Pivot pivot pivot! 15 tips for keeping you and your horse safe at both ends of the longe lineWith some guardrails in place, longeing can serve as an effective training and physical conditioning tool for equine athletes. | iStockWhether it be for training or exercise, longeing horses is common practice for many horse owners. Over time, having a horse go in a circle might have repercussions. Horses are well-known for having joint problems and horse people are well-known for longeing their horses. Might there be a link? says Brian Nielsen, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAN, a professor of equine exercise physiology at Michigan State University (MSU), in East Lansing, whos researched the impact of longeing horses on their soundness.Along with Nielsen, weve spoken with two other expertsa veterinarian and a rehabilitation professionalto help us differentiate between scenarios where longeing is beneficial and times when it could do your horse more harm than good.Benefits of Longeing HorsesBoth equestrians and scientists agree on the benefits of the very common practice of working a horse on the longe line. With some guardrails in place, longeing can serve as an effective training and physical conditioning tool for your equine athlete. It presents several advantages over ridden exercise. Firstly, youve eliminated the weight of the rideralong with their potentially imperfect balance and coordination. Longeing also provides a practical avenue for building fitness, and owners can integrate it into a groundwork program to establish voice commands and other basics of a horses training before climbing into the saddle.Longeing can be used to train the horse to move correctly in a rounded outline, reaching for the bit, says Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, FRCVS, professor and McPhail Dressage Chair Emerita at MSU. Clayton, a seasoned veterinarian, has spent the past 40 years researching equine locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, and conditioning programs, earning her widespread recognition in the field.Putting a horse on the longe before riding is also a good way to warm up and loosen up his back muscles, Clayton adds. Bringing blood flow to the area through movement can help turn a rigid, braced back into a soft and supple one, making it easier and more comfortable for your horse to carry you.Lastly, when it comes to lameness diagnosis, longeing is a vital part of your horse doctors toolbox. Veterinarians turn to circular trotting examinations to accentuate a potential gait deficit, explains Nielsen. Thats because certain types of lameness are more apparent when the horse is moving in a circle rather than a straight line.In recent years weve learned a great deal about how circular motion affects the horses movement and body, Clayton adds, with researchers confirming in 2023 that the biomechanics of the horses legs on the inside of the circle differ from those on the outside1. More on that later.Risks and Dangers of LongeingDespite its usefulness, longeing can present both good and bad consequences. The fact that its used to reveal or accentuate lameness during veterinary examinations is pretty good evidence that uneven weight loading may create issues, Nielsen says. So, before we share some longeing dos and donts to help keep you and your horse safe at both ends of the rope, lets look at some common equine injuries that can result from the exerciseespecially when trainers use it improperly.Accidental slips and falls that result in pulled muscles, joint injury, or other musculoskeletal damage.Acute soft tissue injuries, especially of the collateral ligaments of the foot. Collateral ligaments are found on the inner and outer surfaces of most joints, where they help to stabilize the joint and restrict movement to flexion and extension, Clayton explains. Due to their role in limiting side-to-side movement, collateral ligaments work particularly hard during circular exercise.Repeated pounding on tight circles, especially at speed, can irritate and inflame stiff, arthritic joints.Understanding The Ground Reaction ForceWhile veterinarians work typically centers around biology, the impact of longeing on the horses body can be explained by physics. The biomechanical concept of ground reaction force (GRF) divulges the true impact of longeing on the horses entire musculoskeletal system.Newtons third law of motion tells us that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a horse moves, his hooves apply a force to the ground, and the ground, in turn, applies an equal and opposite force to his body, Clayton explains. This reaction force is the GRF, and it provides propulsion for locomotion.Clayton describes the three types of GRF:The horizontal (forward/backward) GRF determines the speed at which the horse travels.The vertical GRF counters gravitys downward effect. If the vertical GRF exceeds gravitational force, the horse propels upwardover a jump, for example.The transverse GRF causes the horses body to turnand thats the one were especially interested in when it comes to longeing. The transverse GRF increases when the horse is turning, Clayton explains. The smaller the circle and the greater the speed, the higher the transverse force must be. The easiest way for the horse to generate a turning force is to lean into the circle. When the horse leans while moving forward, the GRF acts forward, upward, and inward.Researchers have found leaning increases tension in the soft tissues and joints on the outside of the circle and increases compression in bones and joints on the inside of the circle. | iStockBecause the horse relies on speed, not dexterity, to escape predators in the wild, he has evolved