Five-star success too for Swail as Chawke dominates Thunderbird and McCarthy also on target The world number 13 ranked show jumper, Shane Sweetnam and the 15th-ranked Conor Swail bagged an Irish five-star double as the Major League Show Jumping leg at Traverse City came to a conclusion in thrilling fashion on Sunday night. Castlemagner man Sweetnam and his Olympic partner James Kann Cruz (ISH) were the big winners, landing the 112,200 first prize in the American Gold Cup for Gizmo Partners at the Michigan venue. It was a second triumph in the prestigious competition for the Cork pilot and the gorgeous grey bred in Co Galway by Patrick Connolly, the combination having also done the business in 2022. James Kann Cruz was only a nine-year-old then and the excitement surrounding his future was palpable, with Sweetnam describing him as a horse you waited your whole career to find. He certainly []

In partnership with SPILLERSWe all know that horses (and people) gain excess weight when they consume more calories than they burn. While increasing exercise can help and has other health benefits to offer, the key to weight loss is a calorie-restricted diet.This can be achieved in a number of ways, but theres no magic bullet and the most suitable method or combination of methods varies between individuals. How Hannah Conisbee manages her 12-year-old Gypsy cob Floss waistline is a great example of what can be achieved through implementing a weight loss programme.Ive owned Floss for seven years and, although shes always been a good doer, her weight started to creep up while she was on six months box rest for a broken hock in 2019, says Hannah.She continued to gain weight once turned back out and in June last year, she was diagnosed with low-grade laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), resulting in another six weeks of box rest.Classed as obeseAt her heaviest, the 14hh mare weighed 533kg (on a weighbridge) and had a body condition score of seven out of nine (7/9), which is classed as obese.Floss has been on a balancer and low-calorie chaff ever since and was on strictly weighed out rations of soaked hay while on box rest, continues Hannah.Her return to grazing was made very gradually, initially in a small strip-grazed paddock.Floss is now turned out in the day in winter and overnight during the summer, but wears a grazing muzzle all-year round as theres always more grass than she needs.Some horse owners arent keen on muzzles, but Floss took to wearing one really well and it has enabled me to manage her weight while giving her more time in the field with her friends.I also use the winter months to my advantage. Shes chaser clipped but wears a lightweight rug with no neck.A 14 inch loss!Floss now weighs 459kg and has a body condition score of 5/9. Her insulin levels are also under control.Shes also gone from wearing a 56 inch girth to a 42 inch girth, smiles Hannah.Spillers come to the yard with a weighbridge every six months, but I use a weigh tape to track whether shes losing or gaining weight in between visits.I do as much exercise as possible with Floss to help keep her trim and I have regular lessons with my biomechanics coach, Julia La Garde.I wasnt sure if Floss would ever be able to return to work after breaking her hock, but in July 2024 [five years after her injury] she cantered a 20m circle for the first time since it happened. Shes come so far.I felt like Id failed herEvery horse owners journey is different, and I know some really struggle with feeling mean about restricting their horses diet. For me, the hardest thing by far was feeling that I had contributed to Floss getting laminitis, confesses Hannah.When my vet explained that obesity increases the risk of laminitis and insulin dysregulation, I felt like Id failed her.Realising it was in my power to take control of her weight and help prevent the pain of laminitis in the future gave me all the motivation I needed.Im also lucky to have the support of an amazing friend, Jess, whose gelding is also a good doer. We keep our Floss and Bear together and, if I seem like I might falter and let Flosss management slip, she reminds me how far weve come, adds Hannah.Listen to the professionalsHannahs advice to other horse owners is listen to the professionals.If you are told your horse is overweight, it is coming from a place of experience, she says. Listen when they teach you how to body score your horse too fat pads arent always easy to spot if youre not looking for them.Now I know what to look for I see overweight horses everywhere. Together with Jess, Im trying to champion the (weight loss) cause.For friendly, advice on feeding your horse or pony you can contact the SPILLERS Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com.Have you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! FindoutmoreRelated contentHow strip grazing worksEssential guide to preventing painful laminitisEquine metabolic syndrome explainedWhat is insulin resistance?Can you spot an overweight horse?The post I felt like Id failed: calorie-restricted diet transforms obese mare appeared first on Your Horse.

