#Hack1000Miles in partnership with Wintec SaddlesHacking a horse, or trail riding, makes up a portion of many equestrians time spent in the saddle. Its a great way to spend time with your horse and boasts so many benefits that it deserves to be celebrated we created the #Hack1000Miles challenge for a reason!But if hacking is how you spend most of your time, how do you feel about being labelled as a happy hacker?We atYour Horse believe every rider should be able to claim the term if they wish. If youre on the fence, here are a few signs that you might be one1 You have an extensive high vis wardrobeYou need to stay safe and visible whilst hacking out, whether you do roadwork or prefer bridleways. From tabards and hat bands to neck straps and fluorescent quarter sheets, both you and your horse will have plenty of safety equipment in a variety of colours to suit every ride. Bonus points if you ride with flashing lights.2 Your horse takes you to the yard gate, not the arena, when you mount upThey say you get to know your horse like the back of your hand but your horse knows you too. And if youre a happy hacker, they likely know youd much rather leave the yard for a hack than go into the school.3 Its your favourite way to unwindWhats the first thing you think about doing after a stressful day? If long bridleways or grass tracks sound like the perfect way to canter away from your troubles, you might be a happy hacker.4 Youre constantly checking what time the sun will setGlued to your weather app waiting for the days to get long enough that you can finally squeeze in a quick half an hour ride around the block? Youve got hacking on the brain.5 You have multiple map apps on your phonePhone full to the brim with apps that can plan your route or track your ride? You dont want to miss a mile or get lost, so better safe than sorry.6 You let your horse pick the routeWhen youve got plenty of time ahead and your trusty steed knows all the ways home, do you let them pick what route youll ride? Not every rider has this kind of partnership with their horse, and its one that takes many hours in the saddle to build.What do the #Hack1000Miles challengers think?Happy hacker. The term is Marmite amongst riders: they either love it or hate it. I asked the riders in our Hack 1,000 Miles Facebook group for their thoughts on the term happy hacker and whether they use it, and here are their thoughtsThose who consider themselves happy hackersPlenty of riders use the term, as the results above suggest.I absolutely am, says Hannah Leslie. I do other stuff too, but hacking is what I enjoy the most. I dont have the brain power for schooling, and my horse hates it unless jumps are involved!Yep, I mainly ride out solo, says Marie Jane Harper. A good hacking horse is a skill in itself. There are lots of obstacles along the way, and there are many mental benefits. You can school on a hack too; its such a good training platform.Im a very happy hacker and a self-confessed fair weather rider! admits Abbi Thorpe. I dont mind minus temperatures and snow, but if its raining I dont even step outside the door.I am a happy hacker, but I do lots of other things as well jump, flat work and pleasure rides, says Lynda Buckingham.Those who dont use the termBut the phrase has garnered some flack over the years, particularly as other equestrians can use it in a derivative way, because they dont compete.I refuse to use the term happy hacker, says Hannah Gardner. I prefer off road equestrian or horseback rambler.I think happy hacker is a dreadful term, says Janice Bridger. Hacking is the ultimate test of trust; I think an alternate term is needed.This content is brought to you in partnership withWintec Saddles, durable, comfortable, easy-care, weather-proof saddles for everyone.Lead image: Charlie Gooders PhotographyRelated content#Hack1000Miles riders share motivational tips to get you in the saddleFour things that make hacking easier and more funEquestrians to follow on social media if you love hackingThe post Six signs youre a happy hacker appeared first on Your Horse.

