Topic Details The Thrill of Competition Competing provides an adrenaline rush, with 75% of equestrian competitors feeling pride and accomplishment. The Challenges of Busy Weekends 60% of horse owners and riders feel stressed or anxious during busy competition weekends. Plan Ahead Create a schedule, plan events, transportation, and accommodations in advance. Use a Comprehensive Checklist Stay on top of gear and tasks with a detailed checklist. Prioritize Identify and focus on top priorities; complete tasks systematically. Stay Organized Keep documents, equipment, and supplies organized; use a checklist or app. Optimize Your Equipment Storage Store equipment properly to avoid last-minute issues. Take Breaks Rest regularly, bring snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. Replenish with Nutritional Supplements Carry vitamins and supplements to maintain energy levels. Stay Focused Concentrate, avoid distractions, use positive self-talk, and visualization techniques. Seek Support Surround yourself with a supportive team and engage with the equestrian community. Stay Flexible Be prepared for changes, stay calm and adaptable, ask for help if needed. Adapt to Weather Conditions Ensure you and your horse have the right gear for any weather. Prepare Your Horse Maintain your horse's condition with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate protection. Create a Support Network Build a team of supporters to help reduce stress. Fuel Yourself Properly Carry healthy snacks and water to maintain your energy. Take Care of Your Health Ensure sufficient sleep, hydration, and manage stress. Stay Positive Maintain a positive attitude, celebrate small victories, and learn from setbacks. How to Manage the Excitement and Challenges of Competing in Horse Events During Busy Weekends As a horse enthusiast, competing in events is an exhilarating experience that tests your skills, patience, and dedication. However, busy weekends can be overwhelming, especially when you're juggling multiple events and responsibilities. In this blog, we'll explore the challenges of competing in horse events during busy weekends and provide practical tips to help you manage the excitement and stay focused. The Thrill of Competition Competing in horse events is an adrenaline rush like no other. The thrill of racing, jumping, or showing your horse is unmatched, and the sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line or receive a prize is unbeatable. According to a survey by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), 75% of equestrian competitors report feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment after competing. The Challenges of Busy Weekends While competing in horse events is an exciting experience, busy weekends can be daunting. With multiple events, riders, and horses to manage, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. A study by the University of Kentucky's Equine Science Program found that 60% of horse owners and riders reported feeling stressed or anxious when competing in events. Managing the Excitement and Challenges So, how can you manage the excitement and challenges of competing in horse events during busy weekends? Here are some practical tips to help you stay focused and composed: Plan Ahead Create a schedule and stick to it. Plan your events, transportation, and accommodations in advance to minimize last-minute stress. Use a Comprehensive Checklist Using a comprehensive checklist can help you stay on top of your Jodhpur Collection and other necessary gear. Prioritize Identify your top priorities and focus on those first. Make a list of tasks to complete before each event, and tackle them one by one. Stay Organized Keep all your documents, equipment, and supplies organized and easily accessible. Use a checklist or app to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Optimize Your Equipment Storage Ensure your equipment, like the Horse Riding Boot Collection, is stored properly to avoid last-minute scrambles. Take Breaks Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Bring snacks, water, and a first-aid kit to keep you going throughout the day. Replenish with Nutritional Supplements Consider carrying Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for both you and your horse to maintain energy levels. Stay Focused Concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. Use positive self-talk and visualization techniques to stay motivated and focused. Seek Support Surround yourself with a supportive team, including your horse, trainer, and fellow competitors. Share your concerns and fears with them, and ask for advice and encouragement. Find Your Community Engage with local equestrian communities and support groups to share experiences and gain insights. Stay Flexible Be prepared for unexpected changes or setbacks. Stay calm and adapt to new situations, and remember that it's okay to ask for help. Adapt to Weather Conditions Weather can be unpredictable. Ensure you have the right gear, like Turnout Rugs and Stable Rugs, to keep your horse comfortable. Additional Tips for Thriving During Busy Weekends Prepare Your Horse Ensure your horse is in peak condition. