In what will no doubt be forever considered an incredible day in the life of Germanys Katrin Eckermann as she secured the gold medal in the 6-Year-Old Final at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses for the second year in a row. Having taken the crown in 2023 with Iron Dames Cascajall NRW (WESTF), she not only took gold in 2024 with Sascinora NRW (WESTF), she also took the bronze medal with the Brandenburg stallion Iron Dames Earl Of Alice (BRAND). The Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Jumping Squad, supported by Redmond Property Maintenance, was represented by Gone Girl VB (ISH) and Daliradas Boy (ISH) in the 20-horse jump off. In the end, it was Co. Kilkennys Vincent Byrne and Gone Girl VB owned by LMG Enterprises that was best of the Irish when jumping Double Clear in a time of 38.98. Fresh from her historic []

Section Key Points Best Practices and Treatment Options for Horses with Soft Tissue Injuries in Their Feet Comprehensive guide by Just Horse Riders on managing soft tissue injuries in horse feet to ensure well-being and recovery. Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries Injuries involve tendons, ligaments, and muscles; crucial for movement and stability. Diagnosis Symptoms: lameness, swelling, heat, sensitivity. Tools: physical exams, lameness evaluations, imaging techniques. Immediate Treatment: Cold Therapy Reduces inflammation. Apply ice packs or slurry for 20-30 mins, several times a day for the initial days. Immediate Treatment: Controlled Exercise Hand-walk on firm surface with intervals of stall rest to promote tissue regeneration. Immediate Treatment: Wrapping and Support Reduce swelling and provide support, particularly for the lower limb. Advanced Therapeutic Modalities: Laser Therapy Reduces inflammation and promotes healing by increasing blood flow. Advanced Therapeutic Modalities: Electrical Stimulation Low-voltage stimulation to release endorphins, boost circulation, and stimulate tissue repair. Advanced Therapeutic Modalities: PRP and Stem Cell Injections Enhance tissue repair by providing growth factors and vital components. Prevention Strategies: Proper Conditioning Gradual and consistent training program to strengthen tendons and ligaments. Prevention Strategies: Conformation and Shoeing Address conformational faults and ensure proper shoeing to maintain correct hoof-pastern line. Prevention Strategies: Nutrition Ensure balanced diet with adequate calories, protein, and proper calcium-phosphorus ratio. Prevention Strategies: Environment Create a safe living environment with flat, even terrain to reduce injury risks. Routine Care and Monitoring: Foot Care Proper hoof balance and shoe placement to support soft tissue structures. Routine Care and Monitoring: Performance Evaluations Regular vet checks to identify potential issues early. Look for heat, swelling, or pain. Conclusion Emphasize multifaceted approach including immediate treatment, advanced therapies, and preventive strategies for managing and preventing soft tissue injuries. Best Practices and Treatment Options for Horses with Soft Tissue Injuries in Their Feet The health and well-being of our equine friends are paramount. When a horse suffers from a soft tissue injury in its feet, prompt and effective treatment is essential. This guide from Just Horse Riders provides a comprehensive look at the best practices and treatment options available for managing these injuries, ensuring your horse gets back to peak condition. Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries Soft tissue injuries in horses involve damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. When these injuries affect the feet, they can be particularly debilitating as tendons and ligaments are crucial for movement and stability. Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bones to each other. Diagnosis Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Symptoms include lameness, swelling, heat, and sensitivity to touch. Veterinarians often use physical exams, lameness evaluations, and imaging techniques like ultrasound or X-rays to pinpoint the injury. Immediate Treatment Cold Therapy Cold therapy is an excellent initial treatment to reduce inflammation. Apply ice packs or soak the injured area in a slurry of ice and water for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times a day in the first 48 hours, and then two to three times a day for about two weeks. Controlled Exercise Controlled exercise is crucial for proper recovery. Hand-walk your horse on a firm surface, with periods of stall rest in between. This promotes tissue regeneration and ensures the new fibers are organized and strong. Wrapping and Support Wrapping the injured area helps reduce swelling and provides support. This is particularly important for the lower limb to prevent additional strain on the injured tissues. Advanced Therapeutic Modalities Laser Therapy Laser therapy can reduce inflammation and promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This non-invasive treatment is particularly useful in the early stages of recovery. Electrical Stimulation This therapy uses low-voltage stimulation to release endorphins, boost circulation, and stimulate tissue repair. It involves applying electrodes to the horses skin in the injured area. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Injections Injecting platelet-rich plasma or stem cells into the injured site can enhance tissue repair by supplying growth factors and other vital components. Prevention Strategies Proper Conditioning A properly conditioned horse is less prone to injuries. Implementing a gradual and consistent training program can strengthen tendons and ligaments. For instance, walking under saddle for at least 15 minutes before faster work reduces injury risks considerably. Conformation and Shoeing Understanding and addressing conformational faults like low or underslung heels can go a long way. Proper shoeing that maintains the correct line of the hoof and pastern is crucial for preventing soft tissue injuries. Nutrition A well-balanced diet plays a vital role. Ensure your horse receives adequate calories, protein, and a proper calcium-phosphorus ratio. Maintaining an appropriate body condition also helps, as excessive weight can strain soft tissues and joints. Environment Creating a safe living environment is key in preventing injuries. Stall modifications, paddock management, and ensuring the terrain is flat and even can help reduce the risk of soft tissue problems. Routine Care and Monitoring Foot Care Excellent foot care is essential. Ensure proper hoof balance, adjust the hoof and pastern angle as needed, and place shoes correctly to support the soft tissue structures in the lower limb. Performance Evaluations Regular vet checks and performance evaluations help identify potential issues early. Look for signs of heat, swelling, or pain, which may indicate developing soft tissue problems. Conclusion Managing and preventing soft tissue injuries in horses' feet requires a multifaceted approach, including immediate treatment, advanced therapies, and preventive strategies. By understanding these aspects and implementing them, you can help your horse recover swiftly and reduce the risks of future injuries. For further detailed information on treating and preventing soft tissue injuries, you can refer to the following resources: Treating Equine Soft Tissue Injuries - The Horse Tips for Treating Soft Tissue Injuries in Horses - Vitafloor Equine Sports Medicine Part 2: Beware of the Soft Tissue Tear - EquidDoc Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries - Equine Ultrasound Soft Tissue Injury Prevention - Northern Lakes Equine Practice

