If your horse is stopping at the jumps, its time to rewindto the very basics and start building up, one block at a time.Table of ContentsToggleAllow Your Horse a Thorough InvestigationStick to Small StuffAlthough horses are naturally athletic and many can boldly jump over obstacles of astounding heights and widths, there are also those who arent quite so sure why they should put themselves in such a compromising position.A horse may stop at a jump for all kinds of reasons. He may be afraid of the jump itself, or his fear may be more related to what he has experienced from the rider when jumping; sometimes a riders lack of confidence relays to the horse, or the horse has been the victim of numerous bad distances.Jumping from a distance that is too long or too short puts the horse in a physically difficult spot, and he may not want to keep jumping. Its also common for riders to cause further discomfort to the horse in the air after a bad distance, sometimes accidentally pulling the reins, falling back into the saddle too early, or falling forward onto the horses neck.Sometimes Magic will give new or colorful jumps an extra peek; Rachel is ready and stays balanced in the center. Photo by Allyson WeilandAllow Your Horse a Thorough InvestigationNo matter the cause of the horses anxiety, the answer to getting him comfortable jumping again is to go one step at a time, creating enough new positive experiences to outnumber the negative experiences he has had.Start by allowing your horse to investigate and sniff the jumps. Done at a walk either mounted or unmounted, this is easy to do at home but also a valuable aspect of schooling shows. The horses that benefit from this most are those that hesitate before leaving the ground or that jump with a peek when they do go over.Once the jumps have been thoroughly inspected and sniffed at the walk, flat your horse very close to the jumps and their fillers. Trot and canter just alongside each jump, never pointing him at the jump, but making sure he feels relaxed having the jump close to him. If not, he may need to stop and sniff the jump again.Rachel trots Magic past the jump, giving him the opportunity to understand that its safe. Photo by Allyson WeilandNext, place flower boxes or other fillers perpendicular to the plane of the jump in between the standards and off to the sides, creating a chute toward the center of the jump. Trot your horse back and forth through the fillers until he is moving confidently past them.Here, Magic checks out the flower boxes and fill as he trots between them. Photo by Allyson WeilandFrom there, make a small cross-rail with the rails and filler. At a schooling show, this may be where you need to start if taking out the fillers to trot through is impractical. This is also a good place to start for those horses that are more concerned with the distance than the jump itself.Walk or slowly trot your horse over the jump so that he can have time to process the idea of jumping over filler and so that you can easily follow the motion of him going over the jump. Be sure to praise him when he goes over.Once your horse is happily taking you to the jump (this is importanthe should be moving confidently toward and over the fence), try cantering it. I would caution against making it any larger than a small vertical, as you risk another setback to his confidence. Remember, you must make a large library of positive experiences.Magic bravely jumps the entire jump complete with fill and flower boxes. Photo by Allyson WeilandStick to Small StuffFor horses that have stopping issues at jumps rooted in too many missed distances, its important to honestly evaluate your riding. Your horse may need a tune-up with a trainer or more advanced rider for a few rides, or you may need to accept dropping down to jumping ground poles and small cross-rails until your eye becomes more consistent.Adjustability of the canter is also crucial for these horses so that you become more familiar with your horses proper jumping canter and so that the horse is well-versed at moving forward off of your leg and coming back to your hand.Some horses may have trouble with combinations or lines specifically, and the same concepts apply. Small jumps and a patient rider will do the trick over time, and its important to keep encouraging the horse to go forward, even when the striding is not quite right, so that he eventually gets the confidence to open up his step.When the jumps are small, its completely fine for a horse to add a step, whether its two strides in what should have been a one stride, or six in a five, especially when the horse has a history of refusals.Eventually, with repetition, he will begin to get the correct striding, but this is another process that should not be rushed if you want the lesson and the confidence to stick. Take the time to meet your horse where hes at and build his confidence back up piece by piece.This article about training a horse thats stopping at the jumps appeared in the August 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Solutions for a Horse Stopping at Jumps appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Point Details Understanding Safety Standards Look for helmets meeting Kitemark PAS015, Kitemark VG1, or ASTM standards, indicating they have passed tests like crush-resistance and drop tests. 