We still have a lot to look forward to this fall: The AECs, Burghley, and Maryland, of course even just this weekend weve got Bromont and the Arville Nations Cup leg on tap (the latter of which you can live stream using the links below!) But even so, we can never help but get a little excited when we get an update out of the Kentucky Horse Park. Competitors will be thrilled with this one: new barn construction is well underway! Sounds like AEC competitors this year may get to try them out and then spring in the bluegrass will be here before we know it, baby.U.S. Weekend PreviewApplewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials (Bromont, Quebec) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Preview]Caber Farm H.T. (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Full Gallop Farm August HT (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. (Pending USEF Approval) (Geneseo, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Hunters Run H.T. (Metamora, MI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Ocala Summer H.T. II (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]The Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Waredaca Farm H.T. (Laytonsville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]UK International EventsFrickley Park International and Regional Championships (South Yorkshire) [Info] [Entries] [Scoring]European International EventsFEI Nations Cup (Arville, Belgium) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [XC Preview] [Show Jumping Live Stream] [Cross Country Live Stream] Links to Start Your Weekend:How Can I Rewatch the Paris 2024 Eventing Competitions?Take Equerrys survey on watching equestrian sportsSocial License to Operate in Equestrian Olympic CompetitionKarl Cooks Olympic Walking and Talking is All of UsHorse-Dealing Legal Troubles Snowball For Eric LamazeSponsor Corner: Lets be honest Marmalade knows best 5* eventer Sharon Whites beautiful Sergio Grasso boots are almost as beautiful as her whippet, Marmalade. Sergio Grasso boots blend tradition and innovation. Made with exclusive Italian handcrafting care, these boots let your personality shine as seen here with Sharons iconic orange color. Any pair of boots thats Marmalade approved is good enough for me. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sharon White (@lastfrontierfarm)Morning Viewing: Take a walk around this weekends CCI4*-S course at Bromont with Selena OHanlon.

Sonic, owned by Eleanor Laws, wears a ride-on fly mask to help him cope with pesky horseflies whilst hackingIts that time of year again when our horses tails are swishing at the pesky and painful horseflies bothering them. Heading out for a ride isnt always an escape, and can make what should be a pleasant ride into a tricky one if your horse is being plagued with bites, as was the case for one rider.I was wondering how everyone is coping out hacking with the flies? asked Eleanor Laws in the Hack 1,000 Miles Facebook group. My boy Sonic wears a ride-on fly mask under his bridle but today he was so agitated by the flies he would just jog and try to trot or canter off to avoid them. He was very unhappy despite being smothered in fly cream and spray. Its got to the point where I think I will just have to ride at 5am before work, unless anyone has any ingenious suggestions that work as Im out of ideas.1. Ride-on fly rugsIf fly spray isnt cutting it perhaps its not strong enough or your horse sweats it off then covering them with a fly rug might be worth a shot. Some have belly flaps, which will be useful if your horse is particularly susceptible to bites and reactions on their stomach.I use a ride-on fly rug during horsefly season, said Amanda Davies. My mare doesnt overheat in it and its so much better than any fly spray.Our ride-on fly rug is a game changer, said Alison Bowen. Ive tried two different ones. Ive found the bright yellow one deters the horseflies the most. Its not got a belly flap, but it seems to keep them off better than the blue and white one with the belly flap. The only drawback is that the flies bite the rider instead!If youre concerned about your horse overheating, many fly rugs are made with a breathable mesh, so keep an eye out for this when making a purchase. Or, as other riders have done, there are other things you can try.My boy hates flies also, said Anne McEwen. He wears a ride-on fly rug. He gets a bit sweaty so we have a mesh one and hes clipped.We use mesh high vis quarter sheets, said Claire Brooks. They double up as fly sheets.2. Ride-on fly masksSome horses may not be fussed with flies on their body, but can become frustrated when they are being continuously bothered around their eyes and nose. One option is a mask ideally for ridden work, select one that has been designed to be worn underneath a bridle.My horse Romeo hates horseflies; he has a ride-on fly mask and ride-on rug, said Amanda Barker.3. Bridle tagsIf youre not keen on covering up, then selecting something to deter flies might be a good plan. Fly sprays or creams are a good place to start, but might need topping up mid-ride if your horse gets a bit sweaty.Citronella bridle tags seem to work, recommends Lizzy Dixon.4. Get an early startIf your horse is really struggling, the best and kindest thing to do is avoid peak horsefly times. Some riders have found heading out earlier in the day to be beneficial.Nothing has worked for me and Tricky, so we go at 6am before the flies wake up, said Joanna Tinsley.5. Find an effective repellentApplying