Everything Harry Charles touches at the moment turns to gold as he declares "no better place to come this weekend" than the Longines Global Champions Tour of London. Taking the win of the €500,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London on 11 year old Sherlock, home hero Harry Charles pipped golden boy Christian Kukuk and Just Be Gentle to the post by less than three tenths of...

Team Gold - Germany: Jérôme Robiné on Black Ice; Michael Jung on Kilcandra Ocean Power; Libussa Lübbeke on Caramia 34; Calvin Böckmann on The Phantom Of The Opera at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 Arville (BEL) / FEI - Libby Law   Olympians go head-to-head but it’s victory for Germany in Arville   After a disappointing Olympic...

Key Points Introduction to Buttera Saddle: A Western saddle designed by Bob Buttera, prioritizing comfort and performance, ideal for longer, slower hacks. Unique Tree Design: Even weight distribution to prevent pinching or pressure points on the horse's back. High-Quality Materials: Durable materials for longevity and performance, suitable for longer rides. Comfort for Longer Hacks: Reduced pressure points for the horse; contoured seat and knee rolls for rider comfort, reducing fatigue. Better Communication: Design allows for direct and subtle communication between horse and rider, enhancing the riding experience. Customization: Available in various sizes and can be customized to the horse's specific shape and size. Expert Craftsmanship: Handcrafted by skilled artisans for exceptional detail and quality. Accessory Recommendations: Jodhpurs, riding boots, gloves, socks, vitamins & supplements, and horse treats to enhance the riding experience. Maintenance Tips: Regular cleaning, proper storage, and routine inspections to prolong saddle lifespan. Conclusion: The Buttera Saddle is a worthwhile investment for comfort and improved riding experience on longer, slower hacks. What is a Buttera Saddle and Why Should You Try It for Longer, Slower Hacks?As an equestrian enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to the world of saddles. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your horse and riding style. This blog will explore the unique features of the **Buttera Saddle** and why it's an excellent choice for longer, slower hacks.What is a Buttera Saddle?The **Buttera Saddle** is a type of Western saddle designed specifically for comfort and performance. Developed by renowned saddle maker, Bob Buttera, this saddle is known for its innovative design, which prioritizes the horse's comfort and well-being. The Buttera Saddle features a unique tree design, which allows for a more even distribution of weight and pressure on the horse's back (Buttera Saddles).Unique Tree DesignThe distinctive tree design of the Buttera Saddle ensures that it doesn't pinch or press too hard on any single point of the horse's back, thus preventing discomfort. High-Quality MaterialsMade from high-quality, durable materials, the **Buttera Saddle** offers exceptional longevity and performance. This ensures that the saddle can withstand the rigors of long, slow hacks while maintaining its integrity (Saddle Makers Association).Why is the Buttera Saddle Ideal for Longer, Slower Hacks?Longer, slower hacks require a saddle that can provide optimal comfort and support for both the horse and rider. The Buttera Saddle excels in this regard, offering several benefits that make it an excellent choice for these types of rides.Improved Horse ComfortThe Buttera Saddle's unique tree design and padded panels work together to reduce pressure points and discomfort on the horse's back (Equine Guelph). This is crucial for longer rides as consistent comfort can result in a more relaxed and happier horse.Increased Rider ComfortThe Buttera Saddle's contoured seat and knee rolls provide excellent support and comfort for the rider (Horse Rider's Connection), reducing fatigue and discomfort during longer rides. This makes it easier for riders to maintain proper posture and control, even during extended periods.Better CommunicationThe Buttera Saddle's design allows for a more direct and subtle communication between the rider and horse (The Horse's Hoof). This ease of communication is particularly beneficial for longer, slower hacks where nuanced guidance can make a significant difference in the overall riding experience.What Sets the Buttera Saddle Apart?Several factors set the Buttera Saddle apart from other Western saddles:CustomizationThe Buttera Saddle is available in a range of sizes and can be customized to fit your horse's unique shape and size (Buttera Saddles).Expert CraftsmanshipEach Buttera Saddle is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship (The Saddle Maker).DurabilityMade from high-quality, durable materials, the **Buttera Saddle** ensures a long lifespan and excellent performance, which are crucial for riders invested in longer rides.How to Complement Your Buttera Saddle for Optimal PerformanceOwning a Buttera Saddle is