to travel fast in a straight line rather than turn on a dime. Repeatedly leaning into sharp, quick turns is not natural for the equine body. Clayton has studied the (literal) impact of this kind of movement on the horses musculoskeletal system. Leaning increases tension in the soft tissues and joints on the outside of the circlespecifically the collateral ligamentsand increases compression in the bones and joints on the inside of the circle, she explains.With these biomechanical effects in mind, lets dive into our experts 15 tips for making longeing a safe, beneficial practice for both you and your horse.Longeing Dos and Donts. Part 1: Keep Yourself Safe1. DO choose a safe location. A fenced-in round pen or arena provides the ideal setting to keep your horse contained if he gets loose. It happens to the best of us! Realistically, however, you might find yourself having to longe out in the open, especially at a horse show. Stay aware of other horses and handlers around you. You wouldnt want to overlap circles with another horse being longed or cross the path of one heading to a jump.2. DO carry a whip and wear gloves. Gloves help prevent rope burns should your horse get heavy in the bridle, cavesson, or halter and pull. Never strike your horse with a whip. Rather, think of a longe whip as an extension of your arm; use it to help keep the horse out on the circle and to encourage him to increase his impulsion (as a supplement to voice).3. DONT wrap the longe line around your hand. Horrific injuries have happened to equestrians who have looped lead ropes and longe lines around their fingers, wrists, and arms. If the horse forcefully pulls, or if you trip and fall, you want to be able to drop the longe line in an instant and keep all your digits intact. You also should not wear spurs as they could cause you to trip.4. DO stay out of kicking range, and always wear a helmet while longeing. Even if you are confident your horse would never kick you, ensure the circle is large enough that an excited buck wont send dirtor worse, a flying horseshoeinto your face. And if the horse swings his haunches in toward you, be aware that he may be preparing to kick, says Clayton. Take immediate evasive action by pulling his head to the inside of the circle to disengage his hind end.5. DONT allow the horse to overpower you. Keep your elbows bent and at your sides so you have some leverage if necessary. If your horse bolts, dig your heels into the ground and lean back against the longe line, which should be used in a pull-then-release manner, says Clayton. Once again, gently but firmly pull his head and neck into the center of the circle.6. DO stay in control. Longeing should always be done in a controlled manner, she continues. If a horse is fresh, longeing can be used to take the edge off and allow him to get rid of some excess energy, but this does not mean he can careen around at warp speed bucking and kicking. The handler needs to always be in control, and if this is not possible on the longe, then they need to find an alternative form of exercise.Find some helpful tips from the United States Pony Clubs on safe longeing at tinyurl.com/yeypjwuv.Part 2: Prevent Horse Injury7. DO watch the time and frequency of your longeing sessions. I personally dont longe for longer than 10-15 minutes at a time, says Clayton.Nielsen recommends using any round pen work and longeing as an occasional training tool rather than a daily practice before each ride. He says he firmly believes if we did a lot less circular exercise, we would see a lot fewer joint issues with our horses.8. DO mind your footing. Excessively deep footing accentuates the strain on the soft tissues of the foot and leg, which are already strained by the torquing force of circling. Equally problematic, hard, unyielding ground adds concussion to the bones and joints of your horses legs. In addition, muddy, slippery surfaces increase the chance of your horse losing his balance and wiping out, causing injury.9. DO make the circle as large as possible to minimize the transverse GRF. Clayton is an advocate of big circles, and Nielsen and colleagues have confirmed in their study that turning radius matters. They found that smaller circles increase pressure on the bones and joints of young cattle and change the molecular makeup of their cartilage in less than two months, even just at the walk2. The smaller and the faster circular exercise is performed, the more damaging it is, he concludes. Bonus: Again, a larger circle also helps keep you out of kicking range.10. DO warm up your horse progressively. Just like you wouldnt let him explode from a standstill to a gallop if you were in the saddle, proper warm-up rules also apply on the longe line. Researchers have shown that trotting in a circle places less strain on the horses joints than walking and cantering in a circle3. This could be because the trot is the most stable, balanced, and symmetrical gait of the three, says Clayton.11. DONT longe a horse thats in the early stages of recovering from a soft tissue injury, especially collateral ligament desmitis, says Clayton. The equine rehabilitation world widely acknowledges this contraindication, says Aurora Sochan, CVT, VTS-EVN, CERP, owner of In Gait Equine, an equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation practice based in New London, New Hampshire. Sochan cites two good reasons for this. Firstly, horses tend to lean into the circle with their bodies, resulting in uneven loading and abnormal stresses on the injured soft tissue structures, she says. Also, horses in rehab tend to see the longe line as a place to play and explode, which can result in reinjury of the tendon or ligament. Instead she