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and appropriate Horse Fly Protection can help maintain their wellbeing. Create a Support Network Build a team of supporters. Whether it's friends, family, or fellow competitors, a strong support network can help reduce stress. Fuel Yourself Properly Don't neglect your own nutrition. Carry healthy snacks and plenty of water to stay energized throughout the day. Take Care of Your Health Prioritize your wellbeing. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and manage stress effectively. Stay Positive Maintain a positive attitude. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks to keep improving. Conclusion Competing in horse events during busy weekends can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can manage the excitement and stay focused. By planning ahead, prioritizing, staying organized, taking breaks, staying focused, seeking support, and staying flexible, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of competing in horse events. For more tips, guides, and the latest in horse riding equipment and supplements, visit Just Horse Riders. Happy competing!```html```

The majority of women will have their final menstrual period between the ages of 45 and 55, and its not an easy experience. Keeping active, including through horse riding, is something medical professionals recommend during perimenopause and the menopause.Medical advice is not to stop riding because of the menopause. You will find doctors who recommend not to ride as they see some terrible accidents in A&E, but that is something of a personal decision to make based on risk, says junior doctor Alice Palmer.Supporting body changesRiding and exercise in general is good not only mentally but also physically when going through the menopause because it can help offset the effects of the change in oestrogen levels.The drop in oestrogen associated with the menopause leads to a decrease in bone density over time, adds Dr Alice.Most exercise is good at helping to prevent some of this loss, with low impact exercise being particularly good. Hacking a horse for example generally tends to be fairly low impact, falling nicely into that category.Weight bearing rising in the stirrups while trotting and standing in the stirrups while cantering in a light seat, for example is all thought to help counteract the changes to your bone density.Remember that there are numerous women of menopausal age and above excelling in disciplines that would be considered high impact endurance and eventing, for example, and beyond equestrianism running and climbing.They are proof that while the menopause means a change to your body, it isnt the end of enjoying the sport that you love doing.Comfort in the saddleHorse riding comes with a level of risk and most people accept that but it is something to be particularly aware of for women going through the menopause due to symptoms they may experience.Not necessarily because changes to your body (such as bone density) may leave you more vulnerable to injury in the event of a fall, but because long hours in the saddle can cause discomfort.Some women may find that they are uncomfortable riding during perimenopause and menopause. This is typical for those who suffer from urinary and vaginal symptoms, as riding can cause some discomfort.There are treatment options for this such as oestrogen creams, advises Dr Alice, and I would encourage anyone who finds themselves more uncomfortable when riding, which might be chafing in the saddle or other discomfort around the vulva, to speak to their GP.Mood swings and brain fogChanges to mood and temperament is usual for menopausal women, explains Dr Alice.Mood changes are common and can come in the form of anxiety, depression, irritability or problems concentrating and processing information, she explains.Trouble sleeping is the most common problem reported. This is due to hormone levels dropping and causing the thermoregulatory centre of the brain to struggle to remain balanced.Clearing the brain fog associated with menopause is something Sharon Tomlinson who started the menopause aged 48 found that horse riding, particularly hacking, does for her.For me it was more like brain fireworks, she confesses. I would have a million random thoughts all at once so being able to go hacking and clear that did wonders.My thoughts would be so random about things that werent even real, like aliens, or about something that happened 20 years ago nobody warns you about that.It can make you feel like you have been run over by a bus. On menopausal days I get slower and slower, then frustrated with myself when Im doing yard jobs, but I know being outside and moving is good.Losing confidenceSharon found that her riding confidence nosedived when she started going through the menopause and it affected her horse.Im a confident rider and have ridden all my life. Ive always had Thoroughbreds and favoured a sharp ex-racer, but I find now that I have a couple of days a month where I get nervous over silly little things, she says.I start looking for monsters in bushes and thinking, What if something goes wrong? As a rider I have never had those thoughts, but now they creep in.Despite suffering from an increase in nerves, Sharon still rides ex-racehorses and finds her seven-year-old gelding Company has the perfect temperament.I bought him without trying him and I never would have if Id ridden him as hes