Versailles, France Established stars will seek to hold off the challenge of emerging athletes as Para Dressage makes its entrance to Paris 2024 at the spectacular Chteau de Versailles.A total of 76 athletes from 30 nations will assemble for four days of competition spread across five days from Tuesday, September 3 to Saturday, September 7.The first two days will be Individual Medal Events in all five Grades.Grade III will open proceedings on Tuesday, and will also be the last of the five Individual Freestyle Events featuring the top eight combinations on the final day of action.But Denmarks Tobias Thorning Joergensen will be unable to defend the two Individual titles he won on his Paralympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020, withdrawing on Sunday after his horse Jolene Hill was deemed not fit to compete.The 24-year-old was widely seen as the favorite in Grade III after also striking double gold at the FEI World Championship 2022 on home ground in Herning plus silver in the team event and two more individual golds at last years FEI Para Dressage European Championship in Riesenbeck (GER).All horses that were presented on Mondays First Horse Inspection passed.Great Britains Natasha Baker, the most successful of all the Para Dressage athletes in Paris, with four individual golds, two team golds, and two individual silvers both at Tokyo 2020 will be seeking a return to the top of the Grade III podium.The 34-year-old returns on Dawn Chorus for her fourth Paralympic Games but her first as a mother, having given birth to son Joshua in April 2023.The opening day will also see medals decided in the Grade II individual test, where the likes of Austrias Pepo Puch with seven Paralympic medals including two silvers in Tokyo 2020 on Sailors Blue and Britains Georgia Wilson double bronze medallist in the Grade II Individual and Freestyle in Tokyo 2020 on Sakura will go for gold in the absence of 14-time Paralympic champion Lee Pearson (GBR).But they will face competition from another great Dane, Katrine Kristensen, a double World Champion in 2022, and 69-year-old German Heidemarie Dresing, who after two fourth-place finishes in the Grade II individual events on her Games debut aged 66 in Tokyo, won double gold at the European Championships in Riesenbeck in 2023.Dresing, riding Dooloop, will be the oldest para equestrian competitor in Versailles.At the other end of the age scale, Frenchwoman Chiara Zenati, one of three 21-year-old para equestrians competing at Paris 2024, will carry home hopes of a medal on Swing Royal in Grade III, after finishing fifth on her Paralympic Games debut as an 18-year-old in Tokyo.Another 21-year-old, Italian Carola Semperboni, will partner the oldest horse competing at these Games 21-year-old Paul in the Grade I events, where Roxanne Trunnell of the United States will seek to defend the first of her two individual titles from Tokyo on day one.Since Tokyo, the 39-year-old has retired her golden mount Dalton and teamed up with another black gelding, Fan Tastico H.Roxanne Trunnell. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan PhotographyTrunnell will face competition from Latvias Rihards Snikus on King of the Dance, a combination which took double silver in Tokyo, and Italys Sara Morganti, who won double bronze in 2021 on Royal Delight but now partners Mariebelle after winning World Championship Freestyle gold in 2022.Another one to watch in Grade I, the category for athletes with the greatest impairment and ridden in walk only, is Britains Mari Durward-Akhurst. The 30-year-old, currently ranked world number one, will be making her Paralympic Games debut riding Athene Lindebjerg, the black mare who won gold with eight-time Paralympic champion Sophie Christiansen (GBR) at Rio 2016.Norways Jens Lasse Dokkan, meanwhile, will continue his remarkable record of competing at every edition of the Paralympic Games since Para Dressage was introduced to the program in 1996.The 63-year-old, who won his first Paralympic Games medal at Sydney 2000 and has five overall, will compete on Aladdin in his seventh Games after finishing fourth in both individual Grade I events in Tokyo.The second day of competition will see the individual test medals decided in Grades IV and V, which will be ridden in walk, trot and canter. These are the two Grades in which the athletes have the lowest level of impairment.Dutchwoman Sanne Voets, on Demantur, will be seeking a fifth Paralympic medal a haul including double individual gold and team silver from 2020 in Grade IV, with fellow Tokyo medallists, 64-year-old Swede Louise Etzner Jakobsson on Goldstrike B.J. and Belgian Manon Claeys, now riding Katharina Sollenburg, likely to be contending again.Sanne Voets (NED) and Demantur at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Photo courtesy FEI/Liz GreggAnother Paralympic Games debutant, 26-year-old Dutch athlete Demi Haerkens on Daula, announced herself by winning European Championship gold last year.Grade V could see another battle between 50-year-old Belgian Michle George, whose two Individual golds on Best of 8 in Tokyo took her Paralympic medal tally to five golds and one silver, and Great Britains Sophie Wells, a four-time Paralympic champion with eight