Versailles, France The U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team completed a tremendous first day of competition to begin their campaign at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Three combinations took to the main stadium to compete in their first tests of the competition, capturing three individual medals in their respective grades. Rebecca Hart aboard Floratina, and Fiona Howard with Diamond Dunes, both earned individual gold, while Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H finished with individual silver.Im just ecstatic about today, truly. This is the result of a long strategic plan which included sizable goals, not just technical goals, but also called for a much stronger approach to collaboration with the athletes, explained Chef dEquipe Michel Assouline. We really made it a focus to campaign in Europe before the Games. That was one of the biggest new additions to our strategic plan was focusing on a European spring. We needed to get more exposure in front of the top judges in Europe, which is something weve never prioritized before. Its only the first day though and the work is not done. We must commit to maintaining this form. We still need to choose the team and stay focused on continuing to build these scores through to the end of the week.From left to right: Fiona Howard, Rebecca Hart, and Roxanne Trunnell. Photo courtesy Devyn Threthewey/US EquestrianTeam veteran Rebecca Hart (Wellington, Fla.) in her fifth Paralympic Games appearance set the tone early in Grade III competition with Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz x Rubina) owned by Rowan ORiley and cared for by Mackenzie Young, going late in the order in the class and earning a personal best score of 77.900% for individual gold. Their top-place finish in Grade III marks Harts first-ever individual Paralympic medal of her dedicated career. The duo looked perfectly in flow with one another and relaxed, with expressive movement throughout their test, finishing with one of their best rides in their biggest moment of the year.From how hard we fought in Tokyo for that bronze medal, and then over the last four years, our team has developed so much; weve put in so much work, and to have it actually come together in the moment, in the ring, on the day that we needed it to be surreal, she said. I couldnt have asked for more, and to get a personal best and a gold medal at the Paralympics is justI feel like Im in a dream. I feel like Im going to have to wake up here in a minute.Following Hart, Fiona Howard (Boston, Mass.), who is competing in her first Paralympic Games for the United States in Paris, found an early forward rhythm with Diamond Dunes, a 2013 Hanoverian gelding (De Lor x Wibella) owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselman and cared for by Helen Claire McNulty. The pair were calm and collected throughout their Grade II FEI Grand Prix Test A, marking the second personal-best score of the day for Team USA, as the pair were awarded a 76.931% from the judging panel. Howard and Diamond Dunes had one slight bobble midway through their test but recovered quickly to keep their score well on track to earn impressive marks across the board to best the class.Diamond Dunes is amazing; he really tries so hard for me, Howard said. This is obviously the biggest atmosphere Ive ever taken him in, and I just really went in there and was like, I trust you, and he was like, Dont worry, Ive got you. He gave me confidence throughout the whole test. I couldnt have asked for a better partner to do my first Paralympic Games on.For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.With the final ride of the day for the U.S. team, Roxanne Trunnell (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Fan Tastico H were poised and confident in an extremely competitive Grade I division featuring 22 other international combinations. Trunnell is a returning individual medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but this time with a new mount in Paris, riding the 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Fuersentball OLD x Weltmeyer) owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo. Trunnell and Fan Tastico H produced a forward and rhymical and smooth test throughout their walk work in the FEI Grand Prix Test A for Grade I. The duo, who have only been partnered since January, laid down their best test of the year, capping a day of personal bests for the team, securing a 78.000%, marking their highest score in Test A of their career together.He was right with me today. He has more movement through his body, so I needed to keep him forward. Hes very young and continues to impress all of us. Hes a very good boy and today was a good start for us, said Trunnell.Kate Shoemaker (Wellington, Fla.) and Vianne will compete tomorrow in Grade IV FEI Grand Prix Test A at 11:58 a.m. GMT+2/5:58 a.m. ET as the final individual combination for the U.S. before the start of team competition on Friday, September 6.Tuesday, September 3 Results Grade III Results Grade II Results Grade I ResultsWednesday, September 4 