so laid-back, says Sharon.Younger me wouldnt have enjoyed riding him, but he isnt sensitive to me being nervous and isnt affected by having a day off if I cant ride. Hes the perfect horse at the perfect time.How riding helpsDr Alice shares four ways in which horse riding is thought to help women going through the menopause:1 Positive impact on wellbeingFor some women, being close to horses and caring for another creature is therapeutic even if on a frosty January morning at 6am we might think otherwise!2 Supports bone densityThe drop in oestrogen associated with the menopause leads to a decrease in bone density over time. Most exercise is good at helping to prevent some of this loss.3 Decreases oestrogen levels in a regulated wayThere is emerging evidence that shows exercise in general decreases the levels of oestrogen and other sex hormones in the blood, explains Dr Alice.This may help to regulate the decrease in oestrogen, rather than the unpredictable highs and lows triggered by the menopause which cause so many side-effects.The theory is that if you regulate the symptoms, they are less severe. Anecdotally, we believe that exercise can help with menopausal symptoms, but the evidence for this is tracking behind a little.4 Good motivatationIt is important that the exercise a woman does is something they enjoy, otherwise theyll lose motivation to stick to it.So do keep riding your horse if you feel happy and safe to do so. Its good for you!Main image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHow hacking helped two riders through the menopauseHow to overcome fear when youre riding a horseRider anxiety: how to get past it and enjoy riding your horse againWays to rebuild confidence after a fall out hackingThe post Riding during the menopause: help or hindrance? appeared first on Your Horse.

Dr. Avi Blake describes equine degenerative joint disease, how it occurs, clinical signs, diagnostics, and treatment options. Sponsored by American Regent Animal Health.The post Drugs, Devices, and Decisions: Understanding Your Options in Managing Equine Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) appeared first on The Horse.

The horses lived in St. Lawrence County and were euthanized. The post 2 New York Horses Test Positive for EEE appeared first on The Horse.

The foal lived in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. The post Ontario Foal Dies From EEE appeared first on The Horse.

It seems like these days we look at each others lives through the lens of a highlight reel. We get to see the incredible trips, the best jumps, and the moments that were proud enough of to put on social media. What we dont talk about is how much pressure this adds to athletes on both ends of the news feed.Riders, whether professional or not, are made to feel like they have to post something that makes them look cool and successful. Then, as we consume this content, we are stuck with the disillusioned perception that the sport is easy and that if youre not succeeding, then maybe you arent cut out for it. I would like to take this opportunity to go between the ears of some of the riders that make up our Eventing Nation and work to understand some of the real challenges this industry presents.On this edition of Between the Ears, I caught up with InternationalCCI4*rider Alyssa Phillips. Alyssa currently owns and operates her own business, Alyssa Phillips Eventing in Ocala, Florida. At just 14 years old, Alyssa won team and individual gold at the 2011 NAJYRC and has had an impressive competition career ever since. With 17 FEI wins, Alyssa is no stranger to the pursuit of excellence. Recently, she has been able to represent Team USA as a traveling reserve for the Pan American Games and a member of several Nations Cup teams. I got a chance to catch up with Alyssa on some of the setbacks shes experienced recently and how shes learned from themTo read more Between the Ears interviews, click here.Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Can you give a brief history of your career and how you got into eventing?I started out riding Western when I was really young in Weatherford, TX. Then we moved to Fort Worth, and even though we were no longer in the country, I still wanted to ride horses. We found an English barn nearby, and I began riding English which led me to eventing when I was about six. I always loved horses, but I found Western pleasure to be a bit monotonous, so I transitioned to eventing. I loved the thrill of cross country and jumping in general.Throughout my childhood and into college, I juggled my studies and riding. In my junior year of college, I decided to move to the East Coast to further my riding career due to the numerous opportunities for schooling shows and events.In 2017, I started riding with Jennie Brannigan and spent several years learning from her. Just over a year ago, I went out on my own. I base year-round at my farm in Ocala, FL. Its been a learning experience managing the horses and employees, but its been rewarding.Can you tell me about some of your recent accomplishments and hurdles youve had to overcome to get there?Alyssa Phillips and Oskar B make their team debut. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Last April Fools Day was particularly tough. I fell off Cornelius during the cross country at Terra Nova, resulting in a shattered talus. The injury was severe, requiring emergency surgery to save my foot due to loss of blood supply. At that time, I had just started my operation and found myself unable to walk, with no staff to help. My mom and my good friends, Alexa Lapp and Tayler Stewart, stepped in and helped me run my barn while I was recovering.It was hard for me to let go of control since I had been used to doing everything for my horses, but it was a valuable lesson in trusting others. As soon as I was capable, I got back into helping in any way that I could with things like driving the tractor or scrubbing the waters. Doing little things here and there helped keep me out of a victim mindset.I set a goal to compete at Rebecca Farm in July, which was ambitious but gave me something to strive for. With the help of my friends riding my horses, I managed to compete there, even though my doctor didnt know I was riding. I won both divisions with the two horses I took, which was surreal with everything I had been through.In the fall, Oskar and I were selected as the traveling reserve for the Pan American Games, which was an incredible experience. From afar, I think it probably looked like I had a bad year in 2023, but it helped me learn a lot and I dont think I would have had the successes that I did this spring without the setbacks that I faced. This year, we were part of the developing tour, and although Chatsworth was canceled due to rain, we were able to reroute to run a combined test at Bicton which prepared us for Millstreet where the team finished second.During the development tour, we had a few last-minute changes of plans and subsequently, I decided to alter the logistics of my trip. Mentally, I felt like I had to be ready for anything because I was planning on extending my trip to do either Luhmuhlen CCI5* or CHIO Aachen. I ended up being selected to ride at CHIO Aachen which was a dream come true. I was grateful to be in a place where mentally I felt ready for whatever was thrown my way.Did you lose any confidence after your injury, and how did you regain it?Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.The fall itself didnt knock my confidence because I knew what went wrong, I should have slipped my reins and I would have been OK. However, the severity of my injury made me more cautious, I find myself not wanting to fall off again. Im careful about what I ride now and avoid riding young, unpredictable horses. When my horses do something naughty, Im more likely to hop off than I was in the past. Ive even considered wearing an air vest while flatting or jumping at home. For whatever reason, when I fall, I tend to land on my feet and I dont think my ankle can handle more trauma.In competition, Im not actively worried about falling, but there have been changes to my mindset and preparation. I realize that if I go out on course riding tentatively, Im going to put myself more at risk for something bad to happen, so I have to stay focused and put the injury behind me.I didnt realize the severity of my injury until after the first emergency surgery. My mom and the doctors didnt tell me because they didnt want to alarm me. That being said, throughout the entire process the eventing community was incredibly supportive, with people reaching out and offering help. The possibility of a career-ending injury was terrifying, but it made me appreciate the importance of having a good support system.How do you maintain a work-life balance to avoid burnout?Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Ive always tried to maintain a strong work-life balance. Owning a farm is a never-ending job, so I try to focus and work hard when I am here as much as I can but balance it with days away from the barn. Having that personal time is essential for me, and I think its important to get away from the grind. I also encourage my staff to take as many vacations as they need to stay fresh on the job, as long as it doesnt conflict with an important horse show. Because its hot in Ocala, we also have the luxury of having some quiet time over the summer. We ride early before it gets hot and have a more leisurely afternoon.When I broke my foot, I was forced to take time off, and that helped reinforce the importance of stepping away occasionally and trusting that everything would be fine without me.What advice would you give someone facing adversity in the sport?Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.My outlook on riding horses is that adversity is inevitable. Horses can break your heart, but its important to maintain a positive mindset. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. When my foot was broken, I could have easily spiraled into negativity, but I chose to stay positive.Everything in life happens for a reason, even if its not clear at the moment. I dont think I would have had the success that I did this year if I didnt have my struggles last year. You can make any good situation bad and any bad situation good. This perspective has helped me a lot, and I hope it can help others too.

Veterinary and farrier teams were ready for almost anything at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.The post 2024 Olympics Take Concierge Medicine for Horses to a New Level appeared first on The Horse.