5-Year Replacement Rule Replace your helmet every five years from the date of purchase, regardless of its appearance, due to material degradation over time. Frequency of Use Frequent riders may need to replace helmets sooner than 5 years due to increased exposure to sweat and heat. Accidents and Impacts Replace the helmet immediately after any fall, kick, or impact as it can compromise the helmets protective qualities, even without visible damage. Environmental Factors Extremes in temperature and improper storage can accelerate the degradation of materials. Store in a temperature-controlled environment. Signs of Wear and Tear Replace if the helmet feels too loose or tight, or if the harness loosens or the clasp doesnt secure properly. Hairstyle Changes Ensure the helmet fits securely after any significant change in hairstyle that might affect the fit. Chin Strap Integrity Do not use the helmet if the chin strap is broken or shows signs of wear; it is crucial for securing the helmet during falls. Advanced Safety Features Consider helmets with advanced safety features such as Mips technology to reduce the risk of concussion. Conclusion Replace helmet every 5 years, after any impact, consider usage and environmental factors, check for wear, and ensure it meets safety standards. How Often Should You Really Replace Your Riding Helmet for Optimal Safety? When it comes to equestrian safety, one of the most critical pieces of equipment is the riding helmet. While it may seem like a simple piece of gear, the helmet plays a vital role in protecting riders from potentially severe head injuries. Heres a comprehensive guide on how often you should replace your riding helmet to ensure optimal safety. Understanding Safety Standards Before diving into the replacement guidelines, it's essential to understand the safety standards that your riding helmet should meet. The main international equestrian standards to look for include Kitemark PAS015, Kitemark VG1, and ASTM. These standards indicate that the helmet has passed specific tests, such as crush-resistance and drop tests on flat, edge, and sharp surfaces. For example, the Kitemark PAS015 standard involves four tests: a crush-resistance test and tests measuring peak force to the head when the helmet is dropped on flat, edge, and sharp anvils. Having a helmet that meets multiple standards ensures it is tested against a variety of accident scenarios, providing better protection in real-world incidents. The 5-Year Replacement Rule The most widely recognized guideline for replacing riding helmets is the 5-year rule. This rule suggests that you should replace your helmet every five years from the date of purchase, regardless of its appearance. This is not a marketing gimmick but a safety measure to ensure the materials inside your helmet still offer maximum protection. Helmet materials degrade over time due to exposure to sweat, sun, heat, and other environmental factors. Each time you wear your helmet, the internal foam expands and contracts, weakening its protective structure. After five years of regular use, the materials inside the helmet will likely have degraded significantly, reducing their effectiveness in absorbing impact. Factors Influencing Replacement While the 5-year rule is a general guideline, several factors can influence when you should replace your helmet: Frequency of Use If you ride daily or multiple times per week, you may need to replace your helmet sooner than the 5-year mark. Frequent use exposes the helmet to more sweat and heat, which can accelerate the degradation of the protective materials. Accidents and Impacts If your helmet has been involved in a fall, kick, or any other impacteven if it seems minorreplace it immediately. Impacts can compromise the helmets protective qualities, and some damage may not be visible. For instance, the hidden energy-absorbing liner can be crushed from a fall, meaning it has absorbed the forces rather than your head. Environmental Factors Exposure to extreme temperatures, such as leaving your helmet in the backseat of a hot car or storing it in a freezing barn aisle, can degrade the materials more quickly. Proper storage in a protective bag or carrier, out of direct sunlight and in a temperature-controlled environment, can help maximize the life of your helmet. Signs of Wear and Tear If your