An equine charity which has seen calls for help to its Bristol base increase by 267%, has welcomed support from an equine products brand throughout 2025.Red Horse Products, a UK-based manufacturer specialising in equine healthcare solutions, will provideHorseWorld Trust, a charity whichrescues and rehabilitates horses, ponies, and donkeys, with both financial donations and a supply of their products.Partnerships like this are absolutely essential to our work, especially today,said HorseWorld Trust chief executive Jo Coombs.The cost-of-living crisis has had a huge impact on our work. Weve seen a 267% increase in calls from desperate owners who are concerned about being able to afford even the basic care their horses need.Demand for our specialist welfare care is increasing, but we simply cant afford to take in all those who need us.Feeling the pinchNot only is demand increasing, but our costs have also increased significantly driven by the cost of feed and specialist veterinary care.Many of our horses need emergency care when they first arrive, or ongoing medication and veterinary care once they are with us.We have the space on our farm in Bristol to take more horses in, but we dont have the funds to do so, as costs increase.We are so grateful to Louise [Austin, director at Red Horse Products] and the whole team and look forward to working with them this year.Monetary contributionRed Horse Products will make an initial 500 donation to the charity and then will donate 20p from every website order made this year. They will also provide the team at HorseWorld Trust with products for hoof care, skincare, and wound support as well as run a number of fundraising initiatives during the year.The companys charitable giving doesnt stop at HorseWorld Trust, they have also donated 250 and a supply of products to Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity committed to rescuing and rehabilitating miniature Shetland ponies, and Hampshire Spirit Horse Rescue, which offers refuge and care for abandoned and neglected horses while supporting local horse owners in need.Images HorseWorld TrustRelated contentSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Charity receives welcome support from equine brand as cost-of-living crisis continues to bite appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Introduction Ridden part-bred classes focus on tack and turnout for competitive equestrian events. Ridden Classes Evaluate horse's ability under saddle, including movement, manners, and performance. Participation Benefits Breed-Specific Competition, Skill Development, Community Engagement. Bridle and Bit Use a plain bridle with cavesson noseband; avoid bitless bridles. Ensure cleanliness and proper fit. Saddle and Girth English saddle with a plain girth, providing stability and proper fit. Numnahs and Accessories Use discreet colors, avoid flashy items for a professional appearance. Rider's Attire Tweed jacket, appropriate footwear, and compliant safety headgear. Horse's Turnout Clean, well-fitted tack; traditional shoeing; optional tail plaiting. Preparation Tips Adequate warm-up, routine practice, and focusing on communication with the horse. Mental Preparation Focus on clear communication and maintain calmness for best performance. Conclusion Detail-oriented approach to tack and turnout enhances performance and experience. Mastering the Show Ring: Navigating Ridden Part-Bred Classes with the Right Tack and Turnout Ridden part-bred classes offer a unique blend of breed-specific characteristics and versatility in the competitive equestrian world. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just embarking on this journey, mastering these classes requires a keen attention to detail in both tack and turnout. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in the show ring. Ridden classes are designed to evaluate a horse's ability under saddle, focusing on its movement, manners, and overall performance. These classes can vary depending on the breed or type of horse, generally involving walking, trotting, and cantering in a group setting, followed by individual performances where riders may execute specific maneuvers. For more insights into judging standards, visit the Clydesdale Horse Society Ridden Guidelines. Why Participate in Ridden Classes? Participating in ridden classes offers numerous benefits such as: Breed-Specific Competition: Allows you to compete against horses of similar breeds or types, providing a fair and focused competition environment. Skill Development: Enhances your riding skills and your horse's responsiveness and performance. Community Engagement: An excellent opportunity to connect with other equestrians who share your passion. Choosing the Right Tack The correct tack is crucial for both your comfort and your horse's performance in the show ring. Here's what you need to know: Bridle and Bit Type: A plain bridle with a cavesson noseband and a traditional double or Pelham bit is recommended. Avoid bitless bridles or Liverpool bits. It should be clean, well-fitting, and support clear communication between you and your horse. Learn more about traditional bridles from the Rank Equine Blog. Saddle and Girth Type: Use an English saddle with a plain leather or webbing