One's designed to be the horse's whole diet, while the other should be added to a ration. Which is best for your horse?The post Complete Feeds vs. Ration Balancers: Whats the Difference? appeared first on The Horse.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Derek Braun (@derekabraun)Split Rock Jumping Tours Derek Braun took to Instagram this week for an impromptu tour of the newly-constructed barns at the Kentucky Horse Park. While the Horse Park is of course used for competitions across disciplines, well be especially keen to see some 4* and 5* horses stabled here next year for Defender Kentucky. Take a peek and get excited! Construction continues with plans to eventually redo all of the barns currently standing in the stabling area.

Excited to see our former stallion nadim il faut (Comme il faut x kannan) amongst the worlds best 6yos at laneken this weekClear in both qualifiers ahead of Sundays finals .He was without doubt the best 4yo and best 5yo in the country before being sold to shane brean and @gregbroderick_ballypatrick .Delighted to hear of his recent sale again to American rider @charrjacobsNo question hes a horse with the hugest of futuresFingers crossed for Sundays final !

The 102nd Oldenburg Fall Elite Auction will run on October 5, 2024, at 14:00 [CET] with a very special event to celebrate the opening of the newly modernized Vechta auction hall. A total of 77 lots will be presented, including ready-to-compete horses alongside well-pedigreed foals. Sires represented including Vitalis, Numero Uno, Sir Donnerhall I, Secret, []The post 102nd Oldenburg Fall Elite Auction appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

There was much to celebrate in the 7-Year-Old final of the 2024 FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium this afternoon where there was Gold and Bronze Medal success for the Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Jumping Squad supported by Redmond Property Maintenance with Michael Pender and HHS Mercedes (ISH) and Michael Duffy with BP Royalty (ISH) claiming the medals for Ireland. In a seven-horse jump off to decide the 7-Year-Old World Champion, Irish riders made up four of the combinations gunning for the title. First into the ring in the jump off was Irelands David Simpson and the stallion Mambo NR 5 B (KWPN) who jumped clear in a time of 40.54 to lay the challenge down to the riders coming behind him. There he remained until Co. Galways Michael Duffy trotted into the ring with his new mount, BP Royalty. This gelding, sired []

