the River Seine. The athletes parade was staged on boats floating on the river with spectator stands lining the banks.The Opening Ceremony was actually designed with television viewing in mind, however, and following the athletes parade, a visually appealing artistic show worthy of Broadway or Vegas floated down the Seine. That, coupled with performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion (who sang from the Eiffel Tower), made for an enjoyable show.Equestrian fans, if you didnt watch the Opening Ceremony, you might want to view a replay. The final bit of the show featured a galloping mechanical horse gliding at a good clip on the waters surface along the Seine. Once the mechanical horse and his hooded rider reached the rivers banks, it magically transformed into a real horse, a lovely grey, and rider who climbed up the ramp and moved down the streets of Paris until they were out of view.Another reason to watch a replay of the Opening Ceremony is to see if you can spot U.S. Equestrian Team members among those on the U.S. athletes boat during the parade. While the eventing athletes were presenting their horses for inspection on the 26th, some of the U.S. dressage and jumping riders decided to take part in the Ceremony. U.S. Dressage Team members Steffen Peters and Endel Ots (traveling reserve) donned Ralph Lauren-designed uniforms and joined U.S. Jumping Team member McLain Ward on the U.S. boat. It was the sixth Olympics for Peters and Ward and the first for Ots.Eventing Up FirstFirst up on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian schedule, eventing took place July 26-29. Sixty-four horse and rider combinations from 27 different countries took part. The cross-country took place around the Grand Canal and through the parkland on the Palace of Versailles estate. The dressage and jumping phases were in the stadium, strategically positioned to use a view of the Palace as a backdrop.The eventing dressage phase brought record-breaking scores for Great Britains Laura Collett and London 52 (17.50) and Germanys Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (17.80), both eclipsing the USAs David OConnor and Custom Mades 2000 Sydney Olympic score of 19.30 (converted to match the current scoring system).Laura Collett (GBR) celebrates aboard London 52 after setting an Olympic record with a score of 17.50 in eventing dressage. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkAfter it was all said and done, the very strong British Team prevailed to capture gold and the home-country French Team silver. In another Olympic milestone, the Japanese Team took bronze, the first-ever Olympic medal for Japan in eventing. (The last Japanese equestrian to win an Olympic medal was Takeichi Nishi who won show jumping gold in 1932.)The final individual standings showed Michael Jung winning his third consecutive Olympic individual gold medal, another Olympic record. (He rode La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to gold in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.) Australias Christopher Burton riding Shadow Man captured silver, and British rider Collett and London 52 bronze.Michael Jung aboard Chipmunk FRH celebrates his historic third individual gold medal in eventing. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkThe U.S. Eventing Team (Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B) finished seventh overall. Individual placings for the U.S. riders: Martin and Fedarman B, 10th; Halliday and Nutcracker, 19th, and Pamukcu and HSH Blake, 37th.While it was a disappointing finish for the U.S. Team, two of the three U.S. horses are quite young yet (HSH Blake is 9 and Nutcracker is 10), so high hopes for the future there. The final U.S. placings dont really tell the entire story; there were some nice moments. Martin and Fedarman B only added 1.6 time penalties on cross-country and then nothing else to their dressage score (30.50) for a final score of 32.10. It was his best individual finish to date in four Olympics.Boyd Martin and Fedarman B go double clear in both show jumping rounds to be the highest placed U.S. rider in eventing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo courtesy US EquestrianIt was an Olympic debut for both Halliday and Pamukcu and their young horses. Halliday and Nutcracker had a good dressage score (28.0) and jumped clear on cross-country with only time penalties there, and then no rails in their first show jumping round and only one rail in the second. Were it not for an uncharacteristic stop (and the resulting time penalties) on cross-country, and one rail in the show jumping, Pamukcu and young HSH Blakes performance showed promise as well.Full Eventing RecapTeam Eventing ResultsIndividual Eventing ResultsDressage Brings More RecordsSecond up on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian docket was dressage. The Grand Prix Tests (which served as a qualifier for both team and individual competitions) were on July 30 and 31, then two days rest. Then, the Grand Prix Special Test on August 3 determined the team medals. Then finally, the Grand Prix Freestyle for individual medals was on August 4. Sixty horse and rider combinations representing 30 countries competed in dressage.The team competition (which included the top ten teams based on rankings from the Grand Prix Test) was hotly contested between Germany and Denmark, with Great Britain breathing down their necks as well. Germany won gold by super-small margin of 0.121 (235.790) with Denmark silver (235.669) and Great Britain bronze (232.492). It was a record 15th Olympic dressage team gold for Germany.Germanys Dressage Team on the podium with their gold medals. