Louth pilot and GRS Lady Amaro (ISH) excel in RDS, Allen scores big in London Mark McAuley went so close to recording one of the biggest wins of his career but was agonisingly denied at the death by the precision Swiss timing of Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei, who shaved five-hundredths of a second off the time set by McAuley and the Wexford-bred GRS Lady Amaro (ISH) to win the 500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland on the final day of the Dublin Horse Show this afternoon. There was a significant Irish link to the success however, as Conner Jeis groom, Sen Vard grew up within a water jump of the RDS Arena, in Stepaside and was understandably delighted. The jump-off was one of the most dramatic ever seen on the famous sward, with only seven-hundredths of a second separating the top three. McAuley and GRS Lady Amaro had made []

When did you last trot to a fence? Canter is usually the preferred choice for finding the perfect take-off spot, but according to Burghley 2022 winner Piggy March, it is useful to regularly try jumping out of trot too and be prepared for it to feel untidy.This is a training exercise that Piggy regularly uses at home with her own horses. It tests rider balance and helps achieve an agile, rideable horse.Piggy demonstrated the training exercise atYour Horse Live. It requires five poles, fivesets of jump wings and your imagination,because there are dozens of lines to rideas you work on honing you and yourhorses skills and youll benefit hugelyfrom doing it in trot.This is a brilliant exercise that I use athome. I do itwith horses of all levels, saysPiggy.Some days Ill be brave with howhigh the fences are that I trot at. I do it topush me; trying to keep in balance overthat extra bit of height. Ive done thisexercise for years and its one I keep doingin order to work on myself.Every time I do it on a new horse I feelall over the place because theyre not usedto it. So dont panic if something goeswrong or its not quite feeling how itsmeant to just keep going, adds Piggy.With all disciplines being so technicalthese days, basic training all rolls into one,whether youre on the flat, jumping orriding across country. I want a nicelytrained and happy horse who is rideable.This exercise works on the riders balance and thehorses, as well as mobility and trainability all thethings you need to have for a confident,rideable horse.Piggys training exercise 1: snaking in and outDiagram shows exercises 1 and 2Set up five uprights without ground linesdown the middle ofyour training field or arena with eachfence on a one-stride distance.Afterwarming up, start trotting your horsebetween the obstacles, varying thedirection that you ride in, changing therein and alternating which fences you ridebetween.Turn one way and then the other, sothat you start to feel like the horse isworking with you and like youre gettingbend around their ribcage, explains Piggy,who says that you shouldnt worry aboutyour horse working in a perfect outlinewhile doing this.You wont be looking likeyoure about to go into a dressage test,because youre doing lots of bending andyouve got longer reins.This is just an exercise to get the horsereally loosened up, on the aids andworking with you, explains Piggy, but you can also makeit what you want it to be. When your horsefeels ready, you can get your reinstogether a bit more and vary the outlinetheyre working in.Exercise 2: transitions between fencesNext start asking for transitions betweenthe fences. Start with trot-walk andwalk-trot.Imagine there is a centre line up themiddle of the fences and do a trot-walktransition every time you cross over thecentre line, says Piggy.Think about yourbalance and preparation. Around thecorner you should already be thinkingabout slightly bringing your upper bodyback and looking for your straight line.Even though its a downwardtransition, it still needs to be forward.Youre preparing it early and throughbody-seat language.If you can get your horse to respond to you rather than going to the bridle [that is, pulling on the reins] it will be a forward transition, which is what you want, continues Piggy.A bad transition stops the forwardmomentum. It happens when its left tothe last minute rather than being preparedfor and is an afterthought of walk.Introduce canter transitionsMove on to riding trot-canter andcanter-trot transitions every time youcross the centre line.Depending on thelevel you and your horse are working at,you could do walk-canter and canter-walktransitions too. Advanced horses can doflying changes instead.Some horses anticipate. If Im on onelike that I just quietly keep doing theexercise until he relaxes and stays on anaid for me, says Piggy.Make sure your horse is straight in their body andhas enough room for the transition too. Afew extra steps of the pace youve changedinto is better than doing only two or threeand rushing the transition, for example.Also dont let the horse get in front ofyou they must wait for the aid.Youre doing this because you want the horseto become sensitive to your bodylanguage [so that they start to slow downand