Padraig McCarthy on the Michael Doyle bred MGH Mr Messack are the only ones to get the time in a testing X Country in the UK and he went on to win the 8 & 9 year old section on his home bred Zabaione. A good day at the office! See below the full list of International Eventing Results Blenheim International (GBR) 19th 22nd September 2024 CCI 4* Long Sec A 3rd Black Ice (ISH) 2010 gelding by Vechta (KWPN) out of Brookhall Lady (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH). Breeder: Judith McClelland (Down). Rider: Jerome Robine (GER) 22.8, 4.4, 6.0 = 33.2 6th Ardeo Premier (ISH)[was MB Premier Boy] 2012 gelding by Hold Up Premier (SF) out of Playgirl [ISH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Michael Beattie (Down). Rider: Alexander Bragg (GBR) 30.3, 8.4, 0.8 = 39.5 9th Cooley Carnival Lady (ISH)[was Carnival Lady] 2011 mare by My []

When a horse owner gets divorced, their horse will almost certainly be an important consideration as part of the divorce settlement. In the United Kingdom alone, approximately 374,000 households own horses and the estimated horse population stands at around 850,000.In the eyes of the law, a horse is classed as a chattel (personal property). However, our horses are not just property theyre beloved companions, a part of the family and, in some cases, can be very valuable assets. So things can quickly get emotional should your horse have to be sold or you become embroiled in a battle about whether you or your spouse truly owns them.Key issues relating to what happens to horses during a divorce are:Ownership statusWhether your horse is considered marital or separate property depends on when it was acquired.If you purchased your horse before marriage, it may be considered separate property. In that case, the owner generally keeps control over the horse without paying their ex-spouse anything.However, if the horse was acquired during the marriage, its usually considered marital property, and its value will be factored into the division of assets.AppreciationIf your horses value has appreciated (ie increased) during the marriage (even if the horse was purchased prior to the marriage), that appreciation may be considered a marital asset and subject to division upon divorce.Active appreciation (due to efforts during the marriage, such as competing and winning shows) and passive appreciation (due to inflation or market forces) are both relevant factors.Valuation dateThe valuation date is the day on which the horses market value is determined. This date varies of course, as parties may wish to rely on either date of acquisition, date of marriage or date of separation.How to protect your horseIn order to protect your horse in the event of you being divorced, there are a number of steps you can follow:DocumentationKeep thorough records of your horses purchase, care, and expenses. This includes bills of sale, veterinary records, and any other relevant paperwork.These documents can help establish ownership and demonstrate your commitment to the horse. The same can also support your case during divorce proceedings.Prenuptial agreementsIf you are not yet married, then I strongly recommend a prenuptial agreement (also known as premarital agreements or prenups).This legal document can outline ownership and custody arrangements for your horse in the event of divorce.If you are concerned about your four-legged companion, a prenuptial agreement is one way to ensure they are protected going into a marriage.Co-ownership agreementsIf you and your spouse jointly own a horse, then you can enter into a co-ownership agreement. Such an agreement will set out each partys responsibilities and any decision-making processes that the parties are to follow. Lastly, it can also prevent any disputes during divorce proceedings.Mediation and collaborationTo prevent lengthy disputes, parties are always encouraged to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or collaborative law. Such methods can lead to a more amicable solution.Demonstrate your commitmentAs a horse lover myself, the thought of having to worry about my companion is concerning. I most certainly would not like to get into a dispute over this.Our horses have a special place in our hearts and our emotional attachment to them is like no other.The Court treats horses as personal property and it is very important that you demonstrate your commitment to your horses well-being. This is a factor the Court considers when dealing with any dispute.Determining a horses monetary valueIn the context of a divorce, if a horses value cannot be agreed between parties, then an expert will need to be instructed.This is due to the Court requiring a certified equine appraisal to determine the horses monetary value.The appraisal assists the Court in establishing an objective basis for property distribution. The Court in some instances could order your horse be sold and the profits to be dealt with as part of the divorce settlement.When an expert values your horse, they will consider a variety of factors, such as:BreedAgeHealth issuesCompetition history.Therefore, it is extremely important that anyone who owns a horse seeks legal advice as to how they can protect them in the event of a divorce.Equestrian propertyIt is not just our horses that are factored into divorce settlements. As we know, many equestrian families often own related assets such as stables, tack, or trailers.Therefore, these assets also get taken into account and must be fairly divided.As solicitors, we also advise in relation to equestrian property, which usually hold a significant value. So in the event of a divorce, you may be concerned where your beloved companion will live should your family home be sold.As equestrian properties have a unique nature, thorough documentation and expert appraisals would be required in order to value the same.Divorce can also impact those involved with equestrian businesses, as it affects ownership, management and financial support.Common mistakes to avoidDivorce cases involving equestrian property can be intricate. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:Lack of documentationParties failing to provide document ownership, expenses, and care arrangements for horses.Failing to keep detailed records to support your claims during the divorce process.Ignoring emotional attachmentsHorses often hold deep emotional value. Ignoring this can lead to disputes.Consider the emotional impact on both parties when negotiating horse-related matters.Not seeking legal advice earlyConsult a lawyer experienced in equestrian divorces.Waiting too long can lead to costly mistakes or unfavourable outcomes.Overlooking business interestsEquestrian families may have related assets (stables, tack and trailers, for example).Address these assets alongside horse ownership to ensure a fair division.It is important both parties maintain clear records of business operations, finances and ownership. It is also advisable to separate personal and business finances to avoid commingling assets.Underestimating a horses valueA horses worth goes beyond winnings. Training, bloodlines, and potential earnings matter.How to protect your horse and/or propertyThere are a number of options to protect your companion, equestrian property and business. These are as follows:Consider a prenuptial agreementIve already mentioned this once thats how important it is. Prenuptial agreements play a crucial role in setting terms if a marriage ends.For instance, someone with an established family business may seek to protect those assets from the other party in case of divorce.These agreements allow engaged couples to define how assets will be divided and assign responsibility for debts, both pre-marriage and acquired jointly. Importantly, prenups can also address inheritance rights.Consider a postnuptial agreementIf youre already married and dont have a prenuptial agreement in place, consider a postnuptial (or separation agreement if you are planning to separate). You can attempt to ring fence the above and limit future disputes.Postnuptial agreementsA postnuptial agreement is a legal agreement signed by spouses after marriage. It outlines how financial assets will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation.Postnuptial agreements create clarity and security, ensuring fair handling of assets should the marriage dissolve. To be valid, postnuptial agreements must meet basic criteria, including mutual consent, full disclosure, and absence of coercion.There are of course benefits to these agreements such as: establishing ownership of property (community or separate) and reducing potential disagreements by setting clear terms upfront.In the challenging terrain of divorce, safeguarding equestrian assets requires a strategic approach.Whether its drafting prenuptial agreements or valuing your equine companions, remember that professional guidance and empathy are essential.By navigating these complexities, you can ensure a fair and compassionate resolution for both parties and their horses.Separation agreementsA separation agreement outlines rights and responsibilities during a marital separation. It can cover property division, arrangements for children and finances, and other relevant matters.The provisions are often incorporated into the final divorce settlement to establish spouses rights and obligations while living apart before divorce.When it comes to protecting horse ownership, a separation agreement can play a crucial role as it records that any sale or transfer of horse ownership is documented with a written sales contract.This protects both the buyer and seller by clearly outlining ownership details and responsibilities.In the dance of divorce, where hearts break and assets divide, remember that our four-legged companions those steadfast souls whove carried us through lifes storms deserve their own chapter in the story. As the ink dries on legal papers, let us honour the hoofprints theyve left on our hearts.Main image by ShutterstockRelated contentBuying an equestrian property? Important things you need to considerUltimate guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe many benefits of hacking a horse regularlyHow to take care of a horseThe post What happens to your horse if you get a divorce? appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Should You Go for a Hack After Clipping Your Horse? Debate on riding immediately after clipping. Pros and cons with tips are provided. Immediate Post-Clipping Care Ensure the horse is comfortable and clean. Cleaning the Coat Use a hot damp towel to remove clipper oil residue and loose hair. Balancing the pH Hot wash with hot water and brown vinegar to restore the natural pH of the coat. Moisturizing Apply a moisturizer like Healthy Hair Care, mixed with hot