Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The HorseA horses ridden or even competitive career doesnt have to end just because of an OA diagnosis. It might just take a little more care and planning to keep him healthy, happy, and comfortable. Work with your veterinarian to provide appropriate support, plan workouts carefully, and implement management techniques to support healthy joints. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, weighs in on the importance of keeping horses with joint disease fit and active.This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. Listen to the full recording here.About the ExpertKatie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMRKatie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgias College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Wilmington, Ohio Featured competition for the 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series came to a close Saturday evening with the $30,000 Shires Equestrian Grand Prix of Winter Classic 17. Bobby Murphy designed the course that saw six horse-and-rider combinations move onto the jump-off. It was a foot race to the finish, but Sarah Meier and her own Nightshade SCF were uncatchable. The first-round track[...]Read MoreThe post Sarah Meier & Nightshade SCF Cap Off 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series with a Win in the $30,000 Shires Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ocala, FL The final Grand Prix of the 2025 Spring Series at World Equestrian Center Ocala brought thrilling sport to the WEC Stadium. Forty-seven horse-and-rider combinations came forward for the $15,000 R+L Carriers Regional Grand Prix, but it was the final entry, Brianna Leone (USA), who stole the show with her new partner Qinto Vh Kouterhof (Filou De Muze x Faya Kouterhof Z),[...]Read MoreThe post Brianna Leone and Qinto Vh Kouterhof Accomplish Goals in the $15,000 R+L Carriers Regional Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Yorkshire author Gregory Harris has been raising money for working horse and donkey charity Brooke by selling his childrens books.Gregorys books, including the Billy Burro series, a trilogy based on the adventures of a young donkey from Blackpool who likes to help others, have so far raised more than 500 for the charity.As well as being available to buy at Waterstones, Gregory has been selling his books through his market stall in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. He has been giving a donation from the sale of his Billy Burro books to Brooke since 2024.The Billy Burro series comprises The Amazing Adventures of Billy Burro, Billy Burros Charity Continues and Billy Burro Bounces Back. At first sight, you might be forgiven for thinking that Brooke mainly transforms the physical health of working horses, donkeys and mules, said Gregory.However, Brookes support is far more encompassing, there also to support a working animals mental wellbeing, ensuring that it and the families and connected communities receive the same kind of lasting support through education and training.About BrookeBrooke, which was founded by Dorothy Brooke in 1934,works with communities, local health providers and policy makers to create a better life for working animals and their owners.The charity recognises that working animals are an essential part of many communities around the world and without them they would be unable to earn a living, provide food for their families and send their children to school.Last month, Brooke wonthe Peoples Choice Awardat the2025 Smiley Charity Film Awardsfor its short film, Brooke at 90, whichexplores the charitys 90-year history of improving the lives of working animals.Main image Brooke.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 Childrens author raises money for charity through sales of his books appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Understanding the Importance of Relaxation - Calmness is essential for peak performance. - Relaxed horses focus better and are less distracted. - Groundwork exercises are beneficial for engagement. Strategies for Calming Anxious Horses Groundwork Exercises: - Lunging: Helps burn off excess energy; familiarizes horse with environment. - Leading: Strengthens bond and builds trust. Warm-Up Techniques: - Flatwork: Includes walking/trotting for 10-15 mins; cantering builds energy. - Introduction of Jumps: Start with lower fences to build confidence. Building Confidence - Consistent routine including stretching, groundwork, and jumps. - Physical and mental preparation is crucial. - Routine fosters familiarity and security. Navigating the Warm-Up Ring - Go with the flow of other horses to reduce stress. - Communicate movements vocally with