a fly repellent that works for you and your horse can help make all the difference. Our reviews team recently shared their feedback on some of the fly sprays and gels currently on the market. Take a look at the reviews here.Well-known and effective ingredients used in fly sprays and repellents for horses include:Deet.This is a popular choice and is considered to be one of the best fly repellents (and sprays) for horses. Higher percentages will be more effective and last longer.Neem.An all-purpose Ayurvedic remedy, neem oil us derived from the seeds of the neem fruit. It provides a non-toxic, environmentally friendly fly repellent thats also effective for relieving itchy skin.PMD.A natural chemical from lemon eucalyptus leaves means PMD smells lovely. Go for a product with high concentration for it to be a long-lasting repellent.Permethrin(and cypermethrin) is an example of a pyrethroid insecticide. This term refers to a class of synthetic insecticides with a chemical structure tear us similar to natural pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide produced by the flowers of certain species of chrysanthemum.Further readingHow much trotting on the road is safe? Dr David Marlin explores best practiceHot weather advice: how to cool a horse down quicklyWhy schooling is fundamental to a confident relationship so you both enjoy hackingThe post #Hack1000Miles challengers share how they keep horseflies at bay while hacking appeared first on Your Horse.

A survey about views on equine obesity has shown that those who work in the industry believe that lack of knowledge is a primary cause of overweight horses and ponies.The survey, conducted by the makers of Spillers last month, was completed by 638 industry professionals including riding instructors/coaches (32%), yard managers/grooms (24%), physiotherapists/osteopaths/chiropractors (15%) and vets/vet nurses (13%).The aim pf the research was to increase understanding of the many issues surrounding equine obesity, in order to provide recommendations for effective intervention strategies.It revealed the prevalence of obesity, with 83% of respondents encountering obesity either very frequently or somewhat frequently. 30% of show judges reported encountering obesity very frequently (the lowest group %) compared to 79% of vets (the highest group %).73% of respondents engaged in discussions with owners about weight management frequently. 87% of vets and 85% of physiotherapists/osteopaths/chiropractors actively participated in these conversations.While only 70% of show judges/stewards regularly discussed obesity with owners, they were the most confident sector, with 30% stating they were very confident to have such conversations. Comparatively, only 14% of vets were very confident and 40% werent confident at all. As an average, riding instructors and coaches were most confident about discussing obesity with horse owners.The primary causes of obesity identified included lack of knowledge and insufficient exercise. 83% of respondents believed there was insufficient awareness of equine obesity among UK horse owners.There was agreement that diet and nutrition played a role in preventing and managing obesity in horses. Exercise was seen as extremely important or somewhat important with 96% of respondents.The majority (81%) of respondents believed that obesity significantly decreased wellbeing of horses. Zero respondents believed it had no significant impact. 100% of vets agreed that obesity either significantly or moderately impacted wellbeing, whilst 4% of show judges felt that obesity only slightly decreased wellbeing.Education was a common answer for helping reduce obesity, including more open and honest conversations with owners and more restrictions at competitions for overweight horses. There was also a call for more research and wider use of strip grazing and track systems.There was a resounding request for more education and advice, as well as praise for the Spillers Slimmers Club. The club supports more than 11,000 horse owners with practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies, to aid them on their weight loss journey.More than a third of respondents (37%) were optimistic about the potential to reduce the prevalence of obesity in horses in the UK, with continued education. The most optimistic were vets/vet nurses and physiotherapists/osteopaths/chiropractors. The most pessimistic groups were riding instructors/coaches and yard managers.The survey has given us valuable knowledge from industry professionals on how they and their clients perceive the problem of obesity, said Bella Fricker, Project Lead at Mars Horsecare, home of the Spillers brand. With better clarity about how positive changes can be made we hope to move forward with some new educational projects to give further support to horse owners and industry professionals from recognition, management and prevention perspectives. We want to banish equine obesity for good and we hope that by working together we can make change happen.Lead image by SpillersHave you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! FindoutmoreRelated contentSoaking hay: hay to do it correctlyStrip grazing delivers a steadier supply of nutrients than free grazing, research findsWeight monitoring: The new Body Condition Index and other ways to keep your horses condition in checkPerfect portions: put your feeding knowledge to the testThe post Equestrians reveal why they think there is a prevalence of obesity appeared first on Your Horse.