wait when they feel your upperbody sit up], explains Piggy.Piggys training exercise3: trot to a fenceDiagram shows exercise 3Approach one of the fences in your line offive in trot and jump it at an angle.I dont particularly like jumping out of trotbecause its not ascomfortable [as canter] and it can get ugly, confesses Piggy.Thats why I make myself do it; it works on the riders own balance and builds trust between you and your horse that they can stay on a line at this pace. Its slow but the horse is in front of your leg; youre trusting that your horse will stay on a line and youre learning to stay with it.Trotting to a fence can be ugly if theyget in too close; its not an obvious stridelike you get with canter. They can pick up[to jump] early and so you have to slip thereins and try not to fall off the back, orsometimes you get in front of them andthen they dont go.Even on a horse who has done thisbefore, it doesnt mean theyre going to do itvery well the next time you try, continuesPiggy.I dont mind if they knock it down;its about learning patience, havingbalance and staying in a rhythm.If your horse lands in canter, quietly ask themto trot again before approaching thenext fence.Piggy says the aim is for you as the riderto stay in neutral, putting your horse on aline in the best rhythm and then trusting themto jump the fence.Next stepsMove on to jumping more than onefence but continuing to jump at an angle.Fence two to fence four for example.The fences can be as small as you likebut try to stay in trot. It doesnt matterwhich way you do which fence vary thelines, advises Piggy.Piggys training exercise 4: try it in canterDiagram shows exercise 4When youre ready, repeat the previousexercise in canter and try three fences ina row, for example fences one to three andthen five.If yourhorse can make a flying change each timeyou change direction, great. If not, giveyourself time to make a change throughtrot.You can also indicate which leg youwant to land with leading by pushing yourweight down into that stirrup over theprevious fence.With a horse who has a weak canterI sometimes jump the first fence and thencircle, so that I get a bit of bend throughtheir body, and then do the same before thelast fence.It encourages them to try andfind their balance. After a couple of times,they start picking up whats happening.The final stage is to jump down the gridin a straight line.You can go as big or small as you likewith the fences, but dont put them all atthe same height. Vary them, even if itsonly a little difference, so the horse hasto look and gauge what height is where.Jump it in the other direction too andapproach off both reins.Theres no rules for this exercise, makeit up as you go, as long as youre in yourcomfort zone, adds Piggy.It really is sucha good exercise to set up at home becausetheres so much you can do with it. Youcan work on yourself and your horse inso many ways.How high are Piggys fences?The key to this exercise isthat you can adapt it tosuit you and your horse.Lacking confidence or ona green or young horse?Then ride wider lines toeach fence and dont tryto link together too manythat are close together.Choose a height that isbest for you both too:whether its poles on thefloor or 23, its better tostart small and build upthe height andtechnicality as youbecome more confident.Start small even if theexercise isnt new to youtoo, and remember thathorses learn throughrepetition, so making thisexercise a regular part ofyour routine will benefityou both hugely.Trainings not abouthow high you can jumpor how fast you can go,its knowing whats rightfor you, reasons Piggy.Even smaller ones out oftrot can feel quite big.Why doesnt Piggy use a ground pole when training?Piggy chooses to set thisexercise up withoutground lines on any ofthe fences.I dont really knowwhy I dont have them; itdoesnt feel as inviting andis a little upright butcross-country fences thesedays are more upright sothis is good practice.And you know what?Horses generally jumpvery well without aground rail being there.Yogi Breisner did thisexercise with me probably10 years ago and he didntuse ground rails; I found itinteresting and I haventused them myself.However, if she wereriding a particularly youngor inexperienced horse,Piggy would consideradding in ground lines.If its a real baby andI want them to get usedto the exercise then Iprobably will put a groundrail in to start becauseI want to keep themconfident. Otherwise itsreally personal preferenceof ground rail or noground rail.Find out more about Piggy March hereMain image copyright: Your Horse Library/Sally Newcomb. Diagrams: Your Horse Library/Geoff Johnson Design. NB: Piggy March is not pictured riding.Related contentPiggy Marchs routine for a confident and clear showjumping roundOliver Townends training tactics for a horse who is very tense or freshJoe Stockdales tips for success when competing a horse indoorsPoor topline: what it is, plus how to build and develop the correct muscles in your horseThe post Piggy March training: jump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust in your horse appeared first on Your Horse.

