Wilmington, Ohio This weeks Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Hannah Naftal of Madison, New Jersey. For three years, Naftal has made an annual trip to WEC Wilmington to show in the Junior Hunters and National Derbies. We caught wind of Naftals positive energy ring-side after her round in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday evening and caught up with the young[...]Read MoreThe post Wilmington Sunday Spotlight: Hannah Naftal appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Is your horse struggling with stiffness on one rein? Then check out these five tips from BHS instructor and British Dressage judge Vikki Hayton on how to help even them out.1. Check his saddle and backFirstly, check that you and your saddle are centred, and if youre unsure, get a qualified saddle fitter to check for you. A good UKCC coach should be able to check that youre sitting centrally too.Its also worth stressing that your horses back should be checked to make sure his stiffness isnt a result of discomfort.2. Flexion and counter-flexionOnce you know your horse isnt in any pain or discomfort, then try to think of the stiffness in terms of the buttons not working quite well on the stiffer side, while your horse has the natural ability to stretch on the other side. Youll probably have to be very patient and repeat again and again the bending aids, particularly on your horses stiffer side.Dont think that you need to work more on the stiffer rein to help; you can work on getting your horse to bend when youre working on the opposite rein too by asking for counter-flexion. In fact, its often easier to get bend this way.3. Lungeing around polesLungeing will help if you have a surface, and one of the simplest exercises is to put out six poles in a hexagonal shape and work your horse around the outside of these. This will encourage your horses body to bend by engaging his inside hind.You can also do this exercise when youre riding. Think about your horse bending around your inside leg and moving his ribcage across; too much neck bend will only hinder the hindleg coming under.4. Think laterallyDoing lots of turns down the long side so that you leave and return to the track in a shape a bit like sharks teeth will help to loosen your horse and help with suppleness. But, ultimately, lateral work is best for increasing a horses suppleness.This means lots of leg-yield and shoulder-fore, or shoulder-in, depending on the level at which you ride. Work like this will also help to achieve equal bend both ways.5. Circle around a markerAnother good exercise is to set out some traffic cones or markers (you need only two or three). Circle around them, developing the bend. Its a simple exercise, but because you and your horse are focusing on the cone it helps with the bend. You can help develop your leg-yield by trying to push your horse away from the cone with your inside leg.About the expert: Vikki Hayton is a BHS instructor and examiner, and British Dressage judge based at College Farm EC.Related articlesTeaching your horse to leg-yield with groundworkShoulder-in masterclassHow to teach your horse to do shoulder-out from the groundThe post Horse stiff on one rein? Five ways to help even them out on the flat appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL The final CDI class of the January Dressage CDI3*, presented by Hampton Green Farms, was the Intermediate II CDI2* on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC). Emily Donaldson of Parkesburg, PA, rode her own Beaujolais 75, a 16-year-old American Hanoverian gelding, to victory. The impressive 16.3-hand chestnut is by Bugatti Hilltop out of Conflora, by Contucci CWS,[...]Read MoreThe post Emily Donaldson and American-Bred Beaujolais 75 Top Final CDI Class at World Equestrian Center Ocala January CDI3* Show appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ocala, FL Another beautiful, sunny Florida day set the scene for the final international event of Week V of the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series, the $65,000 Budweiser Grand Prix CSI2*. Twenty-four horse-and-rider combinations from 10 different nations vied for the win, but it was Olympian Eduardo Menezes (BRA) who piloted his longtime partner, Calypso Des Matis (Padock Du Plessis Hn x Tresor De[...]Read MoreThe post Eduardo Menezes and Calypso Des Matis Prove Unstoppable in $65,000 Budweiser Grand Prix CSI2* appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

What a day for Team Narrow Water at Ardnacashel Equestrian Comber! Molly and Rostrevor Ard R (Diego) took home the win in the preliminary class with an impressive score of 77.5%. It's amazing to see Diego's talent shine through after only three weeks of riding with his new rider Molly. Shannon and Whizz also had a great day, winning the elementary class with a score of 77.67%. Despite not being able to practice her tests on Whizz, Shannon still managed to ride a lovely test. We couldn't be more proud of our riders and horses #TeamNarrowWater #WinningStreak #HorseRidingGoals

