Wilmington, Ohio This weeks Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Plain Bay Farm, owned and operated by Katie and Henri Prudent. Both recognized among show jumpings most successful athletes, the Prudents have produced numerous international riders through the top ranks of the sport. After a two week visit to World Equestrian Center Wilmington, we caught up with Katie to learn more about Plain Bay,[...]Read MoreThe post Wilmington Sunday Spotlight: Plain Bay Farm appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

SPILLERS will run a series of four free nutrition webinars this winter to help develop and enhance horse owners understanding of equine nutrition and wellbeing.The first webinar which is entitled Forage fundamentals will take place on Thursday 24 October and will be led by SPILLERS equine nutrition expert Sarah Nelson.Sarah will look at the importance of forage in the horses diet and will explore subjects such as the nutritional value of different forage types and how to determine the most appropriate type and quantity of forage for different horses and ponies.This webinar is the perfect opportunity for horse owners to deepen their understanding of forage management and in turn, be better placed to support their horses digestive health and wellbeing, said Sarah Nelson.The full list of webinars is as follows:Forage fundamentals Thursday 24 October Sarah Nelson, SPILLERS nutritionist and product managerStabling horses: Can we do it better? Thursday 21 November Isabel Harker, SPILLERS nutrition advisor and head of the SPILLERS Care-Line team, and Sarah Hallsworth, equine behaviour manager at Redwings Horse SanctuaryCaring for the senior horse Thursday 16 January Sarah Nelson, SPILLERS nutritionist and product manager, and Professor Pat Harris, a leading authority on veterinary clinical nutrition and senior horse nutrition.Spring into action: Effective strategies to help your horse shed the pounds Thursday 27 February Isabel Harker, SPILLERS nutrition advisor and Nicky Jarvis, head of veterinary and care at Redwings Horse SanctuaryHighly recommendedAnimal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) members will receive five CPD points for their professional development. All attendees will have the opportunity to undertake a quiz and will receive a certificate upon completion of the webinars.Last years series of webinars proved popular with 83% of respondents rating the nutritionists knowledge of the topic as excellent and nearly all saying they would recommend the webinar they attended to a friend.To register for the webinars click here.Related contentHay vs haylage: how to choose which to feed your horse10 crucial feeding rules for a healthy horseFeed 80% of forage during the day to reduce ulcer risk, says vetThe post SPILLERS announce free nutrition webinars this winter appeared first on Your Horse.

Step Description 1. Remove and Clean Bedding Pick out manure and soiled bedding, sweep away wet areas with muck bucket, manure fork, and outdoor broom. 2. Power-Wash the Stalls Power-wash walls and floors on a warm day after clearing all items from the stalls. 3. Use Odor Neutralizers Apply odor neutralizer like Sweet PDZ to absorb ammonia after removing wet bedding. 4. Clean Community Areas Power-wash wash and grooming stalls, check floors under mats, scrub buckets and equipment with non-toxic products. 5. Declutter and Organize Declutter feed room, dispose of empty containers, organize and store equipment neatly. 6. Freshen Up with Natural Methods Use Himalayan salt and essential oils like lemon or lavender to freshen air naturally. 7. Maintain Gutters and Floors Regularly check and clear gutters, inspect barn floors for mold and rot, maintain cleanliness. Safe Products for Cleaning Use non-toxic and natural products such as Sweet PDZ, Simple Green, essential oils, and Himalayan salt. How to Effectively Clean and Freshen Up Empty Stables: Tips and Safe Products Maintaining a clean and fresh stable is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for the health and well-being of your horses. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your equestrian environment stays pristine, odor-free, and healthy. Whether you're managing a stable with one horse or a full herd, efficient cleaning practices can make all the difference. 1. Remove and Clean Bedding The first step is to remove all the old bedding, such as shavings or straw. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it efficiently: Pick Out Manure and Soiled Bedding Use a muck bucket and a manure fork to get rid of the big piles of manure and soiled bedding. Employ a side-to-side sifting motion to separate bedding from manure without fragmenting it. Sweep Away Wet Areas Utilize an outdoor broom to sweep away bedding from damp areas, forming the wet spots into piles to be scooped up and discarded in your muck bucket. 2. Power-Wash the Stalls Power-washing is an essential practice for eliminating dirt, grime, and bacteria from the stable's walls and floors. Choose a Warm Day Select a warm, sunny day when your horses can enjoy the outdoors. Remove all buckets, feed bins, and hay nets from the stalls before starting. Power-Wash the Walls and Floors Using a power washer, clean the stall walls top to bottom. In the absence of one, a scrub brush with water will suffice. Ensure surfaces are dry before replacing bedding. 3. Use Odor Neutralizers Odor neutralizers are vital for eliminating ammonia smells, which can be harmful to horse health. Apply Odor Neutralizer Following the removal of wet bedding, apply an odor neutralizer such as Sweet PDZ. This product rapidly absorbs ammonia, promoting a healthier atmosphere for your horses. 