Orders of Go Grade IV Grade V Edited Press Release | Source: US EquestrianThanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Paralympics: U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team Sets Competitive Tone on First Day of Individual Competition appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Liz Halliday (@lizhallidayeventing)Some really positive news from the team supporting Liz Halliday: as they reported last night (and we shared this morning), the plan was to remove the ventilator today and that has now officially happened. Being off the ventilator means she is much more comfortable and now able to get the deep rest she needs to heal and progress in her recovery, the familys statement says.Wed also like to join Lizs family and friends in thanking Erin Suidikas, an ER nurse who was jump judging at fence 1 when Liz fell and sprung to action immediately to alert the hospital to prepare an operating room, enabling Liz to get into surgery that much quicker when it mattered the most. From all of us, thank you to Erin and all of the emergency and medical staff who responded to care for Liz. More updates to come. #KeepFightingLiz[More Updates on Liz Halliday]

Were so excited to share with youthe launch ofour new streaming platform:Noelle Floyd+!NF+ is a vibrant community where equestrians like you can connect, learn, and grow together. Whether youre at home, at the barn, or on the go, you can access top-notch content from any device.Weve kept our famous Equestrian Masterclass courses featuring the worlds top trainers, and added a wealth of new content. Explore expert lessons, in-depth guides, and video series covering everything from horse care and training to rider wellness and entertainment.And thats not allour new private community feature lets you connect with like-minded equestrians, share insights, and gain exclusive access to our instructors. Its everything you need to elevate your riding journey.What NF+ Offers: Available Everywhere: You can access NF+ on our website, Apple TV, Roku, and through our iOS and Android apps.Connected Community: NF+ offers a private global network of riders who share your passion for learning and improving outcomes for our horses. Its the perfect place to ask questions, discuss hot-topics, and share advice. Plus, with our "Office Hours" webinars, members have direct access to our expert instructors for personalized guidance and insights.Entertainment Videos: Get exclusive access to our groundbreaking series Inside My Stable, A Day In The Life, and more. Were busy producing more content that is being constantly updated on the platform, so youll be able tobinge watch hours of equestrian content!Reduced Annual Pricing & Free Trial Period: You read that right. Were lowering the annual membership price from $299.99 to $199.99. You can also sign up for a monthly membership for just $19.99/ month! When you sign up (for either annual or monthly), you also get a 7 day free trial. Improved Navigation: Easily browse categories like Horse Management, Eventing, Rider Position, Dressage, Jumping, and more. Our streamlined filters and keywords ensure you find the content thats most relevant to you.Were not just launching a streaming service; were igniting a movement to unite and uplift the equestrian community. We hope you will join us on this journey.How to Sign UpHead to noellefloydplus.com and click Join Now. Choose from a monthly membership, or save with an annual membership. Both options come with a free 7 day trial, so there is no commitment. Although, were pretty certain youll want to stick around!Join NF+ Now!

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)Its JOG DAY at Defender Burghley and we couldnt be more excited to get this 5* party started. Weve got an absolutely delicious entry list ready for you, and our traditional Form Guide to the full field of competitors will be dropping later on today, so stay tuned. In the meantime, make sure youre all signed up for Burghley TV, which for about $25 USD will give you access to all of the live and on demand coverage from this year and previous years for a full 365 days. Well have Tillys preview of Derek di Grazias course coming your way soon as well, and you can also keep an eye on this page for the publication of the interactive cross country map. In the meantime, take a quick peek at some of the amazing designs in the Instagram post above, and keep it locked right here on EN for much more. U.S. Weekend PreviewFive Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer]CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]Major International EventsDefender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [ENs Coverage]Wednesday News & ReadingThe FEI has announced an international stakeholders meeting aimed at addressing the challenges currently facing the sport and industry of dressage. While the FEI fully recognizes the challenges currently facing the discipline of dressage and has worked to address issues as they have arisen, the primary focus in recent months has been on delivering key events, as well as