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkThe top 18 horse and rider combinations (representing 10 countries) based on scores from the Grand Prix Test moved on to the individual finals in the Freestyle. The crowd was treated to an enjoyable day of music and dancing. The individual medal winners were: TSF Dalera BB ridden by Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Germany, gold; Wendy ridden by Isabell Werth, Germany, silver, and Glamourdale ridden by Charlotte Fry, Great Britain, bronze.This was the second consecutive Olympic gold medal for von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera since they also won in Tokyo in 2021. The silver for Werth was her 14th Olympic medal (eight gold and six silver); she continues to be the most decorated Olympic equestrian of all time thus far.Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) waves to the crowd after her gold-clinching dressage test aboard TSF Dalera BB. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkThe U.S. Dressage Team members were Adrienne Lyle and Helix, Marcus Orlob and Jane and Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. They encountered huge disappointment with the elimination of Marcus Orlob and Jane during the Grand Prix Test on the first day (due to a small amount of blood from a tiny cut on Janes right hind fetlock, which is cause for elimination under FEIs rules). This also resulted in the elimination of the U.S. Team and meant that Lyle and Peters and their horses would only compete as individuals going forward.Lyle and Helix scored 72.593 percent in their Grand Prix Test on the first day to finish 20th in the overall standings. They just missed qualification for the individual finals by just 0.823.Peters and Suppenkasper competed on the second day of Grand Prix. As they worked in their test, Suppenkasper became more and more tense, evidentially spotting something outside the ring that spooked him. Peters did a good job of keeping the lid on the situation until the final line when Suppenkasper stopped in the piaffe and resisted going forward. They did finish, but the incident cost them and they scored 66.491 percent, much lower than their normal. It wasnt their day, proving once again that horses each have their own mind and things can happen even to the most experienced riders.The U.S. Dressage Team will now focus on building toward the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. Dressage fans will, no doubt, be there to cheer on the teams riders at these events.A fun surprise that shined a light on the U.S. Equestrian Team was the visit of celebrities Snoop Dogg (who was an Olympic commentator for NBC) and his buddy Martha Stewart to the equestrian venue. They arrived in shadbelly riding coats and visited with U.S. riders Steffen Peters and Endel Ots and their horses Suppenkasper and Bohemian, respectively. They talked with the riders and fed carrots to the horses. U.S. show jumping riders Karl Cook, Laura Kraut, and McLain Ward also had their photos taken with Snoop and Stewart. During the visit Snoop admitted that he was afraid of horses, but in the video he seemed to genuinely want to overcome that fear. Watch Snoop Doggs equestrian segment here.Full Dressage RecapTeam Dressage ResultsIndividual Dressage ResultsJumping Closes Paris Olympic Equestrian ScheduleShow jumping was the final sport on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian schedule. Thirty-five countries were represented, 20 teams of three riders each and an additional 15 riders competing as individuals for their countries. There were two days of team competition (a team qualifier on August 1 and team final on August 2) and then, two days of individual competition (a qualifier on August 5 and a final on August 6).Throughout the team competition, the U.S. riders (Laura Kraut on Baloutinue, Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, and McLain Ward on Ilex) performed very well with two clear rounds from Kraut and Cook, and Ward with only one rail (four faults) and two time faults in the qualifier. Then, in the final, Cook and Ward each jumped clear rounds with Kraut having only one rail. That earned them team silver behind Great Britain, who won gold with only two penalties. The home country, France, took bronze with seven penalties. It was the third consecutive team jumping silver for the USA, having also earned one in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and in Tokyo in 2021.The U.S. Show Jumping team on