This blog post was written by Liesl Ross, one of Elite Equine COs trainers, with photos provided by Wendy Collison with Spotlight Sports Photography and Gina Hluska.Gina Hluska grew up riding, competing, and training horses from a very young age. She started working at the racetrack as a veterinary assistant with a track veterinarian while also working as an assistant trainer exercising, ponying, treating, and training Thoroughbreds. She went on to become a veterinary technician in a prestigious performance horse practice working alongside some of the industrys top veterinarians. While assisting in treating injured performance horses, both in the field and in-hospital settings, she realized the importance of rehabilitative and supportive veterinary care, so she went back to school and obtained the credentials and additional experience required to operate an equine rehab facility, first calledElite Equine Rehab. After a short time, she recognized the need for a sanctuary that offered in-house supportive veterinary care and rehabilitation for the performance horses that would otherwise be displaced or discarded; it is here that Elite Equine CO was born. Both Elite Equine Rehab and Elite Equine CO are based in Colorado Springs, CO.Liesl Ross: What first got you interested in providing a non-profit angle to your business?Gina Hluska: Honestly, I think it was some kind of divine intervention. Recognizing the need for performance horse rehabilitation while working as a vet tech, I wanted to provide a more non-invasive approach to equine healing and wellness. When I started Elite Equine CO, I never imagined the overwhelming need for rehabilitation for injured performance horses that were being dumped or passed along because either the client couldnt afford to pay for the expense of rehab or simply werent willing to pay the costs of rehabilitation, especially considering the time lost performing or competing. I refer to it as the drive-thru mentality. It was easier, more convenient and overall less expensive than paying for the long road to recovery. Upon realizing this need, I would offer the horse solace and in-house non-invasive modalities during their rehabilitation at my facility. After doing this a few times, word spread and I was taking in more horses than pay clientele. This is when the need for Elite Equine Rescue was realized and by the Spring of 2018 we were officially recognized by the IRS as an accredited 501c3 Non-profit organization.Liesl Ross: Can you tell us about one of your most rewarding rehab cases?Gina Hluska: Gosh, thats hard. There are so many that it makes it difficult to name just one because they all have a story, some are just more profound than others! I think one that really stands out in my mind is a successful 1.49m jumper Zangersheide gelding that developed lameness in the right front that progressively worsened. The owner had imaging that included radiographs and ultrasounds from the shoulder to the hoof; the results were unremarkable and deemed inconclusive. Their vet then recommended MRI imaging of the hoof capsule but due to the fact that there was no smoking gun on preliminary imaging and that the horse was already seventeen years old, the owner declined further work-up and decided to surrender him to us. He was grade-4 lame upon arrival. After spending time evaluating his movement and behavior while being turned out, I felt that the lameness had nothing to do with his foot and was located elsewhere. He acted depressed and ouchy overall, not just a hoof lameness. I consulted with our veterinarian, and she concurred. She performed further exams and found displacement in his c-spine which she suspected may have been causing the pain, inflammation, and possible nerve impingement. We began treating the c-spine with PEMF, laser and kinesiology. We also added our proprietary blend herbal anti-inflammatory supplement to his grain. After month-one, he was exhibiting a normal gait and was revealing more of his personality. He was coming back to life. We started him back with a change in shoes and lunging in the Equicore system to rebuild muscle and strengthen his core. After another sixty days he was ready to start training under-saddle again. He spent three weeks working on the flat, and before I knew it, he started hunting the jumps on his own in the middle of the arena. Honestly, I was a little hesitant to proceed with anything vertical, but he said he was ready, so we did a couple of cross-rail lines and he never looked back. He only progressed from there. He never showed regression or any degree of lameness. While training one day, a family watching their daughter in a lesson and saw this big guy and expressed interest. After her daughter completed her lesson, I offered to have the daughter try him. It was a serendipitous encounter. The 14 year old daughter hopped on and fell in love with him. They were beautiful together! They decided they wanted him right then and there and we made the re-homing official the following week and have since gone on to successfully compete together. I look forward to following their continued success. Liesl Ross: For folks who go into the profit side of the rehab facility, are their payments for your services tax deductible since they support the non-profit side?Gina Hluska:Unfortunately, no. In order for the "donation" to be a donation, there has to be something called "donative intent, which is essentially the intention to give something without getting or expecting anything in return. If services are provided in exchange for payment, then that is a purchase of services rather than a donation , then the payment is not deductible as a charitable contribution.However, under tax law, it is possible for a payment to be considered partially a donation and partially for a payment for goods or services. This occurs when a person