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Horse & Country (@horseandcountrytv)New Zealand Olympian Tim Price produced a classic display of horsemanship when he posted his first win at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, in the most dramatic of weather conditions.The black clouds that had been threatening finally burst as the CCI4*-L neared its tense climax in the showjumping arena, but Tims mount, Susan Lamb and Therese Millers 12-year-old Happy Boy, was immaculate over the fences, despite the soggy conditions.Happy Boy won the prestigious World Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion dAngers, France (as a seven-year-old) in similarly damp weather on a grass surface. I held that in the back of my mind as we were warming up, said Tim. I knew that he was athletic and that he was capable of it, and hes a fighter. This has been fantastic. You dont take these days for granted.Tim, a winner of Burghley, Pau and Luhmuhlen five-stars and the runner-up at Burghley last weekend, is the first New Zealander to triumph in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim since Andrew Nicholson in 1991. His wife, Jonelle, is a dual winner of the CCI4*-S.British Olympian Daisy Berkeley tasted victory at Blenheim in 2006 and she almost did so again, a clear round on Camilla Case, Martha Ivory and her mother Caroline Dicks Diese du Figuier elevating her from sixth to the runner-up spot.Im thrilled with this horse, said Daisy. Hes so beautiful and athletic. I could hardly see through the rain and I was suddenly slipping in the saddle, but I just told myself to ride him like a good horse. He was superb, as he has been in all three phases.Germanys Jrme Robin and Black Ice hit just one show jumping rail to finish third in what has been an impressive Blenheim debut. US rider Jenny Caras (Sommersby) and Calvin Bockmann (The Phantom of the Opera), another member of the German army, both jumped clear to rise to fourth and fifth respectively, while Alexander Braggs single rail down on Ardeo Premier dropped him to sixth.Also for the US, Phillip Dutton and Denim finished eighth overall on a score of 41.5. Our Canadian representative Dana Cooke and Quatro finished 41st on a score of 69.3. The CCI4*-S for eight and nine-year-old horses came to a thrilling conclusion when Irishman Padraig McCarthy riding Peter Cattell and Diane Brunsdens MGH Zabaione clinched the win by just 0.4 of a cross-country time penalty a mere second.It was an Irish one-two, as the overnight leader, Georgie Goss on Kojak, who was last to go across country the top 20 ran in reverse order of merit rode valiantly across country in pouring rain and so nearly held onto the top spot.Padraig, who lives in Devon and is married to the 2009 Blenheim winner Lucy Wiegersma, had only been 10th overnight and was unaware of his victory for some time as he was preparing to show jump in the CCI4*-L, in which he finished 14th on MGH Mr Messack, the only horse to finish within the optimum cross-country time.The CCI4*-S has often been a pointer to future equine stardom five former winners have gone onto five-star glory, including the dual Olympic gold medallist London 52 (with Laura Collett) and Padraig describes the home-bred eight-year-old MGH Zabaione, by Zaball out of Viancara, as the most complete event horse Ive ever ridden. He has won at every level.Caroline Harris rode one of the quickest cross-country rounds, for 1.2 time penalties, to finish third on Cooley Mosstown. Piggy March, who won the inaugural running of this class, in 2009, was fourth on Dassett Arthalent and Sam Ecroyd, the only rider to achieve the optimum cross-country time, was fifth on Bloomfield Manuscript.The Elite Stallions Cup for the highest ranking British Bred Horse in the eight and nine-year-old Championship went to Corimiro, ridden by Sarah Bullimore owned by Mr Brett Bullimore, Mr Bruce Saint, Christopher & Susan Gillespie.It has been another great weekend of competition, with thoroughly worthy winners, said Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley. Weve seen some brilliant horsemanship from a truly international field, plus great support from owners, spectators, and our invaluable sponsors and volunteers. Roll on next year!Blenheim Palace International H.T. (UK): [Website] [Scores] [H&C+ Live Stream Replays]