helmet starts to feel too loose or too tight, or if the harness loosens during rides and the clasp doesnt secure properly, its time to replace it. A loose-fitting helmet can increase your risk of injury during a fall. Additional Considerations Hairstyle Changes If you change your hairstyle drastically, especially if you tuck it into your helmet, it may affect the fit. Ensure the helmet still fits securely after any significant hairstyle changes. Chin Strap Integrity If the chin strap breaks or shows signs of wear, do not use the helmet. The chin strap is crucial for securing the helmet during a fall, and any damage to it can compromise safety. Advanced Safety Features Modern helmets often incorporate advanced safety features such as Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. This technology includes a slip layer that reduces the rotation of the head in the event of a fall, thereby reducing the risk of concussion. Helmets with Mips technology, like those from Charles Owen, offer an extra layer of protection that many riders look for. Conclusion Replacing your riding helmet is not just about following a guideline; its about ensuring your safety and the effectiveness of the helmet in protecting you from head injuries. Here are the key takeaways: Replace your helmet every five years from the date of purchase, regardless of its appearance. Replace your helmet immediately after any accident or impact, even if there is no visible damage. Consider the frequency of use and environmental factors that can affect the helmets lifespan. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as a loose fit or a broken chin strap. Ensure your helmet meets the necessary safety standards and consider advanced safety features like Mips technology. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your riding helmet remains a reliable and effective piece of safety equipment, protecting you from potential head injuries and allowing you to enjoy your equestrian activities with confidence. For more detailed information on equestrian helmet safety, you can refer to the following resources: Equestrian Helmet Fitting and Safety by Charles Owen Understanding the Five-Year Helmet Replacement Guideline by Dover Saddlery Equestrian Helmet Safety: The 5-Year Replacement Rule and Key Care Tips by Millbrook Tack

Blue Cross is celebrating the arrival of its first foal to be born on site since 2019. The healthy filly has been named Little Alpine and surprised the team at the charitys rehoming centre in Burford by appearing sooner than expected yesterday afternoon (Sunday 15 September).The foals dam, Strawberry, was taken in by Blue Cross in November 2023 from the RSPCA.We had our suspicions Strawberry was in foal and we and the vet were monitoring her, but we werent sure on when she was due, said Jessica Hall, adoptions preparation lead at Blue Cross.It was a very special experience for the staff that were present while she foaled as in the past foals have been born in the middle of the night, or in one of our foster homes.Strawberry has been on a wonderful journey during her time with us here at Burford, from being completely unhandled when she first arrived in our care, to now being a fantastic mother and letting the team handle both her and her beautiful tiny foal when necessary.Muppet the ShetlandThe team named the filly foal Alpine after the small type of strawberry.A Shetland pony called Muppet is also providing nanny services to Strawberry and Alpine.We think Muppet is going to provide good social interaction for Strawberry and Alpine, and will help Strawberry to feel safe having others around to look out for potential threats, as they would do in wild herds, added Jess.Over the coming weeks we will be looking to introduce younger, more playful horses into the herd for Alpine to have play mates as she matures.The mare and foal will remain in the care of Blue Cross before being listed for rehoming when they are ready to find a new home.Related contentLive birth of new foal is captured on charitys web camAdvice for feeding a pregnant or lactating mareHoof care guide, including what fascinating newborn hooves look likeHow to take care of a horseThe post Rescue pony surprises charity by giving birth early appeared first on Your Horse.

Katrin Eckermann (GER) and Sascinora NRW Winners of the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses 2024 - Lanaken (BEL) - 6 Year Olds   © FEI/Hippo Foto - Dirk Careman The FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses 2024 in Lanaken (BEL) concluded after several days of intense competition, with entries from across the world showcasing the...

A horse owner asks if Bute or firocoxib is better for her older performance horse. The answer? Maybe neither.The post Can I Maintain My Semiretired Horse on an NSAID? appeared first on The Horse.