medals overall. Wells returns for her fourth Games and will now partner LJT Egebjerggards Samoa in Paris, after a minor veterinary issue ruled out her original horse Don Cara M.Brazils Rodolpho Riskalla on Denzel, a silver medallist from Tokyo, and German Regine Mispelkamp on Highlander Delights, who won Freestyle bronze at the same Paralympic Games, are others likely to be in contention.After a rest day on Thursday, September 5, the team event where Great Britain will target an eighth consecutive gold medal since 1996 is scheduled for Friday, September 6, with three athlete/horse combinations from each nation joining forces in a bid for a place on the podium.The final set of medals will be up for grabs on September 7 in the Individual Freestyle Events in each of the five Grades in what is expected to be a dramatic conclusion to the Para Dressage in Versailles.Tuesday, September 3 Orders of GoGrade III Grade II Grade IWednesday, September 4 Orders of Go Grade IV Grade VThe U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team and staff. Photo courtesy US Equestrian Edited Press Release | Source:FEIThanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: Paralympic equestrian stars all set to dance on Versailles stage appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horses in other countries fascinate me. Growing up in the US, even in my specific region on the east coast has given me very specific ideas of how horses should be raised. But even in different areas of the USA, which is huge, by the way, horse keeping varies widely. For example, Ive seen maybe examples in California of horses being kept in pens with no actual turnout. There isnt grass in these areas. Its just sand and dirt, or maybe brown felt, I dont know, Ive never seen it in person. Its California, so maybe its just a movie set.**Maybe all of California is a movie set. Maybe its not even there. Its possible they made up California as part of the scam to sell shovels.Theres different mindsets of horse care all over the world. Even within the US, weve all seen appalling treatment of horses, so entire countries cannot be generalized on their treatment of horses. That being said, countries do have a generalized mindset of whats acceptable treatment of animals, with laws enforcing it. Some countries still use horses primarily for labor, not recreational riding, and just arent considered pets. And some countries, seeing the success of the carousel, stick horses in their malls, just take a left from the food court, and go past the Sephora, you cant miss it.In the US, I would imagine thats a lot of restrictions that would not allow this to happen. For instance, a popular law requires 5 acres of land for one horse, and an additional acre after that (although laws vary a lot across different counties and states.) But it doesnt seem like theres any law against this in China.I first discovered this on the gram of insta, which brings me all sorts of weird and wacky things, like my personal favorite, the crab that is running around a street with a knife.But forget funny crabs and pull on your somber and confused pants for this video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by YING QIAN (@flora_qy)I saw shes getting a lot of criticism about going, but I heard her say in the video that she felt uncomfortable and wouldnt go again. Shes not promoting this kind of place, she was curious about it, which I understand because I too am curious about this.Ive since tried to look it up, but its pretty hard to find information on. Having horses in shopping malls brings up so many questions. Horses by design are meant to be constantly moving around. It seems highly unlikely that these horses are able to do much more than go to their stalls and exit for the lessons. Lack of movement is going to make them stiff, which could be what the woman noticed in her video.But, they might also be used in a lot of lessons. How many rides a day are these horses getting? Is there a limit or is it just until they run out of people?Horseback riding has been on the rise in China. While horses have always been there, historically recreational riding was the sport of the rich (like much of the world). Horses require land, money, and free time. The average citizen didnt always have these things.Without going into an in depth examination of Chinas economy, economic reforms begin in the 1970s and privatizations begin to accelerate in 1992. These all lead to an economic boom in China. Standards of living have gone up, urbanization has increased, and it has become more globalized, exposing the country to recreational riding in other countries.Another big factor in the rise of horseback riding was hosting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Seeing the equestrian events in person inspired many.But horses require land, and the time to go out into the country. Much of the population is located in cities. So instead of these people having to travel to the horses, someone came up with the idea of bringing the horses into the people.Bringing horses into cities isnt a new concept, even in USA. Once upon a time, it was the norm. Before cars, horses were needed for transportation, requiring carriage houses to keep the horses. In New