the podium with their silver medals. Photo courtesy US EquestrianIn the individual qualifier, the U.S. riders again jumped very well, with team rookies Cook and Caracole de la Roque producing another clear round and Kraut and Baloutinue dropping one rail, but in a fast enough time to qualify to move on the next day. Ward and Ilex also had only one unlucky rail at the last fence, but their time was slower and they did not qualify to move on.On individual final day, there were a number of unexpected happenings, among them the reigning World Champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward parting ways during their round, eliminating them from the competition. Of the 30 horse and rider combinations competing in the final, only three jumped clean. This forced a jump-off for the medals between Germanys Christian Kukuk and Checker 47, Switzerlands Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme and the Netherlands Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z.Only one of the three pairs jumped double clear in the individual final jump-off, Kukuk and Checker 47, to earn gold. Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme took the individual silver with van der Vleuten and Beauville Z bronze (each dropped one rail, but Guerdat had the quicker time). U.S. riders Kraut on Baloutinue took down one rail to finish eighth, and Cook on Caracole De La Roque dropped two to finish 16th.Christian Kukuk (GER) and Checker 47 sail over a jump during the Show Jumping Individual Final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkFull Team Show Jumping RecapFull Individual Show Jumping RecapTeam Show Jumping ResultsIndividual Show Jumping ResultsFinal Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Medal CountIn the overall equestrian venue medal count, Germany and Great Britain tied with five each (four gold and one silver for Germany and two gold and three bronze for Great Britain). Second in medals won was France with two (one silver and one bronze). Australia, Denmark, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA all garnered one medal each.Germany left its mark on these Games by winning individual gold in all three equestrian sports (Jung in eventing, von Bredow-Werndl in dressage and Kukuk in jumping) in addition to their team gold and individual silver in dressage. Great Britain, too, made a statement with their team gold and individual bronze in eventing, team and individual bronze in dressage, and team gold in jumping.The Amazing Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian VenueRiders had nothing but praise for the amenities offered at the Olympic equestrian venue at the Palace of Versailles estate. And, the views from the grandstands were nothing short of one-of-a-kind spectacular.Many spectators, and some competitors, also took the opportunity to tour the Palace and its stables and grounds. There was also a special exhibit of equestrian art at the Palace, Horses in Majesty at the Heart of a Civilization. Everywhere you looked, the horse figured conspicuously into the architecture, art and history of Versailles.The stunning equestrian competition backdrop of the Grand Canal and Palace of Versailles. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan PhotographyCelebrity SightingsThe equestrian venue attracted its fair share of celebrities who came to watch the action. In addition to Snoop Dogg and Stewart, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, was there for show jumping and Great Britains Princess Anne for eventing (she was a medal presenter). Then, actors and spouses Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes were spotted watching on dressage freestyle day.Looking Toward Los Angeles 2028The Olympic Games return to U.S. soil in 2028 when Los Angeles is scheduled to host for a third time. The equestrian venue is set for Galway Downs, an equestrian facility in Temecula, California. While it was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2023 that all three equestrian sports were to be included in the 2028 Olympics, a conflicting statement was issued in January 2024 that a format for eventing had yet to be accepted for the 2028 Games.Rumors of one of the three equestrian sports being in danger of not being included in 2028 are circulating now too, but it remains to be seen what will ultimately happen. Possible reasons run the gamut from the costs and logistical challenges of including equestrian sports to recent reports of animal welfare issues surfacing. Fans of equestrian sports should consider providing positive feedback to the IOC and the television networks to make them aware of how much interest there is for these competitions to continue in the Olympics and Paralympics.In a statement during the Olympic Games, Isabell Werth called on all equestrians and horse lovers to step up and lead by example by providing a good life for horses, We need to establish a culture of respecting the horse as a creature. Education is important, but this senseless violence must not happen, because otherwise, well have a hard time making our case