a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, which has required considerable attention and resources, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in a press release announcing the meeting. Our goal now is to collaborate closely with all our stakeholders to address the challenges facing dressage. While many in our community recognize the urgency of the situation, others may not yet fully grasp the critical juncture at which equestrian sport currently stands. The Chronicle of the Horse reports more on this story here.Theres a major gender imbalance when it comes to sports media, and we saw this in spades while in Paris covering the equestrian sports. Glorious Sports Hannah Bailey traveled to Paris to document this for herself, and the resulting piece is certainly worth your time for a read. [We Mind the Gap]Its a well-known fact that horses, wild or domesticated, have been a key part of human civilization throughout history. As they spread, horses reshaped ecology, social structures and economies at a never-before-seen scale, William Taylor writes for The Washington Post. Ultimately, only industrial mechanization supplanted their near-universal role in society. Thanks to science, we are learning more and more about the horses orgin story and how it evolved around humans. This fascinating read is a great way to learn about what we know, what were challenging, and what we have yet to learn.Dont miss out on this story of a Thoroughbred taking on the USEA Young Event Horse competition. Ninja is carrying the flag for sport-bred Thoroughbreds, my breeding program, my training program, and representing his sire Saketini. Ninja shows up to work with a smile every day and an occasional playful squeal. I was breeding for an upper-level horse: smart, balanced, athletic, and fun, who loves to gallop and jump, and so far, hes exceeding all my expectations, Audrea Dyer writes for the USEA. Sponsor Corner: Morven Park International & Fall H.T.Did you know that each U.S. Eventing athlete who competed at the Paris summer Olympics also competed at Morven Park last October? See extraordinary athletes like our Olympians up close at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, October 11-13, 2024. Spectator admission is FREE, so dont forget to take some time to visit their bustling vendor village as well as a variety of food trucks. Come #playlearndiscover the exciting sport of eventing!If youd like to upgrade your experience, reserve a tailgate space located in the center of the cross-country course on Saturday October 12th or enjoy the VIP Tent experience for all three days! This is the PERFECT way to spend a Day in the Country! [Learn more here]Video Break:A very cool/cute how it started vs. how its going with Tokyo Olympic champion Julia Krajewski and her Paris partner, Nickel: View this post on InstagramA post shared by Julia Krajewski (@julia_krajewski)

Equine charity, the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, will be holding its Summer Open Day and Dog Show on Sunday 8 September from 10.30am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to meet some of the horses and ponies that Lluest has rescued over the years, meet the team and learn more about the work of the Welsh charity.On the day there will be a fun dog show, a talk on mud control, an equine physiotherapy pole-work demonstration, Mexican food, a vintage tea tent, trade stalls, raffle, face painting and preloved tack and rugs on sale. Visitors can also see and learn more about rescued foal Captain Jack Sparrow and his foster mother Ari.Entry to the Open Day is free, and there is car parking on site at 5 per car. For more information on the event, click here.A safe haven for horses and poniesThe Lluest Horse and Pony Trust was set up by Ginny Hajdukiewicz in 1985. Ginny was so distressed by the condition and handling of wild hill ponies and foals in local sales, that she decided to create a charity for Welsh equines to offer them a refuge and safe haven.Located at Beili Bedw Farm, Llanddeusant, Llangadog, in Carmarthenshire, the Trust employs three full time and one part time welfare assistant, and welcomes volunteers throughout the year, as well as running dedicated days for people with special needs. The Trust is funded by donations.For more information on the charity, click here.Images from last years Open Day. Credit: Lluest Horse and Pony TrustFurther readingPoisonous plants for horses: could you spot these in your field?Useful hoof care advice for a sound and happy horseFed up with flies? Your Horse puts eight fly sprays to the testGroundwork exercises for horses to build trustThe post Meet the four-legged friends at Lluest Horse and Pony Trust appeared first on Your Horse.

L-R: Katrine Kristensen (DEN), Fiona Howard (USA) and Georgia Wilson (GBR), Individual Podium - Grade II at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. © FEI/Liz Gregg Team USA enjoyed a superb opening day of Para Dressage action at Paris 2024 with two golds and a silver in the first three Individual medal events at Château de Versailles. Rebecca Hart on Floratina (Grade III) and Fiona...

