04.02.2025 The battleground of the 2025 GCL is heating up as Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym and Scandinavian Vikings unveil their all-new rosters, setting the stage for an electrifying season. With legacy, ambition, and strategic reinvention at play, these two teams are charging into the new season with one mission - domination.Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym: The...

05.02.2025 A huge shift is coming to the 2025 GCL team series as an all-new powerhouse team bursts onto the scene. Say hello to the Basel Cosmopolitans — the latest team to shake up the show jumping world, backed by the vision of Thomas Straumann. This is more than just a debut; it’s a statement.With a striking fusion of seasoned champions and rising stars, Basel Cosmopolitans is...

Horse Sport Ireland will be holding Irish Sport Horse, Irish Sport Pony and Irish Draught Horse mare inspections throughout the country in March and April 2025. Closing date for receipt of applications isTWO weeks prior to inspection date; Selection will take place VENUE 4th March Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan 10th March Tipperary Equestrian Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary 1st April Tubberbride Equestrian Centre, Collooney, Co. Sligo 2nd April Creagh Equestrian Centre, Ballinasloe, Co Galway 7th April Tullineasky, Lissavard, Co. Cork 15th April Sleighduff, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Note: HSI is running a number of dates and venues for mare selections in Spring 2025.Every effort will be made to accommodate entries at their desired venue, however this cannot be guaranteed. Venues & dates arePROVISIONAL, dependent on sufficient entries and may besubject to change. Please note entries are based on a first come first serve basis, when a venue is at capacity it []

Wilmington, Ohio World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) is thrilled to welcome international competition to its top-tier, newly renovated outdoor facilities for the first time this spring. Spring I and Spring II will feature Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI2* Jumping competition, running from May 21 through June 1, 2025. Dates and ratings: FEI CSI2* Events: Open Jumper Highlights: Hunter Highlights: Prize list and more[...]Read MoreThe post Save the Date! WEC Wilmington to Host Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI2* Competition at Spring I & II appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Maintaining a clean and healthy coat is essential for your horse's comfort and well-being. Equipping yourself with the right grooming tools is the first step in effective horse care. Typical grooming kits should include body brushes, curry combs, and mane combs. Body brushes help remove dirt and dust, while curry combs loosen mud and stimulate the skin. Ensure to select tools that suit your horses coat type for optimum results. Regular grooming not only keeps your horse looking great but also helps in identifying any skin issues early.Health Supplements for Enhanced Well-BeingProviding your horse with the necessary nutrients is crucial in promoting their health and enhancing performance. Health supplements can bridge any nutritional gaps that might not be met through diet alone. Consider incorporating supplements like joint care, electrolyte replacements, and digestive aids into your horse care routine. Joint supplements are particularly beneficial for active or older horses to support mobility, while electrolytes are essential for replenishment during hot days or after intense activity. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor a supplement plan to your horses specific needs.Tack and Equipment for Optimal PerformanceChoosing the right tack and equipment is paramount for ensuring your horses comfort during rides. Investing in quality saddles, bridles, and stirrups can make a significant difference in both your performance and your horse's happiness. Ensure that these pieces fit properly to prevent any discomfort or injury. Regular checks and maintenance of all equipment can prevent wear and tear that might affect its functionality. Properly fitting tack contributes not only to a better riding experience but also to the long-term health of your horse.Stable and Field Supplies for Daily CareThe environment you provide is just as important as the physical care you give your horse. Stock your stable and field with essential supplies to maintain a safe and clean space. This includes quality bedding, sturdy hay nets, and automatic waterers. Adequate dry bedding helps prevent hoof issues, while clean feeding supplies minimize the risk of contamination. A well-equipped stable not only creates a comfortable environment for your horse but also ensures daily care activities are managed efficiently.Protective Gear for Safety and HealthEquipping your horse with the right protective gear is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. Items such as fly masks, blankets, and hoof boots provide necessary protection against environmental elements and injuries. Fly masks protect your horse from irritating insects, while blankets can provide warmth during colder months. Hoof boots are particularly useful for horses active on rocky or hard terrain. Investing in good quality protective gear can help prevent injuries and ensure your horse remains in peak condition.In conclusion, equipping yourself with the right horse care supplies is essential in ensuring your horse leads a healthy and happy life. By selecting the proper grooming tools, health supplements, tack, stable supplies, and protective gear, you can provide comprehensive care that meets all your equines needs. Regular maintenance and thoughtful selection of these supplies not only enhance your horse's well-being but also foster a deeper bond between you and your equine companion.