Ashley McCaughan and Diassini. Tina Fitch Photography.The Bert Wood Novice Stakes at the 2024 Woodside Summer Horse Trials brought out what the Novice level of eventing is all aboutshowcasing promising new horses in the sport, providing young riders with an opportunity to gain foundational experience, and celebrating the adult amateur riders that are an integral part of hosting successful events.Organizers chose to make one of eventings lower levels the marquee of the middle USEA-recognized event of the year at The Horse Park at Woodside. A member of The Horse Parks board donated $6,000 in prize money to be divided among the Junior Novice Rider, Senior Novice Rider, and Novice Amateur division top finishers, prize money usually associated with eventings upper levels. There was a breakfast of bagels, lox, and mimosas served during the show jumping finale in the Laughing Monk Grand Prix Arena on Sunday.Bert Wood rides Helen Allistons four-star horse Ebay in the dressage test ride for theBert Wood Novice Stakes at the 2024 Woodside Summer H.T. Tina Fitch Photography.The showcase level was named after Bert Wood because of the commitment the West Coast-based cross country builder and designer of more than 30 years has made to the lower levels that serve as the foundation of eventing. Plus, the event raised money and awareness for a charity founded by Bert and his wife, Kristhe Cowboy And Rousseau Animal Assistance Fund (CARAAF) that offers financial assistance for families with rescue dogs that have medical needs.First, it was 16-year-old Ava Eschelman that clinched her first ever blue ribbon in a recognized event in the Junior Novice Rider division aboard Rochambeau after a clear show jumping round moved them into first place to finish on their dressage score of 30.0. The 16-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding, whose first USEA-recognized event came at the Beginner Novice level at The Spring Event at Woodside in 2014, has previously competed up to the two-star level with Ashley Long. Eschelman started leasing Bo in April. This was her first recognized event at the Novice level with jumps up to a height 2 feet 11 inches after six previous events at the Beginner Novice level of 2 feet 7 inches dating back to 2021.Ava Eschelman and Rochambeau. Tina Fitch Photography.Hes such a beautiful and amazing horse, and hes taught me so much already, Eschelman said. Im so excited for our partnership together. Hes good in every way. Hes such a fantastic jumper and competitor. Hes definitely quirky in his own ways. Hes just the best.Then, Ashley McCaughan won the Senior Novice Rider division in the first recognized event for the well bred Diassini after a clear show jumping round moved them up from third to first to win on their dressage score of 30.0. The 9-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding is by Diarado, the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses leading eventing sire in the world for past two years. He was bred by Georg Schrankl, the same breeder as Helen Allistons three-star eventer Call Me Rudi, and the Allistons sourced Diassini for McCaughan from Germany, where he was a show jumper.He didnt know what cross country was until [this weekend], so it was a lot of fun, McCaughan said. And, hes the sweetest piece of sugar in the worldunbelievable. So, this will be really fun.Jeanne Carley and Shannondale Fionn. Tina Fitch Photography.The Bert Wood Novice Stakes concluded with Jeanne Carley capturing the Novice Amateur division with her longtime partner Shannondale Fionn on their dressage score of 30.6.Carleys first recognized event came at the Woodside Summer Horse Trials in 2007. Dale, a 13-year old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Shannondale Sacha), was originally produced by five-star eventer Daniel Clasing to a win at the Preliminary level in 2016.He took him Prelim in his 5-year-old yearfour Prelims first through fourth in every onehe knew he had a brave horse, Carley said. I love Daniel. Hes very nice. Tell him if you see him how much I love this horse.Starting their partnership in 2017, Carley and Dale won the USEA Classic Series Novice Three-Day at The Event at Rebecca Farm in 2018. The Bert Wood Novice Stakes marked their first blue ribbon since, and Carley drew comparisons between it and the USEA Classic Series in terms of the experience lower-level riders get.I picked this sport up in my fifties, Carley said. So, just to get a feel of what its like to ride upper-level, which I would never do, to do a Three-Day was great. Everybody I meet, I encourage them to do a Three-Day. It gets the horse thinking forward. You get in-barn [exams], you get jogs, you get roads and tracks.She said that