York City, there are still a few carriage houses left for the tourist carriage horses, although its predicted they will be gone within the next 20 years.But the most famous, and perhaps most similar to the shopping mall equestrian centers, was the Claremont Riding Academy. Before it closed in 2007, it was the oldest continuously operated riding center in New York City, and the only one in Manhattan. There was no turnout, and the riding space was an indoor, filled with support pillars for the levels above. The main draw was the extensive riding trails in Central Park. But when the paths begin to deteriorate and opened for others to use, the business suffered. When extensive renovations were required to maintain the building, the owners decided to close the business instead.So its not unheard of for horse centers to exist in cramped city conditions. There were many supporters of Claremont Riding Academy and its almost the same setup as the shopping mall equestrian centers.As of 2018, theres over 190 of these equestrian centers in malls, with rides costing an estimated $116 converted to USD. These centers fill a niche market the beginning rider who lives in the city. Even in the video above, you can see the saddle has a grab handle. They are marketed for beginner riders, mostly children. When the children outgrow these types of places, there are more traditional equestrian centers for them to ride at. Even the creator of the the Happy Pony riding center is quoted as saying, Equestrian centers inside malls are offering the first class of horse riding to enlighten children, who will later go to larger outdoor horse ranches if they develop an interest.They are basically just a notch above a pony rides, for the purpose of introducing urban dwellers to the idea of horses, something they might not have pursued at all without the convenience. That makes it seem kind of like a noble pursuit We are all for more people interested in horses, right?The concern comes in their care. Are the horses actually getting the care they need in these kinds of facilities? The Happy Pony owner says that business costs are very high, and it barely makes ends meet. Will this mean lesser care in order to actually make the operation profitable?I really cant say, since I cant see it, and there isnt much information online. We instinctively have a knee jerk reaction of this is terrible horse care! but is it that much different than horses in the US that are kept in stalls? I can think of a specific Olympic rider that spoke about their horses being in stalls all the time to avoid being injured. And they are certainly not the only one that keeps their horses that way, although sometimes its about space and not injury. Look over at what may or may not be California, and their keeping of horses in dirt pens 23 hours a day. That is a pretty similar set up.I personally would never keep my horse on anything but turnout, but Im aware thats not always possible. So I cant hold these shopping mall equestrian centers to higher standard than some pretty normal and accepted equestrian centers in the US and Europe.Judging the horses off of a short clip is hard, but they dont look in terrible condition. They seem to be good weight and I dont see any saddle sores or injuries. Despite being in a mall, they look pretty decently cared for. They are certainly better off than some working animals in Egypt, for example. Although, just being better than some other place isnt a very good standard to aim for. But theres a lot of unknowns here. Maybe the horses are rotated out every few weeks and get to go graze in pastures. Maybe they are kept really well, even if its in a really weird way.Im only speculating, but as the sport grows, theres going to be more and more eyeballs on these horses. Interest is certainly growing, with more international events like Longines FEI Jumping World Cup China League and Longines Beijing Masters.Hopefully these people riding their expensive show horses out in the country will still think fondly about the humble little school horses that gave them their first rides. Hopefully the love of horses will grow, and there will be people watching out for these guys, and making sure they are being well kept.What do you think of Chinas Shopping Mall Equestrian Centers?The post Equestrian Centers in Shopping Malls in China appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Paris 2024 team eventing gold and individual bronze medal winner, Laura Collett MBE, will join equestrian influencer, Megan Elphick, in the return of the Grassroots to Glory masterclass at London International Horse Show later this year. The Masterclass will be led by British Equestrians Eventing Performance Manager, Richard Waygood MBE and will take place on 20 December.The 45-minute session will offer an exploration of the path to competitive success and aims to inspire and educate riders of all levels, from amateurs to more seasoned competitors. There will be demonstrations of techniques as well as practical, step-by-step exercises that can be implemented at home.Drawing from his extensive career, Richard Waygood will guide the audience through the essential stages of building a successful competition partnership. From establishing strong fundamentals to refining techniques and making pivotal advancements in competition, Richard will share insights and personal tips throughout the class.Im delighted about the return of the Grassroots to Glory masterclass at London International Horse Show this year, Richard said. Last years session with Laura and Megan was a fantastic blend of fun, innovation, and valuable learning for our audience. With the excitement of British Eventings recent success at the Paris Olympics, Im eager to share new insights and experiences that will make this years masterclass even more impactful.Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said the show was delighted to welcome back Richard, Laura, and Megan.This is a very popular masterclass and its inclusion in the LeMieux Masterclass Series presents our audience with a great opportunity to access world-class knowledge and insight, he added.The Grassroots to Glory Masterclass takes place on Friday 20 December at 1.35pm in The New Horizons Plastics Arena. For more information, click here.Lead image by FEI/Benjamin ClarkFurther reading12 things you might not know about British Olympian Laura CollettConquer the cross-country start box with Emily Kings adviceWhy schooling is fundamental to a confident relationship so you both enjoy hackingThe post Paris 2024 medallist Laura Collett to share path to competitive success appeared first on Your Horse.

Topic Key Points Affiliated Events Run by British Eventing, standardized rules and safety regulations, requires membership, high financial commitment. Unaffiliated Events Organized independently, flexible rules, cheaper, accessible, often local/regional, good for practice and introduction. Cost and Accessibility Affiliated events are expensive, unaffiliated events are generally cheaper and more accessible for grassroots competitors. Competition Structure and Levels Affiliated events have structured system with MERs, unaffiliated events offer more flexibility and fewer qualification requirements. Venue Restrictions and Economic Impact British Eventing's rules on dual-event hosting are leading to economic and logistical challenges, reducing the number of competitions. Rise of Unaffiliated Championships Growth of events like Horse Events National Eventing Championships, attracts many amateur riders at various levels. Impact on the Sport Decline in British Eventing membership, affects standards, training, and sport development. Greater shift towards unaffiliated competitions. Main Factors Driving the Shift Cost and accessibility issues, higher flexibility, relaxed qualification requirements, local/regional focus. Event Structure and Management Strict MERs for British Eventing, more relaxed requirements in unaffiliated events, fostering a supportive community. Unaffiliated Championships: A Growing Trend Increased participation, competitive yet accessible platform, attracts diverse participants. Implications for the Future of Eventing Challenges for British Eventing, potential solutions include reducing fees, offering flexible requirements, supporting organizers. What This Means for Riders Need to make informed decisions based on cost, experience, goals, and budget. Why Are People Leaving British Eventing for Unaffiliated Competitions? The world of eventing, a multifaceted equestrian sport comprising dressage, showjumping, and cross-country riding, has seen a significant shift in recent years. Many riders are opting to leave British Eventing (BE) affiliated competitions in favor of unaffiliated events. This trend raises several questions: What are the reasons behind this migration? What are the differences between affiliated and unaffiliated events? And what implications does this have for the sport as a whole? Affiliated vs. Unaffiliated Events To understand the reasons behind this shift, it's crucial to differentiate between affiliated and unaffiliated events. Affiliated Events Affiliated events are run by British Eventing, the official governing body for the sport in the UK. These events adhere to standardized competition rules and safety regulations, ensuring high standards of safety and competition integrity. However, to participate in these events, riders must be members of British Eventing, which can be a significant financial commitment. Unaffiliated Events Unaffiliated events, on the other hand, are organized independently and often focus on local and regional levels of competition. While they may adopt British Eventing rules, they also have the flexibility to set their own requirements. These events are popular among riders looking to introduce themselves or their horses to the sport, or those seeking practice between affiliated events. Cost and Accessibility One of the primary reasons riders are leaving British Eventing for unaffiliated competitions is the cost. Affiliated events have seen increasing costs over the years, which can be prohibitive for many grassroots competitors. In contrast, unaffiliated events are generally cheaper to enter, making them more accessible to a broader range of riders. Competition Structure and Levels British Eventing operates a structured system with ten national levels, each with its own degree of difficulty. To progress through these levels, riders