Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has now issued 5,298 foal passports to breeders through the Horse Source online passporting system. Through the week ending February 28th; from the 5,298 completed foal passports, 4,896 are pedigree applications. This comes from a total of 6,874 applications, which also includes non-pedigree applications. The number of non-pedigree applications completed is now 403. It is important to note that, to date, 5,617 foal kits have been returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, with the 4,896 pedigree foal passports issued to breeders equating to 87% of pedigree applications having passports issued, where DNA has been provided by customers. 12% of DNA Kits have not been returned to HSI from breeders. Once these are received, they can be sent to the laboratory and the applications processed and completed. HSI has processed 95% of applications that have DNA results back from the laboratory and the remainder are []

Section Key Points Introduction Choosing saddle for Warmbloods, U Head and Hoop Trees ensure snug fit, comfort, and performance. Understanding Saddle Trees Saddle tree determines shape and fit, distributes weight, minimizes pressure; U Head and Hoop Trees are less common but advantageous. Fitting the Horse Wither Height and Shape: Ensure clearance between pommel and withers (two to three fingers). Back Shape: Saddle panels should support and prevent bridging. Shoulder Angle: Saddle should not restrict motion. Choosing the Right Tree Width Tree width should match wither width; too narrow causes pressure, too wide results in bridging. U Head and Hoop Trees Crafted for flexibility and support, suitable for unique conformations found in Warmbloods. Additional Features Panels and Padding: Wool-stuffed panels recommended. Seat Size and Style: Deep seats for dressage, open seats for other disciplines. Billet Placement: Ensures snug girth fit without discomfort. Professional Saddle Fitting Engage professional saddle fitter for assessing conformation and choosing the right saddle. Conclusion Selecting the perfect saddle involves understanding Warmblood needs and U Head/Hoop Trees benefits, ensuring fit and comfort. Finding the Perfect Saddle: A Journey Through Saddles with U Head and Hoop Trees for Warmbloods Choosing the right saddle for your Warmblood can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when considering specific tree types like U Head and Hoop Trees. These unique tree types ensure a snug fit for both the horse and the rider, ensuring comfort and peak performance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into what makes these saddles special, focusing on the tailored needs of Warmbloods. Understanding Saddle Trees Understanding Saddle Trees The saddle tree is the keystone of any saddle. Made from either wood or synthetic materials, it determines the saddle's shape and fit on the horse. The tree is essential for distributing the riders weight evenly across the horses back, minimizing pressure points and discomfort [4]. Although U Head and Hoop Trees are less common than traditional options, they offer distinct advantages for certain breeds and riding styles. Fitting the Horse Properly fitting a saddle to your Warmblood involves several key considerations: Wither Height and Shape: Warmbloods generally feature a medium to high wither height. It's crucial to ensure the saddle provides adequate clearance between the pommel and the witherstypically about two to three fingers [5]. Back Shape: With a broad back, Warmbloods require saddle panels designed to evenly distribute weight and provide ample support without causing bridging [5]. Shoulder Angle: The angle of the shoulder impacts how the saddle fits. A well-fitted saddle shouldnt restrict the horse's range of motion [1]. Choosing the Right Tree Width Choosing the Right Tree Width The tree width is critical to the horse's comfort. Ideally, it should match the horse's wither width to ensure a snug fit. A too narrow tree can cause painful pressure points, whereas a too wide tree might result in bridging, unsettling the saddle, and your ride [5]. U Head and Hoop Trees for Warmbloods Though details on U Head and Hoop Trees are scarce, these trees are crafted to provide additional flexibility and support for horses with unique conformation needs. Such features may include enhanced clearance or support for specific back shapes or wither types commonly found in Warmbloods. Additional Features to Consider Panels and Padding: Wool-stuffed panels are often recommended since they conform well to the horses back and provide superior support [5]. Seat Size and Style: The seat should offer comfort and the right balance for the rider. A deeper seat is often preferred in dressage, while an open seat may be suitable for other disciplines [3]. Billet Placement: Proper billet positioning is essential to ensure the girth fits snugly without discomforting the horse [1]. Professional Saddle Fitting Professional Saddle Fitting Enlisting the help of a professional saddle fitter is essential. An experienced fitter can evaluate your horses conformation and help you choose a saddle that fits both the horse and the rider seamlessly [1]. Conclusion Opting for the perfect saddle for your Warmblood involves understanding their unique needs and exploring how distinctive tree types, such as U Head and Hoop Trees, offer the best fit. By prioritizing the horse's conformation, the riders comfort, and the saddle's special features, you can ensure a harmonious and enjoyable riding experience for both you and your majestic Warmblood. For additional equestrian equipment, explore our Jodhpur, Horse Riding Boot, and Horse Riding Gloves collections. Ensure your horse is well cared for with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements and Horse Treats And Gifts.```html```