Its a question that every horse owner and rider asks themselves at some stage: is my horse lame? The answer isnt always easy to work out, because lameness isnt always easy to see, let alone narrow down to exactly which limb is causing the problem. Without any swelling, heat or wound on a leg to go on, how to tell if a horse is lame means watching them move.Every horse has their own specific conformation and action. Lameness is defined as any change in a horses usual way of moving, so knowing what is normal for your horse will help you decipher if and how lame they are.Whether slight or severe, lameness is usually a sign of pain or discomfort and identifying the root cause is essential for getting your horse sound again.How to tell if a horse is lameIf you suspect your horse might be lame, you will need to trot them up. On a solid, level surface, ask a competent handler to lead your horse on a fairly loose rein, so that their head is not restricted while theyre moving. Watch the horse walk and trot away from you and then towards you on a straight line. If the lameness isnt clear, watch them walk and trot on a circle too.It takes an experienced and trained eye to instantly detect which is leg lame. The following will help you to work it out:To detect forelimb lamenessWatch for your horses head nodding. As the sound leg bears weight (ie touches the ground), the horses head will go down. As the sore leg bears weight, the head will go up. So if the horse is lame in the near fore, their head will go up as the front left leg hits the ground.To detect hindlimb lamenessStand behind your horse and watch the point of your horses hip rise and fall. If there is any hindlimb lameness, the hock and hip of the affected leg may be carried higher and so the point of hip on this side will raise higher than the other side.Other ways to detect lamenessListen to the sound of your horses hooves as they hit the ground. The horse will put less weight on the painful hoof when they land and so it will sound quieter.You can also observe your horse moving from the side and look for variations in their length of stride. If there is only a subtle amount of lameness, watch them move on a circle, preferably on the lunge. Working a horse on a circle is more demanding than working in a straight line, so any lameness will show up more clearly.How to grade lameness in horsesYoull often hear vets describe a horse as being two tenths (or similar figure) lame.Grading the severity of a horses lameness on a scale of 0 to 5 can make it easier to monitor your horses condition and it will also help you to describe how lame they are when speaking to a vet. Use the following as a guide:0 Sound1 Barely detectable lameness at walk and trot2 Mild lameness at walk, obvious lameness at trot3 Obvious lameness at trot4 Severe lameness at walk, unwillingness to trot5 Non-weight bearing lamenessSigns of discomfort in a lame horseKnowing how to tell if a horse is lame isnt always easy. Sometimes horses are obviously lame with a moderate to severe limp, but low-grade lameness can be easy to miss. Look out for the following signs that could indicate your horse is uncomfortable:Deteriorating performanceYour horse might not perform specific movements as well as usual, such as not wanting to go forwards, preferring one rein to the other, or feeling less powerful.Not accepting the contactA well schooled horse who regularly works in a correct outline may show signs of discomfort by suddenly refusing to work in an outline. Instead they might prefer to work above or behind the bit, as it is more comfortable. Alternately the horse may feel heavier in your hand or be fussier/fight the contact.Changes in behaviourA horse who is in pain can show their discomfort through a change in behaviour. For example, a horse with sore hocks will find flexion of hindlimbs painful and so they may become difficult for the farrier or when their feet are picked out. A horse with a painful tendon may move away from your touch. Your horse may just seem generally grumpy and off colour to be around too. Dont dismiss this. You know your horse best and small changes like this can flag a problem while it is still in its early stages this is an important part of how to tell if a horse is lame.Showing signs of painThis could be opening their mouth, twisting the head, swishing the tail or putting their ears back both when theyre being ridden and when theyre not. Hindlimb lameness can also cause your saddle to slip.Investigating a lame horseWhen trying to work out where lameness is coming from, start with your horses feet. The majority of lameness originates in the hoof, so eliminate the most obvious potential causes first.Stand your horse on a level surface. Pick their feet out and check for any stones that may have become lodged in the sole, frog groove or underneath the shoe.Check each hoof for any sharp objects that could have worked their way into the