recommends long-lining (aka ground driving) for rehab cases that need to avoid both working in circles and carrying a rider.Nielsen agrees with this precaution and takes it one step further, considering any kind of preexisting injury a no-go when it comes to longeing a horse.Part 3: Maximize the Benefits of Longeing12. DO monitor movement symmetry and look for lameness. Longeing provides a great opportunity to evaluate your horses gait. Is he tracking up evenly with both hind legs? Watch the head and neck movements, which may naturally show a small downward motion during weight-bearing of the forelimb on the outside of the circle, Clayton says. Be observant and note if the head bob changes in severity, which could indicate lameness. Loop your veterinarian in if any concerns arise.13. DO use longeing to your advantage to get your horse fit. Longeing gives us the opportunity to improve both musculoskeletal strength and cardiovascular fitness without any extra weight or rider interference, Sochan says. This can be particularly useful for a horse that would benefit from building up fitness before he is ready to resume ridden work. A prime example? The post-surgical kissing spines patient.14. DONT rely on longeing to replace other important aspects of your horses training and management. Letting your horse blow off steam on the longe line doesnt replace the benefits of proper turn- out. Likewise, longeing him to exhaustion to give the appearance of a quiet, submissive mount in the show ring contradicts the principles of ethical horsemanship.15. DO learn how to properly use longeing aids. Longeing with resistance bands can help promote muscle activation, which can, in turn, correct compensatory or asymmetric gait patterns, says Sochan, pointing specifically to the Equiband system. Equibands ability to activate core musculature makes it an effective tool for building strength and improving proprioception.She does warn users to set the bands, which go around the horses abdomen and hindquarters, loosely at first, progressively increasing resistance as the horse gets fitter.Take-Home Message Longeing puts additional stress on your horses joints, tendons, and ligaments. Therefore, our sources recommend longeing equine athletes with discretion and caution. Keep your circle big and your pace moderate. With a clear understanding of the effects of longeing on your horses body, you can make strategic training decisions that will helpnot hinderthe longevity of his athletic career.References1. Logan AA, Snyder AJ, Nielsen BD. Circle Diameter Impacts Stride Frequency and Forelimb Stance Duration at Various Gaits in Horses. Sensors. 2023;23(9):4232.2. Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Hiney KM, Robison CI, Manfredi JM, Buskirk DD, Popovich JM Jr. The Impact of Circular Exercise Diameter on Bone and Joint Health of Juvenile Animals. Animals (Basel). 2022;12(11):1379.3. Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Robison CI, Hallock DB, Manfredi JM, Hiney KM, Buskirk DD, Popovich JM Jr. Impact of Gait and Diameter during Circular Exercise on Front Hoof Area, Vertical Force, and Pressure in Mature Horses. Animals. 2021;11(12):3581.This article is from the Winter 2024 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

On November 5, a 2-year-old draft colt in Ottawa, Ontario, tested positive for equine influenza. The colt is one of several horses on the farm that developed a fever, cough, and nasal discharge. The farm owner has instituted voluntary animal movement restrictions and is working with their veterinarian.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.Click hereto read common questions and answers about equine influenza.

Our team at NOLLE FLOYD just returned from Equine Affaire, and Im writing this on the plane, my mind still buzzing with all the conversations, ideas, and energy from the event. It was our first time sponsoring and setting up a booth here, and we couldnt be happier that we did.This was my first time immersed in a major expo, conference, or trade show since before COVID. Seeing so many people in person again reminded me of the invaluable power of face-to-face connection, something that no amount of online interaction can quite capture.Morning Starbucks runon the way to the ExpoThe Joy of Meeting Our MembersSpeaking with our members was the highlight of the event. It reminded me just how challenging it can be to truly connect online. We put so much content out there, hoping to speak to peoples passions, challenges, and dreamsbut it's hard to gauge what resonates most.In person, it all becomes clear. Our members are wonderfully diversewhether theyre involved in the equestrian world from the saddle or the ground, whether they have big budgets or small, juggle families, have different levels of physical abilities, and so much more. And yet, we all share a deep, soulful connection to horses. That bond is what drives us, lights us up, and allows us to chat for hours about our equestrian experiences. Ive worked many trade shows before, often in tech, and while those were fulfilling in their own way, nothing compares to spending days with fellow horse lovers.At Equine Affaire, each conversation felt like a gift. Talking to members left me energized, not exhausted. I found myself wide awake at night, buzzing with ideas to share with the team.Nolle and Tik podcasting live from the NF+ booth!Connecting with New FacesAlong with our members, we were thrilled to meet so many new peoplethose who hadnt heard of NOLLE FLOYD before or werent quite sure what were all about. These conversations were a unique joy as well. It was exciting to share our vision and introduce our offerings to new faces, especially those eager