intends to pay, and actually pays more than the fair market value of goods or services received in return for payment. Since there is donative intent with respect to the amount paid above fair market value, that amount is tax deductible. *The specific information in the text above regards to the rule found in Section 1.170A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations. Liesl Ross:How do you take in the non-profit cases, do you find horses at various auctions or facilities, or do owners contact you and say they need financial assistance in rehabbing their horse? Does someone need to donate their horse to get assistance?Gina Hluska:The horses we get in on surrender basis typically are referred through word of mouth. We don't participate in auctions or like facility pulls. Instead, we try to intervene by offering our services here and get those horses in need before they take their ill-fated trailer ride to the auctions or kill sales.Liesl Ross:What happens to the horses when they are ready to be rehomed? Can you find them available for adoption on your website?Gina Hluska:Once the horses have completed the rehab process, we then place them into our assessment and retraining program. Most of the rescue horses we get in come right out of the career field that they were performing or competing in. It is our job to assess them to learn their skill, training and handling level. Then, we place them in our training program to instill proper foundation and additional skill sets to ensure their success after rehoming. Upon completion, we then offer these horses for adoption to qualified buyers. We do list available horses on our website, yes. We also list the available horses on our social media platforms as well.Liesl Ross: What do you want the equestrian community to know about the performance horses that you rehome?Gina Hluska: We often get horses that have been discarded due to a misdiagnosis or because the previous owner was unwilling or unable to take the time to rehab the injury incurred. I have had horses from every discipline and breed. Ive had a $10,000 barrel horse to a $250,000 Grand Prix jumper. When those horses are treated with proper treatments, supportive care and the ability to heal at their rate they often come back to be even better than they were prior to the injury they sustained making their comeback bigger than their setback. Given the proper care, they not only heal the injury, but also achieve both a systemic and emotional reset.In other cases, we make comebacks a reality in restarting pedigreed Thoroughbred racehorses with slumping racing careers for new careers in disciplines such as Hunter Jumpers in our retraining program. Where some see failure in their previous career, we see a bright future in a new career and work to set them up for success. With the proper foundation in their new skill, the dream of competing at the highest levels can quickly become a reality. These horses are all gems! They come in with years of experience and training and others are so eager to start a new career, but all deserve the best care and chance of success in the future. They come back with a new appreciation for people and are looking for their person to bond and share the rest of their lives with. Those who arent willing to even entertain the idea of a rescue have no idea what theyre missing. Together, we can make comebacks bigger than setbacks changing the lives of these equine athletes as well.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)Some fun content is coming your way after show jumping brother duo Daniel and Steven Bluman took a day to visit Windurra, the home base of one Boyd Martin. We cant WAIT to see what these boys got up to! Welcome to the dark side, Blumans. U.S. Weekend PreviewStable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* & H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Spokane Sport Horse 10th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring]Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scoring]Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scoring]Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]Major International EventsFEI Nations Cup Lignires (France): [Website] [Entries, Timing, Scoring] [FEI TV Live Streams]News & ReadingPoplar Place H.T. (GA) could use your help to ensure their October event can run! As of yesterday, the venue posted that they need about 35 more entries to make the event viable. Late fees will be waived until Friday, 9/27. Click here for more information on how to enter.If youre fleeing the path of Hurricane Helene, Carolina Horse Park (NC) has also opened up their stabling to evacuees. Stalls are $10 per night and you will need to bring at least 3 days worth of shavings, food, and supplies. You can also view some tips on prepping for hurricane season here. [More information]Do you have a crooked horse? There are several signs that this might be the case, and bodywork and physio expert Jo Ann Wilson has some valuable advice on how to identify and treat these signs. [More here]California-based Taylor McFall beelined her way straight to a horses back as soon as she knew what a horse was. Fast forward a few years, and shes now full speed ahead as a budding young professional. [Read this great feature on Taylor]Sponsor Corner: TerraNova Equestrian CenterNo detail has been spared in the exquisite main barn at TerraNova. Photo by Jane Bannon Photography.Who doesnt have a visit to TerraNova Equestrian Center (Myakka City, FL) on their bucket list? Just check out the incredible attention to detail in these barns. The competitor and spectator experience at TerraNova is not one to be missed! We hope to see you at the November FEI event, happening November 14-17. Click here for more information. Video BreakAnother fun helmet cam coming your way, this time from Bouckaert Farm in Georgia!

If you haven't yet heard, our latest episode of Equestrian Voices was also, at least for now, our last. This podcast has been a driving source of meaningful, and sometimes difficult, conversations in the equestrian community, since its launch in January of 2021, and host Caroline Culbertson certainly achieved her original goal of bringing together diverse, expert points of view to discuss a wide range of topics, from the student/trainer relationship to flying lead changes to saddle fit to horse welfare.Since the announcement, many of you have reached out to let us know how much it's meant to you over the years, and we want to take a moment to share some of the stories and testimonials from its listeners as we wish Caroline all the best while she steps away for a bit to focus on her young children.Kendra Crossman - "I started riding in 2021 and listening to EV every other Tuesday became a huge part of my journey into the horse world. Caroline is such a gifted host, every episode is truly a case study in how to be an engaged and empathetic listener. I have revisited most episodes, especially the two on processing grief which I listen to whenever I need them. I love how each topic is approached with curiosity without judgement and each guest treated with kindness and dignity, no matter their background or discipline. It has truly opened my eyes to so many aspects of the equestrian space. I am very grateful to Caroline and the many guests she has befriended over the years and wish her the very best."Rys Richardson -"I loved the Podcast and listened to it all the time. It was so well done. I loved the interviews and all of the ideas."Allison Bannister - "This is me and my heart horse - Spike. He passed away last spring, at the age of 22. The Equestrian voices episode on grief, really helped me cope with his sudden and unexpected loss, after 19 years together."Alissa Porter -"I was so sad to hear this news. I love Equestrian Voices and this last episode is so good. As an R+ dog trainer who incorporates play into all my dog training, Ive been struggling as I re-enter the horse world and how to incorporate those skills into my horsemanship. So impressed that Tik Maynard went to Chicken Clicker Camp! Thank you for all the wonderful podcasts and best of wishes to Caroline!"Heather Ann James - "On training days for my young hunter I love to sit on the porch and listen to Carolines latest podcast. There have been many times where Ive had to pause, write down what has been discussed and then re-wind and gather whatever other amazing nuggets to discuss with my trainer after her ride. This podcast will be sorely missed and I hope all the past episodes will remain so I can go back and re-listen again "Sophie Coffey - "I listened to the Equestrian Voices podcast as soon as it came out in 2021, and I instantly knew there was nothing else like it. Finally, anhonest equestrian podcast that wasn't afraid to get into the weeds onreal issues facing the industry. I became an instant fan, and it changed my whole outlook on horses after listening to Tik Maynard's first episode. You could even say it changed my life, since after serving as Podcast assistant for 1 year, Ijoined the NOLLE FLOYD team full time in 2023. I will deeply miss this podcast, but am so thankful for the conversations it produced and the seeds of change it planted for so many equestrians."Heather Donovan (not pictured) -"Im so sad to hear that equestrian voices is coming to an end. I listened to many of them. It was through the podcast that I found Natalie Hummel. I took her course and it completely changed my riding as i no longer let fear and doubt rule me. It was a complete game changer! I am doing things now, I only dreamed about for years. I never would have found Natalie if it had not been for the Equestrian Voices episodes! Please send best wishes to Caroline. She did such a great job getting to the heart of what us ammies really want and need to hear. Im going to really miss it!"If you want to leave your own testimonial, please feel free to leave it in the comments below!

