The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials box office is now officially open for ticket sales! This much-loved event will host the esteemed Agria FEI Eventing European Championship from September 18-21, 2025. Competitors from all...

Show Jumping & Arena Eventingincorporating Pony Club Spring Festival Qualifiers - Pony club entries via East Antrim Pony Club It's Palin Sailing pageCourse of Show Jumps followed by a cross country ro...

A prebiotic might be able to prevent leaky gut in horses. | Adobe stockLeaky gut in horses has rapidly become a widely discussed topic, yet most of what veterinarians know about this condition has been extrapolated from other species. During her presentation at the virtual 2024 EquiSummit, held Dec. 3-4, Wendy Pearson, PhD, associate professor of equine physiology in the department of animal biosciences at the University of Guelph, in Canada, shared results from her research teams recent study, showing leaky gut might be manageable with prebiotics.Defining Leaky Gut in HorsesThe lining of a horses gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a single layer of cells separating the lumen of the GI tract (where food is stored) from the horses bloodstream. In a healthy GI tract, cells on the lumen side engulf the nutrients and release them on the bloodstream side. Some small molecules can squeeze between the cells to reach the bloodstream.The tight junctions between the intestinal cells stop larger molecules like bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), said Pearson. Small molecules and solutes such as sodium ions can easily pass though the tight junctions.But when the cells lose those tight junctions, a leak pathway forms between the cells, allowing larger molecules, such as the bacterial products and toxins, to cross. Toxins then enter the circulation and can contribute to the development of low-grade inflammation. In other species this low-grade systemic inflammation has several consequences; it impairs skeletal muscle metabolism, affects metabolic function, and contributes to allergies or chronic inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, among other effects. In theory, this can also occur in horses, but no research exists to support this hypothesis.Factors Contributing to Equine Leaky GutResearchers conducting work in other species have identified a few contributors to leaky gut, including:Individual bouts of exercise. When animals exercise, blood is diverted away from the GI tract and toward exercising muscles, said Pearson. As a result, the decreased blood flow to the intestinal cells causes damage, swelling, and inflammation, making them leaky.Stressful situations. Cortisol compromises the tight junctions and disturbs the intestinal microbiomethe microbes that reside in the GI tract, playing important roles in digestion, immunity, and nervous system function. Stressful situations could include transport and heat stress.Diet. This can either positively or negatively affect leaky gut, depending on the diet composition and its effect on the microbiome.Leaky Gut Research in HorsesIn 2023 Pearson and her lead graduate student, Melissa McGilloway, published two studies designed to develop a model for studying leaky gut in horses. They chose trailering and exercise for the model because those activities mimic a typical day for many horses.They transported 16 horses for one hour then immediately exercised them for 30 minutes. Before trailering they gave the horses oral iohexol (a contrast agent).Iohexol is a small molecule that does not fit through a healthy tight junction but will pass through the leak pathway in horses with leaky gut, said Pearson. If the horses have leaky gut, the iohexol will pass from the lumen of the GI tract, through the leak pathway between the intestinal cells, and enter the bloodstream, where the researchers would be able to measure it.They collected blood samples immediately before administering iohexol, after a one-hour trailer ride, after 30 minutes of exercise, then again intermittently for eight hours after exercise. The horses in the control group stayed at the barn. The researchers administered iohexol and took blood samples at the same time as they did for horses undergoing transport and exercise.We found that the blood levels of iohexol were significantly increased in the stressed horses for up to two hours after exercise, showing that leaky gut did develop, said Pearson.Can We Prevent Leaky Gut in Horses?Based on research in humans, Pearsons team tested a fermentation product of the mushroom, Aspergillus oryzae, designed to support the GI microbiome and limits stress-induced GI tract hyperpermeability.They fed the horses this prebiotic for 28 days and then repeated the study.The horses that were transported and exercised had no spike in iohexhol, indicating that the leak pathway did not form in horses fed the fermentation product of A. oryzae, Pearson said.Take-Home MessagePearsons team has shown that normal, daily events such as transport and exercise can induce leaky gut in horses, but feeding the prebiotic A. oryzae blocked that hyperpermeability in this study group. More research is needed to fully understand the uses of this prebiotic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Los Angeles Times (@latimes) Multiple major fires continue to burn in Los Angeles, CA this week, where strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the rapid...