to the rest of the world.Paris 2024 Paralympics Para-DressageThe stadium at the Palace of Versailles will fill with fans one last time September 3, 4, 6 and 7 when the para-dressage competition will take place. Thirty countries are expected to send athletes to compete. The U.S. Para-Dressage Team was named on July 11. They are:Rebecca Hart (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 x Rubin Royal OLD) owned by Rowan ORiley and cared for by Mackenzie YoungFiona Howard (Boston, Mass.) and Diamond Dunes, a 2013 Hanoverian gelding (De LOr x Wolkentanz) owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann and cared for by Helen Claire McNultyKate Shoemaker (Wellington, Fla.) and Vianne, a 2016 Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Ramiros Bube) owned by Nocordia USA and cared for by Katherine BarrettRoxanne Trunnell (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Fan Tastico H, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Fuersentaball OLD x Weltmeyer) owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-CarilloHelpful LinksHorse Illustrateds Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Main PageOverall Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Results Book Final Equestrian Medal StandingsThanks toCareCreditfor our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Equestrian Recap appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

An equine nutritionist describes how to promote weight loss in horses that cannot be ridden. The post Weight Loss for Retired Horses appeared first on The Horse.

The horse lives in McCurtain County and is recovering.The post Oklahoma Horse Positive for WNV appeared first on The Horse.

The downside of long sunny summer days are the flying nuisances that bother and bite our equine friends: horse flies. Ensuring they dont bother your horse is an important aspect of horse care in the summer to optimise their welfare and comfort. But how can you best tackle these pesky critters?First things first know your enemy! There are many different types of flies, each with their own habits and behaviours, and they each pose their own challenges when it comes to control measures.Even when the most significant threat flies pose to horses is annoyance as is the case in the UK fly control is still vitally important for animal welfare and maintaining performance.Horse fliesHorse flies have a painful bite for humans and horseNemesis to many, the dreaded horsefly elicits painful bites and can cause serious distress to horses. They are persistent, aggressive and hard to control.Have you ever wondered why your horse seems to get bitten by horseflies repeatedly?As their bites are so painful, when bitten, horses swish and kick, dislodging the horseflies mid-feed, causing them to repeatedly land and re-bite.Horseflies are attracted to smell such as sweat, urine and your horses breath as well as warmth and bright light.They also prefer horses with darker coats because they are polarotactic, meaning that they are attracted to polarised light reflected by dark skin.The striped and spotty fly rugs available to buy arent just a fashion statement white coats, stripes and spots reflect depolarised light, making it less attractive to horse flies.MidgesDont be fooled by their tiny size a swarm of midges can cause huge annoyance to horses and ponies.A swarm of midges target a resting foalMidges (Culicoides) tend to bite horses along their mane and tail and can trigger an allergic reaction this is sweet itch.Susceptible horses find the bites intensely irritating and itchy, and can cause considerable self-harm when rubbing against solid structures, such as trees and fence posts.Midges famously favour wet, marshy areas, but they love dense undergrowth too.They are most active at dusk and dawn, so stabling horses at these times and using a well-fitted fly rug are key elements in protecting horses from these tiny critters.Although midges can be found all around the UK, Scotland is known to be their home, with more than 35 different species being found there.The cooler climate and vast expanse of water makes Scotland a perfect breeding ground for these tiny pests.Stable fliesStable (house) flies are very commonAs the name suggests, the stable fly is often found around horses stables. They are attracted to the warmth and smell of urine and faeces, so keeping stables clean is a must when trying to reduce the bother of stable flies.If youve ever seen your horse or pony stamping their legs and biting at their bellies, its highly likely these biting flies are to blame.As well as being a nuisance, stable flies also transmit disease, which affect horses eyes and stomach. Typically active early in the morning or late in the afternoon, these flies peak in late summer.Black fliesSmall and incredibly irritating, black flies (also commonly called house flies) target the horses face and ears, often causing crusty, itchy lesions.It is well understood that flies can transmit disease for one animal to another, but it is thought that the black fly is also responsible for spreading viruses