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A group of horses who were rescued by World Horse Welfare and saved from being illegally smuggled out of Dover last February are all progressing well. Several of them have already been rehomed, while seven are seeking their forever homes.Known as the Dover 26, they were a group of frightened and vulnerable young colts, fillies, mares and geldings who were crammed onto a transporter to be exported to Europe. Many of them had health issues and only 19 of them had the necessary paperwork for the journey. Four were in such poor health they had to be put down.At World Horse WelfaresHall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk,the group received specialist care and tailored rehabilitation plans to aid their recovery.New arrivalsFive of the Dover 26 mares were pregnant and four foals Pompey, Montana, Cole, and Emily were subsequently born at the centre. Another foal sadly did not survive. The foals have been weaned and are currently enjoying life in the centres paddocks.I remember so clearly the arrival of the Dover 26. They were so frightened and theyd clearly all been through a harrowing experience, said Lizzie Bird, assistant farm manager at Hall Farm, at the time.Soon after they arrived, we found that the group was carrying Equine Influenza and the outbreak forced the farm to go into lockdown while the horses were treated.Since then, we have worked hard to build their trust in people with careful handling and dedicated care.Looking for new homesNine of the group have been rehomed and another seven are currently available for rehoming. Their roles range from project pony to non-ridden companion.The dams of the foals will be assessed for rehoming later this year, as will the mare whose foal did not survive.With all of the horses and ponies, our biggest challenge has been not having a medical history for any of them or knowing what their experience was before coming into our care, said a spokesperson for World Horse Welfare.However, thanks to our amazing team at Hall Farm we are confident the rest of the group will be rehomed once they have completed their rehabilitation.The case of the Dover 26 highlights the harsh realities faced by the thousands of animals caught up in the illegal trade of horses.We continue to share the information and evidence that our researchers have gained over the years about this trade with UK policy makers to ensure policies and laws are progressed in the UK that will put an end to horse smuggling.Illegal tradeAt the time of the Dover 26 rescue last year, theUK Governments Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Billwas progressing through the House of Lords. World Horse Welfare said the case highlighted the illegal trade in horses and why secondary legislation and robust enforcement and equine traceability were vital to protect British horses and ponies from an unknown fate.Yesterday, Your Horse reported the harrowing story of a three-year-old ex-racehorse trampled while travelling in an overloaded lorry. The young mare suffered a fractured skull and severe wounds while travelling from Ireland to Europe for slaughter.Main image World Horse Welfare.Related contentHow to tell if a horse is happyUK bans live export of horses for slaughterPetition set up with the aim of updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect horsesPublic attitudes towards horse sport on the right track but there is still more to doLearn to read your horses body language with this expert adviceThe post Dover 26 horses rescued from being smuggled last year are seeking new homes appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Fire Risks in Equestrian Facilities Flammable materials like hay and straw can cause fires; incidents like electrical faults pose significant threats. Legal Requirements Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires fire risk assessments for non-domestic premises, including stables. Familiarity with Evacuation Routes Regular fire drills ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes, crucial for moving horses quickly. Reducing Panic Drills instill confidence, keeping humans and horses calm during emergencies. Identifying Vulnerabilities Drills help recognize weaknesses in evacuation plans, allowing improvements before real emergencies. Training for Animal Evacuation Essential preparation for guiding horses to safety, incorporating their behavior into plans. Conduct Regular Drills Schedule drills at least once a year or more frequently, based on personnel or layout changes. Involve All Staff and Volunteers Participation creates a cohesive emergency response team ready to act. Review and Update Plans Analyze drill effectiveness and update strategies to ensure readiness for potential scenarios. Conclusion Regular fire drills are crucial for safety, regulatory compliance, and reducing fire risks in equestrian facilities. The Importance of Regular Fire Drills in Keeping Equestrian Facilities Safe Equestrian facilities present a unique blend of beauty, majesty, and risk. These environments are rich in tradition and sport but can become hotbeds for potential disasters due to the combustible materials and unpredictable nature of horses. Let's delve into how regular fire drills can enhance safety and ensure a harmonious balance between humans, horses, and infrastructure. Understanding Fire Risks in Equestrian Facilities Equestrian facilities, whether stables or academies, are rife with fire hazards due to the abundance of flammable materials such as hay, straw, and wooden frameworks. Even minor incidents, like a sudden electrical fault, can quickly spiral into devastating fires. For example, a recent blaze in Tyne and Wear claimed the lives of five precious horses, underscoring the gravity of these risks. Legal Requirements and Fire Safety In England and Wales, specific regulations are in place to protect these vital equestrian assets. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates a fire risk assessment for all non-domestic premises, including stables. For facilities with five or more employees, this assessment must be documented formally, making fire drills not just a recommendation but a legal requirement (source). Conducting Effective Fire Drills Executing regular fire drills can be a life-saving practice. Heres why: 1. Familiarity with Evacuation Routes Repeated drills ensure that everyone knows evacuation routes by heart. This is crucial for equestrian facilities where horses need to be moved swiftly to safe zones. 2. Reducing Panic Whether you're in a pair of jodhpurs or boots, drills alleviate stress by instilling confidence in all participants, ensuring humans and steeds alike remain calm. 3. Identifying Vulnerabilities Drills can reveal flaws within an evacuation plan, providing the opportunity to fine-tune these strategies before an actual emergency emerges. 4. Training for Animal Evacuation Extensive preparation on moving horses, potentially with turnout rugs, ensures they are guided to designated safe zones away from harm. Practical Tips for Implementing Fire Drills Develop a Comprehensive Evacuation Plan Allocate safe assembly points and escape routes for humans and horses. Recognize and incorporate the horses specific behaviors into the evacuation strategy. Conduct Regular Drills Depending on changes in personnel or layout, schedule drills at least once a year, but more regularly if possible. These sessions ensure everyone, from seasoned trainers to volunteers, knows their role in an emergency, reducing confusion when action is imperative (source). Involve All Staff and Volunteers Everyone in the facility should participate in fire drills, creating a cohesive emergency response team thats ready to act. Review and Update Plans Post-drill, analyze the effectiveness of plans and make necessary corrections. This ensures readiness for potential scenarios and improves future readiness. Conclusion Regular fire drills are essential for ensuring safety in equestrian settings, marrying regulatory compliance with practical safety measures. Proactively preparing stables and staff reduces fire-related risks, preserving both human life and equine companions. For more tips, browse our collection of gear and supplements, perfect for maintaining optimal training conditions year-round. Remember, consistent preparation lays the foundation for effective emergency responses, safeguarding the lives of those who rely on us most. As you fortify your facilities with safety strategies, keep exploring everyday vitamins & supplements to enhance your equine care routine.```html```

The following is adapted from Finding Your Superhorse: 8 Keys to Developing the Horse Thats Just Right for You by Lynn Palm with Rebecca M. Didier and Marie-Frances Davis (2023), with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.One of the truths I learned from Bobbi Steele was that the longer you take to train a horse, the longer he will last. The more shortcuts you try, the longer it will actually take to train him. We all get in a hurry. Its a natural human impulse, and its probably more common now in todays hectic world.When I was learning from Ms. Steele, I would go home and try all the lessons on my ponies and horses. When I asked them to do something sooner than they were capable, it would set them back and it would ultimately take me longer to train them.What I had to learn was that when you improve something even by small amounts, you are making progress. By taking your time, you may not be teaching the horse more, but you are developing the horses body, joints, and athleticism to eventually be able to perform more challenging tasks with ease and balance.Knowing When to Slow DownWhen I called Carol Harris, owner of Rugged Lark and other horses I had the honor of training, most of the time I was excited to tell her about her horses progress. I learned from her, tooto be honest and tell of difficult times, as she understood the process and would always have valuable suggestions.When I told her that Lark was not doing something so well and I wasnt sure why, Carol always said that when faced with challenges, Do nothing! Just spend time with him, graze him, turn him out, trail ride, and just let it go.A few days later, I would return to training with Lark, ask him the same questions and try the same tasks, and he would do them willingly.There were other times that this was different: Lark retained lessons like no other horse I ever had. I had to be careful to go slowly so he would learn to relax, be confident, and most importantly, trust me. I had to say to Rugged Lark, You are not supposed to do this so well yet and, like during the challenging times, I would stop my