Section Key Points Understanding the Stubben Equisoft Girth Breathability and Flexibility: Allows the horse to breathe and move freely. Comfort: Designed for horse's comfort. Ease of Use: Easy to secure. Tips for Proper Use Proper Adjustment: Ensure girth is not too tight. Avoid Over-Tightening: Can cause discomfort or injury. Regular Inspection: Check for wear and damage. Benefits for Your Horse Reduced Pressure: Less pressure on horse's chest. Improved Movement: Promotes better breathing and movement. Prevention of Girth Rubs: Proper adjustment prevents rubs. Understanding the Importance of Comfort in Horse Riding Comfort impacts performance and health. Practical Advice for Riders Choosing the Right Size: Measure accurately. Caring for Your Girth: Regular cleaning and inspection. Real-World Experiences Riders report improved horse comfort and performance. Conclusion Stubben Equisoft Girth enhances horse comfort and performance. Follow tips to ensure optimal use. How to Ensure Your Horse's Comfort: Tips and Insights on Using the Stubben Equisoft Girth Ensuring your horse's comfort is paramount for their well-being and performance. One crucial piece of equipment that can significantly impact your horse's comfort is the saddle girth. The Stubben Equisoft Girth is a highly regarded option, known for its innovative design and comfort-enhancing features. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of using the Stubben Equisoft Girth, providing you with valuable tips and insights to maximize your horse's comfort. Understanding the Stubben Equisoft Girth The Stubben Equisoft Girth is designed with the horse's comfort in mind. Here are some key features that make it stand out: Breathability and Flexibility: The girth allows the horse to breathe and move freely, thanks to its unique design that gives in all directions, markedly reducing tension. Comfort: It is very comfortable for the horse, which is a testament to its thoughtful construction. Ease of Use: The girth is easy to secure, making it a practical choice for riders. Tips for Proper Use Proper Adjustment The girth should be adjusted so that it does not constrict the horse. When properly adjusted, it should not cause girth rubs or discomfort. Check the tightness against the sternum to ensure it is not too tight. The sides of the girth have a gap effect, which might make it look loose, but this is part of its design to allow for movement and comfort. Avoid Over-Tightening Over-tightening the girth can lead to discomfort and even injury to the horse. Always ensure that the girth is snug but not constricting. Regular Inspection Regularly inspect the girth for any signs of wear or damage. This will help maintain the girth's effectiveness and ensure your horse's continued comfort. Benefits for Your Horse Using the Stubben Equisoft Girth can have several benefits for your horse: Reduced Pressure: The girth's ability to give in all directions reduces pressure on the horse's chest, making it more comfortable during rides. Improved Movement: By allowing the horse to breathe and move freely, the girth promotes better movement and performance. Prevention of Girth Rubs: Proper adjustment and the girth's design help prevent girth rubs, which can be painful for the horse. Understanding the Importance of Comfort in Horse Riding Ensuring your horse's comfort is not just about kindness; it's about performance and health too. A comfortable horse is more likely to perform better and avoid injuries. Investing in the right equipment, like the Stubben Equisoft Girth, is an essential step towards achieving this. Practical Advice for Riders Choosing the Right Size When selecting a girth, it's important to choose the right size. Measure your horse carefully and consult size charts to ensure a perfect fit. An ill-fitting girth can cause significant discomfort and negatively impact your horse's performance. Caring for Your Girth Proper maintenance of your girth will extend its lifespan and keep it in top working condition. Regularly clean the girth and check for any signs of wear and tear. Replace it as necessary to ensure your horse continues to be comfortable. Real-World Experiences Many riders have reported significant improvements in their horse's comfort and performance after switching to the Stubben Equisoft Girth. These anecdotal experiences highlight the importance of investing in high-quality equipment for your horse. Case Study: Improved Performance One rider switched to the Stubben Equisoft Girth and noticed an immediate difference in their horse's performance. The horse seemed more relaxed and willing to move freely, leading to better overall results in competitions. Additional Resources For those interested in further improving their horse's comfort, there are many additional products and resources available: Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Horse Treats And Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Horse Fly Protection Conclusion The Stubben Equisoft Girth is a valuable investment for any horse owner looking to enhance their horse's comfort. By understanding its features and following the tips for proper use, you can ensure that your horse remains comfortable and performs at its best. For more information, you can check out the following resources: Stubben Equisoft Girth Review Equisoft Girth Instructions Stubben Equisoft Girth on SmartPak Equine