girth. This setup provides support and stability for both you and your horse. Ensure the saddle fits well to avoid discomfort and negatively impact performance. Numnahs and Other Accessories Numnahs: Opt for discreet colors to maintain a professional appearance. Avoid flashy items and focus on a clean, traditional setup. Turnout for Ridden Classes Turnout refers to the overall look of both you and your horse. Here's how to make a lasting impression: Rider's Attire Jacket and Breeches: A tweed jacket with cream or fawn breeches or jodhpurs offer a smart yet comfortable choice. Explore our Jodhpur Collection for options. Boots: Adults should wear long boots while children can use jodhpur boots secured with clips. Browse our Horse Riding Boot Collection for stylish options. Headgear: Always wear a hard hat that meets current safety standards, ensuring protection and compliance. Horse's Turnout Tack and Equipment: Keep all tack clean and well-fitted, using black or brown colors for a classic look. Shoeing: Go for traditional shoeing with the option of screw-in studs if necessary. Plaiting and Flights: Tail plaiting can add a polished look, but ensure it's done safely. Preparing for the Show Preparation is key to success. Here are some tips to help you and your horse get ready: Warm-Up and Practice Warm-Up: Ensure your horse is thoroughly warmed up to prevent injury and improve performance. Practice: Rehearse your show routine several times, building confidence and familiarity with required maneuvers. Mental Preparation Focus on Communication: Develop a strong partnership by focusing on clear communication and subtle aids between you and your horse. Stay Calm and Confident: Maintaining a calm demeanor will help your horse relax and perform at its best. Conclusion Mastering the show ring in ridden part-bred classes is all about attention to detail in tack and turnout, combined with building a strong partnership with your horse. By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can enhance your performance and enjoy a rewarding experience in the equestrian community. Explore more options at Just Horse Riders and prepare for your next competition with the right Horse Fly Protection solutions, Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements, and much more.

A man who left two very underweight cobs to suffer in a field in South East London has been banned from keeping animals for five years and given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.As well as being emaciated with a body condition score of 0.5, one of the mares needed to have her right eye removed because it was so badly infected that it had caused Phthisis bulbi, which means it had permanently lost its vision. She was also suffering from rainscald.Both cobs had lice infestations to their coat and had worms. The second horses body condition score was 1.5.Their owner, 34-year-old Alfie Doyle from Nettlestead, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after a prosecution by the RSPCA. He appeared for sentencing at Maidstone Magistrates Court on February 17 and was also told to attend 10 Rehabilitation Activity Days and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.The court heard that the body of a piebald foal in very poor condition was found in the same field on March 1 last year. Eleven days later, RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday went to the location after World Horse Welfare had visited and issued an alert when a piebald cob mare was seen grazing in the same field with an eye infection.Both these cobs suffered terribly left in this field without care and attention, she said. Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate veterinary care when they need it is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.The mares infected eye had to be removedFailure to provide adequate careThe police and a vet were in attendance and the three-year-old cob and another piebald mare, aged seven, were removed from the field.Neither of the equines were microchipped and the field they were in was said to be grazed by multiple horses owned by several people, said a statement from the RSPCA. The defendant later admitted being the owner of the seized cobs and he agreed to sign them over to the RSPCA.The attending vet concluded that both horses had been suffering for several weeks, due to the defendants failure to provide adequate preventative veterinary care and then address the clinical needs of the equines once they became sick.The court heard how Doyle had taken the horses on from a friend and accepted that he hadnt done enough to look after them. He was also told to pay 400 court costs and a 154 victim surcharge.The statement confirmed that after being removed from the field, both cobs were cared for by World Horse Welfare, where they put on weight and returned to good health. One of the equines has since been rehomed by the charity.Images RSPCARelated contentWhat is rainscald in horses?Common horse skin conditions in picturesDont discount rehoming: rescued mare becomes successful riding horseThis is how to body condition score a horse or ponyThe post Ban for owner of emaciated cob with lice, worms and eye infection so bad it had to be removed appeared first on Your Horse.