must achieve Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs), which can be challenging and time-consuming. Unaffiliated events, while often mirroring these levels, offer more flexibility and fewer stringent qualification requirements, making them appealing to riders who want to compete without the pressure of meeting strict MERs. Venue Restrictions and Economic Impact British Eventing has implemented rules that prohibit venues hosting FEI events from also holding unaffiliated events. This policy has led to significant economic and logistical challenges for event organizers, resulting in the cancellation of several long-standing events. This move has been seen as detrimental to the sport, as it reduces the number of available competitions and pushes lower-level riders towards unaffiliated series. Rise of Unaffiliated Championships The popularity of unaffiliated events is evident in the growth of unaffiliated championships. For example, the Horse Events National Eventing Championships, held annually, attract a large number of amateur riders competing at various levels (70cm, 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm). These championships offer a competitive yet accessible platform for riders who may not be ready or willing to commit to the affiliated circuit. Impact on the Sport The shift towards unaffiliated competitions has significant implications for the sport of eventing. British Eventing, which plays a crucial role in setting standards for course design, medical cover, and training for volunteers and officials, is facing declining membership and participation. This decline could weaken the sport as a whole, as British Eventing's efforts in research, breeding, and data management are essential for its development and integrity. Main Factors Driving the Shift Costs of Participation The financial strain associated with affiliated events is one of the leading factors driving the shift. Many riders find the membership fees and entry costs of British Eventing competitions to be prohibitively high. This is particularly true for grassroots and amateur riders, who may not have the financial backing that professionals do. Accessibility and Flexibility Unaffiliated events offer greater accessibility. Since they tend to be less expensive, riders from various backgrounds can participate without the financial burden. Additionally, these events are often more flexible in terms of rules and entry requirements, making it easier for riders to compete at their own pace. Event Structure and Management Relaxed Qualification Requirements British Eventing competitions have stringent Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) that riders must meet to advance to higher levels. While these requirements ensure a standard of competition, they can also be discouraging for those who are new to the sport. Unaffiliated competitions offer a more relaxed approach, allowing riders to participate and progress without the immense pressure to meet strict eligibility criteria. Local and Regional Focus Unaffiliated events often have a local or regional focus, which helps build a stronger community among participants. This localized approach fosters camaraderie and provides a supportive environment for riders to develop their skills. In contrast, British Eventings national-level focus can sometimes feel impersonal and more targeted towards elite competitors. Venue Restrictions and Financial Viability Venue Dual-Event Restrictions British Eventing's rules that prohibit venues hosting FEI events from also holding unaffiliated events have made it difficult for some event organizers to maintain their financial viability. This has resulted in the cancellation of many long-standing events, further pushing riders towards unaffiliated competitions. Economic Impact on Event Organizers This policy has not only limited the number of available competitions but also posed significant economic challenges for organizers. The inability to host a variety of events reduces potential revenue streams, leading to financial strain. This situation has prompted many organizers to opt for unaffiliated events, which offer more flexibility and reduced operational constraints. Unaffiliated Championships: A Growing Trend Increased Participation The rise in unaffiliated championships, such as the Horse Events National Eventing Championships, highlights the growing popularity of these competitions. These events attract a significant number of participants, particularly amateur riders who are seeking a competitive yet accessible platform. The broad range of competition levels (70cm, 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm) ensures that riders of various skill levels can compete and enjoy the eventing experience. A Competitive and Accessible Alternative Unaffiliated championships provide an excellent alternative for those who may not be ready or willing to commit to the affiliated circuit. These events maintain competitive standards while offering the flexibility and inclusivity that many riders seek. As a result, unaffiliated competitions continue to attract a diverse range of participants, contributing to their ongoing growth and popularity. Implications for the Future of Eventing Challenges for