other riders. - Maintain calm demeanor to prevent horse anxiety. - Opt for less crowded arenas when possible. Conclusion - Strategic approach with groundwork and flatwork is essential. - Introduce jumps carefully; maintain consistent routines. - Patience and strategy lead to successful show jumping. Overcoming Warm-Up Challenges: Strategies for Show Jumpers with Anxious Horses Show jumping is an exciting equestrian sport where harmony between horse and rider is essential. However, the warm-up stage can pose hurdles, especially when handling an anxious horse. This article offers strategies for show jumpers to overcome warm-up challenges with their anxious equine partners, ensuring a harmonious and relaxed pre-competition routine. Understanding the Importance of Relaxation For horses in show jumping, maintaining calmness is crucial for peak performance. A relaxed horse exhibits better concentration and fewer distractions, enhancing the overall show-jumping experience for both horse and rider. Groundwork exercises can substantially aid in this, offering activity-based engagement for your horse. Strategies for Calming Anxious Horses Groundwork Exercises Lunging Lunging serves as a critical tool for calming anxious equines. This practice allows a horse to burn off excess energy and familiarize with its environment without experiencing the added weight of a rider. As recommended by various sources, lunging sessions should precede saddling [1]. Leading Engaging in gentle leading exercises strengthens the bond between horse and rider. These exercises ensure that a horse perceives its environment as predictable and safe, thereby fostering a sense of calm. Leading activities emphasize trust-building methods [1]. Warm-Up Techniques Flatwork Engage in simple walking and trotting sessions that last from 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is to let your horse absorb its surroundings while you establish a rhythm for upcoming jumps [5]. Subsequent cantering helps further build energy while maintaining suppleness and straightness, essential qualities for effective jumping [3]. Introduction of Jumps A gradual approach in introducing jumps is beneficial. Begin with lower fences to bolster equine confidence and ensure that each jump serves a purpose in the warm-up routine [3]. Furthermore, consider tailoring your timelines based on your horse's unique temperament and environmental influences [2]. Building Confidence A structured and consistent routine proves invaluable in building equine confidence. Begin with gentle stretching, advance to groundwork exercises, and finalize with jumps. Such consistency fosters a familiar and secure environment for anxious horses [1]. A successful warm-up involves not only physical but also mental preparation. Use this time to engage with your horse, ensuring attentiveness and readiness [5]. Navigating the Warm-Up Ring The warm-up ring often mimics organized chaos, potentially overwhelming both horse and rider. Here are several key strategies: Go with the Flow: Align with the direction of other horses to mitigate stress from oncoming traffic [4]. Be Vocal: Clearly communicate your movements by alerting other riders when approaching or passing over jumps [4]. Stay Calm: Anxiety in riders can translate to anxiety in horses. Maintain a relaxed demeanor, as calm intentions often mirror equine temperament [4]. Choose Less Crowded Arenas: Where feasible, opt for less crowded arenas to ease stress for both you and your horse [4]. Conclusion Overcoming the complexities of the warm-up phase requires a strategic approach, focusing on groundwork and tailored flatwork. By introducing jumps carefully and maintaining consistent routines, your horse transitions from anxious to focused. Remember, patience and intentional strategy is key to successful show jumping. With these strategies in place, both you and your horse can look forward to a more confident and enjoyable experience. Just Horse Riders

Horse Sport Ireland, on behalf of the Irish Sport Horse studbook, are delighted to announce the Approval of the high-performance stallions Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) and Double Pleasure (BE/SIES) for breeding in Ireland. The 8-year-old stallion Rock N Roll Ter Putte is owned by GBBS International Ltd. and is currently competing with Leah Stack. The pair recently jumped their first 1.50m together at CSI4* Sunshine Tour in Vejer De La Frontera (ESP). By Diamant De Semilly (SF) and out of by Ukase Ter Putte (BWP) by Darco (BWP), Rock N Roll Ter Putte is a full brother to Elvis Ter Putte (BWP) who competed at 1.60m level with Karline de Brabander (BEL), and is a half brother to Favorit ASK (BWP) ridden for Denmark by Karen Mller Rohde, and MOMs Isaura (BWP), the 1.60m jumping mare of Peter Devos (BEL). For his performance at 1.40m CSI4* level, Rock []

