Ocala, FL Sunday, September 8 brought top-tier action to World Equestrian Center Ocala for The Championship Show 2024. Todays featured classes highlighted the $35,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Trail & $3,000 Limited Rider Bonuses. The $35,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Trail featured a competitive field of top horse-and-rider teams, with ten entries taking on a technical pattern designed by Tim Kimura. In the end, StillRockinTheHouse, ridden by[...]Read MoreThe post The Championship Show 2024; Sunday, September 8, 2024 Featured Class Highlights appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Could it be argued that todays Defender Burghley showjumping track was built on the softer side? Absolutely it certainly walked as a much different type of track than the enormously influential one we saw at Badminton this spring, and the word on the street is that the course designer made his final plans for it factoring in the heavy rainfall we experienced overnight and into this morning. A fair call, and the right call, considering the major challenge horses faced yesterday over Burghleys hills and dales but when the sun decided to make an appearance mid-morning, it did so with surprising ferocity, and the impact of all that water on the ground ultimately ended up marginal.But could it also be argued that even with a much tougher showjumping track, or a bog of an arena to jump in, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo would still have triumphed. Also yes, and emphatically so. They did just that at Badminton last year, after all, and weve yet to find the kind of conditions that put rangy Walter off and as the reigning European Champion, an Olympic team gold medallist, and a Badminton champion, he was already tipped as the ultimate event horse long before his name even appeared on this entry list.And now, frankly, its confirmed. Its been a long time since we started referring to eventing as being a two-prong sport these days, there are championship horses and championship tracks, with their own unique pathways that look quite different to those for traditional horses over traditional five-star tracks. For many horses, its one or the other. When you find a horse who can do both, and make it all look laughably easy, you know youve found one thatll be talked about long after his final run.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.For our newly-crowned Defender Burghley champions, that final run looks a very long way away indeed: despite all his extraordinary accolades, Walter is still just twelve years old, and Ros, at 38, isnt even a decade into her five-star career. It was here, in 2015, that she made her debut at the level, finishing 37th with Allstar B and fulfilling a lifelong dream of riding around her most local major event an event she and her friends in the South Wold Hunt North Pony Club would come to spectate at every year, and a venue at which she, in those heady Pony Club days, would come to compete in rallies held in the back fields. Shes been back several times since, coming close to, but never cracking, the top ten. This week, she and Michele and Archie Sauls horse of a lifetime came with one mission in mind: to finally tick the box. They did so, delivering a clear round with just 1.6 penalties, despite having a much broader margin of 7.5 penalties a rail and time to play with. In adding that 1.6 time penalties to their faultless cross-country round and their 22 dressage score, they not only won, but also set a new record low finishing score for the event.Its just amazing, really, I think. Ive just had a text message from my two best friends from my Pony Club days saying, I cant believe you just won the event that we came to every year together as children, says Ros. And that sums it up, really its something that weve worked on for years, and I wasnt sure Id ever tick the Burghley box. You know, the last few performances, theyve been all right, but Ive not quite made it. So just turns out you need a horse like Walter, dont you?Its Walters world. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.I grew up coming here pretty much every year, she continues. And then, my riding career started in Burghley Pony Club show jumping. I moved on to the Young Event Horse classes, which I did for many years, and I actually thought [that] might be my pinnacle for a bit. And then it was my first five-star. So its been quite a journey at Burghley. If I wasnt competing, I would still come: I love the place, and I havent had much of a chance to kind of wander around much this week, but on Thursday morning, I wanted to go up to the dressage and just have a look at the arena and make sure I knew where I was going. And I wandered up through the trade stands before everything opened up, and I thought, theres just something magical about this place. Its got this kind of calm feeling about it, but it has the buzz and the excitement as well. Theres nowhere else like it.Theres no horse quite like Walter, either. Their 2024 was framed wholly around the Paris Olympics, which ran early enough in late July to allow for some time to recover and go again in this early autumn season, and as they were held as a ten-minute four-star on flat ground, Walter came home feeling particularly well in himself.It was just such an amazing opportunity, with Paris being quite early, to be able to bring Walter here, says Ros. If there was ever an event horse and an event that could match each other, I think this is it with Walter and Burghley. It definitely it was a box I felt I hadnt really got quite right yet Ive had a few runs around here on a couple of different horses, the first two with Allstar B, when I hadnt quite found my way and hadnt quite found my system. And he was amazing, and I gained lots of experience, but I never really got the opportunity to have another go on him and show what he could do. So it was just fantastic to be able to bring a horse that I had such faith in, and to really let rip on the Burghley terrain.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.In that interim period between Paris and Burghley, Ros had a few lightbulb moments while sharpening up the areas in her performance that she felt could improve. Key among those? Marginal improvements to the geldings straightness, which led to major gains in the ring.With only a couple of weeks preparation, I suppose, after Paris, I was really happy with everything I achieved in a couple of weeks running up to Burghley, she says. I felt like I made a few key changes to the way I was riding Walter, and it made quite a big difference to the way he was going. So I came in here quite excited to be able to put that into practice and see how it made a difference to his dressage and I was really delighted with how the week started. And then it just continued from there, really. I was quite determined to be really positive this week. I wanted to enjoy it as well. Ive got my family here and things like that, and I wanted to be really focused when I needed to be and have a bit of downtime too. Sometimes I can get a little bit I struggle to enjoy things, because I feel like I ought to be working harder than everybody else and thinking more than everyone else. And this week, I felt like I got the balance right.