Headers Key Points Are Back Protectors Essential for Equestrian Riders or Just an Extra Layer? Back protectors are crucial for equestrian safety, providing protection to the back, ribs, and vital organs. The Risks of Horse Riding Horse riding is inherently risky, and falls can have severe consequences. What are Back Protectors? Protective gear designed to absorb fall or impact energy, coming in various styles. Vest-Style Body Protectors Lightweight and flexible, suitable for medium-risk activities like recreational riding. Shell-Style Body Protectors Made from impact-resistant materials, ideal for high-risk activities like jumping. Hybrid Body Protectors Combines air jackets and level 3 body protectors, offering maximum protection at a premium cost. Are Back Protectors Essential? Depends on the type of riding, rider's experience level, and health conditions. For Beginners and Intermediate Riders Highly beneficial, especially for activities involving increased fall risks like cantering and jumping. For Riders with Health Concerns Essential for riders with spinal or back issues to avoid potential injuries. For High-Risk Activities Mandatory for activities like jumping, cross-country, and eventing where fall risks are higher. Personal Risk Assessment Decision to wear a back protector depends on the rider's personal risk assessment. Comfort and Practicality Modern protectors are lightweight and flexible; correct fitting is essential. Cost and Maintenance Expensive but a worthwhile investment; avoid second-hand protectors. Conclusion Back protectors are life-saving tools, essential for all riders to prioritize safety. Are Back Protectors Essential for Equestrian Riders or Just an Extra Layer? Horse riding is an exhilarating and rewarding sport, but it comes with inherent risks. One of the most critical aspects of equestrian safety is the use of protective gear, and back protectors have become a topic of considerable discussion among riders. In this blog, we will delve into the importance, types, and benefits of back protectors to help you decide whether they are essential or just an extra layer of safety. The Risks of Horse Riding Horse riding is inherently risky, and the potential for falls and injuries is always present. Even experienced riders can fall, and the consequences can be severe. For instance, the tragic accident involving Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a horse riding accident, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved. What are Back Protectors? Back protectors, also known as body protectors, are designed to absorb the energy from a fall or impact, protecting the rider's back, ribs, and vital organs. These protectors come in various styles, each offering different levels of protection. Vest-Style Body Protectors Vest-style body protectors are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for medium-risk riding activities such as recreational riding or riding club events. They provide vital padding around the trunk, safeguarding the back, ribs, and stomach. However, they offer less impact protection compared to other types. Shell-Style Body Protectors Shell-style body protectors are made from impact-resistant composite materials and offer significantly more protection than vest-style protectors. They are flexible, lightweight, and breathable, making them suitable for higher-risk activities like jumping and cross-country riding. For example, the Racesafe Provent 3.0 is a highly regarded model in this category. Hybrid Body Protectors Hybrid body protectors combine the benefits of air jackets and level 3 body protectors. These protectors are snug-fitting and can be worn over light clothing. They are permitted for use in the cross-country phase of eventing and provide maximum protection, although at a premium cost. Are Back Protectors Essential? The necessity of back protectors depends on several factors, including the type of riding, the rider's experience level, and any pre-existing health conditions. For Beginners and Intermediate Riders For those who are re-starting horse riding or are in beginner lessons, especially if they are engaging in activities like cantering and jumping, back protectors can be highly beneficial. Given the increased risk of falls during these activities, wearing a back protector can provide an added layer of safety and confidence. For Riders with Health Concerns Riders with pre-existing spinal or back issues should definitely consider wearing a back protector. For instance, a rider who has been diagnosed with a spine problem and is concerned about potential injuries from falls would find a back protector indispensable. For High-Risk Activities Activities such as jumping, cross-country, and eventing carry higher risks of falls and injuries. In these cases, back protectors are not just recommended but often compulsory. For example, in the cross-country phase of eventing, maximum protection is compulsory, and hybrid body protectors are highly recommended. Personal Risk Assessment While back protectors are highly recommended, the decision to wear one ultimately depends on a personal risk assessment. Some experienced riders may feel that the risk is manageable without a back protector, especially if they have a good riding record and are not engaging in high-risk activities. However, it is crucial to remember that even experienced riders can fall, and the consequences can be severe. Comfort and Practicality One of the common concerns about back protectors is their comfort and impact on riding performance. Modern body protectors are designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing riders to move freely in the saddle. It is essential to get fitted for a body protector in person to ensure it fits correctly and does not restrict movement. Cost and Maintenance Back protectors can be expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment in safety. It is also important to note that buying second-hand body protectors is generally not recommended, as the material can break down over time and may not provide adequate protection in the event of a fall. Conclusion Back protectors are not just an extra layer of safety; they are life-saving tools that can make a crucial difference in the event of a fall or accident. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced rider, considering the risks involved in horse riding and the benefits of back protectors is essential. For Safety: Back protectors offer protection to the back, ribs, and vital organs, which is critical in high-risk activities like jumping and cross-country riding. For Confidence: Wearing a back protector can instill confidence, especially for riders who are re-starting or engaging in more challenging activities. For Health: Riders with pre-existing health conditions, particularly spinal or back issues, should consider back protectors as a necessary piece of equipment. In conclusion, while the decision to wear a back protector is personal, the benefits and added safety they provide make them an essential consideration for all equestrian riders. Always prioritize your safety and well-being when engaging in this wonderful but inherently risky sport. Reddit: Usefulness of Body Protectors for Beginner Adults Reddit: Body Protectors Charles Owen: Body Protectors

The start-list for the last qualifier of the 2024 Foal Championship is now available. The final qualifier takes place in Maryville EC, Co Cork on Tuesday 24th September. This year there were four provincial qualifiers held in September with separate categories for horses and ponies, and separate sections for potential showjumping foals and potential eventing foals. At each of the qualifiers the winning foal of each class will be selected for the Final in October: the best show jumping type, the best eventing type, as well as one Traditional horse foal per province. Click HERE for startlist The Grand Final will take place at the end of October with Champions being named in both horse and pony sections for the Champion Showjumping Foal and Champion Eventing Foal. There will also be a Champion prize for the overall best traditionally bred foal. The final will be held in Emerald EC, Co []