Topic Key Points Importance of Quality Bedding Provides support and alleviates pain Maintains cleanliness to avoid infections Reduces cost and waste management expenses Types of Economical and Effective Bedding SoftBed Comfort Stall Mattress: Durable and easy to clean Bedmax Shavings: Antibacterial and supportive Miscanthus Bedding: Organic, dust-extracted, and eco-friendly Wood Pellets: Highly absorbent and eco-friendly Tips for Bedding Management Select bedding appropriate to horse's injury Ensure regular mucking out Consider both cost and effectiveness Monitor and adjust based on horse needs Key Takeaways Balance comfort, support, and cost Understand specific needs and economic factors Exploring Economical and Effective Bedding Solutions for Horses on Box Rest When a horse is on box rest due to injury or illness, providing the right environment is crucial for their recovery and well-being. A key component of this environment is the bedding, which must be comfortable, supportive, hygienic, and cost-effective. In this blog, we'll delve into the most economical and effective bedding solutions for horses on box rest, highlighting their benefits and considerations. The SoftBed Comfort Stall Mattress is a foam-padded, rubber mat designed for optimal comfort and support. It reduces the need for traditional bedding like shavings, saving on material costs and mucking-out time [1]. Despite its costly initial investment, it is durable and suitable for boarders. Understanding Box Rest Box rest, or stable rest, is a period when horses are confined to their stalls to recover from injuries or illnesses, such as tendon injuries, laminitis, or post-surgery care. This period can be challenging as it involves limited movement and can lead to boredom, stress, and weight gain. Importance of Quality Bedding for Box Rest Support and Comfort Bedding must provide excellent support to help alleviate pain and prevent further injury, especially for horses with hoof issues like laminitis. Hygiene and Health Maintaining a clean environment is crucial to prevent infections and ammonia buildup, which can be damaging. Economic Efficiency Choosing economical bedding can significantly reduce costs with less frequent changes and reduced waste management expenses [1]. Types of Economical and Effective Bedding Solutions SoftBed Comfort Stall Mattress Beyond its support benefits, this mattress offers excellent joint support and prevents sores while being easy to clean. Bedmax Shavings Made from Scots pine, these shavings are known for their antibacterial properties and provide excellent support and hygiene [2]. They provide firm support under the hoof and remain naturally hygienic. An advantage of Bedmax shavings is their bacterial resistance, making them a popular choice for managing hygiene. Miscanthus Bedding This organic, dust-extracted straw hybrid is highly absorbent and warm [3]. It is long-lasting, easy to muck out, and rots quickly, reducing environmental impact. Wood Pellets Highly absorbent and eco-friendly, wood pellets are often used on top of rubber mats for enhanced absorbency and ease of mucking out [3]. Tips for Effective Bedding Management During Box Rest Choose Bedding Suitable for Your Horses Injury Consult with your veterinarian to select bedding that supports your horse's specific needs. Maintain a Clean Environment Regular mucking out is crucial to prevent infections and maintain hygiene. Balance Cost and Effectiveness Consider both the initial cost and long-term benefits of the bedding. Monitor and Adjust Be prepared to adjust your choice if you notice any adverse effects or if your horse's needs change. Miscanthus bedding is a sustainable choice, offering the benefits of longevity and warmth. Key Takeaways and Considerations Finding the right bedding for horses on box rest is about balance. Comfort, support, and hygiene need to be aligned with cost management. Each type of bedding has its unique benefits and considerations. By understanding your horse's specific needs and considering both short-term and long-term economic factors, you can make informed decisions that support their recovery and well-being. Wood pellets provide an eco-friendly option saving space needed for storage and reducing mucking out time. For additional guidance, visit our Horse Riding Boot Collection, explore our Jodhpur Collection, or check out our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for overall equine health. By making these informed choices, you can ensure your horse has the best possible environment for recovery, allowing them to return to health as comfortably and swiftly as possible.```html```