The Florida Youth Dressage Championships (FYDC), one of the largest competitions for youth riders in Florida, will return for its third year at World Equestrian Center Ocala. These championships, held March 6-9, 2025, promise to continue its tradition of welcoming camaraderie, sportsmanship and education for young dressage riders. Since its creation in 2013 by Lendon Gray and Hampton Green Farm, the FYDC has played[...]Read MoreThe post Florida Youth Dressage Championships Return to WEC Ocala in 2025 for Thrilling Third Edition appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bromont CCI (@bromontcci) Were dreaming of June in Bromont! This years MARS Bromont CCI, which features CCI2* CCI4*-L competition and runs alongside the MARS Bromont...

A former racehorse who has excelled in several disciplines since retiring from the racetrack was named Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year in an award ceremony last month.Master Wickham, who is owned and ridden by Claire Lewis, received the most public votes to win the accolade at the 2025 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards.The award ceremony, which was opened by RoR patron Zara Tindall and hosted by Richard Phillips, took place during Cheltenhams Festival Trials Dayat Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 25 January.Over 200 members of the racing and equestrian communities attended the ceremony which also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the RoR.Multi-talentedSixteen-year-old Master Wickham has enjoyed success in a range of disciplines since he retired from racing in 2015.Alongside reaching Grade A level in showjumping, he has also won13 national RoR championship titles in dressage, qualified for the Badminton Grassroots Championships and participated in numerous combined training, dressage to music, arena eventing, and showing competitions.Master Wickham is a true superstar, excelling across showjumping, dressage, and eventing, said Claire.His versatility and consistency continue to open doors, year after year.Amazing GraceGrace Muir,chief executive and founder of HEROS charity, was presented with theSir Peter OSullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Impact Awardfor her outstanding contributions to both the racing and educational sectors.The aim of HEROSis to create new opportunities for ex-racehorses and young people in bespoke retraining and education programmes.I am so honoured to receive this award from RoR because they lead the way in this sphere, said Grace.While we also do different work at HEROS, theres no doubt that my heart lies with the horses.I hope that we continue to grow, expand, and reach more targets, making a real impact on the aftercare of former racehorses.Elite winnersThe winners of the 2024 RoR Elite awards were:RoR Elite Dressage Champion Tapaidh Frankie, owned and ridden by Tracy ThirlwallRoR Elite Polo Champion Dark Hedges, owned and ridden by Matt PerryRoR Elite Endurance Champion Art Mauresque, owned and ridden by Hayley GilmoreTattersalls RoR Elite Showing Champion Minella Rebellion, owned and ridden by Katie DashwoodRoR Tattersalls Supreme Champion Gentleman at Arms, owned and ridden by Harriet EdmundsRoR Elite Eventing Champion Bayaanaatt, part-owned and ridden by Izzy TaylorRoR Elite Showjumping Champion The Iron Factor, owned and ridden by Jessie WelchThe RoR Awards celebrate the incredible adaptability and success of former racehorses in new careers, said David Catlow, managing director of RoR.They serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of retraining racehorses into second careers and highlight our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for these exceptional athletes.This milestone anniversary not only celebrates the past but reaffirms our commitment to their bright futures.Main image Claire Lewis, videos RoR.Further readingSwap birch for padded hurdles in interest of racehorse welfare, say researchersNew scheme will provide expert tuition to riders on former racehorsesNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSRiding on the gallops: expert advice to suit every type of horseUse this fitness plan to prepare your horse for the season aheadThe post Racehorse turned Grade A showjumper wins RoR Horse of the Year award appeared first on Your Horse.

