An equine sports medicine specialist shares how footing can impact soundness and offers footing selection advice.The post How Does Arena Footing Affect Equine Athlete Longevity? appeared first on The Horse.

Researchers are developing this tool to learn about the level of inbreeding in contemporary Thoroughbreds and help guide management and breeding practices.The post Genomic Catalog Offers Answers About Genetic Diversity in Thoroughbreds appeared first on The Horse.

Beautiful Morven Park! Photo by Sally Spickard.Eventing is sadly siloed from the non-horse community. It feels as though the days where the average person would attend a horse show as easily as going to the movies are long gone. Now that horses arent a part of everyones daily lives as either transportation or working partners, few people outside of the horse world know much of anything about how special they are. Its time we welcomed non-horsey spectators into the fold and re-introduced them to the animals that worked and played alongside all of our ancestors.To that end, Ive created an itinerary for a day at a horse show and put it to the test. With the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials right around the corner, I built my itinerary around the venues hometown: Leesburg, Virginia. What makes this road trip so amazing is that it can become part of a larger itinerary where you get to see two back-to-back events that are just two hours away from each other: the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials (October 10th through the 13th) and the Maryland Five Star (October 17th through the 20th).Everyone is welcome to the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trial on October 10th through the 13th. Spectators get free admission, unless theyd like to tailgate on Saturday or enter the VIP tent on Friday and Sunday. If youre new to the sport of eventing, Id highly recommend spending Saturday morning at the horse park to watch cross country, which is arguably the most exciting phase of the sport. Wear good walking shoes and if youre unsure where to go, stick with the crowds. Spectators will want to gather by Morven Parks newly expanded water jump which has essentially doubled in size, and will now be used by all FEI levels, not just the CCI3* and CCI4*.Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO compete at Morven Park. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.Dogs are welcome at Morven Park, however, they must be leashed (with the other end of the leash securely in your hand!) and you must clean up after them. I was accompanied by my long-suffering mutt, Maddi. She definitely enjoyed walking on the cross country course with me and also got lots of treats and made plenty of new friends as we walked around Leesburg. The town is famously dog friendly. Knowing that many eventers bring their dogs with them to horse shows, I decided to put that reputation to the test. Im happy to report, we had a wonderful day and you can absolutely bring your dog with you to downtown Leesburg. If you have a pup with you, look for the dog-friendly decal on store windows; many stores welcome your dog inside.After spending your morning watching some of the best riders in the business tackle the Olympic level cross country course, hop in the car for a short 10-minute drive to Goosecup, the cutest cafe in Leesburg, in my opinion. The atmosphere there is very modern indie. What do the youths say? Its very brat. I think. I got the Hugo Grey tea, and it was delicious, like an Earl Gray, but instead of Bergamot Oil, there was a hint of grapefruit. Check out the amazing pastries in the glass case and remember that youre an adult and have to practice self control. Then remember that youre an adult, you make your own rules, and buy one.Leesburg and Loudoun County are very dog-friendly!Goosecup is directly across the street from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (or the W & OD as the locals call it). Its the perfect spot to take a walk with your tea or coffee, but watch out for cyclists. Theyre very respectful but they tend to come in hot. Id suggest walking on the grass. After a brisk walk, drive a few minutes up the road to the downtown public parking garage to take advantage of the free parking from Friday evening through Monday morning during the summer.You cant go wrong with simply wandering around downtown without a plan. Stores are welcoming and each one has something different to enjoy. But because Im a planner, I had a list of stores and shops that I wanted to hit while I was in Leesburg, starting with the Birch Tree Bookstore.Located right next to the downtown parking garage, Birch Tree Bookstore is a little maze of a shop, filled with books crammed into every corner in the front and with a beautiful plant store in the back. If you follow the signs to the outdoor courtyard, youll find a hidden spot where you can sit under a sun shade, read the book you just bought, and enjoy the plants surrounding you in what feels like your own version of a secret garden. If youre not sure what to read, ask the clerks. Theyre lovely and have some great recommendations. I picked up Yellowface by R. F. Kuang and cant wait to crack it open.