4. Clean Community Areas Beyond the stalls, it's crucial to maintain other barn areas. Power-Wash Wash Stalls and Grooming Areas Clear wash and grooming stalls, then power-wash both floors and walls. Check floors under mats for mold, rot, or any signs of deterioration. Scrub Buckets and Equipment Regularly scrub water and feed buckets to prevent residue buildup. Non-toxic products like Simple Green or all-natural solutions from Warhorse Solutions are recommended. 5. Declutter and Organize A cluttered barn can become a breeding ground for dirt and odors. Declutter the Feed Room Dispose of empty feed bags and supplement containers. Organize and label everything to simplify finding what you need. Store Layers and Equipment Keep horse blankets, saddles, and other gear clean and neatly stored. This ensures a tidy environment and prevents equipment damage. 6. Freshen Up with Natural Methods Besides commercial products, natural methods can also freshen up your barn. Use Essential Oils and Himalayan Salt Mix finely ground Himalayan salt with water, sprinkling it along the barn aisle to reduce dust and allergens. Follow with essential oils like lemon, lime, or lavender for a refreshing, calming atmosphere. 7. Maintain Gutters and Floors Proper gutter and floor maintenance is essential to prevent structural issues and keep the barn dry. Unclog Gutters Check and clear gutters regularly to avoid water accumulation and potential leaks. Inspect Floors Ensure the barn floor, whether using mats or compacted dirt, is clean and free from mold and rot. Safe Products for Cleaning Stables Choosing safe cleaning products is crucial; they should be non-toxic to horses and non-degrading to mats. Sweet PDZ This all-natural product neutralizes ammonia effectively, welcomed by many horse owners for safety and reliability. Simple Green Non-toxic and suitable for scrubbing buckets and equipment, it's risk-free of any toxic residues. Essential Oils and Himalayan Salt Use high-quality, certified therapeutic-grade essential oils to refresh the barn naturally without harsh chemicals. By following these steps and utilizing safe, effective products, you ensure your stables are a clean, fresh, and healthy environment for horses. Regular cleaning and maintenance do more than improve the smell and look; they positively affect the overall health and well-being of your animals.

Oliver Townend is celebrating the ninth five-star win of his career following victory at the MARS Maryland CCI5* presented by Brown Advisory in the USA yesterday aboard Ballaghmor Class.The rider who will be appearing in the SEIB Main Arena at Your Horse Live next month was clearly emotional about the result. It is his fourth success at this level with Ballaghmor Class, who is the third horse in history to win four or more five-star titles.I wish he could carry on for another 10 years so that we could retire together, said OIiver about the 17-year-old grey who is owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop, and whose other top-level wins were recorded at Burghley in 2017 and 2023, and Kentucky in 2021.Hes just phenomenal and its my job to show the world how good he is. Luckily, I didnt mess this one up, added Oliver.Into the record booksMaryland has been a case of so close for Oliver in previous years. He finished second in the inaugural fixture in 2021, before consecutive third placings for the last two years.He now has the same number of five-star titles (nine) to his name as New Zealands Andrew Nicholson and British rider Lucinda Green.Fortunately, I am lucky to ride one of the sports great horses and he delivered big time, said Oliver.The trio are fifth in the history books for record number of CCI5* wins, behind Ginny Elliot (10 titles), Sir Mark Todd and Michael Jung (11), and William Fox-Pitt (14).Falco finishes secondNew Zealands Tim Price, the 2022 Maryland winner, piloted 15-year-old Falco into second ahead of Britains David Doel, who finished third aboard Galileo Nieuwmoed.Buck Davidson was best of the host nation in fourth with Sorocaima.British duo Bubby Upton who made an emotional return to the competitive fray earlier this year following a serious back injury and Cola finished fifth.It was a small field with eight finishers from a field of 23 starters. Of these, 13 horses were retired or eliminated during the cross-country phase.[Course designer] Ian Starks final cross-country course was beautiful and challenged the sports most elite riders and their horses, said Jeff Newman, event president and CEO.The weather was outstanding and the crowds throughout the weekend were incredible to see. Thank you to the FEI riders and officials for coming from around the world to help lay the groundwork for this event, to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to get it off the ground, and our fans who continue to show us amazing support every year.A good test of fitnessUS riders dominated the CCI3*-L competition, with Sharon White, who was part of the US team that took home silver in the Pan American Games last year, securing the win.Riding the eight-year-old Westphalian mare Jaguars Duende, the pair jumped from ninth place to first after a brilliant clear cross-country round.Maryland is a unique place and a good test of fitness and a very proper course, said Sharon.The atmosphere is unreal and special in both the dressage and showjumping, so its such a good education for a horse. To me, I want not to overwhelm them and if you really produce them confidently, sometimes you have to be a little patient and I dont mind being patient.Sara Schulman and Cooley Chromatic held onto second place throughout the entire competition.Two-time Olympian Will Coleman piloted Fahrenheit Addict into third.View the full five-star leaderboard and three-star leaderboardMain image of Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class Shannon Brinkman PhotoRelated contentWhats on at Your Horse LiveOliver Townends training tactics for a very fresh or tense horseWin tickets to this years Your Horse LiveThe post Oliver Townend scores ninth CCI5* title of his career at Maryland appeared first on Your Horse.