When you picture adding play into your horses training, what comes to mind? Do you imagine your horse chasing around a large ball or nosing carrots out of a container? Or maybe you see your horse trotting joyfully behind you as you run?The fact is, play can look like a lot of different things, but it doesnt have to be any of the above. Plays purpose is to teach your horse how to tryand in the process, both horse and trainer achieve a cooperative partnership.Equestrian Masterclass instructor (immediately off his 2024 Road to the Horse Colt Starting competition win) Tik Maynard is a horsemanship and upper-level eventing coach who sees play not as a series of exercises, but as a beneficial mindset. In the final episode of Equestrian Voices, Tik and Caroline discuss why play is crucial to horse training and how to incorporate it into daily interactions can teach us to be better observers, facilitate better communication, and reignite our passion for horses.. They also cover:The difference between anxiety and playfulness in horses, and why its easy to confuse them.Using the social rules of play to ensure both you and your horse are winning the game.Bringing play and thoughtfulness into daily activities like leading your horse.What play is notdrilling, a chore, or hard work!Why its important to slow down and take a puzzle-solving approach.Rewarding softness and effort during play.Thank you to our sponsors,Equestrian MasterclassandNikovian(use code noellefloyd15 at checkout for 15% off).

This blog post is written by Jessica Abrahamse,and photos are also provided byher.Let me start this story with a bit of background. I am a rider in my 40s with over 30 years of experience in the jumper, hunter, equitation and dressage rings. I bought an amazing imported Dutch Warmblood mare with FEI experience up to 1.45m in Canada as a 14 year old. She was my heart horse, exceptional and talented. I had a great trainer at the time who helped me find her through a situation that in normal circumstances would not have been in my budget. After several successful years of showing in the jumper ring, I stepped her down to an easier job, and it was time to find my next competition horse. The problem? Because my mare was so exceptional, I had a hard time finding anything locally that met my standards that wasnt excessively pricey (over six figures in Canadian dollars).After several disappointing trials and failed vet checks (cha-ching!), I concluded that my best course of action was finding a young two or three-year-old with no proven show record, and hope that after several years of training, the horse would have the potential to get into the upper level jumper ring. This seemed like a risky proposition.I started asking some knowledgeable horse people in my network about Europe and what you could find for a modest budget. I was surprised to learn that there were several well bred athletic jumpers for a fraction of the costs that I was looking at in North America. My first step was getting very clear about what my deal breakers were, what type of horse I was looking for, age, height, ability, and the costs for importing including worse case scenarios. The summer I conducted my research, as I wasnt riding with a trainer, I instead had a few trusted friends help me review videos for their opinions. Even though this was the fifth horse that I would be purchasing over my lifetime, I was new to the concept of doing it on my own. It was a little scary as an amateur who always had the guidance of a trainer previously for this type of big decision, however I also felt empowered, trusting my intuition and judgment. I was looking forward to having an experience where I could choose my horse based on the feeling and connection I had with them.My vet was supportive of my journey to find a horse and looked over dozens of X-rays for me. This was a key part of the process in figuring out which horses to try, and I learned quickly that North American standards differ from European standards of vetting. Several horses were eliminated right away. The other difficulty was that I would find horses that I liked, and they had good X-rays, but they sold before I could come over and try them. This happened a few times, and so the next time I found a horse I liked and the X-rays were good I put a small deposit of $1000 euros to hold her until I came over to try her. This turned out to be an expensive lesson. When I went to try the horse in real life, she was smaller than advertised and I did not click with her at all. The owner would not refund my deposit.Finally in September 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, I set up the appointments, booked my flight and started