Safety Gear Key Points Helmet ASTM/SEI Certification Proper Fit Replacement after a fall Boots Heel Requirement Sturdy Construction Discipline-Specific Boots Safety Vests Body Protectors Air Vests Safety Stirrups Design and Function Proper Use Gloves Preventing Rope Burn Comfort and Grip First Aid Kit and Medical ID Bracelet Equine First Aid Kit Medical ID Bracelet Safe Tack and Equipment Proper Fit Leather or Breakaway Halters What Essential Safety Gear Do Horse Riders Need and Why? Horse riding is a rewarding and enjoyable sport, but it comes with inherent risks that can be mitigated with the right safety gear. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, understanding and investing in essential safety equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Heres a comprehensive guide to the must-have safety gear for horse riders. 1. Helmet: The Most Critical Safety Gear A helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for horse riders. It protects the head from severe injuries in the event of a fall, which can happen even to the most experienced riders. Here are some key points to consider: ASTM/SEI Certification Ensure your helmet is certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). This certification guarantees that the helmet has passed rigorous safety tests, including drop tests. Proper Fit The helmet should fit snugly and not shift while riding. It is advisable to get fitted by a professional to ensure the correct size and fit. Replacement Helmets should be replaced after a fall, as the structural integrity may be compromised. Regularly inspect your helmet for any signs of damage or wear. 2. Boots: Protecting Your Feet and Ankles Boots are another essential piece of safety gear that protect your feet and ankles from injuries. Heel Requirement Boots should have a prominent heel to prevent your foot from sliding through the stirrup and getting stuck during a fall. This is crucial for both English and Western riding styles. Sturdy Construction Boots with hard soles and sturdy leather can shield your feet from sharp objects and protect them if you are stepped on by a horse. Discipline-Specific Boots Choose boots that are appropriate for your riding discipline. For example, English riders can opt for paddock boots with half chaps, while Western riders should use real cowboy boots. 3. Safety Vests: Additional Protection Safety vests provide extra protection for your torso and vital organs in case of a fall. Body Protectors These vests act as shock absorbers, protecting your organs from impact. They are particularly useful for riders who engage in high-risk activities like jumping or eventing. Air Vests Air vests automatically inflate with CO2 upon impact, offering enhanced cushioning and stability. They are a good option for riders who want maximum protection. 4. Safety Stirrups: Preventing Dragging Accidents Safety stirrups are designed to reduce the risk of getting your foot caught in the stirrup and being dragged by the horse. Design and Function Safety stirrups are engineered to release your foot in case of a fall, preventing dragging accidents. They come in various types, including those with elastic or breakaway mechanisms. Proper Use Ensure the stirrup bar is left straight and not bent upwards, allowing the stirrup leather and stirrup to come free from the saddle under the right force. 5. Gloves: Protecting Your Hands Riding gloves are not essential but highly recommended for protecting your hands and improving your grip on the reins. Preventing Rope Burn Gloves can prevent rope burn if a horse bolts while you are leading or lunging it. They also protect your hands from the constant pulling and rubbing of the reins. Comfort and Grip Choose gloves that are breathable, provide good grip, and are comfortable to wear during long riding sessions. 6. First Aid Kit and Medical ID Bracelet While not directly related to riding gear, having a first aid kit and a medical ID bracelet can be lifesaving in emergency situations. Equine First Aid Kit A well-stocked first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries immediately and stabilize more serious ones until professional help arrives. Medical ID Bracelet A medical ID bracelet can provide critical information to emergency responders in case of an accident. 7. Safe Tack and Equipment Ensuring your horse's tack fits correctly is also crucial for safety. Proper Fit The bridle, halter, saddle, and saddle pad should all fit your horse comfortably to avoid discomfort and potential safety hazards. Consult with your instructor for guidance on sizing. Leather or Breakaway Halters Opt for leather halters or those with a leather breakaway strap to prevent injuries if the horse gets caught on an object. Conclusion Investing in the right safety gear is paramount for horse riders. A helmet, boots, safety vests, safety stirrups, gloves, and proper tack are all essential components of a safe riding experience. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, and these pieces of equipment can significantly reduce the risks associated with horse riding. By following these guidelines and ensuring you are properly equipped, you can enjoy your time in the saddle with greater confidence and safety. For a wide range of high-quality horse riding equipment and apparel, visit Just Horse Riders. Additional Resources: 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 For more information on horse riding safety equipment, visit these helpful resources: The Pine Hill Ranch, Barrel Horse Forum, and Horse Rookie.