water for a hot towel treatment. Pros of Riding After Clipping Reduced Irritation: Fresh air and movement can dry skin and reduce discomfort. Improved Circulation: Exercise helps in healing minor cuts. Cons of Riding After Clipping Skin Sensitivity: Riding can cause irritation on freshly clipped skin. Risk of Chafing: Friction from saddle/tack can be painful and cause sores. Best Practices Wait a Bit: Allow a few hours to a day before riding. Use Protective Measures: Use numnah or thin blanket to cushion saddle contact. Keep the Ride Gentle: Avoid intense or prolonged exercise. Conclusion It's generally best to wait before riding to reduce skin irritation and chafing. Follow post-clipping care steps for your horse's comfort and health. Additional Resources New Rider Forum Chronicle Forums Horse and Hound Forum Should You Go for a Hack After Clipping Your Horse? When it comes to the care and maintenance of your horse, body clipping is a common practice, especially during warmer months or for horses that are heavily worked. However, the decision to go for a hack (or ride) immediately after clipping your horse is a topic of considerable debate among horse owners and caretakers. Heres a detailed look at the pros and cons, along with some valuable tips to help you make an informed decision. Immediate Post-Clipping Care Before considering a ride, its crucial to ensure your horse is comfortable and clean after the clipping process. Here are a few steps you can take: Cleaning the Coat After clipping, it's essential to remove any clipper oil residue and loose hair. Using a hot damp towel to wipe down your horse can be very effective. This method not only cleans the coat but also provides a soothing experience for the horse. Balancing the pH A hot wash with hot water and a small amount of brown vinegar can help lift grease and restore the natural pH of the coat. This step is particularly important to prevent skin irritation and ensure the coat remains healthy. Moisturizing Applying a moisturizer, such as Healthy Hair Care, after clipping can help maintain the health and shine of your horses coat. Mixing this moisturizer with hot water for a hot towel treatment can be especially beneficial. Pros of Riding After Clipping Reduced Irritation Riding your horse shortly after clipping can sometimes help reduce irritation caused by the clipping process. The movement and fresh air can aid in drying the skin and reducing any discomfort. Improved Circulation Exercise after clipping can improve blood circulation, which may help in healing any minor nicks or cuts that might have occurred during the clipping process. Cons of Riding After Clipping Skin Sensitivity Freshly clipped skin can be quite sensitive, and riding immediately after may cause additional irritation, especially if the saddle or girth rub against the newly clipped areas. Risk of Chafing The friction from the saddle and tack can lead to chafing, which can be painful for the horse and may result in skin lesions or sores. Best Practices Wait a Bit If possible, its advisable to wait at least a few hours or even a day before riding your horse after clipping. This allows the skin to settle and reduces the risk of irritation. Use Protective Measures If you must ride shortly after clipping, consider using protective measures such as a numnah (a type of saddle pad) or a thin, breathable blanket to cushion the contact between the saddle and the horses skin. Keep the Ride Gentle If you do decide to ride after clipping, ensure the ride is gentle and does not involve intense or prolonged exercise. This will help minimize any potential discomfort or irritation. Conclusion While there are valid arguments on both sides, the general consensus is that it is best to wait a bit before riding your horse after clipping. This allows for proper post-clipping care and reduces the risk of skin irritation and chafing. By following the steps outlined above for post-clipping care and considering the pros and cons of immediate riding, you can ensure your horse remains comfortable and healthy. Always prioritize your horses well-being and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential issues. For more detailed advice on post-clipping care, you can refer to the following resources: New Rider Forum: This forum discusses various methods for post-clipping care, including the use of hot damp towels. Chronicle Forums: Here, you can find tips on using moisturizers and hot towels to maintain coat health after clipping. Horse and Hound Forum: This forum provides advice on using hot water and brown vinegar to restore the coats natural pH. By taking these considerations into account, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your horses comfort and health. Explore Our Collections At Just Horse Riders, we offer a variety of products to keep you and your horse comfortable and stylish. Check out our collections: 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 Ready to keep your horse comfortable and stylish after clipping? Discover our range of Turnout Rugs that provide warmth and protection. Clipping your horse might irritate its skin. Ensure comfort with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements to maintain skin health! Protect your horse during rides with our Horse Fly Protection products. Explore our exclusive Jodhpur Collection to find the perfect fit for your riding adventures.