the Bert Wood Novice Stakes was about celebrating the level where youre at and being happy with that, and added, I just love the people in eventing, the whole crew. People congratulate you that are in your division but not even at your barn. The whole eventing world is wonderful, really supportive.There were 70 entries at the Novice level, making up the largest level and approximately 25 percent of the 271 entries at the 2024 Woodside Summer Horse Trials.Novice is really a foundational level of the sport, Victoria Klein, a member of the Board of Governors of The Horse Park at Woodside, said at Saturday nights competitor dinner. We have so many entries, and its their participation that allows us to continue year in and year out. So, we wanted to do something to say thank you to the Novice riders.Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Tina Fitch Photography.Added Steve Roon, Executive Director of The Horse Park: Were just so lucky to have this community, and in our minds, its just so special. It takes an enormous amount of work to pull off a horse trial, and anyone who participates is generally appreciative. They know what it takes, and nobody assumes or takes it for granted. Theres this marvelous upswelling of appreciation from everybody in what theyve experienced being able to compete here at The Horse Park.As part of the festivities, Wood rode a dressage test ride for the Novice level aboard Ebay, a winner at the four-star level and the Advanced champion at the 2022 American Eventing Championships with Helen Alliston.Thats the first time Ive ever really had fun riding in a dressage test, Wood joked. They scored 32.0, which would have put them in third in the Novice Amateur division.Thats my favorite level, Wood said about Novice. Thats where everyone starts out. Thats where everyone has the most fun.There was also a five-star connection with the Novice level at the 2024 Woodside Summer Horse Trials. As soon as she finished cross-country to win the Intermediate level with Lillet 3, Tamie Smith, the CCI5*-L champion at the 2023 Kentucky Three-Day Event, hopped on Kareena K to win the Open Novice division.Lillet won the CCI4*-S at Kristianstad in Sweden with German Olympian Andreas Dibowski this spring before being purchased by Molly Duda, the 2023 USEA Young Rider of the Year, for Smith to ride. Smith and the 8-year-old dark bay Holsteiner mare (S.I.E.C. Livello x Princess L) have now won their first two events together, debuting with a victory at the Preliminary level at Rebecca.I feel very fortunate to have [the Dudas] part of the team and equally having found a horse like Lillet is even more exciting, Smith said. I will plan to spend the rest of the season at three-star level and aim for a long format this fall. This is my second show on her. We are still getting to know each other, but I will say she already feels like my partner.Smith said that Kareena (Cash and Carry x Namur III) reminds her of Solaguayre California (Casparo x Solaguayre Calandria), with whom Smith won the robust CCI4*-L at the 2022 Morven Park Fall International. Both mares are owned by Julianne Guariglia.Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Tina Fitch Photography.She is a spitting image of her and has so many traits that California had, Smith said. So, its a bittersweet feeling to be able to ride another special mare.Smith also praised Wood at the competitor dinner, saying, Ive been fortunate enough to be able to ride so many courses all throughout the world, and theres nobody like Bert Wood who builds these tracks.At the same time, Wood makes sure to credit his dedicated team of cross-country builders, which included David Cathcart, Dwight Weinberg, and Glen Wood at Woodside.Theres no one person in this sport, he said. Youve got to have opportunities and a team. Theyre awesome. I cant do it without them. Following the Woodside Summer Horse Trials, the Woodside Fall International will take place from October 4-6 with short-format FEI levels offered up to four-star, along with national levels from Starter through Intermediate.One of the great things as I reflect back on these two days of competition at The Horse Park is all of the marvelous people that have worked so hard with their horses to be here and be able to compete, and its the joy you see in their faces as they finish their rounds, Roon said. It was the same for the people in Starter as it was for Intermediate. Eventing is very special in the equine disciplines, not only because of the versatility of the horse and rider to deal with the three different phases, but it puts a huge premium on the relationship between horse and rider as well.To view full results from Woodsides Summer H.T., click here.