British Eventing The shift towards unaffiliated competitions presents several challenges for British Eventing. The decline in membership and participation could weaken the organizations ability to set standards, provide training, and support the overall development of the sport. The reduced participation in affiliated events could also impact the quality and competitiveness of the sport at higher levels. Potential Solutions To address these challenges, British Eventing may need to reassess its policies and consider ways to make affiliated competitions more accessible and affordable for grassroots and amateur riders. This could involve reducing membership fees, offering more flexible entry requirements, or providing additional support for event organizers. What Does This Mean for Riders? Making Informed Decisions For riders, understanding the reasons behind this trend and the differences between affiliated and unaffiliated events is crucial. By making informed decisions about which events to participate in, riders can choose the competition that best suits their needs, goals, and budget. Balancing Costs and Experience Ultimately, whether to participate in affiliated or unaffiliated events comes down to balancing costs and experience. While affiliated events offer high standards and clear progression paths, the financial and logistical barriers make unaffiliated events a popular alternative. Riders should consider their long-term goals, budget, and level of experience when deciding which type of competition to pursue. Conclusion The migration of riders from British Eventing to unaffiliated competitions is driven by several key factors, including cost, accessibility, and the flexibility offered by unaffiliated events. While affiliated events maintain high standards and provide a clear progression path, the financial and logistical barriers are pushing many riders towards the unaffiliated sector. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be important for governing bodies to address these issues to ensure that eventing remains inclusive and vibrant for all participants. Explore More Riding Gear and Supplements Looking for high-quality horse riding apparel and supplements? 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Topic Details Accommodation and Cost Savings Free or subsidized housing is a significant cost saving, especially for those starting their careers or relocating. Immersive Experience Living on-site deepens understanding and connection with horses, providing a more involved experience in daily care routines. Career Development Offers extensive hands-on experience and skill development in diverse tasks, leading to significant career growth. Community and Support On-site living among a close-knit community provides a supportive environment, beneficial for newcomers and those seeking belonging. Compensation and Benefits Although accommodation is a perk, financial compensation can be modest, often lacking additional benefits like health insurance and PTO. Legal Considerations Important to understand employment laws, including adherence to National Minimum Wage and Accommodation Offset Rates. Tax Implications Both parties need awareness of tax implications involving the accommodation, such as reporting it on tax returns. Physical Demands and Lifestyle The job is physically demanding with long hours and manual labor, which might not be sustainable for everyone long-term. Financial Feasibility The basic salary may not support long-term financial goals like home purchase or starting a family, despite additional perks. Career Longevity Long-term viability can be challenging, with limited progression unless possessing exceptional skills or industry connections. Conclusion A rewarding and immersive experience for horse lovers, but realistic expectations about compensation, benefits, and lifestyle are crucial. Is a Live-In Groom/Animal Care Position With Accommodation Worth Considering? For many animal lovers, particularly those passionate about horses, the idea of a live-in groom or animal care position can be incredibly appealing. The prospect of waking up each morning surrounded by horses and being part of a close-knit equine community can be a dream come true. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of such a role to determine if it's truly worth considering. Pros of Live-In Groom/Animal Care Positions 1. Accommodation and Cost Savings One of the most significant advantages of live-in positions is the provision of accommodation, which can be a substantial cost saving. Many equine jobs offer free or heavily subsidized housing, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are just starting their careers or looking to relocate. 2. Immersive Experience Living on-site allows for an immersive experience that can deepen your understanding and connection with the horses. It provides the opportunity to be more involved in the daily care and routines of the animals, which can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about equine care. 3. Career Development Working in a live-in capacity can offer extensive hands-on experience and the chance to develop a wide range of skills. From grooming and exercising horses to managing foaling seasons, the responsibilities can be diverse and challenging, leading to significant career development. 