to learn more about our community and resources.NF+ instructor, Chelsea Canedy with her team and horses back atthe barnsTalking to newcomers gave us a chance to show what makes NF+ specialthe blend of education, community, and support we offer to equestrians from all walks of life. From our training resources to member-driven spaces, we loved watching people's curiosity spark and hearing them say, I didnt know something like this existed! Theres something incredibly rewarding about introducing our mission to fresh eyes and watching that connection form.NF+ giveaway at our boothfeat. Dear Horse World tumblerA Heartfelt Thank You to Our CommunityTo every member and new friend we had the pleasure of meeting, thank you. Hearing your stories and sharing ours was a privilege. Were thrilled to have shown you whats new at NOLLE FLOYD and to give you a glimpse of whats on the horizon. You are an integral part of our journey, and were excited to move forward together.Lets keep that incredible energy going! If you havent already, log in and post a picture of you and your horse in the #members-helping-members channel. Tell us what youre working on, share your big, bold dreamswhether theyre in the arena or beyond. Join a #training-challenge and take that next leap youve been considering.Lets take the spirit of Equine Affaire into our online spaces, into the barn, and into our daily lives. We cant wait to reconnect in the NOLLE FLOYD Plus community and continue this journey with all of you!NF+ intstructor Tik Maynard doing what he does best

Things have gone quiet now in Toronto at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds on the waterfront of Lake Ontario after the previous bustling, festive 10 days of the 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The horses, alpacas, cows, goats, guinea pigs, hogs, rabbits, sheep and poultry have all gone back to their own cozy barns and coops. Hockey ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs has replaced the fluffy horse show footing in the Royal Coliseum.The Stonecreek Friesians driven by Jordan Steenbeek compete in the Green Meadows coaching division at the 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan PhotographyLooking back, what an exciting and action-packed event it was! The 102nd year of The Royal offered loyal and new visitors both expected and unexpected happenings over the ten-day run from Friday, November 1-Sunday, November 10. International and Canadian champions were named in the horse and agriculture shows. In addition to the those exhibitions, audiences were entertained with live music, cooking classes, high-flying aerial performances, Canadian Cowgirls mounted drill team appearances, a play and education area and petting zoo for the little ones, and a full agenda in the Animal Theatre. One-stop holiday gift shopping was easy-peasy and dining and beverage options were vast.2024 Royal Horse Show SummaryFor Horse Illustrated readers, the Royal Horse Show is undoubtedly the main point of interest. The Horse Show opened with the two-day Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Showcase, followed by Canadian Championship hunter and jumper classes, and a Royal Grand Prix Dressage CDI-3* Division (Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle classes) over the first five days. Then, four days of international jumper classes filled the coliseum with the Royal Rodeo capping things on the final Sunday.On the last Saturday morning, the prestigious Governor General and Lieutenant Governor General Cup classes for 3-year-old Canadian-bred sport horses were contested with matching Royal Pony Cup classes for sport ponies. The cup classes are in-hand and under-saddle classes which are judged on conformation, movement and general impression for suitability to become a sport horse.Throughout the Royal, breeding and performance classes were interspersed into the horse show schedule for draft horse breeds (Belgian, Clydesdale and Percheron), Hackney Horses and Ponies, Welsh Ponies and Cobs, Canadian Sport Horses, Standardbreds, and Thoroughbreds. It was gratifying to see many ex-racehorses in the Standardbred road horse and roadster performance classes. And, the Green Meadows antique coaches pulled by matching four-in-hand horses harkened to an earlier time when genuine horsepower was the method of public transportation.First place in the Canadian Road Horse to Cart class for Standardbreds was Robin U Blind driven by Dale Salisbury. Many of the entries in the road horse and roadster classes were retired racehorses. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyCanadian Kendal Lehari topped the Indoor Eventing Showcase with the 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding Audacious, who she owns with her mother Gwen. American Boyd Martin riding Catarina for owner Nancy Hathaway took second IN indoor eventing, and Canadian Olympic rider Jessica Phoenix guided Charlotte Schickedanzs Trakehner Watson GS to third.Its such a rush having that many people in there cheering you on, as well as my family and supporters, said Lehari, 37, from Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. Everyones got your back and wants to see you do well. I think this is a really good showcase for our sport. Not a lot of people know much about eventing, so to be able to do it inside [in this environment] is so much fun.Canadian rider Kendal Lehari and Audacious topped the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Showcase at the 2024 Royal Horse Show. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyMartin, who last competed at The Royal in 2017, commented on course designer Captain Mark Phillips track, his experience at the Royal, and his fellow eventers after the competition, I love this show. What a huge honor and privilege it is to ride here. Its high-energy, nerve-wracking, and it happens fast. At a normal horse trial, we have a couple days to process how things are going to ride. I think Mark built a course that was horse-friendly, but still challenging enough. These Canadian girls sure are quick!Boyd Martin from the USA finished second in the 2024 Royal Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Showcase with Catarina. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyThe Royal Horse Show offered two hunter derby classes, as well as many divisions of hunter classes for adult and junior riders. Winner of the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Canadian Hunter Derby on Sunday, November 3, was Kelly Soleau-Millar (Wellington, Fla.) and Nitecap, owned by Jeff Brandmaier and Margaret Guthries Knightwood Stables, who topped a field of 21 entries. Ashley Arnoldt (Langley, British Columbia, Canada) rode Light My Fire, a 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Jennifer Arnoldt, to win the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby on Tuesday, November 5.In addition to the Canadian Open Jumper Championship and international jumper classes, there were a number of amateur adult/junior jumper classes too. The $125,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship was contested over the first two days with Olympian Amy Millar (daughter of famous rider and Olympian Ian Captain Canada Millar) taking top honors with Jelvinia MB, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by J Team. Mario Deslauriers (New York, NY), an FEI World Cup Champion and Olympian, was Reserve Canadian Champion riding Costa Quick PS, owned by Aram Ampagoumian, LLC. Three-time Olympian Tiffany Foster (Langley, British Columbia, Canada) finished third in the Canadian Championship riding Electrique, a horse she owns together with 5 Roosters.Millar, 47, (Perth, Ontario, Canada) enthusiastically described her mount Jelvinia B after taking the Canadian Championship, She is one of the nicest horses Ive had the privilege of riding. I had been looking for [a horse like] her for a long time. When I tried her, I just knew. She is super careful and scopey, and has great technique. She has all of it.In the Royal Dressage CDI-3* Division Naima Moreira Laliberte (Outremont, Quebec, Canada) and her long-time partner Statesman won both the $15,000 Grand Prix Qualifier class on Monday, November 4, and then the $20,000 Grand Prix Freestyle class (75.745%) on Tuesday evening, November 5. Statesman is a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Sandro Hit x Brentano II) owned by KML, Inc. and Guy Laliberte.Weve been all over the world together, said Laliberte of Statesman who carried her to two Pan American Games medals and two Olympic Games. We were traveling reserves in Tokyo and competed in Paris, we did two Pan American Games, as well as [FEI competition in] Herning [Denmark], Doha [Qatar], Aachen [Germany], and a couple of Nations Cups in Florida. Hes always been a reliable partner and such a fun horse to travel with.2024 Royal Dressage CDI-3* Division winners Naima Moreira Laliberte and Statesman. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyTurning to the international jumper classes, the USAs Aaron Vale and I.Adermie R4 captured the first major class of the Royal, the $43,860 McKee Family International Challenge on Wednesday, November 6. His countryman McLain Ward riding First Lady was runner-up and Irelands Daniel Coyle was third on Farrel.Thursday afternoon, November 7, British rider Jessica Mendoza won the $43,860 Brickenden Trophy International Jumper class with I-Car CL Z. That evening, it was Richard Vogels (Germany) turn to top the $170,000 Mad Barn/Big Ben International Challenge with Levi Noesar (the class was named in honor of Ian Millars legendary jumper Big Ben). Vogel is now based in the USA part-time and trains with McLain Ward.Vogel, 27, talked about his horse and the Royal after his win in the Big Ben. Levi is an amazing horse, but hes only eight which is why I had to compromise and not risk everything. Hes green, but with the way he performed in the jump-off tonight, you can see his abilities and his will to give everything in the ring. A lot of people told me that I was going to like this show, and it has exceeded all those expectations. Its a unique show and you can feel the history.Germanys Richard Vogel and Levi Noesar jumped to victory in the 2024 Royal Big Ben International Challenge. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyOn the final Saturday of the Royal Horse Show, winners of the two afternoon international jumper classes were two brothers from Ireland. Daniel Coyle and Farrel, paired with Super Dog (dog agility) Doberman Zeus and his human handler, were victors in the K9-Equine Challenge class. Then, Jordan Coyle and Keep Me With You N.C. won the $50,000 CSI2* Grand Prix.Irelands Daniel Coyle and Farrel clear a fence to end their show jumping round as Doberman Zeus and his handler get ready to start their agility round in the K9-Equine Challenge class at the 2024 Royal Fair. They won the class. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyBut, the biggest Royal international jumper accolades were garnered by 28-year-old Alex Matz who won three classes during the week and was named the Leading International Rider at the Royal at the end of the show. He and Cashew W won both the $43,860 Strength & Speed International Challenge on Wednesday, November 6, and the $85,680 Canadian Open/Centennial Cup on Friday, November 8. He is the son of Michael Matz, U.S. Show Jumping Hall of Fame member and trainer of Grade I Thoroughbred race horses, who had won top honors at the Royal 47 years earlier (in 1977).In the $200,000 FEI World Cup Toronto, the final international jumper class of the show on Saturday night, November 9, Matz and his other mount, Ikigai, sailed around the course to top four other competitors in a jump-off for the win. Runner-up in the World Cup class was Canadas Tiffany Foster on Electrique (who also won Leading Canadian Rider honors) and third was the USAs McLain Ward on Ilex, his Paris 2024 Olympic mount.This was Alex Matzs first five-star World Cup qualifier win. He has been riding Ikigai, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Elvis Ter Putte x Iroko) stallion owned by 5 Star Partners, for three years. He talked about their triumph in the World Cup in the press conference after, Im honored to be in this position with two incredible riders behind me and so many good riders in the field. Its for sure the biggest win of my career. I probably told everybody I know how good a horse he was, but a lot of people didnt believe me until recently.Alex Matz and Ikigai on their way to winning the FEI Toronto World Cup class at the 2024 Royal. Matz won two other big classes and was named Leading International Rider. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan PhotographyThe Leading Lady Rider award from the international jumper classes went to the USAs Lillie Keenan. Incredible, owned by Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm (Cheltenham, Ontario, Canada) and ridden by Daniel Coyle, won the Leading Canadian Horse Award.Lillie Keenan (USA) riding Kick On in the Big Ben Challenge. Keenan was named Leading Lady Rider for the 2024 Royal Winter Fair. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographyFind all of the results from the 2024 Royal Horse Show here.Royal Fair Rewind 2024The 2024 and 2023 Royal Horse Show international jumper classes, including the FEI World Cup Toronto, were livestreamed on ClipMyHorseTV. On-demand replays of that action are available on ClipMyHorse (subscription required, although a free test period may be available). You can watch those international jumper classes in Toronto, including the K9-Equine Challenge class,here.Fans of the Royal Winter Fair may also enjoy 2024 highlights by going to the Royals Facebook photo gallery here and their YouTube Channel here.Looking Ahead to Next YearThe 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show runs November 7-16, 2025. For more information, visit the Royal Fair website.This article about the 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post A Royal Wrap: 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Synopsis appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Guy McLean, the modern-day Man from Snowy River, delights crowds at Equine Affaire 2024. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyThe crisp New England autumn air was filled with excitement as Equine Affaire returned to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. for the 2024 event. Tens of thousands of riders, horse lovers, presenters, and performers from every discipline converged at the Expo grounds from November 7-10, 2024kicking off North Americas premier equine gathering. Celebrating everything horse, visitors strolled through the gates with huge smiles and schedules in hand. Some came for the unparalleled shopping and to learn about their favorite breeds; others had prepped for weeks in advance, meticulously planning which clinics to attend and what events they had to see. Everyone was feeling a sense of euphoria, anticipating all the fun over the next four jammed-packed days.And they were not disappointed!Clinics, Seminars, Demonstrations, and Ride With a ProEquine Affaires popular clinics and demonstrations run concurrently in six different arenas. Attendees soaked up expert tips and advice from world-renowned professional trainers such as Chris Irwin, author of Horses Dont Lie.Chris Irwin shares expert tips on groundwork with a new horse. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyIn his clinic, Getting to Know a Horse: What the First Day of Training Looks Like with a Horse I Dont Know, Tik Maynard explained the first steps of communication with a new horse. I come into his bubble and stop. Then I let him touch my hand first before I touch him. Its a polite thing for the horse to feel that they can touch you firstthe opposite is when you burst into a horses space or bubble.Tik Maynard works with a young horse. Photo by Hannah C. Kinlaw for NOELLE FLOYDAmong the many presenters, Lauren Sammis shared dressage training in clinics focusing on breaking down FEI movements. Mary Miller Jordan presented Liberty with Mustangs. And Ryan Rose demonstrated how improving ground manners will help you communicate more effectively with your horse.Ryan Rose teaching essential ground manners. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyGuy McLeanthe modern-day Man from Snowy Riverand his incredible Quietway Team of horses, including Spinabbey, captured the attention of attendees with his authentic demonstrations of horsemanship and the skills of an Australian Stockman and his treasured horse.Guy McLean with his Quietway Performance Team. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyHorse & Farm ExhibitsOne of the most popular exhibits is Equine Affaires Horse & Farm area, where horse lovers and potential buyers can roam the stalls exploring all types of breeds. Stalls are organized by breed/type of horse, and horse farm owners and service providers are excited to share their knowledge and answer questions. Its a great opportunity to learn about lesser-known breeds, find the right stallion for your mare, or even buy a new horse.With 300 to 500 horses coming to Equine Affaire, a tremendous amount of work is done behind the scenes months in advance. Jessica Feasel, Equine Affaires Horse Exhibits Coordinator, and her team must handle mounds of paperwork and waivers, organize and assign stalls, facilitate arrivals, and assist with hay and feed requests. But the hard work is worth it.Jessica says, What I enjoy most about my job is seeing it all come together, seeing everyone enjoying their time here, and hearing the feedback that they had a great event. That warms my heart.Jessica Feasel, Equine Affaire Horse Exhibits Coordinator. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyNew to Equine Affaire 2024: Breed BonanzaNew this year to Equine Affaire, the Breed Bonanza is a unique opportunity to present a wide variety of breeds and disciplines all togetherriders and horses are smartly turned out with show tack and attire, proudly representing their favorite breed. The under saddle rail class showcased walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Three judgesa breeder, a professional trainer, and a horse show judgecarefully evaluated and selected the inaugural Breed Bonanza youth and adult class winners.Breed Bonanza Youth Class Winner. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyDrive a Draft and Stagecoach RidesIts magical to Drive a Draft, walking behind these gentle Percheron geldings under the expert guidance of Kellie and Sam Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons. And the experience is taken to the next level with a stagecoach ride around the Eastern States Expo grounds. Step back in time and up into an authentic stagecoach!Stagecoach rides around the Expo grounds with Whispery Pines Percherons. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyEquine Affaires Shopping ExtravaganzaThe Trade Showwith literally hundreds of unique exhibitors and vendorsand the Marketplace Consignment Shop have everything you and your horse could ever need and want (and even stuff you didnt know you needed).FantasiaFantasia is unlike anything elseEquine Affaires musical celebration of the horse. The action-charged show included the Whispery Pines Percherons towering above the Valley View Miniatures as well as the mesmerizing dressage freestyle of duo Lauren Sammis and her Dutch Warmblood, Daisy van Wittenstein. Fans cheered for the reining freestyle of 2022 American Quarter Horse Congress Freestyle Reining Champion, Kevin Raber, the courage of the talented Ermes Zamperla & Company trick riders, and many more exceptional Fantasia performers.Adoption AffaireLooking for a new horse to fall in love with and bring home to join your herd? Thinking about getting your very first horse? Whatever the reason youre in the market (or even just dreaming about getting a horse), the Adoption Affaire is the perfect opportunity to meet, greet, and learn about healthy, trained, adoptable, and immensely lovable horses needing a forever home. Equine Affaire, a proud partner of the ASPCAs Right Horse Initiative, brings horse sanctuaries, rescues, and potential adopters together to help every horse find refuge.Adoption Affaire: the perfect place to meet and fall in love with horses in need of a forever home. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyLooking Ahead to Equine Affaire 2025Kicking yourself for missing out on all the excitement of Equine Affaire in Massachusetts? No worries! Make plans now to attend Equine Affaire at the Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio April 10-13, 2025. For more information, visit the Equine Affaire website here.This article about Equine Affaire 2024 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2024: Four Days Just Isnt Enough! appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A young event rider was admitted to hospital with abdominal pains and subsequently underwent emergency surgery shortly after taking victory in the Harry Hall One Club ACE (Anyone Can Event) Championships.Mia Archer, who is 16, began to feel unwell on the journey home from Aintree Equestrian Centre in May and was taken to A&E by her parents.Earlier that day, the teenager had won the junior 100cm class at the arena eventing style competition aboard her horse, Miss Poppy II, a 16-year-old British bred mare.On the way home, Mia said she felt unwell and quickly deteriorated, resulting in her being in agonising pain which was really scary. We rushed her to A&E where she stayed for the night before undergoing emergency surgery to remove an ovarian cyst the next day, said Mias mum Liz.It was such a shock. Just hours before she was celebrating her win at the event but her resilience shone through and were so proud of her positive attitude towards her recovery she was soon eager to jump back on the horse!Back in the saddleJust two weeks later, Mia, who is from Bury St Edmunds was back riding Miss Poppy II and the pair has since been out competing.Its brilliant to hear that Mia is back riding again after her health scare shes a fantastic junior rider and her win at the Harry Hall One Club ACE Championships was really well deserved, said Liz Hopper, managing director at Harry Hall.This focus on nurturing future equestrian talent supports the values of the Harry Hall One Club ACE Championships, which is open to riders across a range of age brackets and skills levels.Further readingPonies owned by couple banned from keeping animals successfully rehomedBrooke influences landmark animal welfare bill in PakistanNew enrichment paddock for some of The Donkey Sanctuarys smallest residentsThe post Teenager rushed to hospital just hours after eventing win appeared first on Your Horse.