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing)After that, I headed to SideBar Lounge for brunch and to try their Verdict cocktail, which was so pretty. Similar to a paloma, it was very grapefruit forward and had a beautiful heart design on the top of the drink. I would absolutely recommend the french toast with seasonal fruit, it had the perfect amount of whip cream and chocolatey hazelnut drizzle, topped with blueberries and strawberries.Next, I headed to the Brick & Mortar Mercantile where Maddi got a treat and a couple pats and I toured a fun collection of products, from funny coasters to nice t-shirts. If youre looking for a present for a man in your life, whether thats your father, brother, or significant other, Id definitely recommend stopping in there.Before getting back in the car, I stopped at the Loudoun Museum. Now, you cant bring your dog inside, but there is a beautiful mural to admire on the outside wall, as well as a few placards and a small exhibit on womens suffrage next to a historic cabin. Hiding behind the Museum, next to the parking garage, is a quiet little garden with chairs and tables where you can sit and read before hopping in your car and driving on to your next destination.Now, technically, you can walk to the Dodona Manor Gardens at the George C. Marshall International Center, however, if youve just walked the cross country course at Morven Park in the morning and around downtown Leesburg as well, you may want to drive a couple minutes. The entrance and parking is in the Dodona Manor Shopping Plaza. There are two dog-friendly, self-guided exterior tours you can take: a tree tour and an architectural tour. Interior docent-led tours are not dog-friendly and cost $15 dollars for adults. If youre not much of a history buff, Id still recommend going and at least checking out the grounds. For being tucked away in the center of Leesburg, its a remarkably quiet spot.Driving just 15 minutes west of Leesburg, youll find Another Turn Tack, which has great prices on a variety of supplies. If you forgot anything you need for a competition at Morven Park, youll be able to find a replacement there. I picked up some much-needed Hawthorne Sole Pack for my barefoot Off the Track Thoroughbred and spent some time admiring some really nice four-fold stock ties that came in a variety of cute colors and patterns.Finally, I ended the day with a glass of wine at The Barns at Hamilton Station. The wine was delicious. Id highly recommend the 2021 Cascina, if youre a white wine person like me. Its full bodied, complex, and not too sweet. They have live music on the outdoor patio every weekend from 2 to 5 p.m. I was treated to the musical stylings of Steve Boyd and Friends, who performed an excellent rendition of Rocky Top.If youre starting to make your fall plans, Id highly recommend adding Morven Park and Leesburg to your list. Whether youre a die-hard eventer or havent seen a horse since you took a pony ride at the county fair when you were 8 years old, youll enjoy an amazing day in small town Virginia. After youre done in Northern Virginia, you can take a scenic two-hour drive to Northern Maryland and enjoy more eventing action at the Maryland Five Star at Fair Hill.This article is sponsored by Morven Park International Equestrian Center, where you can find Olympic-level eventing at a welcoming venue tucked away in the rolling hills of Northern Virginia. Join us at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials this October! Reserve your tailgate spot to get up close to all the cross country action. Or, buy a VIP pass to watch dressage and show jumping from the best seat in the park.

Horse Sport Ireland is thrilled to announce Redmond Property Maintenance as the team sponsor of the 2024 Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Squads. The squads will incorporate the horses representing the Irish studbooks competing at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium from September 18th 22nd and also those competing at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses in Le Lion dAngers, France from October 17th 20th. I am proud an honoured to be sponsoring the Team Ireland Young Horse squads at the World Championships in Lanaken and Le Lion this year, Mark Redmond, MD of Redmond Property Maintenance, who specialise in delivering exceptional maintenance and repair services to large real estate funds, property management companies, and real estate agents, said. I look forward to the teams having plenty of success in show jumping and eventing, much like they []

The cleaning experts at Atmosphere Supply have written and published a book designed to educate equine farm managers, owners, breeders, professionals, enthusiasts, veterinarians, farriers, therapists, industry associated vendors and more about Biosecurity on and off farm.The post ATMOSPHERE SUPPLY RELEASES NEW BOOK: BIOSECURITY FOR THE EQUINE INDUSTRY appeared first on The Horse.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) honoured several equine veterinary professionals at its annual awards ceremony which took place during its four-day BEVA Congress in Liverpool last week.The presentation party included outgoing BEVA President Roger Smith and Olympic champion Sally Gunnell.The Horse Trusts Jan Rogers received the Blue Cross-sponsored BEVA Equine Welfare Award for her work on the Weigh to Win project, which is designed to reward and raise awareness of a healthy weight and body condition in show horses.The initiative provides support, advice and guidance to owners, riders and producers at events and during online webinars.A vet assesses horses participating in certain classes on their body condition and special rosettes are awarded to those with the healthiest body condition.Jan received a trophy and a cash prize.Vet nurse driving changePhillippa Pritchard, an equine veterinary nurse at Liphook Equine Hospital, was presented with the Nurse Empowerment Award for her research into owners perceptions of registered veterinary nurses.Her work has driven significant changes in