from one location to another on the same horses.Crab flies have hook-like feet and move like crabs. Credit: Hippobosca Equina)As well as being involved in the development of aural plaques, black flies potentially have a role to play in spreading sarcoids on a horses body.Crab fliesResident of the New Forest is the crab fly.These wingless critters spend their life on the horse, moving about with a crab-like movement.They are surprisingly well tolerated by horses who reside in the area, but should a non-local horse be exposed, they would suffer intense irritation.TicksUnsightly ticks are small arachnids (the same class as spiders) which undergo four phases in their life cycle: egg, larvae, nymphs, and adult.Ticks latch on to a host and suck bloodYou will normally find ticks in wet environments, on grass or in low bushes, especially from March to June, and then again from August to November but there is a very significant risk of picking them up year-round.The tick is blind but will feel vibrations, body heat, and carbon dioxide from ones breath. If it finds you, the tick will crawl onto its host.The tick will choose its host based on its size. Larvae will normally seek out small birds and mice, whilst nymphs will attach to rabbits, cats, and dogs, and the female ticks prefer larger animals, like horses.There is a lot to say about preventing ticks and what to do if you find one on your horse, so weve dedicated a section to ticks here.Other parasites that can bother a horse in the summer areworms and bots.Peak times for different fliesFly typeTime of dayTime of yearHorse flyDaylightJuly/AugustMidgeDawn and duskSpring to autumnStable flyEarly morning, late afternoonLate summerBlack flyDaylightSpring to autumnHow to keep flies at bayEvery horse is bothered by flies at some point. We know they like water and woodlands, prefer still air and find the scent of urine and faeces irresistible so how can we use that knowledge to our advantage?1 Graze horses away from standing waterFresh drinking water should always be available to your horse, but aside from the drinking trough, try to ensure your horses summer grazing is away from rivers, ponds, lakes, or damp marshy areas.2 Flies like still airRugs with stripes or spots reflect depolarised light which deters horse fliesIf you can keep your horse somewhere with a breeze it will help to blow the pests away. High ground is great for this.3 Use a stable fanIf your horse or pony will tolerate it, a well-positioned fan will blow the air away from your stable door, preventing flying invaders from entering.4 Clean your surroundingsRegularly poo-pick paddocks and muck out stables daily to remove droppings. This removes flies breeding ground, reducing the number of flies your horse or pony encounters.Make sure all urine-soaked bedding is removed from stables and the muck heap is well away from the yard.5 Keep your horse cleanFlies cant help but be attracted to the aroma of sweat, urine and faeces. To prevent your horse from being a prime target for flies, wash off any stable stains thoroughly and make sure to wash your horse after exercise/on hot days.6 Beware the muck heapIt makes little sense to remove manure from a stable and put it in a pile nearby. Try to ensure the muck heap is far from both your stable and grazing, to reduce contact between flies and your horse.7 Stable when flies are activeMidges typically swarm at dawn and dusk, so bringing your horse and pony into their stable at these times can help reduce the chance of them being bitten.Horse flies prefer bright light and rarely enter stables, so using shelter can help protect your horse from them.Depending on the flies that are bothering your horse, stabling at different times can be used to your advantage.8 Use a fly rugFly sprays can help protect horses from fliesWhen correctly fitted, fly masks and rugs can provide an effective physical barrier against flies.Be prepared and use fly rugs before the flies start to bite. If your horse suffers with sweet itch, ensure they wear their rug when stabled too.To deter flies further, choose a rug that is striped, spotted or white.Flies are attracted to polarised light, but such rugs reflect this light, making the horse less appealing to flies.9 Use a chemical deterrentFly sprays, cream, ointments and washes play a vital role in deterring flies from landing on your horse.There are many options available. Choose a good repellent with high levels of DEET to help deter flies from biting.Make sure to apply the deterrent at least twice a day for it to be effective, but be aware that when fly infestation is very heavy, re-application may be required more frequently.Images: copyright Shutterstock and Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentTried & tested: best fly rugs for horsesFly sprays tried and tested to find which are most effectiveSweet itch: vet advice for managing the itchingTreatment for sarcoids and other useful informationHot weather advice: how to cool a horse down quicklyThe post Horse flies: active times plus tips for keeping them at bay appeared first on Your Horse.