lesson and go trail ride or put him away for the day. Just doing nothing, taking a break, and coming back and sticking to basics was always the best advice.I had the privilege of training Rugged Lark as a 2- and 3-year-old, and in 1985 we had a great year showing. He was 4 years young and won his first AQHA World Championship Show Superhorse title.With a foundation of classical dressage training principles, Rugged Lark was becoming exceptional, and he was in training for eight different disciplines. He competed in reining, western riding, trail, hunter under saddle, working hunter, hunter hack, western pleasure, and pleasure driving. He was a true example of the AQHA motto: The Worlds Most Versatile Horse.The second Superhorse title was not as easy as in 1985, as it is always harder to stay on the top than it is reaching it. After winning the second title, I surprised Carol during the presentation of the Superhorse award.By that time, I had played a little with riding bridleless, which Ms. Steele had taught me back in Sarasota, but Carol didnt know yet. I rode Lark into the arena without a bridle and trotted, cantered, did flying lead changes and a reining spin, and the crowd went crazy!Palm and Rugged Lark giving a bridleless dressage exhibition at the Shriners Ocala Livestock Pavilion. The pair performed together for many happy years. Photo courtesy of Palm Equestrian AcademyOur spontaneous performance led to 10 fabulous years of bridleless exhibitions at all the major equine events in the United States.The Art of Doing NothingI cant emphasize enough the importance of knowing when to do nothing when working with horses.To me, this means turnout. All my horses, all my life have had turnout time that allowed them to be themselves in their natural environment. Horses have to graze, move around in an open area, and have room to buck and play. And, most importantly, they need to have lots of room to roll.My Royal Lark playing and having fun and demonstrating his amazing athleticism! Turnout is a necessity for the horses well-being. Photo by Cappy JacksonKeeping a horse in a stall most of his life will always bring out habits, many likely unwanted, that under normal horse circumstances he would not have. Ms. Steele impressed upon me, again and again, How would you act if you were put in a room with four walls and a small window and had to stay in there for hours, days, weeks? All of us would be thinking about how to get out of that room. The horse, too!Even when my horses have had lameness issues or sickness, they are turned out if at all possible. When a horse has surgery and has to be confined for some time for healing, I am a stickler for finding out how many times a day and for how long the horse can be hand-walked.Downtimein the form of turnoutis necessary for a young horse in training who seems fatigued or needs fewer training days and more free-play days. Turnout is also the answer for the horse who is making lots of mistakes or is inconsistent in his training (not retaining his lessons).Turnout is for the horse who has just traveled a lot, been competed over a number of weeks or months, or ridden on the trail for many miles. Turnout will help the horse who has lameness or sickness issues.How long should a horse in one of these scenarios have off with nothing but turnout? The horse will tell you. It may be, in the case of a trainable horse, just a few days. In other situations, it may be a week, two weeks, a month, or even longer.How do you know if the downtime has been long enough? When you start the horse back in work, how does he feel? Does he have good energy? Is he willing? Is he trying?When the answer is yes, the amount of downtime was good for that horse. If you start back in work and your horse seems frustrated, resistant, or unwilling, the horse needs more time as you figure out what you need to do differently.Consult your trainer, veterinarian, and farrieryour team players. Have a friend record a video of you working with your horse and share it with your team to get their help finding possible answers to any problems, as well as guidance as to what you can do differently. This is how you can accomplish positive training.Remember, it never always goes perfectly! You have to have challenges to have success. Time Together Thats Not Work TimeTurnout isnt the only way to rest the horse and do nothing. Other nothings are ways you spend valuable time in your horses company, free of the expectations of training and showing. I call this my list of justsbecause we always want to do more, but sometimes, we should just do this:Just hand-graze your horse and spend time with him. (And that doesnt mean making phone calls or scrolling through social media. Really be with him.)Just give your horse a thorough grooming session and treats.Just bathe your horse.Just take your horse on a relaxed, walk-only trail ride.Just do something different with your horse. Take him swimming!Just take him for a ride in the trailer to somewhere new and hand-graze him when you get there. (No riding!)Just take your horse on a walk in-hand around your property or on the trail.Just ground-drive your horse, or teach him how to pull a cart.Just let your horse be a horse!Cross-Training for LongevityRugged Painted Lark (Bruce) arrived at Palm Equestrian Academy at Fox Grove Farm as a very bold yearling colt in 1998. After