FEI Awards 2024 winners. (L-R) Richard Frankle from the Namibian Equestrian Federation (NAMEF), Christian Kukuk (GER),  Bettina Cardinael (FRA) and Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE). FEI / Liz Gregg Saadiyat Island truly became the 'Island of Happiness' on Wednesday evening as the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas welcomed the equestrian world's finest for the 2024 FEI Awards Gala...

 FEI President Ingmar De Vos giving the opening address at the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi (UAE) (c) FEI/Solo Studio The FEI General Assembly 2024 took place in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and online on 13 November. A summary of the main decisions taken by the General Assembly is available here. An in-person FEI Board meeting took place after the General Assembly. A summary of main decisions...

Section Key Points Introduction Increased last-minute cancellations in show jumping events impacting riders, organizers, and spectators. Adverse Weather Conditions Weather such as heavy rainfall can cause events to be canceled due to safety risks. Infrastructure Challenges Inadequate venue infrastructure leading to event exclusions and cancellations. Unexpected Circumstances Cancellations due to unforeseen issues like logistical problems or sponsorship changes. Ripple Effect Cancellations affect riders' schedules and readiness; organizers face resource wastage. Weather Monitoring Utilize advanced forecasting to minimize weather-related disruptions. Infrastructure Maintenance Regular checks and maintenance of venues can prevent cancellations. Communication Keeping stakeholders informed to manage expectations during cancellations. Contingency Planning Having backup plans and alternative venues helps manage last-minute changes. Conclusion Proactive measures can minimize cancellations and sustain show jumping's momentum. Understanding Last-Minute Cancellations in Show Jumping Events In the thrilling world of show jumping, last-minute event cancellations are becoming increasingly common, impacting not just riders, but organizers and spectators too. This article dives into the reasons behind these cancellations and their implications for the show jumping community. Adverse Weather Conditions: The Unpredictable Nemesis One primary reason for the sudden halt of show jumping events is extreme weather. For example, the prestigious CSIO St. Gallen event was cancelled due to heavy rainfall in 2024. Such adverse weather conditions can turn a safe arena into a veritable slip-and-slide, posing serious risks for both horses and riders. Infrastructure Challenges at Venues Infrastructure issues also contribute significantly to last-minute cancellations. For instance, the uncertain future planning of CSIO St. Gallen's arena infrastructure led to its exclusion from the series in 2025. Proper maintenance and enhancements are essential to ensure arenas meet the high standards required for international competitions. Unpredictable, Unforeseen Circumstances Show jumping is not exempt from unforeseen circumstances either. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Las Vegas was cancelled in 2023 due to unexpected issues beyond anyone's control. These circumstances include logistical problems or sudden sponsorship changes, adding to the disappointment of all stakeholders involved. The Ripple Effect on Riders and Organizers For riders, the disruption of a finely-tuned competition schedule due to cancellations can affect their readiness for future events. The emotional and logistical toll, as noted by Swiss Equestrian President Damian Mller regarding the CSIO St. Gallen cancellation, can be profound. On the organizing side, it's a substantial waste of time and resources, impacting both sponsors and fans. Addressing Weather with Advanced Forecasting In order to reduce weather-related disturbances, event organizers need to employ advanced forecasting techniques. By monitoring weather updates closely and having contingency plans ready, potential weather complications can be mitigated ahead of time. Preserving Infrastructure Through Routine Checks Regular check-ups and maintenance of arenas can avert many last-minute cancellations. Ensuring that venue facilities meet international standards is vital, perhaps even coordinating with local governments to maintain safety and fair competition conditions. Communication is Key Effective communication with all stakeholders, including riders, sponsors, and the audience, can help dampen the impact of unforeseen cancellations. Keeping everyone informed prevents misinformation and manages expectations. Investing in Contingency Planning Event organizers must have solid backup plans in place. This may involve securing alternative venues or adjusting the schedule to manage unpredictable weather or infrastructure setbacks. Robust contingency planning is paramount to sustain the sport's momentum. Conclusion: Moving Towards Event Reliability While last-minute cancellations may be unavoidable, a proactive approach can certainly minimize their frequency and impact. By investing in infrastructure, employing advanced weather prediction techniques, and maintaining clear communication, the world of show jumping can ensure greater stability and enjoyment for all involved. For more information on equestrian gear and supplements to support your riding experience, visit Just Horse Riders. Explore our collections, from Jodhpurs to Riding Boots, and ensure you are fully equipped for whatever the show jumping circuit throws at you. Don't forget to check out our Horse Treats and Gifts for well-deserved rewards!```html```