just the beginning. Pairing it with the right accessories can enhance your riding experience even further.Jodhpurs CollectionJust Horse Riders offers an extensive Jodhpurs Collection that complements the Buttera Saddle, providing you with the ultimate comfort on long rides.Riding BootsThe right pair of boots can make a world of difference. Explore the Horse Riding Boot Collection for exceptional comfort and durability.Riding GlovesConsider the Horse Riding Gloves Collection for improved grip and hand protection during long hacks.Riding SocksA great pair of riding socks can add extra comfort to your rides. Check out the Horse Riding Socks Collection.Supplements and TreatsKeeping your horse healthy is a priority. Explore the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for optimal health and Horse Treats And Gifts to reward your horse.What Riders Are SayingMany equestrians have found the Buttera Saddle to be a game-changer. Feedback often highlights its excellent comfort and advanced design."Since switching to the Buttera Saddle, my horse seems more comfortable, and our communication has never been better," says Jane, an avid rider. Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Buttera SaddleProper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your saddle and ensure it continues to perform at its best.Regular CleaningClean your saddle regularly using appropriate products to maintain its quality.Proper StorageStore your saddle in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from moisture and extreme temperatures.Routine InspectionsRegularly inspect your saddle for signs of wear and tear and address any issues promptly.ConclusionThe Buttera Saddle is an excellent choice for longer, slower hacks due to its unique design, which prioritizes horse comfort and well-being. With its improved horse comfort, increased rider comfort, and better communication, the Buttera Saddle is an excellent investment for any equestrian enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the Buttera Saddle is definitely worth considering.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has been overwhelmed by the generosity of its supporters, who have got behind a crowd-fundraiser to help the charity purchase a new horsebox. Their current horsebox has become unreliable and costly to run, so a new mode of transport is essential for the organisation to continue its work.The team has set a target of 35,000 through its Horsebox Crowdfunder, which launched last month, and supporters have already donated more than half of the total. Online pledges have reached almost 9,000 and the Crowdfunder has also been directly awarded two large sums 10,000 and 2,000 by two donors who wish to remain anonymous.The Sanctuary hopes that with a little more support to raise the remaining 14,000, the horsebox can hit the road quickly to help more equines in need.The charitys current horsebox has served us well but has a few too many miles on the clock and doesnt always start when we need it to, said Sally Burton, Head of Sanctuary Care. Its becoming very costly to run and increasingly unreliable.While the horsebox design is ideal for our horses and ponies, the vehicle itself is showing signs of significant wear and tear, being 11 years old with a mileage of more than 111,000. We are now footing the bill for major and minor repairs on a regular basis and in the last 24 months have spent 6,389.60.The new horsebox will make a huge difference. Itll give us peace of mind when travelling to the furthest corners of the Southwest on rescues and provide smooth transitions of rescued horses between our four sanctuary sites, or for veterinary treatment as needed.The charity has been helping horses and ponies for more than 30 years. Shetland Lola was starving when she was rescued alongside 17 equines from an unlicensed organisation known as Family Nest Therapy. The Sanctuarys Welfare Outreach and Advice team escalated the case to the RSPCA and took part in a multi-agency rescue over two days in summer 2022.This resulted in 13 horses and ponies in exceptionally poor condition coming into The Mare and Foal Sanctuarys care. Transport was a major aspect of this welfare operation, and the charity needed reliable transport to remove the equines to safety.Lola required more than a year of intensive care and rehabilitation. She is now living in a wonderful new home with with one of the sanctuarys experienced carers.Members of the public can see The Mare and Foal Sanctuarys current horsebox and learn more about their workat its Summer Fete on 25 August at Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre at Totnes. Click here to find out more.Further readingHeading out in the horsebox? Read this before you travelOne in 10 second hand trailers on the market are stolen: Top tips to protect yours from thievesUltimate guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Without one we cant operate: Equine charity overwhelmed by support for horsebox fundraiser appeared first on Your Horse.

