The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has announced the first finalists of its trade awards, the winners of which will be announced at the BETA Gala Dinner at Wroxall Abbey Hotel on 22 September.The finalists have been revealed for the Equine Fitters Council Equine Fitter of the Year, Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year, BETA Safety Equipment Fitter of the Year, Weatherbeeta Retail Employee of the Year, Holdsworth PR Marketing Effectiveness Award, GBH Exhibition Forwarding Export Award, and Citation Trade Supplier of the Year categories.Were delighted to announce the first set of finalists for the 2024 BETAs, said Claire Williams of BETA. The quality, and quantity, of this years entries have blown us away. We pride ourselves on the quality of our judging process at every stage, but this year I know how tough its been for our independent panel as the nominations have been incredible. Were thrilled for all the finalists, and we cant wait to see whos crowned the winner at the Gala Dinner on 22 September!The first finalists are as follows:Equine Fitters Council Equine Fitter of the Year:Vicki Delasalle Delasalle SaddlerySteph Bradley Freedom SaddleryLeighton Norris Leighton Norris SaddleryPhil Lowe Midland Performance SaddlesSophie Sperling Sperling SaddlesEquine Careers Sales Representative of the Year:Catherine Powell CEP, Shaws Equestrian, Flex On, Pikeur, Racesafe, EquicoatMarcia Thompson Equine Products UK LtdClaire Bibby NAFCatherine Gibbs NAFClaire Ellam Radiance Gold EquineEmily Welch Shires EquestrianBETA Safety Equipment Fitter of the Year:Matthew Severn Manor EquestrianArlyne Peaker RB EquestrianJasmine Harewood RB EquestrianLindsay Redfern Riseholme FeedsEmma Butt Romsey SaddleryAnnette Vant Saddlesdane Equestrian SuppliesWeatherbeeta Retail Employee of the Year:Elliott Charlesworth Lillicos Country StoreCallum Goodhall Manor EquestrianAbigail Einzig Stroud Farm Services LtdTessa Groocock Tower Farm SaddlersHoldsworth PR Marketing Effectiveness Award:Baileys Horse FeedsEquine Resources IndonesiaEquine Show 247The GPC & AgriaSaracen Horse FeedsGBH Exhibition Forwarding Export Award:Carr & Day & MartinEquine Products UK LtdSaracen Horse Feeds LtdCitation Trade Supplier of the Year:Hucklesby Associates LtdBliss of LondonThe finalists for the three Zebra Products Retailer of the Year categories (online, new, store), and STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year will be revealed in due course.For more information on the BETAs and the Gala Dinner, click here.Further readingThe eight things companies look for when choosing a brand ambassadorNew platform promises to clean up equestrian industryBuying an equestrian property? Important things to consider firstThe post First finalists announced for the British Equestrian Trade Awards 2024 appeared first on Your Horse.