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.In taking this exceptional win, atop the best Burghley field weve seen perhaps ever, Ros also closed the book on a couple of tough nearly moments that affected her more than shed expected, including that contentious 15 penalties for a flag at the Olympics, and the shock loss of Luhmhlen in the final phase in June.It means an awful lot. And I think when I went to Luhmhlen this year [with Izilot DHI], I went from being fairly comfortably in the lead to finishing fourth, and it really struck me then that actually it did mean a lot to me, she says. I was bitterly disappointed with that, and I maybe hadnt realized quite how much it all still meant to me. And so doing Paris Paris was amazing, and I feel so grateful to have won the gold medal, but obviously it came with its ups and downs. There were lots of challenges to overcome, so whilst I was there, it wasnt all this is great andpositive, positive. So to be able to come here, I feel like what happened at Luhmhlen, what happened in Paris, its just kind of built up for me to be able to learn from those things and to bring my best performance here, and then, of course, to be able to do it with Lordships Graffalo makes my job a whole lot easier.Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.One of the banner moments of the day was the very nearly foot perfect showjumping round delivered by Tim Price and Vitali, who lost the win here last year when tipping three rails, and who, in five previous five-stars and the Tokyo Olympics, had never had fewer rails than that on the final day.But today, after so much patience, and so much tact, and so much commitment to a horse who wants to do everything right, it just about came off, and Tim and Vitali tipped just one rail to retain their runner-up place.He just was with me, and I think its physical and mental with him, and I know hes got the ability, says Tim. So I just had him in a nice way where he was listening to me, and its always that [youve] just got to keep tweaking and fiddling and have 100 attempts, like Ive had, to finally get somewhere close to a clear round. So Im really happy.One of the most promising moments in the round came when Vitali kept his confidence after a bit of a change of plan mid-course.I was happy because I hooked and changed my mind a little bit down to number seven after the four stride line. And I thought, shit, if I have a rail now, then weve got quite a lot more jumps to jump, and its kind of my fault that then hell throw his cards to one side and march out of the room, says Tim. Its so hard because hes a trivial horse, and its my job just to try and ride him like a normal horse and have him behave like a normal horse. So that was my task today: have him relax, him with me, and jump each fence as it came along.One of the things thats probably been the most frustrating about Vitali is his evident talent for this phase and in one-day events, hes a frequent clear-round flyer.Hes actually jumped clear rounds all year, except for Badminton. So he is actually a good jumper, which is probably a weird thing to say for a horse thats had probably 48 rails in the last couple of years! Its just when you switch the cross country [to the day before], and the atmosphere, I think are the two big things, says Tim. So its just been a matter of trying to have him with me and a little bit more think of dressage like, I probably did six flying changes in there when I went in today, which is a bit weird. Its like youre showing off, but its just to check hes on the aids, because he cocks his jaw, looks at the crowd, and then I ask for a change, and hes like, Oh yeah, I do those. And then he looks over there, and I do a wee change. And it just keeps him a little bit more the way that he can do what he does on the dressage. Its just, I think, to keep him with me, and then for me to try to not ride him in some crazy, random way to the magical clear round. I just try to ride him really normal.And, he continues, its also about forgetting the disappointments of the past and trying to hope again each time.Youve got to put all that to one side and just stick to trying to reinvent the wheel each time and figure out, because I believe in the horse, and hes an athlete, hes a great jumper. But to actually find the key to his long format show jumping issues has been a long and enduring task, and so Im just thrilled that I think Im on a page with him now that I think not only was great for today to keep me in the mix, but also for the future with this horse. Its one thing putting a great score on the board in the phase A, but you need to be able to go and do what he does cross country, which maybe is shadowed by his great performances in the dressage and not-so-great performances in the show jumping. Im looking forward to hopefully being in the mix in the future a few more times, and hopefully sitting where Ros is sitting a couple of times, maybe. But Im just so super happy today, for him, his connections, his owner, and weve all tried so hard today was a good day that I think will go down in my books as one of my greatest days in the sport.Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Split as it is into two halves, the final day at Burghley is often actually one that affords a bit of time to relax and process it all. Not so for Harry Meade, though, who had three horses here this week, and piloted all three of them to competitive placings yesterday, which meant that in order to give him enough time to adequately prepare each of them he had to jump his fifteenth-placed Superstition out of order in this mornings session.But what a walk in the park he made it all look: they delivered one of the three clears inside the time in that section to move the smart gelding up into an eventual twelfth place, and when he returned to pilot his two top-ten rides, Cavalier Crystal and Annaghmore Valoner, this afternoon, he did so again with the former. The latter, making her debut at five-star after winning Bramham CCI4*-L this summer, tipped just one rail, giving the two mares a swap-around in the rankings, and ultimately putting Cavalier Crystal into third place and Annaghmore Valoner into fourth.Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.For me, its been a bit of a whirlwind week, just trying to stay at the moment the whole time, and give every horse the best opportunity in every phase, and do them justice, says Harry, who was one of just two riders to finish on his dressage score today, with Cavalier Crystal. And I hopefully did that. I think with all three horses, it was a great outcome. Theyll all go home better horses than they arrived here, and [Im] really happy. Cavalier Crystals hopefully cemented her place as not just a sort of anomaly, but Annaghmore Valoner was my wildcard coming here, and for her to pull out that kind of performance was really exciting. Hopefully shes got bigger things in her.There is, of course, nothing thats an anomaly about Harrys extraordinary efforts this week with three very different horses.I grew up as a little boy wanting to do the sport, and its really simple: I wanted to ride at the big events, and that includes Burghley. Its been a long, long project to try and produce horses that are happy and confident and resilient and able to not just flourish, but really flourish when the conditions at their absolute worst. [Martyn Johnson, Burghley director] said it was perfect weather, and I thought it was totally imperfect weather, he laughs. I was hoping we were going to have really heavy rain and make everything even tougher, but to produce horses that can come to the fore around a cause like Burghley is what Ive tried to dedicate my life doing, and in a way, Ive got a wonderful team behind me that weve now got multiple horses at that level. Its what keeps me going every day of the year, and I just really hope to one day be sitting where Ros is sitting.Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Fifth place was well-earned by 2022 runners-up Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift, who jumped an effective clear inside the time to move up three places in the final standings.I mean, I keep saying it all week, but he just delivers every single time, doesnt he? says Tom. [It] probably wasnt my most perfect round, but he just jumped his socks off in there, and just tries so hard in every single phase. I couldnt be prouder of him. Another five-star, another top ten result with him, so what more can I ask for? He definitely deserves a holiday, and then well make a plan [for what comes next] after that.Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Frances strong initial line-up of four competitors thinned to just two yesterday, but the two still in the hunt made sure to give the tricolore its share of the glory: British-based Gaspard Maksud completed his Burghley debut with a one-rail round aboard his World and European Championships mount Zaragoza, earning them a final sixth place, and championship stalwarts Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC finished seventh in their own debut after adding nothing in the ring.I just added to come to the first fence, and I lost the power and then that will happen. Its totally my fault, says Gaspard, who finished sixth with the then-nine-year-old mare at the 2022 World Championships, but hadnt ticked the five-star box yet. They made their debut at the level at Pau last year, but a fall in the water on cross-country meant the week would be an educational one, rather than a competitive one. This week, though, theyve made up for that abortive start and proved themselves as fierce competitors after being left off the French Olympic team with a very competitive first-phase score of 26.8, just 3.6 time penalties across the country yesterday, and todays one-rail final round.I had a fence down, but its totally my fault. Im really happy with the horse; its another day we are both learning, its a first five star completion for the both of us, and we finish on a score of 34, says Gaspard. I mean, wed have signed for that before coming here! So, you know, Im very chuffed with her. This ones on me I let her down [with the rail], but she was class.Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Nicolas Touzaints Absolut Gold HDC has been such a mainstay of the French team at championships in recent years, including as part of the bronze medal-winning line-ups at the Tokyo Olympics and last years European Championships, and so its almost hard to believe that the fourteen-year-old hadnt yet done a five-star before this week. It was even harder to believe when watching his prowess across the country yesterday on Derek di Grazias tough track, and today, his fluid, fresh, and faultless showjumping round sealed the deal that hes a horse who can do it all.This is an extraordinary horse, and everything went very well today, says Nicolas, whos produced the gelding from two-star up. I know him by heart. He jumped very well outside and then in the arena, he was really focused. I had the feeling that if I didnt make any mistakes, he wouldnt either. Everything was with us the horse was calm, was concentrated. Im over the moon.Alex Bragg and Quindiva. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Alex Bragg combines being a top-level event rider with farriery, and so it was a cruel irony that his showjumping preparation with the smart Quindiva was very nearly wholly derailed by a last-minute issue with the mares shoes.The ground in the warm-up is a bit deeper than in the ring, and I was panicking because I have these aluminum front shoes on her, and the stud holes went and we couldnt get studs in, he says. So all this was going on the last few minutes before we go in. Nobody sees that in the stands, but its quite stressful outside, and going in knowing that your horses front feet are going to move when she goes to plant in the ground to take off. I felt like I supported in the rein when I wanted to, but [was] desperately just trying to control her front end. With some horses, that will upset the jump and close the back end down but shes so phenomenal and she just pushed and tried. And it just shows how talented she is that even a bit under the [pressure] there, she did fantastic. Shes been great all weekend.[The aluminum shoes are] something weve done with her at five-star because of the distance, to try and make life a little easier for her, he continues. So she only goes into those for this moment. The rest of the time shes in steel shoes, because aluminum is much softer. Its not so great for their feet to live in those, so you want them in them for a purpose, and thats the purpose really just because its less weight on the end of the leg, which you hope is going to cause less fatigue and also less risk of the leg swinging and injury. But obviously to every pro, theres always a con, and this sometimes arises. Its not what you want, but it happens, and it was pretty stressful. [Its] tough for the team, because everybodys panicking a little bit, and then you just have to make this decision like, it is what it is, youve just got to go in and cover it up. Itd be so awful if you felt the horse slip and have a rail because of that, but she didnt. She did that so we can all breathe a sigh relief and, you know, thank God for her, eh?The pair delivered a clear round inside the time, allowing them to finish on their first-phase score of 35.1 the only combination other than Harry and Cavalier Crystal to do so.Not many people have ever done that around Burghley, so Im so proud that we can add ourselves to that list, says Alex, who took eighth place an accolade that follows the pairs third-place finish at Badminton.Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Gemma Stevens was one of our most joyous finishers on cross-country yesterday, when she whooped her way through the flags after a speedy clear aboard Bicton CCI5* winner Chilli Knight and today, she was more quietly pleased with her final round, which saw the pair add just one rail and drop from sixth to ninth.Im absolutely thrilled with the horse, not cross with him at all. He just made one mistake, annoyingly, says Gemma, who also showjumps at top level. He just came down too early on an oxer and actually touched it in front, which is a weird mistake for him to make, and actually unusual for him, but it is what it is theyre horses, at the end of the day, and he galloped beautifully around across country yesterday.The ground, she continues, was actually pretty soft in there. And actually just a little bit, I think he was just a little bit feeling the softness of the ground. He probably wouldnt love that jumping in that in there but he tried his little heart out, and Im thrilled with him. Yes, Im gutted, for me, because it means Ive lost out on a top five placing, but still top ten and a sound horse, a happy horse, and his owners are really happy. Were all really proud of the horse.Alice Casburn and Topspin. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.22-year-old Alice Casburn rounded out the top ten with her sixteen-year-old homebred Topspin, whose dam and granddam were evented by Alices mother, Caroline. Since partnering with the rangy gelding in her teens, Alice has logged plenty of mileage in the jumping ring including the odd puissance class for fun as well as in eventing, and so they can ordinarily be counted upon to deliver the goods on the final day.And deliver they did: their clear inside the time, and their scant 1.6 time penalties yesterday, were combined with their first-phase score of 36.6 to give them their third Burghley top-ten finish, and a three-phase climb from 48th place.Hes absolutely incredible. I sort of came out today, and I thought, all three, clear rounds in a row, thats a rather big ask, laughs Alice. And actually, he never jumps very well in the warm-up. So its always quite frightening for me, because every single time I jump in the warm-up and he goes, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, and I think, oh, here we go. And every single time he goes in there, he absolutely lights up. He loves his job, and he was phenomenal today.Its a brilliant return to form for the pair, whove been exceptional at this top level but had a couple of surprise 20 penalties on their form sheet earlier this year at both Burnham Market CCI4*-S and Badminton. For Alice, this year has been about re-finding their mojo.I think its different things for him and I. So for me, it was finding another goal to keep myself motivated. I said to mum, itd be really easy to go home and say, Oh, well, you know, Badminton didnt happen, so Ill wait till Burghley, but obviously Burghley is such a long way away, says Alice. So even if I create a goal with a younger horse, just to keep myself productive and stuff like that. And for him, I think its just because he came out so excited at Badminton, like he was [yesterday], and I wasnt really used to it, and we just sort of went back to basics at home. I did a lot of show jumping, anything to sort of build confidence, really. It was never a matter of, did he love it? But, you know, I think its very difficult, because when he reached 16 this year, I thought, Oh, is this his sign that actually its a little bit too much for him? And then I thought, No, its not. He just got overexcited. And I think sometimes you can get really destructive [in your thinking], so I think its a matter of also, you know, looking at a record and looking at your horse and making sure that actually youre making decisions, not just based on how you feel, but factually.Cosby Green and Copper Beach finished their week as the highest-placed of our US contingent, knocking just one rail in an otherwise classy round to take 16th and complete their three-phase climb from 26th.Im really happy with that. Its a bit of an improvement from last time, and he really was trying for me out there. So Im really, really pleased with him, says Cosby, who finished 31st at Badminton after a tough day saw them add 28 penalties in the final phase.Of her Burghley campaign, Cosby admits that she wasnt sure that it would actually happen.I wasnt sure if I was going to be here a couple months ago, and he just proved me wrong. So Im really happy. I think it was the Sunday of Badminton, Jonelle [Price] said were going to Burghley. And I was pretty convinced he was going to retire after that. So Jonelle has been having me prepare him for Burghley this whole time. And Id say Ive just been in denial about it, because in what world would an 18 year old do a third consecutive five-star? I thought, well see when we get there. And I was preparing him, but myself mentally, I was not completely prepared to be here. But hes been steady Eddie on the prep, and its gone according to plan.About a week ago, when I had my last jump on him, and I was like, wow, hes ready.A new addition to their tack locker also played a role in the great result.This was my third time jumping him in [a hackamore] ever in having him four years, says Cosby. And it worked out! I wasnt sure how it was going to go, but he seemed to like it, so I think we might do that again next time. He just wasnt responding positively enough in the bit, and he just kind of kept coming inverted, and especially at Badminton, I kept pulling and nothing was happening. So just tried a bit of a different approach, and especially after a hard day of cross country, it worked out.Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle finished in 23rd place after tipping a frustrating two rails, while Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 took 27th place, also knocking two in their round. Mia Farley and Phelps took four down in the ring, giving them a final placing of 32nd and plenty of insights to take away for their next campaigns.We know Sundays not his strongest day, but Im happy with how he came out of the barn this morning, and hes happy and healthy. So weve done our Burghley completion. Weve worked really hard all week, and Ive always wanted to come here, so its been an accomplishment, and to be here with some great riders is really special, says Mia.Mia Farley and Phelps. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.I think what we took away from this weekend is that we both know that we have the will to be the best, says Mia, who had a tricky day across the country yesterday with an uncharacteristic runout at the second of the influential Rolex Corners at 16AB. So like, especially with the mistake yesterday, I didnt know that I could want it even more. I had no idea. And Phelps just proved that he loves what he does, and he loves cross country. He is an amazing cross country horse. The corners were my fault. That was at fence two, because I took about six strides out to fence two and then never got him back. So yeah, I think I can take away that we just cannot wait to come back. Ive got a whole year to manifest!Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.A nod, to, must go to the most popular finisher of the day, with one of the rounds of the day. That was New Zealands Jesse Campbell, whose spicy Cooley Lafitte began his Burghley debut this week with a tricky test that earned the pair a 41.1 and sent them nearly to the bottom of the pack. But their clear round with 15.2 time penalties gave them a serious boost yesterday, and today, they nailed down the clear inside the time to secure 21st place in an arena packed full of folks rooting harder for them than anyone else.Its been a big week, with lots of learnings and Im just delighted with my horse. He tried really hard today. Hes been fairly troublesome all week, but today made up for it, definitely, says Jesse, who rode with the purple and white colours of his late wife, Georgie, pinned to his coat. Its always this sort of chicken-egg situation. You know, do you want a really good dressage score? Do you want to jump double clear? And, yeah, it is always nice to finish the week on a positive. This years had a lot of challenges, and getting here has been one of them, but the horses do give me a purpose.And so we come to the close of another brilliant Defender Burghley a week thats given us an exciting spread of influence while remaining refreshingly horse-friendly. Well have plenty more thoughts and musings to bring you on how the week played out soon but for now, its goodbye from us from a suddenly rather sleepy Stamford. Go Eventing.Our coverage of Burghley is brought to you by our incredible supporters, Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional products to keep your horse feeling their best at all times. Theyll even get on the phone with you to help you formulate a solid supplementation plan for your horses individual needs! Wed really appreciate your support of KPP, as theyre champions for our sport and beyond and are wonderful people to boot. Check them out here.Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [ENs Coverage]