I am speechless (for the first time in my life!), said former international event rider Nicola Wilson after being recognised in the 2025 Kings New Year Honours list. The multi-medalled eventer, who is now a mentor and coach and gave a popular demo alongside Ros Canter and Laura Collett at last years Your Horse Live, has been awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport.In a post she shared on her Facebook page, Nicola added she is shocked and unbelievably humbled to have received the MBE. I have to say that when I got the letter I told my family but said it may be a joke and they mustnt say anything until the announcement was made to see if my name was actually there, continued Nicola.Then whilst teaching yesterday, the local paper rang and I thought with a nervous tummy, this isnt a joke.What an incredible honour. I am grateful to you all for helping me along this sometimes challenging journey through life, but I feel incredibly lucky to have a life.Impressive careerNicola was a stalwart of the British eventing team for many years, winning gold medals at the European Championships on three occasions, the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games aboard the great Opposition Buzz.With JL Dublin, Nicola was crowned individual European eventing champion at Avenches in 2021, while in 2017 she took home individual bronze at the European Championships in Strzegom riding Bulana.The Yorkshire-based equestrian recorded numerous top 10 5* placings at Badminton, Burghley, Lexington and Pau, and won the CIC3* class at Blair Castle an impressive four times.She also won the prestigious CCI4*S for eight- and nine-year-old horses class at Blenheim in 2021.A cross-country fall at Badminton in 2022, in which she sustained multiple spinal fractures, ended her competitive career. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, she has forged a new vocation mentoring and coaching event riders and their horses. Nicolas husband Alastair was a part of the team that cycled from Blair Castle in Scotland to The Savoy in London, via several major horse trials settings in the UK, to raise money for Spinal Trust the charity of which he is Patron and British Eventing Support Trust. The epic 1,100km journey, led by event rider Piggy March in memory of her sister-in-law Caroline, who died by suicide in March 2024, has raised just under 330k, including Gift Aid, to date.Main image Julie Harding/Your Horse Library.Further readingThe truth about buying cheap horse feedHow to spend less money on winter feeding8 ways to motivate yourself to go hacking in winter (and why its good for you)Save the date for Your Horse Live 2025!The post I thought it may be a joke!: Nicola Wilson awarded MBE in Kings New Year Honours list appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Tips Details Manage Diet High fibre, forage-based diet Soak hay and feeds Frequent small meals Ensure Hydration Provide fresh, clean water Wet hay and feeds Manage Stress Provide social interaction Introduce gradual changes Monitor Movement Provide regular walks Controlled turnout environments Preventative Care Maintain parasite control Regular dental care Monitor food intake and feces Post-Box Rest Transition Gradual acclimatization Use targeted nutrition Managing Colic During Box Rest: Essential Tips for Horse Owners Box rest, while sometimes unavoidable, can be a challenging and potentially risky period for horses, particularly when it comes to the risk of colic. Colic, a term encompassing a range of abdominal pains, can be triggered or exacerbated by sudden environment, diet, and activity changes. Here, we explore essential tips to manage and prevent colic during box rest. Understanding the Risks of Colic During Box Rest When a horse is placed on box rest, it undergoes a significant shift from its natural grazing and movement habits, increasing the risk of colic due to reduced intestinal motility, dietary changes, and elevated stress levels. Proper understanding of these risks is key to effective management and prevention. Maintaining a Consistent and Appropriate Diet Managing a horse on box rest encompasses ensuring a consistent and appropriate diet. Here are some pivotal dietary considerations: High Fibre and Forage-Based Diet Horses should consume a high fibre and forage-based diet with minimal or no concentrates. Feeds high in starch can lead to reactivity and undesirable weight gain, especially during box rest. [Reference]. Soaking Hay and Feeds Soaking hay for 30-60 minutes enhances its water content, reduces respirable spores, and lowers soluble carbohydrate levels, promoting healthy weight management and digestive health. [Reference]. Frequent Small Meals Feed in several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals to maintain slow food intake, reducing the risk of gastric ulcers and colic. [Reference]. Ensuring Adequate Hydration Hydration is crucial for preventing colic. Here are some ways to ensure your horse remains well-hydrated: Fresh Water Availability Always provide clean, fresh water. During colder weather, ensure water buckets remain unfrozen.[Reference]. Wetting Hay and Feeds Wetting hay and feeds compensates for reduced water intake when transitioning from grazing to stable conditions. [Reference]. Managing Stress and Providing Social Interaction Stress significantly impacts a horse's digestive health. Here, we suggest ways to reduce stress and provide social interaction: Social Interaction Horses are herd animals and may become anxious when isolated. Providing social interaction, such as stable mirrors or a calm companion like a goat, reduces stress levels.