A pony has to be versatile to go from the mountains and bogs of western Ireland to success in show rings around the world. Yet that is the legacy of the Connemara Pony, pride of the Emerald Isle.Photo by Bob LangrishHistory of the Connemara PonyThe story of the Connemara begins thousands of years ago, even before Celtic horsemen throughout western Europe battled the ancient Romans. Celtic horses that had escaped from captivity ended up living wild in the rugged Irish countryside, where they became even more hardy and surefooted than their domestic ancestors.Later in history, when Irish farmers needed horses to till the stony ground for crops, they relied on the wild ponies from the mountains. Poor and with many mouths to feed, farmers typically captured and tamed mares, who could provide them a foal to sell each year. Mares were bred to native stallions and worked during their pregnancies, right up until foaling time.Domesticated from wild ponies, the Connemara is rugged and sturdy like its hardy ancestors. Photo by rapha064/Adobe StockBy the 1920s, the Connemara Pony had become a distinct breed in need of preservation. As mechanized vehicles replaced horses on farms, their jobs became obsolete, but those who loved them did not want to see the breed fade into oblivion.In 1923, pony breeders in Irelands Galway County formed the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and began holding inspections to select the best ponies from the existing population for entry into the first volume of the breeds studbook.A year later, the first Connemara Pony Show was held in the town of Clifden in County Galway. Now called the Connemara Pony Festival, it still takes place in Clifden every August.Over time, horsemen around the world learned about the Connemara Pony, and the breed was exported to various countries. In 1956, the American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS) was formed to promote the breed in the U.S.Show PonyWhen you see a Connemara Pony that has been impeccably turned out for the show ring, it can be hard to believe this once was a wild breed. But the same versatile, athletic nature that helped these ponies survive in the wild is what makes them winners in todays show ring.Connemaras around the world compete in a wide variety of events, but according to the ACPS, the largest number of competitive Connemaras and half-bred Connemaras are in the eventing world. This is because Connemaras love to jump. Not surprisingly, they also do well in show jumping and the hunters.Connemaras love to jump! They can frequently be seen eventing, as well as in the hunter/jumper rings. Photo by rapha064/Adobe StockDressage is another popular sport for Connemaras because not only are they athletic, but they are also trainable, sound and easy to work with. And while they may not exhibit the huge gaits seen in warmbloods, a few Connemaras are competing at the FEI (international) levels in dressage.Connemaras are good all-rounders, and the same pony can be a kids mount for Pony Club and trail horse for their parent. The breeds good temperament also makes these ponies great candidates for therapeutic riding, older adults and beginning riders.The quintessential all-rounder, a Connemara Pony can take a child to a show one weekend and their parent on a trail ride the next. Photo by Christiane SlawikConnemara Ponies in AmericaConnemara Ponies have been popular in the U.S. for decades. The APCS currently has about 5,000 purebred Connemara Ponies registered, and runs a half-Connemara registry for horses that have at least one registered, purebred Connemara as a parent.The APCS also recently started a Connemara Sport Horse registry for horses that are no less than one-quarter Connemara; at least one parent must be a registered half-bred Connemara. Including Connemara blood in upper-level sport horses has proven beneficial because the Connemara brings common sense and hardiness to these highly competitive mounts.Of course, the Connemara Pony is not only about competition. The APCS has created an awards program called Fun with Pony, which rewards non-competitive owners and riders for sharing their stories of fun activities theyve done through the year with their ponies.In keeping with Irish tradition, Connemaras in America are inspected to help maintain quality in the breed. A national inspection program provides feedback to breeders and owners about Connemara conformation, temperament and type, with the goal of preserving the most desired traits in the breed.The Connemara Pony is the only equine native to Ireland and maintains a legacy that is truly unique in the horse world. This ancient breed will continue to win the hearts of all who know them, as it has for centuries.Connemara Pony Fast FactsHeight: 13-15 handsColor: Gray, buckskin, black, bay, brown, chestnut, palomino, roan, blue-eyed cream.Overall Appearance: Rugged and sturdy; body compact, deep through the heart, with well-sprung rib cage and broad chest. Kind eye, head well shaped and balanced in proportion to the rest of the body; neck of good length and definition.Associations: American Connemara Pony Society Connemara Pony Breeders SocietyThis article about the Connemara Pony appeared in the June 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Breed Portrait: Connemara Pony appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