James Alliston and Cora. Photo by Ride On Photo.Coras four-star win with James Alliston in the mares first event at the level, along with Tamie Smiths victories with her veterans Mai Baum at Intermediate and Kynan in the three-star, were highlights of the 2024 Twin Rivers Fall International in Paso Robles, California. Also, Get Wild and Gabriella Ringer won the CCI2*-S after capturing the CCI2*-L at this years Twin Rivers Spring International. Lauren Burnell returned to FEI competition with victory in the CCI1*-S aboard Freedom Hill after what she described as a pretty intense hip surgery last October. And, in the USEAs Young Event Horse (YEH) qualifiers, Andrea Baxter and MBF Dig Deep won the 4-year-old division, and Amber Birtcil was one-two in the 5-year-old division with Zippity Doodah and Orpheus.In the CCI4*-S, Cora clinched victory with clear jumping and adding 4.4 time penalties on cross country to finish on a score of 44.8. Its been a quick rise for Alliston and the big 9-year-old bay Oldenburg mare (Commissario x La-Montana) since their first event together at Novice at the 2022 Twin Rivers Fall International. In 2024, they were reserve champion in the CCI3*-L at the Twin Rivers Spring International in April, as well as runner-up in the CCI3*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana in July.James Alliston and Cora. Photo by Ride On Photo.It was awesome, Alliston said. Im really thrilled with how it went. Shes a nice horse, obviously, but you never know the first time you move up a level how theyre going to handle the bigger jumps. Everything is harder and all that, but she did really, really well. I was very impressed.Alliston also won the CCI4*-S at this event in 2023 with a 9-year-old bay Oldenburg mare in Karma (Escudo II x Travita). Karma would go on to make her five-star debut at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2024 and most recently finished ninth as part of the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S in Germany.Theyre both very careful; thats the similarity, Alliston said. Obviously, Cora is a huge horse, sort of 18 hands, and Karma is more normal-sized, I would say 16.2. Karma is very fast tempo, high activity in the canter, fast tempo. Cora is so big that she has a big, huge stride but a slower tempo. Shes also fast to ride because shes not strong; she doesnt pull at the jumps. So, you can kind of not waste much time setting her up. Shes so huge that you can also do a step less in some of the lines in the show jumping and cross-country; you can easily take a stride out. Theyre quite different to ride, opposite ends of the spectrum, but both very careful and both good jumpers.Alliston said he would point Cora to the Advanced level at Ram Tap in Fresno, California, in October, while Karma would wait to return to competition in 2025 with Kentucky as a five-star goal.Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Ride On Photo.In the CCI3*-S, Smith finished one-two with Kynan (Envoy x Danieta) and Lillet 3 (S.I.E.C. Livello x Princess L), with both recording zero jump penalties and finishing within one point of each other. Kynans score was 30.0 in the 9-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood geldings first event since May. Lillet 3 finished on a score of 30.9 in the first FEI event for the 8-year-old dark bay Holsteiner mare with Smith. Lillet has won FEI events with two other ridersthe CCI4*-S at Kristianstad in Sweden with Andreas Dibowski in 2024 and the CCI2*-S at Baborowko in Poland with Maj-Jonna Ziebell in 2023.Smith also used the Fall International as the comeback event for her 2023 Kentucky five-star winner Mai Baum (Loredano x Ramira), winning the Intermediate level with clear jumping on a score 30.9, as a prep for the CCI5*-L at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill next month.I had a super weekend with all of the horses, Smith said. The tracks were challenging, and the [Twin Rivers] team did a phenomenal job on the footing. The massive effort to get the footing right was evident, and I know I can speak for all of the competitors how grateful we are for the huge improvement that was made.Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Ride On Photo.In the CCI2*-S, Ringer and Get Wild won with a score of 28.6. The 20-year-old rider and 12-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Plot Blue x Cantana) have been a team for more than six years since starting at Novice in 2018. Theyve now collected 18 blue ribbons in 39 events together.He made it feel easy out there, and there were plenty of challenging obstacles on this track, Ringer said. He was fast and jumped well. Since his win this spring in the CCI2*-L, we have just been trying to keep things consistent. Its been my mission all season to be the rider he deserves, and weve taken big strides in that direction.Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild. Photo by Ride On Photo.In the CCI1*-S, Burnell and Freedom Hill, a 14-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding (Fernhill Vriend x Sallymount Clover), finished on their dressage score of 28.8. Burnell returned to competing in USEA-recognized events in March after more than 16 months. This was her first FEI event since 2021.I am so lucky to have the partnership that I have with my horse, Burnell said. It was tough on me having to take an entire year off figuring out what surgery I needed, so to win my first FEI show back makes me a bit emotional. Hes the best horse ever. Hes so steady and consistent. Just a dream to ride. Hes a true professional.Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill. Photo by Ride On Photo.The Fall Internationals YEH competition showcased the next generation of potential FEI stars. In the 4-year-old qualifier, MBF Dig Deep, a bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Golddigger x Amber) that Andrea Baxter acquired from the 2023 Goresbridge Go For Gold auction in Ireland, posted the best 4-year-old qualifying score in the country with 88.15, according to the USEAs list of horses qualified for the Dutta Corp. USEA YEH Championships.Ive never been so excited about a horse as I am for Dig Deep, Baxter said. Hes a super athlete with all the qualities to be a top horse. I bought him as another easy button accident, but this horse is the real deal. Im so excited.Andrea Baxter and MBF Dig Deep. Photo by Ride On Photo.Baxter won the 2023 USEA YEH 5 Year-Old West Coast Championship with Camelot PJ (Colman x Hauptstutbuch Evita), with whom she finished ninth in the CCI2*-S at the 2024 Fall International. She was also sixth in the two-star with The Big Easy (Mr Lincoln B x PLS Hippo Q), the same placing Yoda had in last years 5-year-old championship, along with winning The Safe Harbor Award given to the 5-year-old with the most graceful and rider friendly performance throughout the competition. Baxter also rode the 7-year-old Adventure (Avos Jordan Z x Rockmount Lillie) in the CCI2*-S, finishing 12th.My other three are always battling for which one is the best and I still cant decide, she said. They are all so different but so cool.Amber Birtcil and Zippity Doodah. Photo by Ride On Photo.Amber Birtcil, who had two of the top-five in the 2023 5-year-old West Coast championship, had the top-two in the 2024 Fall Internationals 5-year-old qualifier with Zippity Doodah (Zirocco Blue VDL x Zolgas Sundae) winning with 86.20 and Orpheus (Gerardus x Hiewitta) second with 86.15.They are both lovely great-brained 5-year-olds that Ive really been enjoying producing, Birtcil said.Twin Rivers Ranch will host the Dutta Corp. USEA YEH West Coast Championships on October 25-26, with a Last Chance Qualifier on October 24. Its actually my favorite event all year, Birtcil said.The full list of winners from the 2024 Twin Rivers Fall International:CCI4*-S: James Alliston and Cora (44.8)CCI3*-S: Tamie Smith and Kynan (28.8)CCI2*-S: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (28.6)CCI1*-S: Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill (28.8)Open Intermediate: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (30.9)Open Preliminary: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (24.3)Open Modified: Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro (24.1)Open Training: Tamie Smith and Kareena K (21.0)Training Rider: Anna Brostrom and Girl of California (30.7)Open Novice: Amber Birtcil and Nadeche (29.7)Sr. Novice Rider: Nicci Guzzetta and Little Richard (23.9)Jr. Novice Rider: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (28.3)Novice Amateur: Michlynn Sterling and Crockanboy Dancer (31.7)Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Billys Shady and Dicaprio Z (30.0)Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Caroline Sanoner and Fast In Love (30.6)Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Ella Smith and Bittersweet 2 (29.4)Open Starter A: Mia Budelli and Armani (31.8)Open Starter B: Gina Miles and Lightning (28.3)YEH-4: Andrea Baxter and MBF Dig Deep (88.15)YEH-5: Amber Birtcil and Zippity Doodah (86.20)Twin Rivers Fall International (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Scores]