[Reference]. Gradual Changes Minimize stress by introducing gradual changes to the horse's routine and environment. Avoid sudden adjustments in feed, turnout, or management practices. [Reference]. Monitoring and Managing Movement Though box rest limits movement, engage your horse in some form of physical activity: Regular Walks When safe, take the horse on short walks in-hand to stimulate digestion and prevent gas buildup or impactions. [Reference]. Turnout in Controlled Environments For certain conditions, like laminitis, allow gradual turnout in a small paddock or enclosed space once the initial confinement phase is complete. [Reference]. Preventative Care and Monitoring Preventative care and monitoring are crucial during box rest: Parasite Control Maintain effective parasite control with a deworming program based on fecal exams and veterinary advice. [Reference]. Dental Care Regular dental checks prevent digestive issues. Ensure this is done annually by a veterinarian or trained dental technician. [Reference]. Monitoring Food Intake and Faeces Monitor your horse's food intake and feces output closely. Report any abnormalities to the veterinarian promptly. [Reference]. Post-Box Rest Transition As the box rest period ends, carefully transition your horse back to normal activities: Gradual Acclimatization Work with a vet to gradually acclimatize the horse back to the outdoors. Start with walks in-hand and, if safe, limited turnout in a controlled area. [Reference]. Targeted Nutrition Utilize targeted nutrition products to keep your horse calm and to support digestive health during the transition. [Reference]. Conclusion Managing colic during box rest demands attention to diet, hydration, stress levels, and physical activity. Following these essential tips, horse owners can notably reduce colic risk and maintain their horse's health and comfort during confinement. Remember to focus on high fibre diets, ensure hydration, provide stress management, enable limited movement, prioritize preventative care, and plan a careful post-rest transition. Check out our Jodhpur Collection or explore our Horse Riding Boot Collection for quality horse riding gear. ```html```

08.01.2025 Maikel Van der Vleuten from Netherlands rides Beauville Z N.O.P. during the Longines League of Nations™ in Ocala (USA) on 23 March 2024  ©FEI/ Richard Juilliart Securing their place in 8th position after the previous season with 11,625 points - just 18 points behind Switzerland - the Netherlands are ready to take on another season of top-level international...

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 Delvin To It!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue FoundationAdoptable Horse: Delvin To It, a 7-year-old, 16.3hh Thoroughbred geldingOrganization: Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, Guthrie, Okla.Get to Know Adoptable Horse Delvin To ItDelvin To It was responsibly retired from racing and is now eagerly searching for his next career path. With his elegant movement and graceful presence, he shows promise as a versatile prospect capable of excelling in various riding disciplines. Delvin To It is a sensitive and intelligent gelding who requires a patient, understanding handler. He is slow to trust and may initially display hesitation or uncertainty. However, with time and patience, he is gradually building confidence and forming stronger bonds with those around him. While he may not be suited for a beginner rider due to his sensitivity and greenness, in the hands of the right person, he has the potential to excel in any sport.Delvin To It is a work in progress, with a focus on building trust and confidence in his interactions with humans. His sensitivity requires a gentle approach, and progress is being made through consistent, patient work. Each day brings improvements, and he is showing promising signs of development as he becomes more comfortable.If youre an experienced rider looking for a rewarding project horse and are willing to invest the time and effort into Delvin To Its continued training and development, we encourage you to consider him for adoption. His sensitive nature and potential for greatness make him a special candidate for the right individual or family.Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue FoundationContact Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Delvin To It!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: Delvin To It appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Winter can be a difficult time in terms of feeding and balancing that with limited turnout, less riding or exercise time, colder temperatures and the need to manage any weight changes our horses will experience at this time.Here we look at what makes Speedi-Beet unique and the benefits of feeding it in winter.We all know that grass has lower levels of nutrients during the winter and as many of our fields seem to be muddier with wetter winters, there is also less grass available to our horses. Supplementing the winter diet with adlib forage to replace their natural behaviour of grazing in the field is the best way to make up for this lack of grass. A high fibre diet enables the fermentation process in the hind gut to process the food and maintain a healthy digestive system as well as creating some heat for warmth.A highly nutritious, quick soaking beet pulp feed, with no added molasses,Speedi-Beetis 95% sugar free. Made using only the best quality British Beet Pulp,Speedi-Beetis then subjected to British Horse Feeds unique patented cooking process for improved nutrient availability, providing a feed which is unlike any other beet mash for horses.The patented cooking process produces the high proportion of soluble fibre inSpeedi-Beet, which means its fibre is more easily digested than that found in long forage e.g. hay. This makes it a great source of non-heating slow-release energy. Its also starch free and low in sugar at only 5%, so suitable for Laminitics and horses with Cushings and EMS.Speedi-Beet is extremely versatile. In winter it can be fed in smaller amounts to overweight horses, or good doers as a carrier for a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Speedi-Beet provides extra energy for poor doers through to working horses.In winter, Speedi-Beet can be made with warm water to help increase hydration and to keep your horse warmer in the colder weather.To find out why it is the best for your horse, watch here.If you need any feeding advice, consult an equine nutritionist or a member of the British Horse Feeds team on 01765 680300 or enquiries@britishhorsefeeds.com.The post Winter Feeding What makes Speedi-Beet so good to feed in Winter? appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