my adventure to find my new horse.. One noteworthy mention is how different it is to see a horse on video than trying the horse in real life. There were several horses that I was tempted to just buy and save myself the hassle of traveling overseas, but when I tried these horses in real life, some were dead off the leg, some were too sharp for me, some had a spook and a bolt, some horses bulged to one side. This is information that you cannot quantify without trying a horse in real life. It cannot be overstated that the European style of riding is different and most of the horses will not be used to the North American style right away, so its important to find a horse that can adapt.I was nearing the end of my so far unsuccessful trip and I was off to try the 11th horse. He was a last minute addition, as the private farm was not located close to anything else I had tried, but something about his ad pulled at my heartstrings - he had such a big kind eye . . I pulled up to the farm and met the owner of the horse, an 18-year-old boy who had trained the horse himself. The horse was a statuesque beautiful dark bay gelding with a star. He was tall, 17.2h and a bit gangly. His owner got on first and I was instantly taken by how big his movement was and how even his canter gait was. He put him over some jumps, and it was clear that 1m was a piece of cake for him. The horse had competed to 1.20m and was schooling higher. When I got on, I found him to be just the right amount of sensitivity and very nice to ride. I rode over a few jumps and was instantly smitten. He forgave my amateur chips and didnt miss a beat. He was perfect. I finally found my horse! His name, fittingly, was Hope. I went through the process of importing Hope, and he finally made it home to Canada. While it took him some time to settle and for him to find the right program, we have an amazing partnershipI have owned him now for two years and I can truly say that I am happy that we found each other. I wont say that I decided on buying my horse completely on my own, as I had my close friends and my vet weigh in with their opinions but the ultimate decision was mine and I am happy with my decision.Going on this trip independently taught me something invaluable, to believe in my ability as a rider, my judgment and horsemanship from the years that I have put into this sport, and to take a chance and believe in the connection with my horse when I felt it. It changed my mindset of what a trainers role is in the process of buying a horse with an amateur. I see a trainer as a conduit to finding a horse and assisting in filtering out unsuitable prospects, however the role is not to dictate or control the process rather provide their experience and knowledge to help the amateur rider make the best informed decision. Amateur riders should have the ability to provide their trainer with potential horses that they find interesting and request feedback from their trainers. Transparency about commissions and fees should be discussed up front, the focus should be on finding a quality horse for the rider and adding a good horse to their program.About the Author: Jessica Abrahamse is lifelong rider who loves competing in the jumper ring and dressage ring with her horse Hope. If her car doesnt smell like a barn and there isnt a random piece of hay in her hair something is wrong. Outside of horses, she is an avid traveler and likes to explore different cultures and urban and rural landscapes. An animal lover in general, she lives with a Shephard, a Boerbel and a husband who supports her horsey lifestyle. You can follow her on FB or Instagram @european_equestrian_experience.

This blog post is written by Brendan Wise's student, Laurie Berglie,and photos are provided by Brendan Wise.Brendan Wise began his bridleless work years ago while training with his mentors, John and Josh Lyons. Josh especially was an expert bridleless rider, and Brendan became fascinated by these principles.At that time, Brendanprimarily focused on western horsemanship and reining, but ashe moved into English disciplines, such as dressage and show jumping, he brought those same bridleless principleswith him. Currently, Brendan is competing mostly bridleless on the winter circuit in Ocala, Florida with his jumper, Lyric. Laurie Berglie: What is the point of riding a horse bridleless? Brendan Wise: There can be many purposes for riding bridleless, but Ill break them down into two categories. The first is that it benefits the horse. Most of the time riders get in the way of their horses. Thats just the fact of it, and we as riders, for the most part, readily acknowledge that fact. We hope that over time we learn to be better