Photo by pimmimemom/Adobe StockHello, Dr. Diehl? I have a question about a cat named Devil Breath. Hes at our clinic today and Laurie said to get his records from you?Devil Breath I repeated slowly.Normally, Id just email the vet records, but the Devil Breath experience was forever burned into my brain. While Id escaped uninjured, my truck hadnt been so lucky, and Lauries husband had ended up in the ER.Laurie had 11 horses, including two rotten ponies. In addition to the long drive, trying to outsmart ponies, and juggling a variety of problems with the herd, there were six barn cats and four small dogs to attend to. A trip to Lauries was always a day-long adventure, and it was actually because of Laurie that Id started keeping a well-stocked small animal pharmacy on my mobile vet truck.Raining Cats & DogsOn my most recent visit to Lauries, Id done a lot of vet work on the herd and taken some X-rays of one of the ponies, who decided to kick me firmly in the shin. The other pony wasnt getting vaccinated, as shed knocked Laurie down and run away as fast as her fat little legs could carry her.I was tired and sore, and I was glad to be cleaning up when Laurie announced that the dogs and cats needed shots. I sighed and set my dirty equipment down on the tailgate of the truck. One of these days I was going to start saying no to dog and cat work.We set up on her back porch and got through all the dogs and the few cats that she could catch. It went very smoothly until we got to Devil Breath, a huge black barn cat.Devil Breath was semi-feral on a good day, but he hated vets, and it was an art to get him safely vaccinated. Id done a rapid exam and given the shots after speed-rolling Devil Breath in a towel. I wanted to watch him for a bit, so Laurie put him back into the carrier and set it in the shade.My vet truck sat nearby, and the door to the vet unit was hanging open. As usual, Id forgotten to close it, and my tailgate was a mess of dirty dental equipment and a used sheath-cleaning bucket with brown wads of cotton floating in the water.A Foul EscapeDevil Breath was sulking in his carrier when Lauries husband saw him and exclaimed, What did they do to you, Devil Breath?Suddenly, there was a clatter and a loud yell, and the husband stumbled into view clutching his arm and uttering expletives. Devil Breath shot past us, leaped onto my tailgate, knocked the sheath-cleaning bucket over, then disappeared into the depths of my open vet truck.I watched in dismay as the foul water flowed into the truck, but soon realized that I had even worse problems, because Devil Breath was doing other things in there as the spilled sheath water pursued him. The smell of cat urine was overpowering.Laurie gasped.Oh, Dr. Diehl! Your poor truck!I was more worried about her poor husband, who was now leaning against the house moaning, so I sent Laurie for some antiseptic.I should have known better than to leave the vet truck open. Theyre a magnet for barn and ranch cats, and over the years, Id inadvertently stolen and safely returned several stowaways. I had learned a few tricks for de-catting my truck prior to leaving a farm, and confidently jumped behind the wheel.I started the loud diesel engine, which is usually enough to scatter any hiding cats, then pumped the throttle a few times for good measure. Then I turned the truck uphill so the foul sheath water would drain from the vet unit, and I figured that Devil Breath would be long gone.Except he wasnt. I shined my flashlight into the unit, and disembodied eyes glared at me from the depths of the truck. When the smell of cat feces hit me, I realized that Devil Breath had engaged his entire arsenal, and that it was now officially war.I yanked the units sliding drawers out as far as they would go and began removing my equipment and supplies, stacking everything on Lauries deck. When the truck was empty, I opened the gull wing door on top of the unit, borrowed Lauries hose, and stuck it into the depths of the fouled vet unit. Then I turned it on full blast.There was a muffled yowl, and Devil Breath shot from the back of the unit, followed by a flow of gross water and clumps of feces. I ran the hose for a good 10 minutes, removing all traces of the battle, then sprayed everything down with disinfectant