Aspect Pros Cons Respiratory Health Reduces 99% of respirable irritants like dust, mold, and bacteria Digestive Health Reduces harmful particles, deactivates mold and bacteria Hydration Increases moisture content, supports better hydration Palatability and Appetite Enhancement Increased feed intake, good for picky eaters Allergy Relief Helps manage allergies by reducing dust and pathogens Performance Enhancement Supports peak performance by improving health Initial Investment Significant upfront cost, long-term benefits may justify it Time and Effort Requires 50-60 minutes per cycle, time commitment needed Water Consumption Uses about 4.5 liters of water per cycle Handling and Safety Hot hay post-steaming, requires careful handling Dependence on Steaming Horses may prefer steamed hay, transitioning challenge if unavailable The Pros and Cons of Using Haygain Steamers for Your Horses When it comes to the health and well-being of your horses, the quality of their forage is paramount. Haygain steamers have gained significant attention in recent years for their ability to improve the quality of hay, but like any other solution, they come with their own set of pros and cons. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of using Haygain steamers for your horses. What are Haygain Steamers? Haygain steamers are specialized equipment designed to steam hay, reducing dust and pathogens such as mold, bacteria, and fungi. This process aims to enhance the hay's nutritional value while maintaining its structural integrity. While the concept may seem straightforward, the impact of steaming hay can be quite transformational for equestrian health. How Do They Work? These machines work by injecting high-temperature steam into bales of hay, effectively eliminating harmful dust and bacteria. A typical cycle takes about 50-60 minutes, depending on the model and quantity of hay being treated. Pros of Using Haygain Steamers Respiratory Health One of the most significant advantages of using Haygain steamers is their impact on respiratory health. Steaming reduces up to 99% of respirable irritants in hay, including dust, mold spores, and bacteria. This is particularly vital as respiratory challenges affect over 80% of active sport horses, often without obvious symptoms (source). Digestive Health Steaming hay with Haygain reduces harmful particles and deactivates mold and most bacteria, which can cause colic. Studies show horses fed poor-quality hay are more susceptible to colic than those receiving clean hay (source). Hydration The steaming process increases moisture content in forage by up to three times, supporting better hydration. This is especially beneficial during travel or when stress suppresses a horse's desire to drink water. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining peak performance and health (source). Palatability and Appetite Enhancement Horses prefer steamed hay over dry or soaked hay, and its evident in their increased feed intake. This is crucial for maintaining overall health, particularly in picky eaters. Allergy Relief The reduction of respirable dust, including mold, fungi, and bacteria, helps manage horses with allergies and reduce allergy risks. A significant number of equestrians with sensitive horses rely on Haygain for this reason (source). Performance Enhancement Improving respiratory, digestive, and nutritional health, steamed hay supports peak equine performance, which is why many Olympic equestrians use and recommend them. Cons of Using Haygain Steamers Initial Investment Investing in Haygain steamers involves a significant upfront cost, which can be a barrier for some horse owners. However, the long-term benefits often justify the initial expense. Time and Effort Steaming hay requires a minimum of 50-60 minutes per cycle, depending on the hay density and temperature. This can be a commitment for horse owners with busy schedules. Water Consumption Though energy-efficient, Haygain models like the HG2000 and 6000 use about 4.5 liters of water per cycle. While not excessive, it is a consideration in areas with water scarcity. Handling and Safety After steaming, hay is very hot and must be handled carefully to avoid burns. Once exposed to air, it cools quickly, but caution is advised. Dependence on Steaming Horses may prefer steamed hay to dry hay, making transitioning back challenging if the steamer is unavailable. However, this is a preference issue rather than a health concern. Conclusion Overall, Haygain steamers offer numerous benefits that can significantly improve the health and well-being of your horses. From enhancing respiratory health to increasing hydration and palatability, investing in a steamer could be a valuable addition to your equine care routine. As with any substantial investment, weigh the initial costs against potential long-term health advantages. Consider consulting your veterinarian to decide if steamed hay fits your horse's needs. Explore various models to find what suits your routine best. For more on horse care, check out our Jodhpur Collection and Horse Riding Gloves collection today! Whether you are new to horse rearing or an experienced caretaker, balancing information with practicality ensures that your horses remain healthy, happy, and at their peak performance.```html```