Tip Key Points 1. Choose the Right Show Select a starter show with your instructor's guidance. Local shows are often more affordable and less intimidating. 2. Understand the Show Schedule Obtain the showbill or schedule to plan your day effectively, avoiding last-minute rushes. 3. Know Your Courses or Patterns Familiarize yourself with the courses or patterns to reduce preparation time at the show. 4. Health and Nutrition Maintain a balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and a tailored exercise program for your pony. 5. Grooming for Success Establish a grooming routine well in advance, including bath, mane and tail care, and clipping if necessary. 6. Desensitization Is Key Desensitize your pony to show-like noises and audiences to ensure calmness during the event. 7. Dress Rehearsal Conduct practice sessions with the actual gear and attire to ensure comfort and familiarity. 8. Trial Run Attend a low-key event or open showground as a trial run to gauge your pony's reaction. 9. Preparation the Day Before Prepare paperwork, pack hay and water, and bring electrolytes to avoid last-minute issues. 10. Show Day Routine Arrive early to acclimate your pony and maintain a calm and positive demeanor. 11. Show Attire Ensure you and your pony are appropriately dressed for the show, following guidelines for riders 12 and under. Essential Tips for Successfully Preparing Your Pony for Its First Showing Show Preparing your pony for its first showing event is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and anticipation. However, it also requires meticulous planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful experience for both you and your pony. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare, drawing from expert advice and reliable sources. 1. Choose the Right Show Before diving into the preparation process, it's crucial to select a show that is suitable for you and your pony. Consult with your instructor to find a starter show where you can feel comfortable and receive guidance. Local shows are often a good starting point, as they can be more affordable and less intimidating. 2. Understand the Show Schedule Having a copy of the showbill or schedule is vital for planning your day. This document will inform you about the timing of classes, lunch breaks, and arena drag breaks. Knowing the schedule helps you prepare better and avoid last-minute rushes. 3. Know Your Courses or Patterns Familiarize yourself with the courses or patterns you will be riding. Many shows release these details ahead of time, allowing you to practice at home. This preparation reduces the time spent setting up and practicing at the show, enabling you to focus more on getting ready to compete. 4. Health and Nutrition Ensure your pony is in top physical condition. A balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and a tailored exercise program are essential. Monitor your pony's weight, coat condition, and energy levels, making adjustments as necessary. 5. Grooming for Success A well-groomed pony not only looks great but also reflects your care for its well-being. Start a grooming routine well in advance, including baths, mane and tail care, and clipping if necessary. This helps your pony get accustomed to being handled in different ways. Detailed Grooming Tips: Bathing: Give your pony a thorough bath the night before the show, or at least wash its legs, mane, and tail if a full bath is not feasible. Mane and Tail: Clean and braid your pony's mane the night before to save time on show day. Use a detangler to comb out the tail, starting from the bottom. Clipping: Clip your pony's face and legs if required, but ensure this is done in a way that does not alter its natural appearance. 6. Desensitization Is Key Desensitize your pony to potential distractions such as show-like noises and having an audience during training sessions. This helps your pony remain focused and calm in the show environment. 7. Dress Rehearsal Practice with the actual gear and attire you and your pony will wear on show day. This includes saddles, bridles, and any show-specific decorations or attire. Ensure your pony is comfortable and familiar with all equipment. 8. Trial Run If possible, attend a low-key event or an open showground as a trial run. This experience can provide valuable insights into how your pony reacts to a show-like atmosphere and what areas might need more attention. 9. Preparation the Day Before Avoid last-minute rushes by preparing as much as possible the day before the show. This includes: Paperwork: Ensure all necessary paperwork, such as membership cards, Coggins papers, and health certificates, is in order. Hay and Water: Pack enough hay and water for the day, and consider using hay bags to keep your pony occupied at the trailer. Electrolytes: Bring electrolytes to keep your pony hydrated throughout the day. 10. Show Day Routine Arrive early to allow your pony to acclimate to the show environment. Keep your routine as normal as possible to avoid adding stress. Remember, your pony can pick up on your emotions, so stay calm and positive. Final Touches: Grooming: Groom your pony thoroughly from head to toe on show day. Use corn starch or baby powder to dust white socks for an extra-white gleam. Tack: Clean all tack with leather soap followed by oil or conditioner. Attire: Get dressed in your clean show clothes, and carefully bridle your pony before mounting from a block. 11. Show Attire Ensure you and your pony are dressed appropriately for the show. For riders 12 years old and younger, typical attire includes tan jodhpurs, a white collared show shirt, a dark navy or black coat, and clean paddock boots. For more information, visit our Jodhpur Collection. Conclusion Preparing your pony for its first showing event requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on both physical and mental readiness. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both you and your pony. Don't forget to check out our offerings in Horse Riding Boots, Horse Riding Gloves, and other equestrian essentials. References: FEI. (2019, May 21). 5 Tips to Help Your First Horse Show Go Smoothly. The Plaid Horse. (2018, March 28). New Pony Parent Horse Show Guide Part II: Prep and Attire. Equus Magazine. (2024, May 14). 5 Tips to Prepare for Your First Horse Show. PPHorse. (2024, March 15). Top Tips for Preparing Your Horse for Its First Show. Young Rider Magazine. (2023, January 16). Prepare for Your First Horse Show.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, has today been announced as an Official Ambassador of the 2024 edition of London International Horse Show, which this year runs from 18 – 22 December at ExCeL London. The British Show Jumper, who is currently ranked World No.2, was part of this summer’s gold medal winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games aboard his stunning...