This week (22-25 August), the Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials will be opening its gates to welcome the worlds very best event riders to the Blair Atholl Estate in the Scottish Highlands for one last time. Entries for the final event are looking to top 400 combinations, including FEI World Number One and double Olympic gold medal winner Tom McEwen and his gold medal-winning teammate, World Number Two Ros Canter.Other notable entrants include Piggy March, Caroline Powell and Ian Stark, who is also a past Blair cross-country designer and has three Badminton wins to his name. Ian also holds the unequalled record of being the only rider to finish first and second at the five-star event the same year.A further 300 combinations will run in the Inverness Paving Scottish Grassroots Championships and national classes. Theres also a shopping village, food and drink to sample and Defenders complimentary Landrover Driving Experiences from 9am-5pm each day of the horse trials.With a history stretching back almost 50 years and now in its 35th year of international competition, the departure of Blair Castle is set to leave a noticeable hole in the eventing calendar. It is the largest equestrian event in Scotland with 2023 recording more than 45,000 visitors across four days.Earlier this year the organisers said the conclusion of the horse trials was for environmental reasons.The farmland on which the trials are held is increasing its involvement in regenerative agriculture and in future the land will require to be managed all year round in a way that is in accordance with its environmental aims, they said.Bertie Troughton, Resident Trustee of Blair Castle, said it had been a great pleasure and privilege being at the centre of Scottish equestrianism for so many years.We are bowing out after this year with huge gratitude to everyone who made the event so special, he said. We are looking forward to hosting a fantastic event, which will be a fitting tribute to hosting the event for 35 years.To purchase tickets for the final event, click here.Lead image of Tom McEwen and Luna Mist at the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials in 2022. Hannah Cole for Eventing TimesFurther readingWe brought it home!: Britain wins historic fifth team eventing goldRos Canters grid exercise to slow a keen or strong horse when youre jumpingConquer the cross-country start box with Emily Kings adviceThe post Olympic gold medal-winning riders to compete at final Blair Castle International Horse Trials appeared first on Your Horse.

Many hacking routes are shared with dog walkers, and some canines will chase, bark at and generally intimidate horses. Dogs should be kept under control in public areas, but we all know that this doesnt always happen.Dogs are predatory animals and like to chase. Horses are prey animals, programmed to run. When they meet instinct can take over, with the dog becoming aggressive or chasing and your horse desperate to flee. Jason Webb of Your Horsemanship what to do when a dog gives chase.Make decisions, take controlMy rule for riders is to put their safety first, and that of their horse second, says Jason. When you meet a loose dog, quickly assess if its playing or becoming aggressive.If playing, the excitement could escalate if you turn away. Instead, jump off, hold your ground and get noisy to scare it off.If the dog is behaving aggressively and you trust your horse wont bolt, dont get off as they could go for you. If your safety is compromised and theres a chance your horse will take off, dismount, try to lead them away but be prepared to let go if you need to. If your horse bolts, the dog will chase and if you stay on board the ability to control them is limited. Their panic could put you both in danger.Circles for calmWith a non-aggressive but nuisance dog, controlling your horses anxiety is key, explains Jason.Connect your horse through your body, keeping both legs on. Then use small circles to encourage the anxiety levels to drop. Ride your horse onto a circle and keep them on it, changing the rein at times if theres room. If youre on a path and riding a circle isnt achievable, use a narrow figure of eight up and down the path instead, keeping your horse bent to the inside.Working on the manoeuvrability of your horse at home gives you confidence you can turn them into a fence or small space if needed without them erupting, adds Jason.Make a safety planIf you spot a loose dog in the distance and youre concerned, make a plan if you have time. Can you put a barrier between your horse and the dog? A hedge or fence maybe. Assess the area for an escape route and, as they get closer, politely ask the owner to grab the dog, explaining why.Give your horse time to see the dog, controlling any initial flight response using the circle exercise and positive riding, says Jason. When youre hacking take every opportunity to chat with owners about how horses and dogs dont always mix so they know what to do next time.Expose your horse to dogsHacking isnt the only place your horse is likely to meet a dog on or off the lead. Theyll also be around them at shows and it has been known for loose dogs to escape onto cross-country courses to chase horses during their rounds. As a result, its important to do all you can to get your horse used to dogs.Introduce your horse to dogs at the yard, in baby steps, says Jason.Having dogs around your horse on the yard on a daily basis is an effective way to grow your horses confidence. Jason adds that if you own a dog and plan to take it to your yard, make sure you have the yard owners permission.Get their permission to have your dog around otherwise your insurance could be invalidated if theres an incident, he warns.What to do if your horse is bittenGet the owners name and contact details. If they refuse, make a note of what theyre wearing and the type of dog. Snap a photo if you can and if you wear a headcam save the footage.Lead your horse back to the yard, call the vet and ask them what to do while you wait for them to arrive, such as starting to wash the wound with clean water. Dog bites can become infected quickly and should be seen by a vet immediately. This is particularly crucial if the bite is on a joint, such as the fetlock.If your horse is unable to move, call the vet to the scene. Get the dog away from your horse and talk to your horse to keep them calm. Remember to stay calm yourself.Report the incident to the BHS using the Horse-i app as well as the police.Further readingIs your horse spooked by sheep or cowardly around cows? Top tips for passing livestock with confidenceTeach your horse to be confident in water and puddles out hackingSix ways to nip napping in the budStay confident and in control while riding a lively or spooky horseThe post How to handle loose dogs on a hack and what to do if your horse gets bitten appeared first on Your Horse.