A young horse lover has completed her toughest challenge yet to raise funds for Redwings, completing a 24-hour tandem bike ride in aid of the equine charity.Isabel Wright cycled 196 miles, 14 times around the 14-mile circuit at Redwings Oxhill Visitor Centre in Warwickshire, starting on a Saturday at midday and finishing the following day at midday.Family, friends and supporters took turns to pilot the tandem for Izzy during the fundraiser, which has raised more than 1,800 of her 2,000 target in sponsorship so far.To sponsor Izzy and support Redwings, donate here.This was the toughest challenge so far but Im so glad I completed it, Izzy said.I couldnt have done it without everyone who came to support me, and I want to say thanks to them.If anyone hasnt sponsored me yet, and would like to, that would be amazing. Every penny goes towards the fantastic horses, ponies and donkeys who Redwings rescue.Izzy, who celebrated her 14th birthday earlier this month, first visited Redwings with her grandma aged eight and it has been her favourite charity since then.She has already raised 6,000 for Redwings, tandem-cycling 740 miles between all five of Redwings Visitor Centres last summer, climbing mountains in Wales and hiking 100 miles around the Shetland Islands with support from dad Richard Jones and family friend Dave Wright.Izzy really struggled during the last six hours of the challenge and had to pull out every ounce of mental fortitude to get the job done, said her dad. The night time was difficult, it was cold, her knees hurt, and the sleep deprivation was affecting her a lot.There were times when she was ready to throw the towel in, only for her to dig that little bit deeper and keep going. Im so proud of her.Debbie Scott, Head of Fundraising at Redwings, said the team was full of admiration for Izzy and her incredible achievement.We are so in awe of Izzy and her team for their unbelievable challenges which seem to get more and more gruelling and more and more inventive too, she said. Thank you so much Izzy and to everyone who has kindly sponsored her amazing efforts.If Izzys challenge has inspired you to do your own fundraiser for Redwings, click here.Further readingHow to tell if a horse is happyGroundwork exercises for horses to build trustFitness and proprioception: hacking a horse on varying terrainThe post Teenage horse lover completes toughest challenge yet for Redwings appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Introduction Music is crucial in dressage for setting tone, pace, and atmosphere. Insights are shared from personal experience and research. The Importance of Music in Dressage Music can improve horse performance by up to 20%. Benefits include: Increasing the horse's focus and concentration Enhancing rider's communication with the horse Creating rhythm and timing Eliciting emotions and connecting with the audience Understanding the Dressage Test Dressage tests consist of movements showcasing obedience, balance, and athleticism. Key movements: piaffe, passage, pirouette. Tips for Composing Music for Dressage Choose the Right Tempo: 60-120 BPM Use a Consistent Rhythm Create Drama and Tension: Use dynamics Consider the Horse's Personality Keep It Simple Software and Tools for Composing Music Popular software options: Ableton Live Logic Pro GarageBand Incorporating Your Personality in the Music Tips for personalization: Find Inspiration from various genres Use Lyrics Wisely Test Music with the Horse Additional Equestrian Equipment Recommended gear: Horse Riding Boots Horse Riding Gloves Horse Riding Socks Horse Treats and Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Bringing It All Together Combine understanding of horse's movements, passion for music, and right tools to create a captivating dressage soundtrack. Conclusion Composing dressage music can be rewarding. Keep it simple, consistent, emotive, and experiment with new ideas. How to Compose Your Own Music for a Dressage Routine: Insights from a Passionate Equestrian As an equestrian, I've always been fascinated by the art of music composition and its impact on the equestrian world. When it comes to dressage, music plays a crucial role in setting the tone, pace, and overall atmosphere of the performance. In this blog, I'll share my insights on how to compose your own music for a dressage routine, drawing from my own experiences and research. The Importance of Music in Dressage Before we dive into the process of composing music for dressage, let's talk about why music is so essential in this discipline. According to a study by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), music can improve a horse's performance by up to 20%. This is because music can help to: Increase the horse's focus and concentration Enhance the rider's communication with the