Everest La Majorie, who will be competing at the FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier (FRA) this week. Photo courtesy of Haras de la Majorie. Haras de la Majorie has been thrust into the global spotlight thanks to the achievements of their gelding, Darco la Majorie (by Baltik des Ors), who won individual gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb (2022). Among the final...

It is very easy to provide a horse with a cafeteria style diet, which is an effective way of providing a healthy diet that fulfils their behavioural and health needs.Given that horses are designed to eat little and often, day and night, modern-day practices with horses stabled for longperiods means we struggle toprovide this sort of natural diet.Going too long between meals can trigger a whole host of health and behavioural problems, including boredom, stable vices and gastric ulcers. According to independent equine nutritionist Nikki Meggison, a cafeteria diet is the ideal solution.Cafeteria feeding isnt complicated, she states. Its basically providing your horse with a selection of forage feeds to pick at, giving them some control over what they eat and when.The following video explains how easy it is to tweak your horses management to provide a cafeteria diet:Big benefits of a cafeteria dietFor horses that are stabled, particularly for long periods like overnight, a cafeteria diet helps to enrich their surroundings by encouraging natural foraging. Here are a few ways you can implement it:Change their forageSplit hay into two or three haynets and hang them in different places around the stable, as well as some loose on the floor.Not only does this help to satisfy your horses natural instincts, it extends their forage eating time as theyll be moving around while they eat and thats what theyre designed to do, explains Nikki Meggison.A cafeteria diet also helps the horses digestive system to work as it should. Bear in mind that equines need to eat for between 16 and 20 hours a day, but many currently dont.Feeding in harmony with your horses digestive system and ensuring fibre requirements are met can control, prevent and cure many dietary diseases, including colic and gastric ulcers, says Nikki.Feed fruit and vegFeeding succulents, such as carrots, apples, turnips, beets and soaked sugar beet, is good practice because they have a high water content. This means they add hydration into your horses diet.Succulents also boost the appetite of fussy eaters or those recovering from illness, adds Nikki. Dont overdo it and cut them into a size and shape your horse can tackle easily, then hide them in their hay for them to find.Making a vegetable kebab is another good way to feed succulents when you are cafeteria feeding. Horses and ponies love them. Veggie kebabs help to keep your horse occupied, so theyre particularly useful if they have to spend a lot of time stabled.Look for added extrasProcessed forages such as dried grass, alfalfa chops or soaked pellets can be used for those horses with reduced chewing ability or to add interest, advises Nikki.A snack ball with high-fibre nuts will keep them eating for longer, so thats a great addition to their routine too.How to prevent overfeedingAs long as you weigh everything out and use appropriate forages to suit your horses body condition, workload and temperament, you should have no problem with overfeeding when providing a cafeteria diet, says Nikki.Feed according to your horses weight, condition, age, workload and time of year, and account for any health issues.Remember to make any changes to your horses diet gradually to minimise disruption to the bacteria in the hindgut and to ensure they have time to adjust to the change in feed. This helps to prevent serious health problems, like colic.Main image copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHow to identify and prevent colicWhy every horse will benefit from eating a soaked feedIs there such a thing as cheap horse feed?Choke in horses explained13 signs your horse is happyThe post The role of cafeteria style feeding in a horses diet *VIDEO* appeared first on Your Horse.