sole of the foot or signs of a puncture wound, where your horse may have stood on something sharp.Feel for heat in the hoof wall and any sign of injury on the outside of the hoof.If you cant find anything in the hooves, the next step is to run your hands up the leg, feeling for heat around the coronary band and the heel. Then check for heat and swelling in between the fetlock and the knee or hock. The horses knee, elbow and shoulder in each foreleg, plus the hock, stifle and hip in the hindlegs, will also need to be examined for heat and swelling.Related contentWhat are the symptoms of navicular in horses?What to do if your horse goes lame on a hackSwollen legs in horses: why it happens, possible causes and how to manage itThe post How to tell if a horse is lame appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Content How to Find and Prepare for Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions Pony racing helps young riders develop skills, build confidence, and make new friends. This guide helps you find and prepare for under 14 pony racing. Finding Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions 1. British Pony Society (BPS): Comprehensive list of competitions on their website. 2. Pony Racing Associations: Competitions hosted throughout the year. 3. Local Riding Schools and Stables: Ask for upcoming competitions. Preparing for Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions 1. Pony Care: Regular exercise, balanced diet, and vet check-ups. 2. Riding Lessons: Develop skills with a qualified instructor. 3. Competition Experience: Start with smaller events. 4. Competition Rules: Be aware of specific requirements. 5. Equipment: Ensure pony has necessary gear. Additional Tips and Resources Pony Racing Training: Training programs by British Pony Society. Pony Racing Safety: Safety tips by Pony Racing Association. Pony Racing Competitions: Hosted by the Pony Racing Club. Equipping Your Young Rider Jodhpurs and Breeches: Essential for comfort and safety. Riding Boots: Good quality boots are crucial. Riding Gloves and Accessories: For secure grip and protection. Socks and Comfort: Comfortable options for training and competition. Pony Care and Supplements Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements: For pony's peak condition. Treats and Gifts: Strengthen bond and motivation. Maintaining Comfort and Protection Stable Rugs: Comfort in the stable. Turnout Rugs: Stay warm and dry in the field. Fly Protection: Protect from insects. Conclusion Careful planning and preparation are key. Focus on pony care, riding lessons, and appropriate equipment for a successful competition. Visit Just Horse Riders for more resources. How to Find and Prepare for Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions As a parent or young rider, finding and preparing for under 14 pony racing competitions can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Pony racing is a fantastic way for young riders to develop their skills, build confidence, and make new friends. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of finding and preparing for under 14 pony racing competitions, providing valuable tips and insights to help you get started. Finding Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions 1. British Pony Society (BPS) The BPS is the governing body for pony racing in the UK and provides a comprehensive list of upcoming competitions on their website. You can filter by region, date, and competition type to find the perfect event for you. 2. Pony Racing Associations Many pony racing associations, such as the Pony Racing Association (PRA) and the Pony Racing Club (PRC), host competitions throughout the year. You can visit their websites to find upcoming events and register to participate. 3. Local Riding Schools and Stables Reach out to local riding schools and stables in your area to ask if they know of any upcoming pony racing competitions. They may be able to provide valuable insights and recommendations. Preparing for Under 14 Pony Racing Competitions 1. Pony Care Make sure your pony is well-cared for and in good health. Provide regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your pony is fit and ready to compete. Equestrian supplements can also play a significant role in maintaining your pony's health and vitality. 2. Riding Lessons Book regular riding lessons with a qualified instructor to help your young rider improve their skills and build confidence. Focus on developing their balance, position, and communication with the pony. You can find essential riding gear such as jodhpurs and riding boots on our website. 3. Competition Experience If your young rider has never competed before, consider starting with smaller, local events to help them gain experience and build confidence. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, will build their enthusiasm and readiness for larger competitions. 