Fort Worth, Texas, a city known for its Western culture, is home to a multitude of high-level equine competitions. Among those competitions is the American Miniature Horse Association World Championship Show, where the best Miniature Horses and equestrians gather at the Will Rogers Memorial Center to showcase the breeds talents.The 2024 World Show is already underway in the Will Rogers Coliseum, continuing from September 20 through September 28. The youth competitors are first up, showing their Mini Horses through Wednesday, September 25. Open and amateur classes will close out the final four days of the World Show.Nearly 300 classes will be contested at the AMHA World Show, with competitors showing their Miniature Horses in a variety of classes and disciplinesamong them halter, showmanship, hunters, jumpers, and various types of driving classes.A Miniature Horse competing in a hunter class at the 2024 American Miniature Horse Association World Championship Show. Photo by Mary CageThe AMHA World Show returns to Fort Worth each year, just 30 miles north of the associations headquarters in Alvarado, Texas. Founded in 1978, the AMHA is the worlds leading Miniature Horse registry with more than 240,000 registered horses and upwards of 6,000 members across 38 countries and provinces.The event is open to the public, with only a parking fee required. All AMHA World Show classes can be viewed in the historic Will Rogers Coliseum.The post The American Miniature Horse Association World Championship Show is Underway appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Pass Wide and Slow awareness rides saw hundreds of horses and riders take to the streets in the UK and abroad to promote road safety for horse riders with out hacking.Of the 247 organised rides, which mostly took place across the weekend of 14-15 September, 190 occurred in the UK, 40 in New Zealand and there were also several in the USA and Canada. Many had support from local MPs, councillors and mayors, as well as police.Our aim is to raise awareness and educate motorists on how to safely pass horses on our roads. We were also riding in memory of those killed and injured on our roads due to motorists impatience, lack of respect, or simply lack of knowledge, said Laura Grant.My pony Katie was fatally injured over a year ago due to a motorists impatience. I am determined she will not be forgotten and that something positive will come out of her death. Our ride was small, like many others, but was by no means insignificant every rider makes a difference.The ride Laura organised in Carmarthenshire was supported by local MP, Dame Nia Griffith, Cllr John Prosser and Cllr Kim Broom.Dyfed Powys Police provided a police escort to the horses and riders. The ride was also sponsored by Equi Hi Vi and EvoEquine Ltd, who provided rosettes to participants.Katies LawLaura currently has over 15,000 signatures on her Katies Law petition, which requests that rule 215 advisories within the Highway Code are made law. The advisories include passing horses at 10mph or less and passing horses as wide as is safely possible.Education is the way forward, added Laura.Pass Wide And Slow is encouraging supporters to use their powerful literature and media to share the PWAS message at events and within their communities.Laura hopes that over 300 Pass Wide And Slow (PWAS) awareness rides will take place next year.Im looking at research on horses and road safety, designing, promoting hi vis, signage, gadgets to use whilst riding on the roads. Im also keen to encourage support of PWAS by engaging equestrian businesses in various ways, but most of all Im looking into how to change drivers attitudes, she said.Anything to make riding on our roads safer for everyone.The Pass Wide And Slow message is currently being displayed on local buses after a campaign was funded by generous donations from the public. Thirty-five buses in seven UK regions will featuring the PWAS message until 1 October 2024.Related contentWhat the Highway Code means for horse ridersMajority of drivers unaware of Highway Code changes, warns BHS Director of Safety Alan HiscoxOperation Snap: how and why more horse riders need to use itRoad safety: why horse riders must work together to improve itWhy wearing the colour red could make you easier to see by driversThe post Every rider makes a difference: hundreds take part in Pass Wide and Slow awareness rides appeared first on Your Horse.