the industry, such as unaccompanied nurse visits.Francesco Comino won the BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award for his contribution to the paper A novel tension. relief technique to aid the primary closure of traumatic equine wounds under excessive tension.The award, which is given in memory of BEVA founder and former president Richard Hartley, is presented to the first author of the best paper published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) or Equine Veterinary Education with direct clinical application.1,000 prizeBrooke Boger took home the Peter Rossdale Equine Veterinary Journal Open Award for the paper Intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injection results in increases in systemic insulin and glucose concentrations in horses without insulin dysregulation.The award, which includes a 1000 prize, recognises the paper that best achieves EVJs mission to publish articles which influence and improve clinical practice and/or add significantly to the scientific knowledge that underpins and supports veterinary medicine in relation to the horse.The Peter Rossdale EVE Literary Award was presented to Camilla Lydiksen for the paper Equine dental sinusitis A statistical analysis of the effect of antibiotics on dental sinusitis following dental extraction.The Rossdale Award was introduced in 2022 in memory of Peter Rossdale and is sponsored by Rossdales Ltd. It recognises the best clinical research paper published in Equine Veterinary Education (EVE).Main image: (from left) Sally Gunnell, Phillippa Prichard and Roger SmithRelated contentAtypical myopathy: important vet advice for every horse ownerUltimate guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverDont hoard unused antibiotics, BEVA warnsWhy growing resistance to antibiotics is a major threat to horse healthThe post Vet nurse driving significant change among winners at BEVA Congress appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details What is Lungeing? A fundamental training method in equestrianism involving guiding a horse in a circular motion on a lunge line to develop strength, fitness, and the horse-rider partnership. Accessibility and Flexibility Online courses provide flexibility to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere, such as Jec Ballou's courses. Comprehensive Learning Online courses, like Babette Teschen's "Starter Bundle", offer structured material, e-books, seminars, and a media library to ensure a thorough understanding of lungeing techniques. Cost-Effective Online courses are often more affordable than traditional clinics, e.g., "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy costs $24.99. Expert Guidance Courses are taught by experienced professionals like Babette Teschen, offering valuable insights into effective lungeing techniques. Practical Application Courses provide practical exercises that can be implemented immediately, such as Jec Ballou's "Conditioning Your Horse with Ground Poles". Detailed Instructions and Resources Courses include detailed instructions, videos, and downloadable materials, e.g., Babette Teschen's "Starter Bundle". Step-by-Step Learning Structured in a step-by-step manner like the "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy, ensuring gradual understanding and practical application. Addressing Common Problems Courses focus on solving common lungeing problems, e.g., Babette Teschen's "Solving Lunging Problems" seminar. Additional Benefits Some courses include additional benefits like physiotherapy and acupressure tips, e.g., Babette Teschen's "Starter Bundle". Conclusion Online lungeing courses offer flexibility, comprehensive learning, expert guidance, and practical application at a cost-effective price, making them valuable for improving equestrian skills and horse performance. Recommendations For Beginners: "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy For Intermediate to Advanced Riders: Babette Teschen's "Starter Bundle" For Those Focused on Fitness: Jec Ballou's courses like "Conditioning Your Horse with Ground Poles" and "30-Day Core Fitness for Horses" Are Online Lungeing Courses Worth Investing In for Equestrian Skill Improvement?Lungeing, a fundamental training method in equestrianism, involves guiding a horse in a circular motion while it is on a lunge line. This technique is crucial for developing a horse's strength, fitness, and stamina, as well as enhancing the horse-rider partnership. With the rise of online learning, many equestrians are now considering online lungeing courses to improve their skills. But are these courses worth the investment? Let's delve into the benefits and what you can expect from these online resources.Benefits of Online Lungeing Courses1. Accessibility and FlexibilityOnline courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person training sessions. For instance, Jec Ballou's online courses allow you to access materials and videos from nearly anywhere, making it easier to fit training into your lifestyle.2. Comprehensive LearningOnline lungeing courses often provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning. The "Starter Bundle" by Babette Teschen, for example, includes an e-book, online seminars, and access to a media library with numerous videos and texts. This bundle covers everything from basic exercises to solving common problems, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of lungeing techniques.3. Cost-EffectiveCompared to traditional in-person clinics or private lessons, online courses can be more cost-effective. The "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy is available