4. Competition Rules Familiarize yourself with the competition rules and regulations to ensure you're aware of any specific requirements or restrictions. Each competition may have its own set of guidelines, so it's crucial to be well-informed. 5. Equipment Ensure your pony is properly equipped with the necessary gear, including a saddle, bridle, and safety equipment such as a helmet and body protector. We offer a wide range of riding gloves and riding accessories to enhance your riding experience. Additional Tips and Resources Pony Racing Training The British Pony Society offers a range of training programs and resources to help young riders develop their skills and prepare for competitions. Pony Racing Safety The Pony Racing Association provides valuable information on pony racing safety, including tips on how to prevent injuries and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Pony Racing Competitions The Pony Racing Club hosts a range of competitions throughout the year, including the prestigious Pony Racing Championship. Participating in these events can be a thrilling opportunity for young riders. Equipping Your Young Rider Jodhpurs and Breeches Proper riding attire is essential for both comfort and safety. Our jodhpurs collection offers a variety of styles suitable for competitions and training. Riding Boots A good pair of riding boots is crucial for any rider. Check out our extensive riding boot collection to find the perfect pair for your young competitor. Riding Gloves and Accessories Ensure a secure grip and protect your hands with our riding gloves collection. We also offer other essential riding accessories to complete your gear. Socks and Comfort Comfort can make a significant difference during long hours of training and competition. Browse our horse riding socks collection for comfortable and durable options. Pony Care and Supplements Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Proper nutrition is vital for keeping your pony in peak condition. Explore our range of everyday horse vitamins and supplements to support your pony's health. Treats and Gifts Rewarding your pony can strengthen your bond and keep them motivated. Check out our horse treats and gifts collection for delightful options. Maintaining Comfort and Protection Stable Rugs Keeping your pony comfortable in the stable is crucial. Our stable rugs collection offers cozy options for all seasons. Turnout Rugs Ensure your pony stays warm and dry in the field with our turnout rugs collection. These rugs are designed for durability and comfort. Fly Protection Protect your pony from irritating insects with our range of fly protection. From fly masks to fly rugs, we have everything you need to keep your pony comfortable. Conclusion Finding and preparing for under 14 pony racing competitions requires careful planning and preparation. By following the tips and resources outlined in this blog, you can help your young rider develop their skills, build confidence, and have a fun and rewarding experience. Remember to prioritize pony care, riding lessons, competition experience, and equipment to ensure a successful and enjoyable competition. Explore our extensive collections of riding apparel, horse care products, and more at Just Horse Riders.

Kate Kerr-Horan will compete at the Paralympics in Paris on reserve horse Lykkebos Don Akino as her original selection Serafina T was ruled out after suffering a minor setback while preparing for the Games. Lykkebos Don Akino was selected as Kerr-Horans reserve mount having met the requirements to compete in Paris and will take Serafina Ts place in Paris. Team Ireland Para Dressage Chef dEquipe Debora Pijpers said: While we were disappointed for Kate and particularly for Serafina T and her connections, Lykkebos Don Akino has been in great form and is a fantastic substitute for Kate to compete with in Paris. Serafina T has a small injury and will be fine, but we always think of the horses welfare in these situations and we must do right by the horse by not rushing the recovery thankfully for Kate, she was on the reserve list with Lykkebos Don Akino []

The glamorous CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour of London began in spectacular style in the Lugano Diamonds Trophy, setting the stage for an exhilarating week of world-class competition. In a heart-stopping display that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, the "flying Frenchman" Simon Delestre lived up to his reputation, claiming victory in the day’s highly anticipated big class...

The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem have made history by capturing their first-ever GCL win in a dramatic two round team competition at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. The electrifying event saw the Warriors rise to the occasion, securing victory against a fiercely competitive field and as Géraldine Straumann on Long John Silver 3, Zascha Nygaard Lill with...