riders, and, consequently, get in our horses way less! However, in the meantime, bridleless can be a way to free up our horses and allow them to move and learn to balance themselves more independently. Its amazing how many anxious and stressed-out horses I run across that become relaxed and happy within a short time of my removing the bridle. I am not anti-bit. Never have been, never will be. But through time, Ive seen firsthand the benefits of cross training bridleless.The second category is that riding bridleless benefits the rider. In my bridleless work, I have the same expectation for bending, balancing, collection, roundness, flexibility, movement...all of it! So when riders start to learn how to accomplish these things without a direct connection to the horses face, it opens up a whole new world of understanding and riding. Purely for their education, I believe all riders should at least learn to guide, bend, balance, and create round posture in a horse bridleless. We would all be a lot better for it! LB: Why do you choose to ride some horses, over others, bridleless? Doyou know of any who are bridleless full-time?BW: There can be a variety of reasons to take away the bridle, either permanently or temporarily. I wholeheartedly believe that every horse should be able to walk, trot, and canter on the buckle, loose rein, and maintain its paces by itself in a relaxed manner. For some horses, taking the bridle away forces us to focus on that primary and elementary goal, and its an important one. Also, yes! There have been circumstances where I have trained or coached students with horses that just went all around better bridleless, and they are full-time that way. So this is not out of the question! These horses are fully functioning members of society, training, trail riding, competing, all the things bridled horses do! For these horses, we have found that they are happier without anything on their face. If they can do the job well, then why not let them go the way they are happiest? Full-time bridleless is certainly not for all, but it is definitely an option for some.LB: Why have you chosen to ride your horse, Lyric, bridleless?BW: For Lyric, bridleless was not something he necessarily needed, but it is something that he enjoys, and has become quite proficient at. It takes a special horse to do the things that Lyric and I do, and he certainly is a special horse. For me, working to bring Lyric into the competition ring bridleless is personal. Its never been done in history to the level that we have done it, nor to the level that I want to push to. Lyric is a sensitive animal who struggles with confidence and can be quite peaky on course. For him, being in the bridle in many ways is easier at times, because I can hold his hand a bit more. But the bridleless causes him to have to stretch himself and improve himself mentally, to become more independent, and to grow in critical thinking.LB: Why are you competing bridleless? Is it more for the "wow" factor? Or are you using this as a teaching moment?BW: Maybe a little bit of both? Its a teaching moment and challenge for myself, and for Lyric. But its also a challenge to show the world it is possible, and that there are better ways to do things. Certainly, if I can go out bridleless and be competitive against horses that have all sorts of barbaric things on their face, maybe the world can start to ask questions about the way we ride. If I can at all spark a flame that makes some people think a little deeper about their riding, I think its worth it. So perhaps this is an opportunity to show the world something different. It also comes down a bit to Lyric. Hes such an incredible animal and is so brilliant in his abilities. I want the world to see what I see and to experience what I experience. I want him to be remembered for something spectacular because he certainly is. LB: When the horse community sees you ride/train/compete bridleless,what are you hoping will be their ultimate take-away?BW: I hope they take away the idea that we can do better. That there is always a better way, a kinder way. I want the horse to be relaxed, happy, and confident in their job, and that needs to be at the forefront of everyones mind: the integrity of the horses mind and body. So if I can make people sit back and think for a few moments, then maybe they will start asking questions. When we start evaluating and critically questioning ourselves, theres an opportunity for growth. Sometimes that growth affirms that we are on the right path. Other times, it may challenge us to dig deeper and search for a better way. So ultimately, I want to challenge myself, and I want to inspire others to perhaps dig deeper.