for just $24.99, offering eight lessons with instructional videos, quizzes, and homework assignments.4. Expert GuidanceOnline courses are often taught by experienced professionals who have spent years honing their skills. Babette Teschen, for instance, has taught international clinics and has extensive experience in lungeing horses. Her courses reflect her expertise and provide valuable insights into effective lungeing techniques.5. Practical ApplicationThese courses are designed to be practical and applicable. For example, Jec Ballou's "Conditioning Your Horse with Ground Poles" course includes 30 days of progressive training exercises that you can implement immediately. This hands-on approach helps you see tangible improvements in your horse's fitness and balance.What to Expect from Online Lungeing CoursesDetailed Instructions and ResourcesOnline courses typically include detailed instructions, videos, and downloadable materials. The "Starter Bundle" by Babette Teschen includes a 180-page e-book, online seminars, and access to a media library. These resources help you understand and apply the techniques effectively.Step-by-Step LearningCourses are often structured in a step-by-step manner, making it easier to follow and understand the material. The "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy consists of eight lessons, each with instructional videos, written summaries, quizzes, and homework assignments. This structured approach ensures you absorb the information gradually and apply it practically.Addressing Common ProblemsMany online courses focus on solving common problems encountered during lungeing. Babette Teschen's "Solving Lunging Problems" seminar, for example, analyzes the causes of these problems and provides horse-friendly solutions. This helps you overcome challenges and improve your horse's performance.Additional BenefitsSome courses offer additional benefits such as physiotherapy and acupressure tips. The "Starter Bundle" by Babette Teschen includes extras on these topics, which can enhance your horse's overall well-being and performance.ConclusionInvesting in online lungeing courses can be a valuable decision for equestrians looking to improve their skills and their horse's performance. These courses offer flexibility, comprehensive learning, expert guidance, and practical application, all at a cost-effective price. Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, online lungeing courses provide the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance your horse's strength, fitness, and stamina.Recommendations For Beginners: The "Leveled-Up Lunging Horse Course" by Equine Helper Academy is a great starting point, offering clear and simple instructions at an affordable price. For Intermediate to Advanced Riders: Babette Teschen's "Starter Bundle" provides a more comprehensive approach, including detailed resources and seminars on advanced topics. For Those Focused on Fitness: Jec Ballou's courses, such as "Conditioning Your Horse with Ground Poles" and "30-Day Core Fitness for Horses," are excellent for improving your horse's overall fitness and balance.By choosing the right online lungeing course, you can significantly improve your equestrian skills and enhance your horse's performance, all from the comfort of your own home.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Colleen Loach Equestrian (@colleen_loach_equestrian)A cute lead for you this morning as Colleen Loachs FE Golden Eye, whos a man of many trades, took to the leadline arena for some slightly lower pressure competition (though really, the stakes can get pretty high in those leadline classes!). You go, Goldie! U.S. Weekend PreviewHeritage Park H.T. (Olathe, KS): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, MI): [Website] [Ride Times]Meadowcreek Park Fall Social Event H.T. (Kosse, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]Twin Rivers Fall International (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]Unionville H.T. (Unionville, PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]University of New Hampshire H.T. (Durham, NH): [Website] [Volunteer]Major International Events Blenheim Palace International H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [H&C+ Live Stream]News & ReadingWe havent heard much of Oliver Townends 5* ride and Pau runner-up, Tregilder, but we now have an update that hes been sold on to a young rider for his owners, the Hazeldine family. Hes already picked up a ribbon out competing in his new role as a professor!Read up on Aubrey Graham, who has a column all about retraining Thoroughbreds over on Horse Nation, and the success shes found through the Thoroughbred horse and the study of anthropology. Braden Speck is putting his stamp on the sport of eventing, and his story is one all of us can draw inspiration from.Just like humans, horses are in many ways what they eat. How does a horses diet affect their behavior? Read more on this topic here.Sponsor Corner: TerraNova Equestrian Center View this post on InstagramA post shared by TerraNova Equestrian Center (@terranova_eq)Destination: TerraNova. The opening date for entries is approaching on October 1, and youll find a level for everyone at this popular end of season event (November 15-17). From Starter up through CCI4*-L, and with Long formats at 1* and up, this is a great opportunity to test out a move up or look to end the season on a competitive bang. Visit the TerraNova website to plan your trip to Myakka City, FL. Video BreakLooking for a glimpse of the cross country at TerraNova? Ride around a CCI1*-S track with Elisa Wallace and Tullymurry Fifi: