Wilmington, OHIO October 16, 2024 Entries and stall reservations are open for World Equestrian Center Wilmingtons (WEC) 2024 Midwest Indoors series featuring three weeks of US Equestrian (USEF) Premier Hunter/Level 4 Jumper competition beginning November 6 through November 24. Midwest Indoors will offer more than $600,000 in prize money and awards, featuring a weekly $30,000 Grand Prix, $10,000 Futures Prix, two $15,000[...]Read MoreThe post Join us in November at World Equestrian Center Wilmington for the 2024 Midwest Indoors Series appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Animal charity Brooke has announced that comedian Rory Bremner and Ted Lasso actress Annette Badland will be among the guests at their London Christmas carol service.The carol service will take place on Thursday 12 December at the Royal Military Chapel in Westminster from 6.30-7.30pm and everyone is welcome.It will celebrate 90 years of the charitys dedication to improving the lives of horses, donkeys and mules around the world.All of Brookes 90th anniversary events are sponsored by the Sir Peter OSullevan Charitable Trust who have provided longstanding support to the charity and have donated over 1 million to their work so far.There will be a performance by the Guards Chapel Choir and readings from guest speakers including Rory.Spiritual home of the Household DivisionThe Royal Military Chapel, which is also known as the Guards Chapel, is the spiritual home of the Household Division at the Wellington Barracks, part of the British Army responsible for performing public duties and state ceremonies in London and Windsor.Brooke was established in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke who set out to help hundreds of emaciated ex-war horses who had been abandoned in Egypt after World War I.Today, Brooke works with owners, communities, local health care providers and policy makers to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in 13 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.Six hundred million people rely on 100 million working animals to earn an income and provide food and education to their family. Brookes work directly helps 1.4 million working horses, donkeys and mules a year.General admission tickets, which includes unreserved seating in the chapel, cost 27.80. VIP tickets cost 49 and include a drinks reception with festive nibbles before the service and priority seating. To buy a ticket click here.Related contentBrooke attends UN High-Level Meeting to tackle antimicrobial resistance Yorkshire Vet and Ted Lasso stars support Brooke charity eventBrooke vets awarded equine welfare scholarship by charityThe post Rory Bremner and Annette Badland to attend Brookes Christmas carols appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Understanding Why Horses Spook Understanding the flight instinct rooted in survival. Importance of comprehending the horse's nature. Building Trust and Confidence Maintain consistency and calmness. Foster positive interactions and regular training. Desensitization Techniques Habituation: Gradual introduction of stimuli. Counterconditioning: Reward calm responses. Practical Training Methods Gradual exposure to new environments. "Get To" and "Got To" scenarios for balanced control. Keeping your horse occupied to maintain focus. Safety First Identify fear thresholds. Work in familiar environments. Have a predefined exit strategy. Developing a Positive Mindset Stay calm and relaxed. Be present and aware of the horse's needs. Praise and recognize good behavior. Creating a Training Plan Identify and list specific fears. Set realistic, achievable goals. Ensure gradual progression. Conclusion Focus on building trust over eliminating fear. Encourage enjoyment and patience in training. Overcoming Equestrian Challenges: Strategies to Handle Spooky Horses with Confidence Handling a spooky horse can be quite the adventure, reminiscent of trying to coax a cat off a curtain rod. If you've ever found yourself in the saddle on a breezy day wondering if your horse has enrolled in a junior ballet classdon't fear. Mastering the art of handling a spooky horse requires strategy, patience, and often the profound wisdom of, "Oh look, a bird!" Let's dive into effective methods to transform these four-legged jump scares into confident companions. Understanding Why Horses Spook First things firstbefore we can solve the mystery of the spooky horse, we must understand the underlying reason for their flighty nature. Horses, true to their herbivorous nature, embody the age-old adage: "I think, therefore, I flee." This flight instinct, initially designed to avoid becoming a predator's dinner, is now quite inconvenient when encountering a rogue garden gnome. Building Trust and Confidence The key to managing spooky horses lies in building a relationship characterized by unshakable trust. Follow these guiding principles: Consistency and Calmness: Maintain a steady and reassuring presence. Remember, your horse is a mirror, reflecting emotions back to you. If you get jittery, your horse might turn a windy day lesson into wind sprint practice. Positive Interactions: Regular, successful training sessions can transform Drac Hulos into Caspar the trusting horse ghost. Image Credit: Overcoming Equestrian Challenges Desensitization Techniques This mysterious word isn't just for faded-out colors on old family photosits crucial for taming the spooky. Habituation Habituation could be described as "reverse-spookiness" training. Introduce stimuli gradually, and don't escalate unless your horse is more meh than argh. Think of it like introducing Brussels sprouts to a picky toddlers menu. Counterconditioning This strategy involves sweet-talking scare tactics into friendly perks. Reward your horse when they respond calmly to the initially scary objectkind of like payday candy, promoting stable sanity. Image Credit: Desensitizing Techniques Practical Training Methods Once armed with knowledge, it's time to don your imaginary superhero cape (or one of those fancy equestrian outfits) and enact these strategies. Gradual Exposure Introduce your horse to the big scary world one gentle step at a time. When farm machinery seems like alien invasions, let your horse observe it from afar before closing the gap. Remember, each small victory contributes to their growing confidence. Image Credit: Practical Training Methods Using "Get To" and "Got To" Situations These scenarios ensure your horse doesnt just see you as a bossy human, but as a partner with treats. In "get-to" situations, let them explore options, leading them back to the path of candy-coated righteousness. "Got-to" situations assert control while ensuring your horse's safety and comfort. Keeping Your Horse Occupied When in doubt, distract. Techniques like shoulder-in exercise not only keep focus but reinforce leadership. It's like giving two treats with one hand: distract and guide simultaneously. Safety First Every spooky session needs more safety measures than a toddler at a candy factory. Identify Fear Thresholds: Keep an eye out for that tell-tale sign of, This is spooky. If your horse starts showing signs, its time to dial down the fear factor. Work in Familiar Environments: Turn the spooky setting back into their zen zone. Familiarity breeds non-spookiness (not contempt). Have a Safe Exit Strategy: Always know your exit strategy, even if your horse thinks its the cloverfield route. Developing a Positive Mindset Your horse is a telepathnot really, but they'll sense negativity quicker than peanut butter on an open jelly sandwich. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Adrenaline might get hearts pumping faster than a dressage routine, but keeping your cool allows for smoother resolutions. Be Present in the Moment: Remove the bad day syndrome. Being present ensures your decisions respond to immediate horse requirements, not caffeine-fueled emotional whim. Praise and Recognize Good Behavior: Every calm step is like winning the horse lotteryoffer adequate praise for each jackpot. Creating a Training Plan Successful spooky resolution relies on a structured training plan more detailed than a Royal Wedding program. Identify Specific Fears: List the things that give your horse the heebie-jeebies and break them down into future friendship challenges. Set Realistic Goals: Think small steps and achievable goals until your horse shrugs off a gust of wind like a pro. Gradual Progression: Slow and steady wins the raceor, in the case of a spooky horse, any sudden movements lead to losing a boot in the process. Conclusion Handling a spooky horse isn't about exorcising the fear entirely but building trust so that the horse presents more as curious than aghast. If world peace could be won by spooky horse confidence, it might suggest a medley of carrots, praise, and endless patience. For detailed demonstrations, videos such as Overcoming Horse Spookiness in New Environments provide practical insights. Remember the crux of equestrian mastery includes composure as your new decisive best friend. And finally, always have fun, because at the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about? Image Credit: Creating a Training Plan ```html```

Whether it is around November 5th or for a celebration event being held in the summer, fireworks can be difficult for many horses. Their natural response to loud noises and flashes is flight as they perceive it as danger, so fireworks can cause even calm animals to become anxious and stressed.Here are some tips on how you can help your horse (and you!) stay calm on fireworks night.Plan in AdvanceAs you approach fireworks night and the New Year, try to find out whether there are any planned fireworks display near your horses field or yard. Contacting your neighbours or checking local social media sites is a great place to start. Once you know the date and time of any fireworks being let off nearby, you can then get a plan in place to prepare for the event.Most of the time, it is suggested to keep your horse in their familiar environment when fireworks are expected, however if your horse usually lives out in the field, you might want to consider bringing them into a stable for the duration of the event. It is important that if you decide to do this, that you familiarise your horse with this in advance. A few weeks before the event, start adapting your horses routine by bringing them into the stable at the same time each day, with the same set up planned for the night of the fireworks event.Keep them CalmThere are a number of ways to help keep your horse calm during a firework display. Playing soothing music can mask the sound of fireworks, especially if they are used to having a radio playing regularly on the yard. It is also best to leave lights on around the stable to lessen the effects of flashing fireworks.A calming supplement may also benefit your horse. Some horse calmers have a fairly instant effect, while others need to be fed over a period of time to have a noticeable effect. Instant, paste-like calming supplements are given orally through a syringe into the back of your horses mouth. These calmers last for a few hours, so are a great short-term solution for one-off events.NAF Instant MagicA natural calmer with a difference. Exclusively trialled and proven, NAF Instant Magic is a five star formula that contains a unique combination of herbs and bio-available magnesium known to help maintain calm, support concentration and learning. It also does not contravene FEI rules and is safe for use in all horses.Cavalor Take It Easy ForteA quick-acting, extra-strong calming supplement in paste form. Cavalor Take It Easy Forte contains a high dose of L-tryptophan which stimulates the production of serotonin. It also contains magnesium, which helps to relax muscles.If you know the date of a local fireworks display then you could consider feeding a calming supplement daily in the lead up to the event. Available in both powder and liquid forms, these calming supplements can take a few days to show their full effect, so you should always follow the brands feeding guidelines.TopSpec CalmerFormulated to reduce anxiety without affecting normal behaviour or reducing presence. TopSpec Calmer contains yeast, MOS, B vitamins, magnesium, tryptophan and sepiolite clay, which all act in different ways to help calm and relax responsive horses.Science Supplements ProKalmA unique formulation that acts rapidly in as little as 30 minutes with the effects lasting up to 8 hours. Science Supplements ProKalm can be fed just to take the edge off, but also given in higher doses for more demanding situations. Shop all Calmers Another way to tackle anxiety and stress caused by fireworks is to use a calming spray or diffuser. Depending on the brand and formula, calming sprays are applied either behind the ears or around the muzzle and chest areas, making them great for horses who wont eat supplements. A diffuser can be secured in or near your horses stable to release a calming scent into their surroundings.FreeStep Calming SprayPet Remedy DiffuserKeep them OccupiedAlongside plenty of forage, another way to keep your horse calm during a firework display is to give them some toys to play with. Not only do these take their focus off the fireworks, but they help to boost stimulation and engagement.Horse Stable ToysMade from tough fabrics with varying textures and fillings, horse toys from brands such as LeMieux and QHP provide a fun distraction for your horse.Treat BallsPerfect for use both in and out of the stable, treat balls can keep your horse or pony entertained for hours! Choose from various shapes and sizes Stubbs and Red Gorilla are popular choices. Shop all Stable Toys Remember, RememberIf your horse is easily startled, prone to distress caused by loud noises, or has had a negative response to fireworks previously, it is always recommended to seek guidance from your vet.Make sure your stable and/or field is safe and the surrounding boundary is secure, so if your horse does become spooked they cannot come to any harm.Ensure you have reviewed your fire procedures and that you have fire safety protocols in place. It is important that everyone on the yard knows what to do in the event of an emergency.Never put yourself in danger and try to remain calm yourself. It might be a good idea for you or someone experienced to stay at the yard during the event, however it is not advisable to enter a stable with a horse if they are spooked or anxious.If you do leave your horse in another persons care, ensure they have clear instructions and up to date contact details for both yourself and your vet in case of any problems.Never risk riding when you think fireworks might be set off.The post How to Keep your Horse Calm on Fireworks Night first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Showjumper John Whitaker will be in attendance at Your Horse Live to launch his new book John Whitaker the legend.John will be appearing on the Horse & Country TV stage on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November to talk about his new biography which will be available to buy throughout the show.The biography, which has been written by Sarah Peacocke, takes an in-depth look at Johns life and incredible career and delves into his relationships with horses such as Milton, Ryans Son and Gammon.From doing the milk round and riding his pony bareback to school to representing his country at multiple championships, the biography reveals Johns personality, motivation and training methods.About John WhitakerJohns extraordinary career has spanned six decades and includes six Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games, three World Championships and more than 200 Nations Cup appearances for Great Britain.He is well-known for his relationship with Milton, the flying grey, who was the first horse to win 1 million in prize money on the showjumping circuit.The pair won numerous titles together, including the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final on two occasions and several World and European team and individual medals.With Ryans Son, John won Olympic silver in Los Angeles and won the Hickstead Derby for the first time. He went on to claim three more victories at the Sussex venue, including in 1998 on Gammon.The Yorkshireman, who is now 69, is from one of sports most successful families. His brothers Michael and Stephen, children Louise, Joanne and Robert, plus many nieces and nephews, have all showjumped at elite level and represented Great Britain on numerous occasions.About the bookJohn Whitakers book will be available to buy at the Equine America stand throughout Your Horse Live, the UKs biggest andbest equestrian shopping event, which is taking place at Stoneleigh Park from 8-10 November.As well as over 300 trade stands, Your Horse Live also features expert talks and demos, performances and interviews with top riders. Find out more here.Buy Your Horse Live tickets hereRelated contentTrio of Olympic gold and silver medallists to team up for exclusive demo at Your Horse LiveClydesdale, Knabstrupper and Fell a part of dressage with a twist at Your Horse LiveFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedJumping exercises for a strong or keen horseThe post John Whitaker to attend Your Horse Live to launch new book appeared first on Your Horse.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Rose! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue RanchAdoptable Horse: Rose, a 14-year-old, 14.1hh grade mareOrganization:Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Union, Mo.Get to Know Adoptable Horse RoseDont worry, this Rose doesnt have any thorns! In 2012, Rose came to Longmeadow from a very poor situation. She was emaciated and covered in rain rot. With the guidance of our veterinarians, Rose gained weight and her skin began to heal. Less than a year later she was adopted. Unfortunately, she was returned eight years later, due to no fault of her own. She was again adopted approximately a year later but after less than a year in her second adoptive home, she was again returned. Due to no fault of her own, Rose is back at Longmeadow and looking for her forever home.Rose is currently being ridden at all three gaits in the arena. She has a long, extended trot and carries herself low and balanced. Her trot and canter are very comfortable. Rose has been enjoying her recent rides around the ranch and has attended local shows. Longmeadows trainer has even used Rose for playing games and believes she is really game for anything. Rose has worked over jumps but is best kept at 18 or under according to our vets recommendation. This mare will make a great all-around partner for her future adopter.She would do best with a strong intermediate or advanced rider. She is not a candidate for a beginner rider. Rose is currently wearing front shoes and does appear more comfortable when shod in the front. It is also worth noting that Rose loads on to a trailer like a champion.Contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Rose!Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue RanchCould this weeks adoptable horse be the Right Horse you have been waiting for? Click here for more information about Rose,the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.ASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Rose appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.