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)Congratulations are in order for Kiwi rider Monica Spencer and her groom at Burghley, Michelle Koppin, on winning the Spillers Horse Care Prize for their efforts to keep Artist in top shape for his efforts toward an 11th place overall finish. Artists farrier, Russell Deering, also won The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award. The Spillers Horse Care Prize was judged by Bea di Grazia and recognises outstanding horse care, focusing on health, wellbeing, and welfare, a social media post shared about the two prizes. Bea, who has been judging since Wednesdays first horse inspection, left no stone unturned in evaluating the care provided to each horse, both in and out of the arena. With the help of her dedicated team of spotters, this truly was a team effort to ensure the highest standards were met across the board. The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award examines the condition of the feet, the making (preparation) and fitting the shoe and nailing and position of the clips.U.S. Weekend ResultsFive Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Results]Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Scores]CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]Major International EventsDefender Burghley: [Website] [Scores] [Burghley TV] [ENs Coverage]News & ReadingBefore we get to the rest of todays links, we wanted to address the allegations of abuse lodged against CCI5* rider and Burghley competitor Andrew McConnon this weekend. We will be reporting on this developing story soon, so please know that it is on our radar, there are simply some steps of due diligence we are currently undertaking to ensure we are reporting with integrity. Check back soon. Turning and finding distances are closely related, so how can you work on both at once? These tips from Practical Horseman can be useful to any rider. Happy horses means giving them time to socialize and learn from one another. Does group or pasture turnout help with this? Most of us would agree, but whats the reasoning behind this concept? Take a deeper dive here. A real throwback for you this morning: some cross country footage from one Ian Stark and Murphy Himself, who enjoyed a storied career together back in the long format days of eventing. Watch it here. A learners mind is a vital tool for any horse person. How can this open up additional opportunities in your riding and training? The Plaid Horse writer Beth Lindsay reflects on this here. Video BreakWatch Ros Canter scoop the Burghley trophy with a clear show jumping round aboard Lordships Graffalo yesterday: View this post on InstagramA post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)

Section Key Points Is Warwick Schiller's Online Horsemanship Subscription Really Worth It? Warwick Schiller's online subscription has gained attention within the equestrian community for its effective, empathetic, and practical training methods. Who is Warwick Schiller? Warwick Schiller is a renowned horse trainer known for his natural horsemanship techniques, valued for their practicality and effectiveness across various disciplines. Overview of His Training Philosophy Schiller emphasizes understanding horse behavior and communication to develop a mutual relationship between horse and rider. What Does the Subscription Offer? Comprehensive Video Library: Wide range of training videos. Practical and Time-Efficient: Suitable for busy schedules. Cross-Disciplinary: Methods apply to various disciplines. Interactive Learning: Quizzes and community discussions. User Feedback and Testimonials Effective Techniques: Improvement in horses' ground manners and responsiveness. Safety and Confidence: Emphasis on building a strong, secure relationship with horses. Professional Quality: High-quality video production. Cost and Flexibility Affordable: Annual subscription is cost-effective. Month-to-Month Option: Flexibility to unsubscribe and re-subscribe. Versatile Applications Dressage: Beneficial for groundwork crucial for advanced moves. Trail Riding: Improves responsiveness and safety protocols. General Equestrian Activities: Helps cultivate a well-rounded horse. Supplementing Your Training Regimen Complementing Other Training: Provides a balanced approach. Using Reinforcement Techniques: Useful for teaching new skills or commands. Alignment with Professional Advice: Approved by trainers and veterinarians. Citations and Further Reading Provides links to various forums and resources for detailed information about Warwick Schiller's methods and user experiences. Conclusion Effective and Practical Techniques: High praise and versatility. User Testimonials: Positive impact on horses' behavior and rider confidence. Affordable and Flexible: Reasonable pricing with different subscription options. High-Quality Content: Professionally produced videos. Is Warwick Schiller's Online Horsemanship Subscription Really Worth It? For many horse enthusiasts, particularly those interested in natural horsemanship, the name Warwick Schiller is synonymous with effective, empathetic, and practical training methods. His online subscription service has garnered significant attention and praise within the equestrian community. But is it really worth the investment? Let's delve into the details to help you make an informed decision. Who is Warwick Schiller? Warwick Schiller is a well-respected horse trainer known for his natural horsemanship techniques. Unlike some other trainers in the field, Schiller's approach is highly regarded for its practicality and effectiveness across various disciplines, including dressage. Overview of His Training Philosophy Schiller emphasizes understanding horse behavior and communication, aiming to develop a mutual relationship between horse and rider. This makes his training not only effective but also rewarding. What Does the Subscription Offer? The online video subscription provided by Warwick Schiller offers a comprehensive library of training videos designed to help horse owners and riders improve their horsemanship skills. Here are some key features: Comprehensive Video Library Access to a Wide Range of Videos: The subscription grants access to a wide range of videos that cover various aspects of horse training, from groundwork to advanced riding techniques. These videos are well-produced and easy to follow, making them ideal for visual learners. Practical and Time-Efficient Unlike some natural horsemanship methods that require extensive time commitments, Schiller's approach is tailored to be practical and adaptable