Seven first timers made it through to the final showjumping phase today. Best of the class of 2024, Lucy Latta (IRL, pictured) moved up one place from her cross-country finish to the runner-up spot despite RCA Patron Saint having a couple of rails down. Lucy climbed from 46th after dressage, also winning the William Miflin Memorial Trophy, awarded to the rider of the horse with no cross-country jumping penalties and closest to the optimum time. Grace Taylor (USA) also leapt up the leaderboard, from 31st after dressage to eventual 18th on Game Changer with two rails down. Will Rawlin limited Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s penalties to 12. With a final score of 70.2 he completed in 24th place. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) finished in 30th on Wabbit, up from 62nd after dressage despite a very expensive showjumping round, while one place behind was Cosby Green (USA) on Copper Beech who also sent some poles flying. Helen Bates riding Carpe Diem added 16 penalties to their two-phase score to complete on 144.1 in 37th place. Max Warbuton and Monbeg Exclusive experienced a similar fate, posting a final score of 139.1 for 36th.

🐴🌞 It's a peaceful day here at Gleno Valley Stables as we watch our newest addition, baby Milo, snooze in the warm sun. 🥰🐎! #GlenoValleyStables #FieldTime 🏇

🌞 It was week 5 of the Botanica Dressage League at Narrow Water today, and the sun was shining down on our beautiful surroundings. We want to extend a huge thank you to all the talented competitors today for their impressive tests. 🏆 We also want to give a special shout-out to our judge, Lucinda Webb, and to Blackhorse Photography for capturing all the stunning moments throughout the league. 📸 As we gear up for the league finals next Sunday, we can't wait to see who will take home some fantastic prizes from our generous sponsors at Botanica. 💐 Don't miss out! Results from today's show: Intro A 1st Bernadette Bennett - Rosie 72.83% 2nd Molly Byrne - Adrigoole Princess 72.17% 3rd Eva Skora - Jara 70% 4th Claire Ervine - My Boy Ed 66.96% 5th Noelle Byrne - Jazz 66.52% 6th Darcy Ruddy - Millie 66.30% Intro B 1st Daisy Byrne - Wuvely 78.04% 2nd Shannon Morgan - Cassie 71.96% 3rd Molly Byrne - Adrigoole Princess 68.91% 4th Lindsay Noble - Sachet de The 67.83% 5th Noelle Byrne - Jazz 67.83% 6th Darcy Ruddy - Millie 66.74% Under 10s 1st Clodagh Wallace - Georgia Preliminary 7 1st Daisy Byrne - Wuvely 73.18% 2nd Katie Adams - Wheatfields Charlie 69.55% 3rd Jennifer Kingsmill - Ludovik K 67.27% Preliminary 18 1st Jane Allen Collins - Lougherne Atlantis Novice 27 1st Aislinn Franklin - ShadowCaster 70% Elementary 1st Victoria McCandless- Koolstyle Elementary Freestyle 1st Victoria McCandless- Koolstyle Medium 63 1st Shannon Magee - VSH Wannabe 67.59%

Summer Dressage league week 2Strictly pre-entry before 9pm on the Thursday before, Times posted by 5pm on the FridayClass 1a - Intro B (2009) AssistedClass 1b - Intro B (2009) JuniorClass 1c - Intro B...