We are thrilled to announce that Narrow Water has been awarded the Northern Ireland Enterprise Award for the second year in a row for best riding centre This recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work in providing top-notch horse riding services. We are honored to be recognized among the best businesses in Northern Ireland and we couldn't have done it without our amazing team and loyal customers. Thank you for your continued support and trust in us. Let's keep riding towards success together!

The dates and venues for the SEIB Search for a Star competition have been revealed and entries have also opened.Qualifiers for the countrys premier amateur showing serieswill be held around the country between April and October with hundreds of competitors vying for a spot at the SEIB Search for a Star Championships which will take place at Your Horse Live in November.For the first time this year theSearch for a Starcompetition will feature an in-hand classfor traditional, native and large rare breeds. Search for a Star are also working with Rescue Equine Showing Society (RESS) to offer an in-hand class for rescue horses and ponies.Information about the qualifying competitions fortheSEIB Racehorse to Riding Horsehave also been announced and entries are open. Those who successfully qualify will travel to the Horse of the Year Show in October for their championships.Rule changeWe are delighted to be increasing our In-Hand Search for a Star classes this year, said SEIB Search for a Star organiser Nicolina MacKenzie.Rare breeds are so important and we are excited to be working with RESS and helping showcase the transformative work done by those adopting or fostering horses or ponies under charity guardianship schemes or those that have been individually rescued.We have also updated the rules for Search for a Star in-hand classes for 2025, horses and ponies from three-years-old upwards are now eligible to compete in-hand.This year we have rebranded our open veteran class to Still A Star to highlight that this class is open to any horse and rider and is the one class other than SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse where our amateur ruling doesnt apply.List of qualifiersThe full list of2025 SEIB Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horsequalifiers is as follows:Sunday 13 Aprilat Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Gloucester GL19 3BESunday 25 Mayat Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LZSunday 15 Juneat Pickering Grange Equestrian,Grange Farm, Pickering, Ellistown Terrace Rd, Ellistown, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1EZ.Sunday 6Julyat Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay, Carlisle, CA4 0RR.Wednesday 6Augustat Arena UK, Allington Lane, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2EF courtesy of Equifest.Sunday 10 Augustat NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials, Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Gloucester, GL19 3BE.(Racehorse to Riding Horse ONLY)Wednesday 13 Augustat National Hunter Supreme Championship Show, Addington Equestrian Centre, Addington, Buckinghamshire MK18 2JR.(Racehorse to Riding Horse ONLY)Saturday 16 Augustat the Pony Club National Championships, Offchurch Bury, Warwickshire CV33 9AW.(SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club classes ONLY)Sunday 31 Augustat the British Riding Clubs NAF Five Star National Championships, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 2NA.(SEIB Search for a Star BRC Riding Club Show Horse ONLY)Sunday 7 Septemberat Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 3JY.(SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse ONLY)2024 championsLast years SEIB Search for a Star supreme champion wasthe 12-year-old ConnemaraSpinway Colm who was ridden byHartpury University studentDaisy Beards.Tambrook Prayer In C, a part-bred Welsh pony who is owned and handled by Claire Crerand, took the in-hand supreme title.Image (c) 1st Class Images.Further readingSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to take care of a horseHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post SEIB Search for a Star qualifier dates and venuesannounced appeared first on Your Horse.