horse Create a sense of rhythm and timing Evoke emotions and create a connection with the audience Understanding the Dressage Test Before composing music for a dressage routine, it's essential to understand the test itself. A dressage test typically consists of a series of movements, each with its own specific requirements and criteria. These movements are designed to showcase the horse's obedience, balance, and athleticism. For example, the FEI's Grand Prix Freestyle test includes movements such as the piaffe, passage, and pirouette, which require precision, control, and harmony between the horse and rider. When composing music for a dressage routine, it's essential to consider these movements and create a soundtrack that complements and enhances the performance. Tips for Composing Music for Dressage So, how do you go about composing music for a dressage routine? Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Choose the Right Tempo Dressage music typically ranges from 60 to 120 beats per minute (BPM). Choose a tempo that complements the horse's natural rhythm and the rider's style. 2. Use a Consistent Rhythm Dressage music should have a consistent rhythm to help the horse and rider stay in sync. You can use a metronome to ensure your rhythm is consistent. 3. Create a Sense of Drama and Tension Dressage music should be emotive and engaging. Use dynamics, such as volume and pitch, to create a sense of drama and tension. 4. Consider the Horse's Personality Every horse is unique, and their personality should be reflected in the music. For example, a bold and energetic horse may require a more upbeat and lively soundtrack. 5. Keep It Simple Dressage music should be simple and easy to follow. Avoid complex harmonies or melodies that may distract from the performance. Software and Tools for Composing Music When it comes to composing music for dressage, you don't need to be a professional musician or composer. There are many software programs and tools available that can help you create a professional-sounding soundtrack. Some popular options include: Ableton Live: A digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows you to create and edit music. Logic Pro: A DAW that offers a range of features and effects to help you create professional-sounding music. GarageBand: A free DAW that's perfect for beginners. Incorporating Your Personality in the Music Just like how your horse has a personality, your music should reflect your personal style and creativity. Whether you're going for a classical touch or a modern beat, let your passion for dressage shine through your composition. Finding Inspiration Listen to different genres of music to find what suits your horse and your performance. Whether it's classical, jazz, or pop, the right inspiration can make a huge difference. Using Lyrics Wisely If you decide to use lyrics, make sure they complement the movements and moods of the dressage routine. Avoid overly complex lyrics that might distract from the visual performance. Testing the Music Before finalizing your composition, test it with your horse. Observe how your horse responds to different pieces of music and make adjustments as needed. Additional Equestrian Equipment to Enhance Your Performance Outside of music, having the right equestrian apparel and supplements can significantly enhance your performance. Here are some recommendations: Horse Riding Boots: Ensure comfort and style during your routine. Horse Riding Gloves: Improve your grip and control. Horse Riding Socks: Keep your feet comfortable throughout the performance. Horse Treats and Gifts: Reward your horse for a job well done. Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements: Ensure your horse stays healthy and energized. Bringing It All Together Composing music for a dressage routine is both an art and a science. It involves a deep understanding of your horse's movements, a passion for music, and the right tools to bring your ideas to life. By following these tips and incorporating your unique style, you can create a soundtrack that enhances your dressage performance and captivates your audience. Conclusion Composing your own music for a dressage routine can be a fun and rewarding experience. By understanding the importance of music in dressage, the dressage test, and the tips for composing music, you can create a soundtrack that enhances the performance and showcases the horse's abilities. Remember to keep it simple, consistent, and emotive, and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With practice and patience, you can create a dressage soundtrack that will leave the audience in awe. Make sure to check out the full range of horse riding boots, stable rugs, and fly protection to ensure you and your horse are well-prepared for your next performance.