Anna is one of our Redpost Affiliates and enjoys all things Country, Equestrian and Fashion About the product Designed with a premium DRYMAX waterproof and breathable construction and full grain leather ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable in unpleasant weather conditions. Ariat Coniston Max Waterproof H2O Insulated Ladies Tall Boots are the perfect combination of style, performance, and protection for the modern country lady. Shop Ariat Coniston Tall Boots here What were your first impressions? “Oh my goodness, how smart are they! What a flattering design with the laces up the front, but has the zip up the back for ease putting on and taking off!  As usual with Ariat the quality of these boots you can just see in all the small details, they really are built to last. The boots are designed to wear out dog walking, on the yard or could equally look quite smart as part of an outfit too! They really are so versatile. “ How was the sizing & fit? “I found these boots true to size, and similar to other Ariat boots I have had in the past. They are super soft so no wearing in was required I went straight out on a long dog walk.” How did you test the product? “I don’t think there is somewhere I haven’t worn these boots yet! So far I have worn them out for a dog walk, on the yard and down the pub! You could also definitely ride in them if you wanted to as they have a stirrup friendly sole.” What was your favourite feature? “My favourite feature definitely has to be the zip up the back. It means you can have stunning lace up boots without the faff of doing up laces. The laces are also made of slightly elasticated material so you can do them up well to get a supper snug fit” Any other comments? “In general a really well made boot that is incredibly versatile that can be worn for so many different purposes. I’m looking forward to getting lots of wear all year round from these boots!” Shop Ariat Coniston Tall Boots here The post Tried & Tested: Ariat Coniston Max Waterproof H2O Insulated Ladies Tall Boots first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

The Redpost Equestrian Foxhunter Second Rounds are in full flight, with Horse of the Year Show qualifiers coming in thick and fast! Congratulations to the following Riders who have qualified for the prestigious final in October! 1stEmma Crawford & King Louie IIIStainsby Grange2ndStephen Crossby & Vagalenco Stainsby Grange1st William Fletcher & Qian van HeisteDallas Burston2ndDanielle Farnsworth & Lotus WLDallas Burston1stMichaela Scott and Eddie G Z AchieveSouthview Equestrian2ndLogan Creighton & Le FautSouthview Equestrian Kevin Owens – DigitalWorks 1st Class Images Phil Hillier / Landscape and Horse Photography The post Redpost Equestrian Foxhunter Second Round first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Grazing Scenario Recommended Grazing Time Key Considerations Low-Density Grazing 6-8 hours a day Best for horses in areas with ample pasture; allows for social interaction and exercise. Rotational Grazing 4-6 hours per paddock Divide pasture into paddocks; rotate horses to allow grass recovery and sustainable grazing. Restricted Grazing 1-3 hours a day Use for horses prone to obesity or metabolic issues; monitor health and adjust as needed. General Management Tips Varies Use grazing muzzles if necessary, monitor grass length, engage in regular pasture maintenance. Understanding the Basics of Horse Grazing Imagine your horse as a four-legged, fur-covered lawnmower, who not only maintains your pasture but also thrives on it. Horses are natural grazers, and the freedom to roam and graze is essential not just for their nutrition, but for their physical and psychological well-being. Grazing fulfills a primal need, providing both vital nutrients and a way to engage in natural, stress-reducing behaviors. The Role of Pasture in a Horse's Diet For those of us watching our weight, grazing all day might sound like a nightmare, but for horses, it's a dream come true. Pasture grazing not only offers essential nutrients and fiber which are vital for digestive health, but it also provides a low-stress environment that promotes gut health. The quality of the pasture, however, can vary significantly. Factors like soil health, grass species, and management practices play crucial roles in determining the nutritional value of your pasture. Making sure your pasture is in tip-top shape is essential, and pasture management is not something to be taken lightly. Nutritional Quality and Your Horse's Health Every blade of grass your horse nibbles on is part of a delicate ecological balance. Just as you wouldn't want a salad made of wilted lettuce and old tomatoes, horses need high-quality, nutritious grass to maintain health. The nutritional content of grass can help ward off a range of health issues, from obesity to metabolic syndromes. This is why it's crucial to continuously assess the nutritional quality of your pasture. Regular soil testing, appropriate fertilization, and controlled grazing practices are all part of this vital process, as highlighted by resources like Penn State Extension's guide to pasture management. Optimal Grazing Time: Factors to Consider Deciding how long to let your horse graze isn't as simple as setting a timer. The optimal grazing time depends on a blend of