4. Community and Support Equine yards often have a strong sense of community, and living on-site can provide a supportive environment. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are new to the industry or looking for a sense of belonging. Cons of Live-In Groom/Animal Care Positions 1. Compensation and Benefits While the provision of accommodation is a significant perk, the financial compensation for live-in groom positions can be modest. Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW), which, as of April 2024, is 11.44 per hour for those aged 21 and over. Experienced or head grooms might earn between 19,000 and 25,000 per year, but benefits such as health insurance, PTO, and retirement plans are often lacking. 2. Legal Considerations It's essential to understand the legal implications of live-in positions. Employers must adhere to employment laws, including the National Minimum Wage and Accommodation Offset Rates. Arrangements where employees work solely in exchange for accommodation without a wage are illegal under employment law. 3. Tax Implications Both employers and employees need to be aware of the tax implications of provided accommodation. This can include reporting the accommodation as part of the employee's tax return and understanding any exemptions or deductions. 4. Physical Demands and Lifestyle Working as a groom is physically demanding and can take a toll on the body. The job often involves long hours, early starts, and manual labor, which may not be sustainable for everyone in the long term. Additionally, the lifestyle can be restrictive, with limited time for personal activities or other employment opportunities. Realistic Expectations 1. Financial Feasibility For many, the financial aspect of being a groom is a significant consideration. While some positions may offer additional perks like riding lessons or a stable for your own horse, the basic salary may not be enough to support long-term financial goals such as purchasing a home or starting a family. 2. Career Longevity While being a groom can be a fulfilling career, it's important to consider its long-term viability. Many people in the equine industry struggle to make a living wage, and career progression may be limited unless you have exceptional skills or connections within the industry. Conclusion A live-in groom or animal care position with accommodation can be a rewarding and immersive experience for those passionate about horses. However, it's crucial to approach this career path with realistic expectations regarding compensation, benefits, and lifestyle. Pros: Free or subsidized accommodation, immersive experience, career development, and a supportive community. Cons: Modest financial compensation, lack of benefits, legal and tax considerations, and the physically demanding nature of the job. For those who are willing to accept the challenges and limitations, a live-in groom position can be a fulfilling career choice. It's essential to research thoroughly, understand the legal and financial implications, and ensure that this path aligns with your personal and professional goals. Resources The Grooms List: Offers a database of live-in equine jobs and provides insights into the legal and practical aspects of such positions. British Grooms Association: A valuable resource for information on career development, education, and employment standards in the equine industry. Government Guidelines: Essential for understanding tax implications and employment laws related to live-in positions.

Irelands Para Dressage athletes began their Paralympics campaigns this morning with top 10 Grade III Individual finishes for Kate Kerr-Horan and Jessica McKenna. Kerr-Horan was first into the arena on board Lykkebos Don Akino, with the combination scoring 65.867% at a rain-soaked Chateua De Versailles. Fifth to go, the pair grew very well into their test and Kerr-Horan was delighted with Lykkebos Don Akino leaving the arena to a warm reception from the crowd, finishing ninth overall, just shy of qualification for Saturdays Freestyle. On her Paralympics debut, McKenna and Davidoff 188 scored an excellent 65.033%, which left them in 10th position overall and she cut a smiling figure afterwards. High Performance Para Dressage Director Debora Pijpers was pleased with the two performances. She said: Were very happy with both of the girls and their horses they were very positive and showed some really nice movements. Their horses were []

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Liz Halliday (@lizhallidayeventing)Yesterdays update from Liz Hallidays team provides some positive information as the medical team plans to take her off of the ventilator thats been supporting her today. She is continuing to hold the reins tight, the statement reads. We will continue to provide updates as we can. Thank you to our amazing eventing family for surrounding our girl with light and love. Keep the messages, prayers, and positivity coming.As always, you can use #KeepFightingLiz to send your message of support. Well provide additional updates from Lizs team as theyre posted. You got this, Liz. [More Liz Halliday Updates Here]