The horse lives in MRC Tmiscamingue. The post Quebec Horse Positive for WNV appeared first on The Horse.

Team Gold Germany: Jrme Robin on Black Ice; Michael Jung on Kilcandra Ocean Power; Libussa Lbbeke on Caramia 34; Calvin Bckmann on The Phantom Of The Opera at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2023 Arville (BEL) / FEI Libby LawAfter a disappointing Olympic experience in Paris, Team Germany proved that they are still one of the best in the world, with a decisive win at the sixth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup held at Arville, Belgium this week.A number of Olympic medallists and athletes came to compete at the beautiful venue including Olympic champions Michael Jung (GER) which added to the excitement for riders and spectators. Despite Jung retiring on the cross country, the German teams finishing score of 109.2 was good enough for first. France finished in second place on 119.2 whilst Great Britain finished third on 121.0, with the home nation Belgium in fourth on 143.0. The German team might have been spearheaded by three-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Jung and the experienced four-star horse Kilandra Ocean Power, but German Chef dEquipe, Rodolphe Scherer chose to select three younger riders to make up the team. It proved to be the right decision to take since the three younger riders scores were the ones to count, after Michael Jungs cross country retirement. 23-year-old Calvin Bckmann and The Phantom of the Opera finished second overall. 26-year-old Jrme Robin and Black Ice finished 11th individually, whilst 23-year-old Libussa Lbbeke and Caramia 34 picked up a few time penalties on the cross country to finish in 22nd. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Calvin Bockmann (@calvin_boeckmann)Speaking after their win, Scherer spoke on behalf of the German team about their performance in Arville. I am happy for the result because of the result but also because three of our riders were our younger riders. I came here with a lot of ambition because Calvin and Jrme were reserved for the Olympics so it was a good team to come here.The cross country course caused its fair share of drama with very few jumping clear rounds inside the time. There were a number of athletes picking up jumping penalties as well as retirements and eliminations at some of the combinations.It was a nice course, but it was a tough course with lots in it summed up Scherer who himself competed at two Olympics for Team France. You need to ride and be clever. It was more difficult if you look at the time. If you compete quiet its ok but if you ride for the time, of course its a little bit more difficult. But it was really encouraging for horses and very fair. Arville is a nice competition.He also explained what happened to the teams most experienced rider on course, Michael Jung. Micky had one run out at the water. He jumped good into the eater then turned and you have a skinny on the way out and the horse was a little bit behind the leg on the turn and he had a little run out. After that, he jumped up to the coffin which he jumped well then stopped because he knew that he could relax for the team and that the team could win without him. Little mistakes happen, one minute you win a gold medal and the next you have a run out. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Eventing Arville (@eventingarville)Ten teams came forward for this leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, many of them fielding athletes who had competed in Paris. Second placed France fielded a strong team, including two riders who helped team France to team silver, Nicolas Touzaint and Gireg Le Coz (reserve athlete). Team USA was represented by Tiana Coudray (Cancaras Girl), Sydney Elliott (QC Diamantaire), Hallie Coon (Cute Girl), and Katheine Coleman (Sirius SB), starting the weekend strong in third position as a team but later falling to finish 10th in the Nations Cup standings. Hallie continued her stellar season with the 10-year-old Cute Girl, finishing as the top-placed U.S. rider in seventh of 88 finishers. The Series now moves to Lignires (FRA) from September 26-29, the penultimate leg before the final, which takes place in Boekelo (NED) in October. This result put France out in front of the team standings on a score of 290 points, with Germany in second place on 240 points. FEI Nations Cup (Arville, Belgium):[Website] [Results] [Live Stream Replays]