factors, including your horse’s health, the pasture's quality, and even the weather. Understanding these variables can help you tailor a grazing schedule that suits your horse perfectly. Horse Health and Nutritional Needs Each horse is a unique individual, with dietary needs as specific as your own. Whether your horse is a spry youngster or a seasoned senior, their health conditions must dictate their grazing habits. Horses prone to conditions like obesity or laminitis need carefully managed grazing times to prevent exacerbations. For these sensitive grazers, tools like a grazing muzzle might be necessary to regulate intake without depriving them of pasture time. Pasture Quality and Availability Just as you wouldn't send your children to play in a muddy, litter-strewn park, the quality of the pasture is crucial for your horse's health and happiness. A lush, well-maintained pasture offers more than just food; it offers a safe environment for your horse to exercise and relax. Overgrazed or poor-quality pastures not only lack nutritional value but could also harbor dangerous parasites and toxins. Effective pasture management, such as the strategies outlined in rotational grazing, can significantly enhance the quality of your grazing land. Environmental Conditions Weather plays a significant role in pasture management. From the scorching sun of the summer to the frosty chill of the winter, each season brings its challenges. In hot climates or during unusually wet seasons, pastures might need rest periods to prevent damage and allow for regrowth. Adjusting grazing times according to the season not only protects the pasture but ensures that your horse is grazing under the best conditions possible. For instance, night grazing can be an effective strategy during hot weather to avoid heat stress. Recommended Grazing Times and Practical Management Tips By now, you might be wondering, "So, how long should my horse really be out grazing?" While there's no universal clock for all horses, recommended grazing times can be tailored based on everything we've discussed. Here's how you can manage your pasture to ensure your horses get the most out of their time. Low-Density Grazing If you're fortunate enough to have abundant pasture space, your horses can enjoy longer grazing periods. Typically, healthy horses in low-density scenarios can graze for 6-8 hours a day. This promotes not only good health but also allows for ample social interaction and exercise. Rotational Grazing One of the most effective strategies for pasture management is rotational grazing. By dividing your pasture into smaller paddocks and rotating the horses through these areas, you allow grass to recover, which can sustain healthier grazing habits. Typically, horses can enjoy 4-6 hours of grazing in each paddock before being rotated, as per guidelines from Horse & Hound. Restricted Grazing For horses prone to obesity or those with metabolic issues, grazing time may need to be restricted. Limiting grazing to 1-3 hours per day can help manage weight and prevent health problems like laminitis. Monitoring and adjustments are crucial, as every horse will respond differently to dietary changes. Practical Tips for Managing Grazing Time Effective grazing management isn't just about the hours spent on the pasture; it's about ensuring those hours are beneficial. Use a grazing muzzle for horses that need to limit their intake but still want to enjoy the pasture. Regularly monitor grass length and maintain it at an optimal 3-5 inches to prevent overgrazing and ensure nutritional quality. Engage in regular pasture maintenance activities like mowing, reseeding, and soil testing to keep your pastures healthy, as recommended by The British Horse Society. Conclusion The ideal amount of grazing time for horses depends on a multitude of factors, including the individual horse's health, the quality of the pasture, and environmental conditions. By understanding these factors and implementing strategic grazing practices, horse owners can ensure their horses reap the benefits of pasture time without facing the associated risks. For more detailed guidance, consider consulting established equine health organizations and agricultural extensions. Asked by You: Common Questions About Horse Grazing How many hours a day should a horse graze? Typically, horses can safely graze for 6-8 hours if the pasture is lush and extensive. This period allows them to consume sufficient forage without overgrazing the land. Can horses be on pasture all day? Yes, horses can be on pasture all day if the conditions are optimal. However, it's important to manage the grazing time to prevent overeating and ensure the pasture is not overgrazed. Use rotational grazing to maintain pasture health. How long do you leave a horse on a pasture? The duration can vary based on pasture quality and the horse's health. In a rotational grazing system, a horse might spend 4-6 hours in one paddock before moving to another to allow for grass recovery and sustainable grazing practices. How many hours apart should you feed horses? Horses thrive on a consistent feeding schedule. Feeding should be spaced about 4-6 hours apart, depending on the horse’s dietary needs and grazing availability. This spacing helps maintain their digestive health and keeps their metabolism stable.