In partnership with SPILLERSIts long been said that feeding horses well requires both art and science, a mantra that can be applied to equine weight management too.In this article, we share some highlights from recent research related to how much horses eat, body fat, dieting and the value of exercise. While some provide practical weight management tips for the here and now, others hold promise for us being better placed to adapt the management of individual horses and ponies in the future.One thing we know for sure is that research continues to show what horse owners have known for generations that every horse and pony is an individual, especially when it comes to their diet! This means that like many things in life, theres no one-size-fits-all approach to equine dieting.How much do horses eat?Most of us are guilty of eating more than we need at one time or another, and this can be the case for horses too. Although individual requirements vary, total forage intake for most overweight horses and ponies, should not be restricted to less than 1.5% of their bodyweight* per day.As you might expect, how much they would actually like to eat varies between individuals and the type of forage, with studies quoting that intake typically varies between 1.5-5%* bodyweight per day.PoniesPonies are renowned for being grass guzzling machines and research has shown for example that ponies may consume almost 5% of their bodyweight* in grass per day. Thats a whopping 12.5kg* per day for a 250kg pony!Similarly, another study found that stabled ponies given free access to a low calorie short-chopped fibre feed as a total forage replacer could also consume 5% bodyweight/ day*.Research has also shown that ponies may consume almost 1% of their bodyweight in just three hours when they are out at pasture, which means free access to grazing for short periods may be counterproductive.HorsesFood intake in horses is generally considered to be lower and may be closer to around 2-2.5% bodyweight/ day*. Again, though, there will be exceptions to this.Of course, whether your horse gains weight is not all about how much they eat, its dependent on the number of calories they consume.Even some hays fed at 1.5% bodyweight/ day* can provide more calories than some horses and ponies need.*dry matter intakeHow fat is fat in horses?Obesity is described as the accumulation of fat to the point at which it has a negative effect on health and welfare.Horses with a body condition score (BCS) of 7 out of 9 and above are considered obese. At a BCS of 7, more than 20% of bodyweight is likely to be fat, but in very obese horses, fat may account for more than 30% of bodyweight.Assessing body fatBody condition scoring is commonly recommended, with the 1-9 scale having been more widely validated (scientifically tested).However, despite its many benefits, body conditioning scoring can sometimes feel a little daunting or confusing to carry out, even for experienced owners.The Body Condition Index (BCI) is a method of assessing and monitoring body fat, similar to the Body Mass Index (BMI) used in humans.Horses and ponies with a BCI of 18-22 are likely to be overweight, whereas those scoring more than 22 are likely to be obese.The BCI was developed in 2015 but, thanks to new research, the new version provides greater accuracy. This latest research found the BCI to be more reliable than body condition scoring when completed by inexperienced assessors.If youre unfamiliar with, or feel less confident in body conditioning scoring, the new BCI might be just thing for you.Response to dietingSome horses are described as only needing to look at a blade of grass to gain weight. While we all know that this is impossible, research published in 2012 was the first to prove that some horses and ponies are genuinely weight loss resistant.In this study, 12 overweight horses and ponies managed under the same conditions were randomly assigned to one of two strict weight loss diets for 16 weeks. Both diets were almost identical in terms of calorie content.Weekly weight losses were approximately three times higher in those that were diet sensitive, versus those that were diet resistant. It showed that some need stricter management than others.Dieting is hard work and not all good doers are genuinely weight loss resistant. Even if they are, weight loss is still achievable. If, despite your best efforts, your horse or pony doesnt seem to be losing weight, contact a nutrition advisor.How important is exercise for weight loss?While were often advised to eat less and move more, calorie restriction is the main requirement for weight loss. That said, even small amount of exercise may be beneficial to your horses health.In 2019, researchers found that while 25 minutes of low intensity exercise five minutes of walk followed by 15 minutes brisk trot and then five minutes of walk five times per week didnt result in additional weight loss compared to dietary restriction alone, it did improve insulin sensitivity.This is important, because reduced insulin sensitivity is a risk factor for laminitis in horses and ponies.Did you know?Much of the research in this article was published in collaboration with SPILLERS. References for all studies discussed in this article are available on request.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 contentI felt like Id failed: calorie-restricted diet transforms obese mareHow to boost energy levels without the horse putting on weightIs it best to feed hay or haylage to a good doer?How to do interval training with a horse (and why you should)The post The science behind dieting: how much does a horse really eat? appeared first on Your Horse.