Strategy Description Identify Common Weeds Recognize and identify different types of weeds like docks, nettles, thistles, and ragwort to tailor management strategies. Cultural Practices Includes soil testing and fertilization, overseeding with legumes, and proper grazing management to maintain healthy ecosystem and outcompete weeds. Mechanical Control Utilizes regular mowing and hand-digging to control weed proliferation, especially effective for smaller areas or certain weed types. Chemical Control Use of selective herbicides like Grazon Pro, with careful timing and application to control broadleaf weeds while protecting pastures. Biological Control Use of multispecies grazing, such as goats, to naturally manage and reduce weed presence by consuming unwanted plants. Integrated Approach Combines different strategies like mowing, overseeding, and selective herbicides for comprehensive and long-lasting weed management. Effective Strategies for Managing Weed Overgrowth in Paddocks Managing weed overgrowth in paddocks is a crucial aspect of maintaining optimal pasture health and ensuring the safety and productivity of livestock. Weeds not only hinder the growth of desired plants by competing for resources but can also be toxic to animals. Let's delve into some effective strategies to help you manage these pesky weeds effectively. 1. Identify Common Weeds Before jumping into any control measures, it's vital to identify the types of weeds present in your paddock. Common weeds like docks, nettles, thistles, and ragwort may each require a unique management approach. Recognizing these weeds will allow you to tailor your control strategy accordingly. 2. Cultural Practices Cultural practices are the foundation for preventing weed growth and maintaining a healthy ecosystem within your paddock. Soil Testing and Fertilization Ensure your soil maintains the proper pH and nutrient levels. Some weeds proliferate in poor soil conditions, so a simple soil test and appropriate fertilization can help desirable plants outcompete weeds (source). Overseeding By adding legumes such as clovers, you can enrich the soil with nitrogen and fill in gaps where weeds might otherwise thrive (source). Grazing Management Avoid overgrazing as it weakens the forage stand and invites weeds. Implementing rotational grazing allows pastures to recover, reducing the overall weed pressure (source). 3. Mechanical Control Mechanical methods prove effective in controlling weeds, particularly when combined with other management strategies. Mowing Regularly mowing before weeds seed can significantly help in preventing their spread, especially with annual and biennial weeds (source). Hand-Digging While requiring more effort, manually digging out weeds like ragwort can be effective in smaller areas. Make sure to dispose of these weeds properly to avoid regrowth. 4. Chemical Control Herbicides offer a quick and efficient approach to weed control but should be used carefully. Selective Herbicides Certain products, such as Grazon Pro, are grass-safe but effective against broadleaf weeds like docks and thistles (source). Timing and Application Apply herbicides in optimal conditions, typically between late summer to early winter, and follow label instructions meticulously to safeguard desirable plants and livestock. 5. Biological Control Adopting biological control methods like multispecies grazing can effectively keep weeds in check naturally. For instance, goats are known to consume weeds that other livestock might avoid (source). 6. Integrated Approach An integrated weed management plan is often the most effective. For instance, mixing mowing with overseeding and selective herbicide application can yield extensive and long-lasting control (source). Conclusion Effectively managing weed overgrowth in paddocks demands a holistic approach that combines cultural practices, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. By understanding the types of weeds present and implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a healthy and productive pasture. For more equestrian solutions and products, consider exploring Just Horse Riders' extensive Jodhpur Collection or perhaps look into their Horse Riding Boot Collection.```html```

Almost all classes this week are at the lower end of the range, but Irish Sport Horses hold their own. Among the breeders are some famous names as well as some new ones, which will keep the ISH flying high. Next week its Ocala and Pine Top and the classes will be more testing. See below the full list of International Eventing Results for this week. Galway Downs 2025 Kickoff Horse Trials 1st 2nd February 2025 Advanced / Intermediate 1st Carlingfords Hes A Clover (ISH)[was Hes a Clover] 2012 gelding by Polanski (SWB) out of Fourleaf Clover (ISH)[TIH] by Clover Hill (ID). Breeder: Thomas Keenan (Louth). Rider: Molly Duda (USA) 31.8, 4, 8.0 = 43.8 Only one entry. Open Intermediate 2nd The Big Easy (ISH) 2018 gelding by Mr Lincoln B (ISH) out of PLS Hippo Q (ISH) by Castlecomer Q (ISH). Breeder: William McDonnell (JNR). Rider: []