Docs Keepin Time, barn name Justin, is one of the most well known horse actors of all time, most famous for staring in the 1994 movie, Black Beauty. But even after, he had a lengthy career working in show business. Despite his talent on screen, he originally wasn’t meant for Hollywood. Like many of our own horses, he actually started out life as a racehorse. That’s right, Docs Keepin Time is retired racehorse.  Could this be another possible career for your off the track racehorse?  So how did this racehorse castoff end up in Hollywood? Let’s take a look.  Early Racing Career When the jet black foal entered the world in 1987, he had been bred for racing. With so many Quarter horses competing in western competitions or out on trails, it’s easy to forget that they were originally bred to race the quarter mile. But they are out there, and Docs Keepin Time was one of them.  He came from a line of quarter horse racehorses, with a dash of a thoroughbred line. War Admiral, the celebrated thoroughbred who once raced Seabiscuit, was the most prominent of his racehorse relatives. But even with a famous relative, not every horse is made to be a racehorse.  In 1990, he went to Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California. His owners must not have had high hopes for him, as he was only entered into claiming races, which meant he was for sale. He placed 8th in one race, but did slightly better in his second, getting 6th. But even with that marginal improvement, his racing career was over.  Acting Career When racehorses retire from racing, their futures can be uncertain. If they were successful moneymakers, they will go on to the breeding shed in the hopes of making more money makers. Others find new careers as show horses or pleasure mounts.  Justin, who was still a stallion, did not have speed to pass along, so racehorse breeding wasn’t an option. But with his striking good looks, his future did look promising. While he was still at the track, he caught the attention of Rex Peterson, a Hollywood horse trainer.  Peterson was providing the horses for the new show, The Adventures of the Black Stallion, and this was another one that would fit the role. Peterson bought Justin straight off the track.  Once on set, the TV’s star, Mickey Rooney, had a quick ride. Justin was perfectly behaved, and Rooney decided this was the horse for the show. Justin had just gotten his big break into Hollywood.  The New Adventures of the Black Stallion Like many actors, Justin made his debut on TV. Justin was now the star of The Adventures of the Black Stallion. It ran on the Family Channel from 1990 – 1993, with 78 episodes.  The show was based on the book The Black Stallion, by Walter Farley, about a shipwrecked horse and boy. After the two are rescued, they stay together and become a racing team. The horse in the books and films is supposed to be an Arabian, and although originally three Arabians had been cast to play the role, they were let go in favor of Justin.  The show was largely unnoticed in favor of other more well known adaptions of the Black Stallion. But it built up Justin’s credibility as an actor, preparing him for the big screen, and his biggest role.  Black Beauty (1994) In 1994, an adaptation of Anne Sewell’s famous book Black Beauty came out. The book was written by Sewell as to show people that horses were more than just work animals and deserved kindness. The book broke literary ground as being the first to have the story told from the point of view of the horse. He narrates the entire story, describing his life from birth to retirement, recounting both the kind and harsh treatment he received at the hands of humans.  The physical characteristics of the main character are well described, it’s even right in the title. Black Beauty was a handsome, black horse, with a single white star on his forehead. Luckily there was the very handsome Justin to step into the role.  The film did poorly at the box office, but is still held in high regard from horse lovers (including me). The American Quarter Horse Association awarded Justin the AQHA Silver Spur Award, giving for “Outstanding achievement in the entertainment field,” for his work on the movie.  Other Films Although Justin was not the main horse actor in his other films, he was still in a couple of major movies. His next role was in The Horse Whisperer, although it was very brief. He was the friend’s horse in the very beginning, the one that did not survive the accident. His co-star, Hightower, played Pilgrim – and also had played Ginger in Black Beauty. Both horses were owned and trained by Rex Peterson. (Hightower really deserves his own post.) He also had an uncredited role in the 2008 western Appaloosa, as well as uncredited roles in many other films.  Breyer Horse Model Justin at BreyerFest 1997 In 1997, in recognition of Justin’s acting career, he was immortalized as a Breyer Model Horse. The model was sculpted by Chris Hess and was in production from 1997 to 1999. Today it can be found on ebay, for the generally not unreasonable price of around $25.  His Foals While Justin was acting in movies, he also had a side hustle working as a stud. Rex Peterson bred him to produce Keepin Charge, who was also featured in the movie Appaloosa along with his famous sire. Some of his other foals are Samsons Keepin Time, who is working as a lesson horse in Georgia, and Starrin Doctor Sunny, who was a lesson horse and then later a therapy horse, until his death this year.  His Lasting Legacy Justin continued to act until his senior years, captivating audiences with his on=screen presence in movies, TV and commercials. In 2013, at age 26, Justin passed away.  Justin’s legacy will live on in his films beloved by horse lovers worldwide, and will always be remembered for having the best adaptation of Black Beauty so far (in my opinion anyway).  He’s also an example of the possibilities for ex-racehorses. Although becoming a Hollywood horse may be a far fetched dream for most horses, it doesn’t mean it’s not impossible. It could happen, or there could be other opportunities out there, beyond the typical paths, for racehorses seeking a second career.  The post Docs Keepin Time, Horse Actor appeared first on An Equestrian Life.