and replaced my gear.Laurie was preparing to take her husband to the hospital and had loaded the poor man into their little red Mazda. She rolled down her window as they drove past.Did you get him out? she yelled.I pointed in the direction of her barn. Sorry about the mess in your yard.She shrugged.Well, at least he wont poop in my barn! Then she clapped her husband heartily on the shoulder as they drove off. And Dr. Diehl gave him the rabies shot right before he bit you, so its your lucky day, dear.Returning to the PresentMy phone squawked at me.Hello? Dr. Diehl, are you still there? The owner said Devil Breath might be difficult, do you have any recommendations?I snapped back to reality, and realized I was still on the phone with the vet clinic.A suit of armor, gauntlets, and a full-face shield should do it, I said. And nose plugs.The woman laughed merrily.Oh Dr. Diehl, youre always so funny. Well keep our eyes peeled for those records.You do that. I told her. Ive retired from small animal practice.This edition of Vet Adventures appeared in the August 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Vet Adventures: Barn Cat Showdown appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL are set to conclude in dramatic fashion with an unprecedented total prize money of over €22 million up for grabs across the final two events of the year. As the world's top riders and teams prepare for a thrilling season finale, the stakes have never been higher.From October 18-20, 2024, the iconic city of Rabat, Morocco, will host the LGCT...

Theres a big storm heading the way of Florida this week, and once again, WEC Ocala has offered itself up as a safe haven. Heres the info you need in case youre likely to be affected:In anticipation of this weeks storm, World Equestrian Center Ocala will open to equine evacuees and owners, beginning Wednesday, September 25 at 8am.Please email HurricaneStalls@wec.net with your anticipated arrival date, the number of stalls needed, horse names and each horses required health documents. Stalls are open to horses only.Please note that stall availability is limited.Required health documents can be found here.Events Opening Today:Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall,River Glen Fall H.T.,Horse Trials at Majestic OaksEvents Closing Today:The Event at Isaacks Ranch,Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials,Redefined Equestrian Horse Trials,Pine Hill Fall H.T.,Radnor Hunt H.T.,Poplar Place Farm October H.T.Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:Back to Blenheim for another debrief, this time from the CCI4*-S for eight and nine-year-olds.It was a win for Padraig McCarthy, the first Irish rider to take this class, and his eight-year-old homebred MGH Zabaione, who embarked on a good climb to best the huge field. Heres how it played out.Back across the pond, another fab story of a rescue living it large.Gettin Ziggy Wit It was saved from a cowshed and only really got the hang of his right-lead canter in the last year, but now, hes fast becoming his peoples favourite horse. Heres his story.No amount of coat sprays will make up for a lack of good nutrition.But if you get the feeding thing right, youll have a gleaming, show-ready horse and maybe even a spray of glorious dapples for your efforts, too. Heres what to keep in mind.And finally, a good listen for your morning muck-out:join Allie Knowles and Nicole Brown for a debrief on life, eventing, and everyones favourite ginge, Morswood.Sponsor Corner:Are you cooling your horse off properly in hot weather? Yes, it might be fall (is it, though?) but the temperatures are still hot in many parts of the world, and knowing how your horse cools down is paramount to their health and wellness. Our friends at Kentucky Performance Products are here to help with some tips and tricks, signs of heat stress to be on the lookout for, and recommendations for hydration support for every horse. Learn more here!Watch This:Join in with the ups and downs of producing a young event horse with British eventer and vlogger Ashley Harrison:

Yes, spring brings an increased risk of endocrinopathic laminitis for susceptible horsesbut so does autumn. Heres why.The post Understanding Autumn Laminitis in Horses appeared first on The Horse.