to busy schedules. This makes it more accessible to a broader audience. Cross-Disciplinary Versatile Techniques: Schiller's methods are not limited to a specific discipline. Whether you are into dressage, trail riding, or any other form of equestrian activity, his techniques can be applied to enhance your relationship with your horse. Interactive Learning Subscribers can engage with the material through quizzes and community discussions, making the learning process interactive and dynamic. User Feedback and Testimonials User feedback is a crucial indicator of the subscription's value. Here are some insights from existing subscribers: Effective Techniques Successful Application: Many subscribers have reported significant improvements in their horses' ground manners and overall responsiveness. For instance, one user mentioned that their horse no longer spooks and has excellent ground manners thanks to Schiller's techniques. Safety and Confidence Users appreciate the emphasis on safety and building a strong relationship with the horse. This approach helps riders feel more confident and secure when handling their horses, even when they are alone. Professional Quality High-Quality Production: The videos are described as professionally done, which adds to the overall value of the subscription. The clarity and quality of the content make it easier for subscribers to learn and implement the techniques. Cost and Flexibility The cost of the subscription is another important factor to consider: Affordable Cost-Effective: The annual subscription is priced at $274.50, which works out to less than the cost of a regular riding lesson per month. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to improve their horsemanship skills. Month-to-Month Option For those who prefer not to commit to a full year, there is also a month-to-month subscription option available. This flexibility allows users to unsubscribe and re-subscribe as needed. Versatile Applications Schillers techniques are applicable across different equestrian activities. Whether you're preparing for a competition or simply enjoying a trail ride, these methods can enhance your experience. Dressage From Groundwork to Advanced Moves: Schillers approach is particularly beneficial for dressage riders, allowing for improved groundwork, which is crucial for advanced moves. Trail Riding For trail riders, these techniques improve your horse's responsiveness and safety protocols, making your rides more enjoyable and secure. General Equestrian Activities Comprehensive Development: The methods are effective for general training, helping to cultivate a well-rounded horse that responds well in various situations. Supplementing Your Training Regimen The content from the subscription can be an invaluable addition to your existing training regimen. By integrating Warwick Schiller's techniques with your current methods, you can achieve a more balanced and effective training program. Complementing Other Training Balanced Approach: Schillers methods complement other training variations, providing a holistic approach to horse training. Using Reinforcement Techniques His techniques emphasize reinforcement, which can be particularly useful when teaching new skills or commands. Alignment with Professional Advice Many professional trainers and veterinarians approve of Schillers methods, reinforcing their credibility and effectiveness. Citations and Further Reading To know more about Warwick Schiller's methods and user experiences, refer to these resources: Chronicle Forums - Warwick Schiller subscription - thoughts? Reddit - Has anyone used the Warwick Schiller subscription and app? The Horse Forum - Warwick Schiller clinic review Conclusion Based on the feedback and features outlined, Warwick Schiller's online horsemanship subscription appears to be a valuable investment for horse enthusiasts. Here are the key points to consider: Effective and Practical Techniques High Praise and Versatility: Schiller's methods are praised for their effectiveness and practicality, making them suitable for riders of all disciplines and experience levels. User Testimonials Positive Impact: Subscribers have reported significant improvements in their horses' behavior and their own confidence and safety. Affordable and Flexible Reasonable Pricing: The subscription is reasonably priced and offers flexibility with both annual and month-to-month options. High-Quality Content Professional Production: The videos are professionally produced, ensuring that the content is clear, easy to follow, and valuable. If you are looking to enhance your horsemanship skills, improve your relationship with your horse, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied in various equestrian contexts, Warwick Schiller's online subscription is definitely worth considering.

Donkeys living at The Donkey Sancutuary have been pictured sporting long socks in the field. The leg wear isnt a fashion statement, its to give relief from flies and other irritating insects.Sanctuary staff and volunteers are also in the process of designing leggings that can be attached to the donkeys fly rugs, so that those who are more susceptible to bugs will have total fly protection.The idea came about after an appeal for a unique donation of socks by Il Rifugio degli Asinell, The Donkey Sanctuarys Italian base, went viral in Italy after being shared across social media.We needed long socks. It didnt matter if they were new or used as long as they were clean, in good condition and were black (or grey) and white over-the-knee socks, said fundraising officer Ilaria Ruzza.In only a week the social post had reached 90,000 people, resulting in 180 pairs of socks being sent in.Stripes were preferred, as research has shown that flies are repelled by striped patterns in a more efficient way than plain colours.Best fashions begin in ItalyGenerous supporters also donated more than 600 during the sock appeal to help support the sanctuary, which is located around 50 kilometres northeast of Turin.Ilaria and her colleagues later shared photos of their donkeys sporting their new socks.By using social media we were able to reach our supporters across the country really quickly, said Ilaria.We were also able to share our mission of protecting donkeys and promoting their welfare in Italy to an entirely new audience of potential supporters, thanks in part to the post being shared and liked so much.Il Rifugio degli Asinelli is the Italian arm of UK-based international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary and is home to over 100 donkeys. It is located in the Biellesi Prealps in Northern Italy.It is often thought that all the best fashions begin in Italy, so its no wonder a few donkeys closer to home have also been spotted wearing patterned leggings, said a spokesperson for The Donkey Sanctuary UK.Now, thanks to the generosity of supporters, the resident herd can look forward to a more relaxing autumn, safe in the knowledge their stylish new legwear will help keep biting insects at bay.Related contentBest fly sprays for horses as tested by owners and ridersTried and tested: best fly rugs for horsesOur pick of fly masks and veils12-year-old boy starts successful fly repellent businessDonkey turns around the life of young manThe post Long stripey socks give donkeys relief from irritating flies appeared first on Your Horse.