he began his training in dressage principles and groundwork, he traveled with us to summer at our farm in Michigan each year while also beginning reining and roping training with Ted Chancey in Florida, Sandy Collier on the West Coast, and Bobby Lewis in Texas. In between, he was jumping and learning to drive.Because he was such a macho stallion, we focused on working cow horse and roping. He did well as he came along and never forgot the dressage basics that I started him with.As a young, strong stallion, Rugged Painted Lark (Bruce) showed a lot of ability as a stock horse in roping and reining events. Palm had him spend time in training with various professionals (shown with Ted Chancey) that she trusted to build out the horses natural abilities. Photo by WaltenberryEven though I moved more quickly than I might have with another young horse, I didnt take shortcuts. He was a horse with smarts and confidence, and so was able to quickly master lessons.Bruce was soon doing canter pirouettes and tempi lead changes, and being ridden bridleless. His looks and performances got him featured on book and magazine covers, in television shows and commercials, and as an entertainer at numerous equine events.At the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Show, Rugged Painted Lark (Bruce) and Lynn Palm did a bridleless exhibition to music. Photo by Paint Horse JournalAt the age of 22, Bruce got to show off his years of dressage training with a fabulous freestyle at the 2019 Western Dressage Association of America World Show. In his last appearance at age 23, he could still delight audiences, appearing at Equitana USA.Breyer model horse was created in Rugged Painted Larks honor. He and Palm performed at BreyerFest in Lexington, Ky., many times. (Shown here in 2007 with some of his biggest fans.) Photo by BreyerLongevity TrainingWhat these horses, and others, have proven to me is that training for longevity is always worth it in the long run. And it doesnt have to be hard. Just keep these principles in mind:1. Vary your training each day or two. Cross-train with under-saddle training aimed toward the goals for the horse: groundwork, riding bridleless, trail obstacles, hill training for fitness, and swimming, if possible. I like to teach my horses to drive, too. 2. Dont drill your horse. Its true that horses learn through repetition; however, if you drill (for example, ride 20 circles without stopping), you will eventually lose the willingness of your horse. Horses hate drilling! Keep your horse interested in his lesson by changing directions (lateral suppleness) and doing transitions (longitudinal suppleness). Minding this Golden Rule will also help you develop your horses concentration for longer sessions over a period of time. Changing direction and doing transitions often teaches the rider to think: Think in front of the horse, think about being confident, and think about riding with accuracy and precision.3. Train outside the box. An arena or a confined area is the place to teach the horse something for the first time. When he understands and can manage the skill, do it outside the box where there are new challenges, as the horses instincts kick in and he becomes more aware of his environment and on high alert. I learned over time that it was harder to have a horse do the same task well outside an arena. I trained my first National and World Champion in the woods of northern Wisconsin for the three months leading up to the competition. My horse was very confident in the ring!Rugged Painted Lark and Palm trot uphill. Shes a proponent of training show horses outside the arena at least twice a week. This change keeps horses from getting bored and encourages them to be forward-thinking. Photo by Daniel Deweese4. Listen to your horse. If your horse challenges you, he is trying to tell you something. Use your common sense and try to understand what he could be saying. Figure out what you can try to do differently to get a better result. I always start with a check-in with correct rider position. I know my position weaknesses and try to stop them from happening. Position problems can be as simple as looking down at your horsewhen you do this, you will be late to direct him with your aids, and this will frustrate him.5. Turn your horse out daily and give him at least one day off per week.Lessons in LongevityTo me, longevity is about the length of time a horse has quality of life and you have quality of life together. Horses dont need to be fried mentally by the age of 3 or broken down physically by the age of 5.We have the experience and the veterinary, farrier, and bodywork care that should ensure many years of active partnership in whatever disciplines we choose.My understanding of how important the big picture is in a horses training (rather than just immediate goals) has built over a lifetime of experience with many different horses. These are just a few of the lessons Ive learned about variety in training, patience, and listening to each individual horse.This excerpt from Finding Your Superhorse: 8 Keys to Developing the Horse Thats Just Right for You by Lynn Palm with Rebecca M. Didier and Marie-Frances Davis appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Lynn Palm on Quality Time with Your Horse for the Sake of Longevity appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.