After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a horse girl even when she hadnt ridden in years.I could feel her staring at my boots, caked with mud from some last-minute yardwork before my flight. Now at the airport gate, I looked up and caught her eye. She was well-dressed, probably in her 70s, waiting, like me, for our turn to board the plane.Do you ride? she asked.She wasnt judging me. She recognized a fellow horse girl. Though it had been decades since I last seriously rode, my fashion preference for paddock boots gave me away.Oh, I said. Not for years. I gave it up when I went to college, and then, well, life took over.Two grown women, sharing a common bond in an unlikely place.Growing up as a Horse GirlRooted in our childhood and adolescence, this connection between horsewomen is weighted with the understanding of what it means to work tirelessly and care for something unconditionally. It empowered us, built our confidence, and continues to define us.And yet, in adulthood, many of us rarely speak of it. Horse girls are openly mocked as oddballs in American culture. Society forgives us our childhood obsessions but expects us to put away our youthful passions and grow up.As an adolescent, horses and ponies offered an escape from my complicated relationship with my mother. When things got tense in the house, I sought refuge in the barn, grooming our family horse, Pridey, and tacking him up to hit the trails.While growing up, Nancys family horse, Pridey, was her best friend, her protector, and her guide.Steady and fearless, Pridey taught my two older sisters to ride before me. The three of us were raised around horses, a lifestyle rooted in our mothers obsession. We rose early every morning to feed and turn them out before school. On weekends, we worked with trainers and rode competitively.By the time I hit my teens, I was done with the pressure, both from competition and in particular, my mother. But I was not done with horses. On the trails, I often dropped my reins and let Pridey lead the way, taking me far from my teenage troubles into our own special world. Pridey was my best friend, my protector, and my guide. Pure DeterminationIt was on one of my trail rides that I met Kendra Hansis. Turning a corner, Prideys ears pricked up and there they were: Kendra and her pony, Butterball. We were both trespassing on land owned by a local farmer, and I immediately understood that it was Kendra who had been pulling tree branches over the dirt-bike paths to make jumps. Unlike me, a horse girl by circumstance, Kendra got there through sheer will and determination. She read every book about horses and riding that she got her hands on. Her parents discouraged her, saying they could not afford a horse, and definitely didnt have the money for vet bills, farriers, trainers, grain, and boarding costs. As riders, we were taught back then that if you fall off, you must get back on. Kendra applied that lesson in every aspect of her life.A friend of her aunts let Kendra groom her backyard pony whenever she wanted. That turned into a daily habit, and the woman eventually gifted the pony, Butterball, to her. That womans friend later offered Kendra another horse, Katy, knowing the mare would receive far better care under Kendras supervision.In time, Kendra essentially became part of my family, joining me in my weekend chores, mucking stalls, filling water buckets, and lugging hay bales. Together, we hit the trails, where Kendra took chances and pushed the limits, racing over makeshift jumps and dodging branches and trees along the way.Girl to WomanWhen youre riding, youre literally above everyone, Kendra shared with me recently. I remember hearing women say they lived in fear of men attacking them when they were out. I grew up on a horse. No one could catch me. The sense of independence thats so empowering to horse girls can be a threat to others. A quick search on TikTok found a meme about a girl with horse girl vibes, which the voiceover describes as quirky, like bizarre, like unhinged. That stigma starts to stick as girls become young women, when society expects us to trade in our obsession for horses for a more traditional path.I was no different. I was 18 when I last saw Pridey. It was time to get serious and go away to school. Time to think about my career. Fall in love. Have babies. Pridey was sold so he could teach another little girl to ride.Kendra took a different path. She entered the University of Connecticut in pre-vet, but she switched her major to English after one semester.She fell off. She ended up working in the schools horse barns, rising at 5 a.m. to clean stalls before class. In time, the barn manager sent her to work at the breeding barn, where she said she kind of got the bug.She got back on. Despite meeting skeptics along the way, she studied horse breeding and bloodlines, learning the science of selecting the right stallions for the right mares. In 2001, she started Runningwater Warmbloods, her breeding operation, with a goal to make better horses.Twenty years later, the only horse she could afford to breed in 2015, Fortunato H2O, was named grand champion at the prestigious Dressage at Devon Breed Show.When they called champion, Im bawling, Kendra said. Me, a middle-aged lady doing her best with the one horse she bred in 2015. You hope you have a day like that in your life.Horses Are Still a Part of MeThough I left that life behind, its still a part of methe part thats OK with a little dirt on my boots; the part that, in other aspects of my life, keeps getting up, even after I fall.Like Kendra, the woman in the airport didnt give up her horse girl days. She told me she made sure her kids rode, and then her grandchildren.Nothing is more important than learning how to be responsible for something, for having something that relies on you every day, she said before we boarded our plane.These days, Nancy is back at the barn with her daughter, who is learning to ride.Today, my daughter is learning how to ride. Back in the barn, I listen to her trainer from the sidelines, watching the different personalities of the school horses, admiring their grace and power as they patiently support my daughter. Just like Pridey did for me.This article about Nancys horse girl journey appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post How a Horse Girl Stayed Horsey Despite Not Riding for Years appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.