Irish breeders supplied one third of the starters at British 5 Star. This weeks results are smaller than usual but the autumn season gets going next week. Below are the verified results for this week. Burghley International (GBR) 5th 8th September 2024 CCI 5* 3rd Cavalier Crystal (ISH) 2010 mare by Jack of Diamonds (SWB) out of Cavalier Iris (ISH) by Cavalier Royal (HOLST). Breeder: Thomas Horgan (Waterford). Rider: Harry Meade (GBR) 31.3, 0, 0.0 = 31.3 4th Annaghmore Valoner [ISH] 2012 mare by Coroner (TB) out of Annaghmore Lady Valier [ISH] by Black Walter [ISH]. Breeder: Sinead Healion (Offaly). Rider: Harry Meade (GBR) 27.8, 4, 0.0 = 31.8 5th Capels Hollow Drift (ISH) 2011 gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan (BEWB) out of Lucky Crest (ISH)[TIH] by Lucky Gift (TB). Breeder: Jeanette Glynn (Clare). Rider: Tom Jackson (GBR) 28.6, 0, 5.6 = 34.2 Other Irish []

Headers Details How Much Aloe Vera Juice Should You Add to Horse Feed? Guidelines for aloe vera juice dosage to support equine gastric health. Understanding Aloe Vera Juice for Horses Aloe vera is believed to offer soothing properties, but evidence is limited compared to conventional treatments. Potential Benefits Anti-inflammatory properties may help gastric tissues. Natural alternative for managing gastric health. Dosage Guidelines 5 ml per hand height, split into morning and evening feeds. Double dosage during stress periods. Introduce gradually over two weeks. Real-World Experiences Some horse owners report improved appetite and use a holistic approach with other natural remedies. Scientific Evidence and Limitations Study shows omeprazole is more effective than aloe vera for gastric ulcers. Lack of comprehensive research on aloe vera's efficacy in horses. Practical Considerations Consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement. Monitor your horse's response to the juice. May be used with other treatments but consult a vet first. Conclusion Follow dosage and introduction guidelines. Consult your veterinarian. Aloe vera is not a substitute for proven treatments like omeprazole. How Much Aloe Vera Juice Should You Add to Horse Feed? When considering natural remedies for equine gastric health, aloe vera juice is often mentioned as a potential treatment for horses with stomach ulcers or mild stomach upset. However, it's crucial to understand the correct dosage and potential efficacy of aloe vera juice in horse feed. Heres a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions. Understanding Aloe Vera Juice for Horses Aloe vera has been used in various forms for its soothing properties, particularly for skin and digestive issues. For horses, it is believed to provide similar benefits, although the scientific evidence is limited compared to conventional treatments like omeprazole. Potential Benefits Gut Health Support: Aloe vera is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help soothe the gastric tissues in horses, potentially alleviating symptoms of mild stomach upset. Natural Alternative: For horse owners looking for a more natural approach to managing gastric health, aloe vera juice can be an attractive option. Dosage Guidelines The dosage of aloe vera juice for horses varies, but here are some general guidelines: Volume per Hand Height: One recommended dosage is 5 ml of aloe vera juice per hand height of the horse. For example, a 14-hand horse would receive 70 ml per day, split into 35 ml in the morning and 35 ml in the evening. Adjusting for Stress: During times of stress, the dosage can be doubled. This is particularly relevant for horses that experience increased gastric stress due to competition, travel, or changes in their environment. Gradual Introduction: It is advisable to introduce aloe vera juice gradually into the horse's diet over a two-week period to avoid any adverse reactions. Real-World Experiences While there is limited scientific evidence, some horse owners have reported positive experiences with aloe vera juice: Improved Appetite One owner reported that their horse showed improved appetite and reduced waiting time before eating hay after starting on aloe vera juice. Holistic Approach Some owners prefer a holistic approach and find that aloe vera juice, combined with other natural remedies like papaya tablets or cabbage and bananas, can help manage mild stomach issues. Scientific Evidence and Limitations While the potential benefits are promising, it's essential to consider the scientific limitations: Comparison with Omeprazole A study comparing aloe vera to omeprazole in horses with gastric ulcers found that omeprazole was more effective. The study used a dosage of 17.6 mg/kg of aloe vera, extrapolated from rat studies (source). Lack of Comprehensive Research There is a general lack of comprehensive research on the efficacy of aloe vera juice for equine gastric ulcers, which makes it difficult to recommend it as a primary treatment. Practical Considerations Consult Your Veterinarian Before adding any supplement, including aloe vera juice, to your horse's diet, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your horse's specific health needs and ensure that any new supplement does not interfere with existing treatments. Monitoring and Adjustments Monitor Your Horse's Response: Keep a close eye on your horse's response to aloe vera juice. If you notice any adverse reactions or if the symptoms do not improve, consult your veterinarian for further advice. Combination with Other Treatments: Aloe vera juice may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as Gastrogard/Ulcergard, but it should not replace proven treatments without veterinary advice. Conclusion While aloe vera juice may offer some benefits for horses with mild stomach upset, it is crucial to approach its use with caution and under veterinary guidance. Here are the key takeaways: Dosage: 5 ml per hand height, split into morning and night feeds, with adjustments for stress. Gradual Introduction: Introduce the juice gradually over two weeks. Consult Your Veterinarian: Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement. Limited Scientific Evidence: Aloe vera is not a proven substitute for conventional treatments like omeprazole. By following these guidelines and considering the potential benefits and limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether aloe vera juice is right for your horse. Additional Resources from Just Horse Riders Explore our collections for more equestrian products: 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 Citations and References Citations for this article include: SmartPak Equine - Aloe Vera Extract Pharm-Aloe - Equine Aloe Vera Juice The Horse - Aloe Vera for Equine Ulcers? About Just Horse Riders Just Horse Riders specializes in Horse Riding Equipment/Apparel and Equestrian Supplements. Visit our homepage for more information.

Rising Stars QualifierDressage & Show jumping classes, 1st & 2nd in each class qualify.Entries closing on Tuesday at 5pm...