A group of women who worked together to save 13 horses suffering in a field in London have visited World Horse Welfare in Norfolk to see how they are recovering and it was an emotional reunion.The neglected horses were living without food, water or shelter. Their field was infested with redworm and fencing was poor. Loose barbed wire had been there so long it was embedded into the ground and three stallions had started to fight. They lived without any basic care or essentials, including veterinary care, for several years.The women, who live near the field in Harefield in the London Borough of Hillingdon, cared for the herd until they could be rescued. They hosted fundraising events to fund vital supplies, including hay and water.They were sad but they had fight in them and that really resonated with us, said Zoe, one of the carers.We all got together and thought, we want to help them. We got more out of it than they ever did to be honest.Watch a video about the rescue and reunion below:They were dying in front of usBut when they were dying in front of us, that was when we knew we had to do something (more), continued Zoe. We first found out about World Horse Welfare when we started pressuring the council and they were just brilliant.None of the horses were microchipped. The charity believed someone owned the horses, but it proved impossible to find out who.The land the horses were living on was owned by a consortium of 70 people, which also made the rescue difficult.I first got involved with the Harefield Horses about four years ago. We had welfare cases with individual horses some got out on the road and were hit by a car, and sadly a mare died giving birth, said field officer Becky Bedson.With each passing winter their situation deteriorated, and each year, ill and injured horses were removed from the group.It got to a point where we needed to do something as a collective, for the whole herd, because the historical evidence said that they were all likely to suffer if we didnt rescue them.So much love and attentionWorld Horse Welfare, the local council plus a vet and other charities worked together to take the horses to Hall Farm, one of World Horse Welfares rescue centres, in Norfolk.Once the horses had been assessed, treated and settled in, the group of local residents were invited to visit the horses at their new home.Its just been incredible seeing how far the horses have come and to see what everyone has done for them, said Liv, another of the carers.I think it goes without saying World Horse Welfare has done incredible amounts. They have given [the horses] so much love and attention, which is so important in building a bond between human and horse.Its given us a lot of motivation to keep doing what we are doing in supporting them.Related contentHorses found with horrific burns after being left to graze contaminated landWorming schedule and land management adviceHow to take care of a horseWinter worms: three to test for nowHandy guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverThe post They were dying in front of us: emotional reunion for rescuers of neglected horses appeared first on Your Horse.

**Please note - this blog is written by Equestrian Masterclass instructorPeter Wylde**I believe you can really learn a lot about a rider based on how they approach flatwork.Most people will know me as a rider who found career success in the jumping arena, and certainly the technicality and adrenaline of mastering a big course is an unparalleled experience. However, what I think sets successful riders apart is not only their competitive results, but the time they put in at home, when the jumps are put away.This month on NELLE FLOYD Equestrian Masterclass, Im releasing my 5 ride Training Program all about flatwork non-negotiables that I feel every rider should be comfortable with.Am I turning the notion of flatwork on its head and introducing a radical new concept? Of course not. The reality is that flatwork is simple. Some may confuse simple with boring, but I firmly believe that not to be the case.The best riders in the world look as if they are doing nothing in the saddle. That fine-tuning and refinement comes from practice on the flat, which does the double duty of strengthening the horses body while also reinforcing the relationship between horse and rider. Establishing quiet, seamless communication on the flat translates into smoother jump rounds.So, in my new Training Program, Ill show you my go-to flatwork warm-up and some foundational exercises that will benefit any horse and rider. Well cover things like transitions, lengthening/shortening the canter stride, incorporating poles, and using flatwork to troubleshoot.This program is simple and effective, and it should become a part of your riding routine. I encourage you to return to it time and time again, and watch your horse become more rideable as you go.Success starts with the simplest work. See you out there!To learn more about Peter's new training program, Flatwork Non-Negotiables, click here.

More impulsion! Most of us have heard our coaches cry usually accompanied by a hearty clap or imitation of riding forward. But what does impulsion actually mean to you, your trainer, or the judge scoring you?By listener request, were breaking down riding terms that have mystified riders for years. Caroline is joined by Rob Van Jacobs, a USEF R Rated judge for hunters and equitation. As a judge, trainer and rider, Rob interprets the differences between rhythm, tempo, pace, and speed not as semantics but as part of a show ring strategy.Understanding these terms can improve your communication as a rider or trainer, and influence your decisions moving forward. For instance, knowing tempo can help you select which show rings your horse can thrive in and offer important considerations for buying horses. Well also cover:Why pace is more helpful than speed in the jumper ringThe difference between natural vs. created impulsionWhat hacking actually means and how it relates to recovery and fitnessHow to make a good first and last impression on a judge (yes, judges do notice if you forget to pet your horse!)Caroline and Rob also dive into some hot topics like whether or not judges need to have equivalent riding experience to the classes they are judging and where we may need to draw the line on draw-reins.