The first qualifier for the 2024 Foal Championship took place in JAG EC, Co Kildare on Tuesday 3rd September. There were 31 entries in total; 19 fillies and 11 colts. Of these 31 entries, 11 took part in the Pony sections of Pony Eventing (5) and Pony Showjumping (6), and 20 took part in the horse sections, Horse Eventing (9) and Horse Eventing (11). Full results can be read below. The Foal Championship aims to identify, evaluate, and reward breeders who have bred a foal that has the potential to be competitive at the highest level in the disciplines of Show Jumping or Eventing. This fantastic initiative is funded under National Breeding Services, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland. The Foal Championship is open to all studbooks and the next qualifier will take place in Kernans EC, Co Armagh on Tuesday []

It's Day One of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024... THURSDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS Action starts with Dressage in the Main Arena from 9:15am  Catch top tips from Henrietta Knight and William and Alice Fox-Pitt in the Main Arena Masterclasses  The LeMieux Pony Club Jumping runs from 9am in the House Arena DON'T MISS TODAY'S MAIN ARENA MASTERCLASSES Today's...

A confident cross-country horse needs to have a range canters and gallops that you can use during your round or schooling session. These are key to speed, safety and having a smooth ride so that you can meet each fence at an appropriate pace, which in turn will help you both have a confident round.Top eventing coach Caroline Moore recommends that a horse has five gears for their rider to choose from in order to have a successful cross-country ride. With correct and clever use of these gears, you will be able to complete a course clear and within the optimum time.A horse who is listening to you and responsive to your aids rather than pulling or being so keen that they are reluctant to slow down will give you a smoother ride. They will be quicker too, even if they dont have as fast a top speed as other horses, as they dont waste time changing between their gears and setting up for each fence.First cross-country gearTrotWhat it is:Youll rarely use this gear; its reserved for specific jumping efforts or for when the horse is unsure, explains Caroline.When to use it: jumping off a big step, or over a ditch or into water with a young horse.How to ride it: Have the horse between your leg and hand, with your leg aids encouraging them to be well connected into the rein.Second cross-country gearCoffin canterWhat it is:This is the shortest canter, which is high-powered with a short base, says Caroline.When to use it: any cross-country fences with a surprise on landing (such as a coffin), and anything especially upright, such as a gate.How to ride it:Tighten your core and shift your balance back to encourage the horses shoulder up, advises Caroline. Youll feel the power coming from their hindlegs, but dont allow it to escape out the front. Keep their frame short and the neck soft.Third cross-country gearRelated distance canterWhat it is: Think of this as being a big showjumping canter combining a high degree of power and control with a more positive stride, advises Caroline.When to use it: upright fences, skinnies and related distancesHow to ride it: Maintain power in the horses hindquarters and shoulder control, but allow your horses frame to lengthen into a more purposeful stride.Fourth cross-country gearGallopWhat it is: This is a ground-covering pace for wide, single soft profile fences and sub-optimal ground conditions, says Caroline.When to use it: logs, rolltops, hedges and deep or ridgey groundHow to ride it: The rider should be in a light seat, with secure lower leg and a rein contact youre happy to jump from. Allow your horse to come in front of the vertical as they lengthen their body and gait.Fifth cross-country gearTop speedWhat it is: Top speed is your fastest pace on course to help you make up time and avoid penalties. Youll be doing this between fences that are spaced well apart, states Caroline.When to use it: in between cross-country fencesHow to ride it: When travelling at your horses top speed, you should be in a two-point seat with your leg secure, following the horses stretched neck with your hand.Caroline Moore coaches some of eventings brightest stars; she has produced and competed up to 5* level, and co-owned Allstar B, who carried Ros Canter to gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games.Main image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post Five gears a cross-country horse needs to have appeared first on Your Horse.

Carbery Estate Chino of Tor Van Den Berge (AUS) looks at the groom before the vet check at the FEI  Driving World Championship Four-in-Hand in Szilvásvárad (HUN) © FEI/Martin Dokoupil Sunshine in Szilvásvárad for first horse inspection Nestled in a valley in the forests of the Bükk Mountains, the State Stud Farm and competition centre dominate the...