Crossing ditches is a must when youre working around a ranch; the move can also be part of ranch riding competitions set up to mimic real working conditions. While some horses will walk, trot, or jump over any ditch, othersespecially those not raised on pasturemay balk at a ditch. Here, trainer Cody Crow helps you encourage and teach your horse to cross a ditch without hesitation.Photo by Heidi Nyland MeloccoDont Force the IssueMost horses dont like ditches because they have a hard time with depth perception, says Crow. Horses should have a lot of self-preservation, so if they have a choice, theyll go around something that looks unfamiliar or unsafe. For showing, you must cross at a certain place. You have to develop the horses confidence and show him youre not going to put him in a bad spot or ask him to do something thats unsafe.Crow says he often sees riders force their horses to keep facing the ditch when the horses are showing fear.What I wont do is force the issue, he says. Thats the biggest mistake that people make. Riders will go to their leg and create a lot of pressure. The ditch itself creates anxiety and pressure for the horse, so adding pressure doesnt make sense. Thats just creating a fight with your horse. You may get him over, but you didnt build confidence or create a better experience for the next time you need to ride across [a ditch].Create OptionsIf you arent sure whether your horse will cross a ditch, find out his current comfort level. As you ride straight toward the ditch, look ahead and ride ahead, expecting your horse to move forward.When youre close to the ditch, allow your horse to lower his head to investigate. He needs to plan out how to move. You dont want him to walk blindly into a dangerously deep ditch. He should pick his path.Allow your horse to lower his head and examine the ditch. Photo by Heidi Nyland MeloccoIf your horse doesnt want to cross a ditch, give him options about where to be and how hard he must work. Youll make being close to the ditch easy. If your horse moves away from the crossing, hell need to go to work.Horses respond really well to options, Crow says. Ill immediately cue my horse to worktrotting circles left and right at a fast pace. Then Ill walk up to the ditch again and give him the opportunity to cross. If it looks like hes interested and investigating, then I sit softly and let him think about crossing the ditch.If Crow feels his horse balk and want to turn away from the crossing, its time to go back to work.I go back to work, trotting or loping, depending on what the footing and grounds are like near the ditch, he says. For some horses, this is a quick fix. For others, this takes a long time. If a horse isnt showing lots of fear and only mildly balks, Ill work him for 20 to 30 seconds, then try again. If a horse has a more severe reaction to the ditch, I might work him for two to three minutes before trying again. I need to create enough work that the horse would rather choose the easier option, which is just going over the ditch. The amount of work depends on the horse and his amount of resistance.Moving forward in a fast-paced trot keeps the horse thinking about moving forward over the ditch.Im not really a big fan of trying to back a horse in a bunch of circles when hes already got something that hes worried about, says Crow. I think that could make one try to rear up. I try to fix this with forward motion. Ill trot the figure-8s tightly and keep his feet moving forward and freely. Thats what we wantfor the horse to go forward over the ditch.Here, Crow demonstrates riding over the ditch between his barn and hay field. The horse he rode, Mister Fahrenheit (aka Radar), wasnt sure about the 3-foot water ditch crossing, and at first balked and backed away.Put the horse to work as another option if he doesnt want to cross the ditch. Photo by Heidi Nyland MeloccoAfter working for only five minutes of trotting circles away from the ditch and resting at the crossing, Radar was ready to cross. His first attempt resulted in an eventing-worthy jump.Be Prepared to JumpCrow warns that horses who are fearful of the ditch may jumpor over-jumpon their first crossings. Be prepared to stay with the motion and land softly on the opposite side.If a horse has had some anxiety about the ditch, when he finally decides to get across it, hes going to jump, Crow says. Im OK with that. I just want to be prepared.Be prepared that your horse may take a big leap on his first attempt at crossing the ditch. Photo by Heidi Nyland MeloccoHow do you prepare for a ditch jump while riding in a western saddle?Ill make sure that when Im getting ready to cross the ditch, Im not looking down, Crow says. I want to have my eyes up, looking forward. I make sure that I have a hold of the horn, and Ill lean slightly forward. Ill make sure to give my horse enough rein so I dont hit him in the face when he lands on the other side. You dont want to punish the horse for finally getting across.Crow says that if he feels a horse taking off toward the ditch, hell slow the speed by pulling back on one rein before the horse crosses.I dont want my horse to be sucked back on his hocks and ready to leap, he says. Instead, Ill use my reins to disengage the hind end so that he steps more than leaps.Keep in mind, jumping is an honest reaction for a horse.If the horse cant tell how deep the ditch is, I want him to give a little hop, Crow says. I would much rather ride a horse thats going to hop over a hole. Thats much safer than riding a horse that blindly steps into something where he cant see the bottom. This is very different than if you have a graded path down to a water crossing. I dont want a jump then. But if theres a hole in the ground, Im OK with the jump.Praise and RestOnce Radar jumped across the ditch, Crow rewarded him with a walk on a loose rein. The pair moved up and down the ditch without turning to face it right away. After a few minutes of rest, Crow asked the horse to cross the ditch again. This time, he didnt need as much encouragement.Crow says forward motion is what ranch-riding judges want to see. At the highest levels of versatility ranch horse competition, the events are held outside in natural ranch settings. The judges want to see that your horse can go over and get to the obstacles and anywhere you need to work.While the ditch may not officially be an obstacle, you may have to cross over one to get to your course. Judges want to see that your horse trusts your guidance and will move willingly wherever you point him.Meet the TrainerCody Crow owns and operates No Where But Up Performance Horses with his team of trainers in Johnstown, Colo. He trains horses and riders to compete in versatility ranch horse, ranch riding, ranch trail, and reined cow horse competitions. He has earned world and reserve world championships and helped his horses earn titles in American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, Appaloosa Horse Club, National Reined Cow Horse Association, and National Snaffle Bit Association events.This article about how to teach your horse to cross a ditch appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Teach Your Horse to Cross a Ditch appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.